September, 2005 Newsletter

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September 20, 2005
Volume XXXVIII
Number 9

“Be careful… that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon… the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray… and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, officials have been forced to do what has never been done before -- evacuate a major city. It was reported that there are more than half a million refugees, a million people without power, and 30,000 soldiers were mobilized in a region that sustained $100 billion in damages. The magnitude of the destruction along the Gulf Coast -- Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama -- is beyond description.

To rebuild the storm devastated region and cities, President Bush has ordered his Cabinet to come up with a rebuilding plan. The basic problem, however, is that a city like New Orleans lies on an average of 9 feet below sea level. We are told, on the other hand, that the national economy demands rebuilding the gulf region that supplies nearly 30% of the nation’s oil, 20% of its natural gas and a third of its fish and shellfish.

Encouraging sign is that across America, thousands are already opening their hearts and wallets to help. Churches and church-related volunteer groups are streaming into the region to assist with disaster relief effort. The private response to help relieve the disaster is urgent because the State seemed so inept. Louisiana rep McGrery said, “Clearly, with all the money we’ve spent, all the focus we have put on homeland security, we are not prepared for a disaster of this proportion….” But the fact is the Federal Government was willing but unable to help, until the State declared a disaster and asked for help.

We must learn from Katrina that even when people were forewarned and foreseen the pending disaster, the majority refused to listen or believe until it was too late. We knew about the coming of Katrina on Thursday, Aug 25. New Orleans Mayor ordered city residents to evacuate before Sunday and warned them -- “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not a test. This is the real deal!” The big problem is that the majority did not want to believe it.

2000 years ago, Jesus warned us of the impending calamity of historical proportion. He said, “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars…. People will be… wondering what is happening to the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. When their leaves appear, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that God’s kingdom is near. I tell you the truth… Earth and sky will be destroyed… So be ready all the time….” [Luke 21:25ff] We would do well to help the helpless while we can, but let’s heed the ultimate warning of Jesus and warn the unbelievers of the coming Tribulation and be ready to escape it by receiving the Savior. God is more than willing to help you but you must ask Him in His name.

— Pastor Jim Sakurai

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