We are so caught up in the “storms of life” right now. Most current and pressing for our country is our voting season and upcoming election for the President of the United States. Mental and emotional upheavals are set to high. Based on our history as a nation, we will weather this storm as we have so many before. That may not make our civil unrest and family conflicts feel any lighter, but hopefully it offers a ray of light if you feel like you are in a dark season right now. Seek refuge in God, find mercy in Christ, endure by the power of the Spirit. It is well with our souls, and our hope is in God.
Bethany Pray-ers have been regularly lifting the country in prayer for many seasons. Our Prayer Vision Team will be offering prayer for the eight days leading up to and after November 3. If you would like to join us in those and other prayers, you can sign up at HERE.
It is easy to be distracted by what your favorite news source says you need to be paying attention to, and just as easy to be made to forget urgent troubles and life-threatening situations for our neighbors in our backyard. The Louisiana coastline has been hit twice in six weeks by hurricanes. Relief and recovery efforts were under way after the first, and efforts have resumed and redoubled to help survivors and first responders in the long and difficult work they face right now and for months to come.
Just like you have voice to pray and vote, you are equipped to be an offering of Christ for such a time as this, when so many are in such great need. First, keep praying! Pray for all of those who have been impacted by these storms and their aftermath. Pray for the rescue workers and volunteers who are going into this devastated area to help. Pray for how God’s church, and you, can share the love of Christ for our neighbors.
You may find that you are an answer to the prayers that survivors of this storm are lifting up. You can share your financial gifts by giving to hurricane relief through UMCOR and Austin Disaster Relief Network. ADRN has several great ways to share the gift of your work as well. You can build Survivor Care Kits and/or Hygiene Kits for displaced families to provide them with basic necessities. You can also become a part of a clean-up team to help with the mess created by winds and storm surges damaging homes and business. Reach out to Bethany member Jimmy Wilson at or visit Austin Disaster Relief Network to connect.
God is your refuge in destroying storms that pass by. Is God asking you to join Him in this work?
Blessings on the Journey,
Wynn Stenftenagel
