Eastern Washington is burning up. Marlene and I live part time there and part time in Indiana. The smoke from more than 1.5 million acres burning has been suffocating in the Pacific Northwest. Firefighters from around the U.S. and even the world have been assisting in the effort to bring the devastation of property loss and loss of life to an end. One official recently said, “It will take a significant weather event to bring an end to this.” Translated, he meant an early winter or a rain storm must aid the effort as well to bring the incendiary plague to a close.
Several small towns have been evacuated. And, in the midst of the evacuation, we find Free Methodists in Omak and Tonasket offering the assistance of their churches and/or members in the relief efforts- providing help and haven for those in need. Pray for them. Pray for their members. Pray for pastors Mike McCune, Ron Wise and Ryan Willson as they lead the efforts in those two churches. I would like to praise them for these efforts as well. This is the second major fire in the last few years where Omak Cornerston (Free Methodist) Church has been a temporary shelter for the needy. Their consistent response is to help people who need them most out of their love for God and neighbor. This is a Good Samaritan church if there ever was one.
In the meantime, the fires rage. And, this is precisely what happens every day in every community where every church lives. Fires rage prompting acts of love and kindness. Years ago, one Free Methodist Church in Southern California was identified by non attendees from their city who did not know the specifics about the church as “the church that helps people.” They may have not known the name. But, they knew the reputation which is more substantial than the name.
I would be curious if your church has a reputation in the community. If it does, what is it? You should ask. Hopefully it is one that helps people- know God, find loving help, find answers to life’s most difficult challenges and find meaningful relationships.