“Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss about their appearance–but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” -Jesus, in Luke 12 (selected, The Message)
The Foursquare Church–Touching Lives
The opportunity for personal ministry in the Gulf Coast has never been greater–and the Foursquare Church continues to help lead the way in recovery and restoration efforts. Coordinated giving from Foursquare churches throughout the United States exceeds $1.4 million, and dozens of volunteer teams have been mobilized to serve through our base camps in Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis, Miss. The goal is to touch people for Jesus Christ as we help them clean up and rebuild homes, businesses and communities, and experience a better life than they ever knew before.
Trucks, generators, trailers, vans and other equipment have been placed into service, making the recovery effort more efficient and productive. Additional chainsaws, power tools, bleach, buckets, dust masks and other essential supplies are still needed. These articles will enable our volunteer teams to clean and gut many flooded buildings in order to rebuild and avoid total demolition of the structures.
Personal ministry abounds in the recovery efforts led by the Foursquare Church. General Supervisor Glenn Burris Jr. recently remarked, “This is more than a humanitarian effort; this is about spiritual recovery found only in the hope of Jesus!” A Foursquare pastor involved in relief efforts since Katrina first made landfall observed, “We have not been turned down once when we offer to pray for residents whose homes we are cleaning.”
A number of Foursquare churches have become involved in relief efforts that engage other churches, both in our Foursquare family and in the greater body of Christ. We know you will be blessed to read the following example of what one church is accomplishing for the kingdom of God.
Beaverton, Ore., Foursquare Church–Reaching Out
During the next 12 months, the Beaverton Foursquare Church anticipates sending 15-20 teams to Biloxi, Miss., to help people rebuild their lives. The church has raised more than $160,000 for the relief efforts and continues to send gifts of vehicles and trailers to the Gulf Coast.
Randy Remington, senior pastor of the Beaverton, Ore., Foursquare Church, and supervisor of the Alaska District of Foursquare Churches, writes, “We are currently assigned city grids for clean up in Biloxi, in partnership with city officials and FEMA representatives. As the city of Biloxi transitions, we will transition with them to help in the rebuilding of the city.”
Terry Smith, who is responsible for campus development at the Beaverton church, has been recognized by city of Biloxi and FEMA officials for his competency, care and contribution during the five weeks he has spent in Biloxi. Beaverton youth pastor, Mike Mercer, who is in transition to plant a church in Austin, Texas, is taking one year to head up the Beaverton-sponsored relief efforts in Biloxi.
Teams have been allowed to stay at the Gulf Port Naval Base and at Camp Van Cleave, a FEMA-operated base camp that provides the Beaverton teams with meals, showers and lodging. God has opened doors for members of the teams to lead worship services and Bible studies with volunteers at Camp Van Cleave, bringing a welcomed touch of Jesus to the lives of people who are giving of themselves on a daily basis.
For more information about Foursquare’s response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, including stories of how Foursquare churches throughout the country are responding with the love of Jesus Christ, check our relief response site.
Prayer points:
- Pray for continued favor for Foursquare teams serving in affected areas.
- Pray for God’s protection and provision for people helping with restoration.
- Pray for new doors of ministry as churches are re-established in communities.
“You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can count on.” -Jesus, in Luke 12 (selected, The Message)
