Dear Friends,
St. Andrew’s is developing a plan for giving and serving those who are left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Steve Wood has asked that I spearhead this effort for St. Andrew’s in coordination with the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF). While we are eager to jump in and help, experience has taught us that rushing in immediately after a disaster is not the best tack to take. Prayer is our first act of service.
I urge you to ask the Lord to go before us in our desire to help and for Him to set the pace. Then, as we yield to His pace we will be a blessing to those in need. Organizations like ARDF are exceptional at early arrival, assessing needs, and developing infrastructure for us to be able to serve most effectively. Monetary gifts to ARDF can be made on their website at ARDF.org/relief. We work with them to help make sure the money gets to where it is most needed.
We will send teams to the affected areas, mostly in our own diocese, in the coming weeks as things begin to settle and specific needs are identified. Unfortunately, this will be a marathon relief effort, not a sprint. The need is great and will be great for a long time after the news cameras turn away. Bear with us we look at the immediate needs in balance with developing a long term strategy.
In Christ,
Andy Breaux
Men’s Ministry Leader
ABreaux@StAndrews.Church