First Responders

Today I pitch-hit for First Responders with John Long. We visited many firehouses today. With each visit we listened to their stories of how they lost their homes and some their firehouses. They did not complain but simply told us how they did what they had to do to rebuild their lives. Many of the firehouses were rebuilt by volunteers who cam along side them and help them rebuild. They were very thankful for all the help.

Two things really came out from this day. The first was how we were not finding firehouses where they should have been. It could have been frustrating but we both said that this must be God's timing. Then we finally came upon the next firehouse. The entire crew was washing the firetruck. We had heard from a previous firehouse that a dump fire required all the houses on the East side of New Orleans to fight a dump fire. We knew these guys must be tired and we almost thought we should pass them by but something or I should say Somebody stopped us. We walked up with First Responder material and they welcomed us into their firehouse.

They were very eager to hear about our mission. Even though they must have been physically tired because it is very hot down here but they were very attentive to what we had to say. At the end they even asked us for more material as they spoke out names of people who could use these CDs. It just reminded me that we should never go by our "own understanding. Trust in the LORD with all heart. In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5 & 6. You see it was the Lord's timing for us to meet these men when they came back from the fire and now we hope seeds have been planted.

The other thing that I noticed was how quickly and warmly these fire fighters greeted us when they heard John say he was a fire fighter too. I could see how firefighters are a part of a larger family beyond their own firehouse walls. They share a common bond with one-another. They welcomed us in and shared their stories of Katrina and also their experiences fighting fires. They made us feel welcomed and also listened to what we wanted to tell them.

Again this was a fine example of what we are called to do in the Church. We should welcome those around and make them feel like they are part of a larger family - our family - the family of God. To reach out and greet the person next to us because they could be a visitor passing through our area or had just starting attending our Church. We are part of a bigger family and we share a common bond in Jesus Christ. Don't let the opportunity pass us by to make somebody next to us feel like they are part of God's family and welcome them in the Name of our LORD. Please keep praying for us. May the grace and peace of God be yours in abundance.
Tom Bendler