The scenes and stories out of Japan are heart breaking. I can’t even imagine what they are going through. This time last week they were going about life as usual…and now nearly everything about the way that they knew life has changed.
I felt so helpless while watching the news coverage this weekend and kept asking, “what in the world can we do?”
Answer: God has called NewSpring Church to step up…and we’re going to do so this Sunday.
There are quite a few disaster relief organizations that have mobilized and are already on the ground in Japan. I am so thankful for all of them and know that the work they are doing is so necessary to provide relief to a nation that is in desperate need. And…if you feel led to contribute to one or more of these incredible organizations then I would highly encourage you do so on your own.
However, the main thing I keep thinking about when surveying the damage is, “what about the church?” Rick Warren says that the church is the most under-rated change agent in the world…and I totally agree. The church in Japan is already there! They are the ones impacted. They are the ones who have had their lives altered in extreme ways. And…in my opinion…the church is the best organization for us to invest in as far as long term ministry.
My friends James McDonald and Mark Driscoll established an organization during the Haiti earthquake called, “Churches Helping Churches.” The concept was based on what the Lord tells us to do in Galatians 6:10…that we should all look for opportunities to do good to others, but especially to those in the house of God.
So…this Sunday at the end of our service at every campus we are going to be taking a special love offering in order to partner with “Churches Helping Churches.” Because…in the end the church has the message of HOPE. The church has the GOSPEL…and the GOSPEL changes lives. Churches have been destroyed, pastors have lost their homes and yet now, more than ever, the need for them and their ministry is more than ever before…and we’re going to do all we can to meet that need. Honestly…this is the absolute best investment for us as a church!
My request to everyone at NewSpring is that you would…
#1 - Take some time to pray and ask the Lord what He would have you give to this special offering. And…
#2 - Go to the “Churches Helping Churches” website if you want more information about this awesome organization and all that they do. And…
#3 - If you are a church leader who reads this website…consider partnering with Churches Helping Churches…they are legit! 100% of every dime will go to Japan!
A HUGE “thank you” to everyone at NewSpring Church as I know you guys are going to step up this weekend! I LOVE MY CHURCH…and I LOVE THE CHURCH, our brothers and sisters overseas need us to step up this weekend! Let’s make a difference!!!