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Why Are People Drawn To Local Churches During Times of Devastation?
In an Associated Press Story in Sunday’s local paper, the headlines read: “Churches, faith play vital role for rural Tennessee County devastated by tornado.” It seems like survivors of the devastation are finding help for their body and soul at local worship centers. In times of tragedy, local churches quickly become the meeting places, social centers, and shelters for residents regardless of if they are members of those local churches or not.
Matthew 5:14 states: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” It seems to me that in times of tragedy, people are looking for a little light in the mist of such dark times. When Tragedy strikes, it always seems to remind folks of their immortality and when things seem out of our control, they seek a God who’s in control. Christians and local faith communities quickly become that “light of the world” that not even tragedy can hide.
So, what do you think causes people to migrate toward faith communities in times of tragedy? Why is it when volunteers are needed after the devastation, Christians and churches are some of the first organizations to open disaster centers providing shelter, food, clothing and a warm hug? What is it about faith communities that changes during a time of crisis that makes them more appealing to people who are hurting?
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By KDF
February 11, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
I believe, all in all, when people face crisis’, they turn to the safest direction, which is where God lives. I spent 21 years in the Navy, and most people have heard of the foxhole prayer. It doesn’t seem to matter the denomination, churches are safe places for folks to go during tragedy. They are taken care of, physically, emotionally, and are witnessed to, not by Christians but by being in the sanctity of the Lord’s home. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 show the mercy that Jesus wants us to show daily to others. <><