Nearly a month has passed since the devastating EF3 tornado cut a 23-mile long path, touching down in Clayton and carving a path of destruction through several neighborhoods, including north St. Louis. Officials predict that recovery efforts will extend into months, if not years.
Federal aid from FEMA is now available to eligible residents seeking assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. State dollars are still pending legislation.
Some ways that we can individually help include donations of money, supplies for cleaning, food and water, tools and building materials. Relief organizers are reporting signs of fatigue and volunteer efforts are dwindling. Not everyone can physically help with cleanup and rebuilding or may feel they cannot afford to donate money or goods. There are other ways to help, and they involve prayer and the gift of time.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
The American Red Cross has set up five overnight shelters for victims displaced and impacted by the tornado. One of those shelters is hosted by our neighbor down the road, Ferguson Church of the Nazarene, located at 1309 N. Elizabeth Avenue. The Rev. Phil Anderson, lead pastor, invites each of us “…to consider stopping by to hang out with people at the shelter. Some of these folks have lost everything and don’t yet know what the future holds.”
Pastor Anderson continued, “It would be great if folks had time, and felt like getting to know some great people, to come and share some love. Come anytime. The shelter building is down the hill behind our main building on Elizabeth. Just follow the signs.”
The Red Cross provides three meals a day to those staying at the shelter; however, Pastor Anderson says small groups and churches who would like to offer an event for the entire shelter would be ‘incredible’ as they could use something to do other than sit around all day.” The campus offers a two-acre field, playground and plenty of space for whatever a group might want to plan.
When we serve others, we embody the teachings of Christ that call us to love one another genuinely. By spending time with others, we show that we care, and just that act, regardless of how small it may seem, can uplift someone’s spirit more than we realize. As we serve, we also find our hearts growing in empathy and compassion.
To plan an event at the shelter, please contact Ferguson Church of the Nazarene at 314-522-3388 or email churchoffice@fergusonchurch.org so that they can work with Red Cross to coordinate. At that time the number of people staying at the shelter would be disclosed for purposes of planning.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40