Helping in the aftermath of "Sandy"

Now that we're a couple weeks out from hurricane "Sandy" the news coverage is slowly transitioning to other topics. Yet many in the hardest hit areas are still without power. Many are still trying to piece their lives back together. Many are still determining what's next. Many are still in need of the basics - food, water, shelter. If you haven't yet, you should consider giving something toward the relief effort taking place on the ground. Everything counts.

While there are many solid and respected support organizations that are involved with relief work (Red Cross, Samaritans Purse, etc) why not consider supporting the local church, particularly if you're a follower of Jesus? Many churches have mobilized to sacrificially love and serve their communities - and the need is huge. This is an opportunity for the church - near and far - to not only proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in word but be tangible instruments of grace in deed.

Here are some suggestions:

Apostles Church: NYC (Acts 29)
Redeemer Pres: NYC
Remedy: NJ (Acts 29)
Jacobs Well: NJ (Acts 29)
Restore Joplin: Selling t-shirts to raise money to support local relief efforts.
Downtown Cornerstone: If you're in or near Seattle and would rather keep you're financial giving local, our church has also set-up a fund. 100% of what is collected will be distributed directly to sister churches on the ground to support ongoing relief efforts. However we are closing giving down this Friday (16th) so give today.

"We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means..and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints..." 2Cor8:1-4