Why do we treat the survivors like they are stupid?

Although your presentation is bringing you a lot of heat, I think you have a valid point from Matthew 25 in that you can’t give too much as in we only have one Master (not money) to serve or to answer to. I also think to let one person go hungry or homeless is disgraceful, but I will also say that the opinions of some of the survivors would be better to humbly be thanking God for what they do have and in the opposite way should serve Christ in their actions, diligently taking on their own responsibilities and burdens, and not want of money more than humble thanks. Either way, a greedy rich man or an unthankful sluggard will answer for his own actions. Many of the following scriptures can be read both ways.

(2Th 3:7) For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

(2Th 3:8) Neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargable to any of you:

(2Th 3:9) Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us.

(2Th 3:10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

(2Th 3:11) For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

(2Th 3:12) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

(2Th 3:13) But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

 

There is no other country in the world where a whole city would be evacutated in less than two weeks, and have shelter over there heads, ac and heat, and a 2000 dollar debit in their pocket, their kids back in school etc, etc, etc, and that is just the beginning.

We nee to stopp whinning like spoild brats!

 

It seems to me that individual Christian's help the poor and needy alot, but we don't see the churchs as a group have programs or pantrys or whatever as much. Yes alot of churches do have them but it just seems to me that individuals go about these things on their own the majority of the time. And I think Christianity needs to get more active in helping the poor and needy and widows.
</font>[/QUOTE]Since the subject has apparently changed from helping the survivors of the Katrina disaster to helping the poor and needy and widows, I can only speak for my church and the churches in my area. We have a food pantry and a benevolence committee that gives food to the needy and help pays utility bills for the poor and our highest priority is assisting widows.

Other churches in the area have clothes closets and other ways of helping the needy and the poor.

But the subject of this thread is "Why do we treat the survivors like they are stupid?'

I think that has been explained that organization is needed and that was obvious by the chaos in the superdome. Further when these people are on an active military base, they cannot wander unescorted over the base. This is an obvious security requirement.

From the interviews on the television stations in this area, the evacuees seem to be very content and happy with their living quarters and some plan to stay.

 

I think the fact that the deficit is fixing to be raised by 100 billion or more gives us the right to express our concerns. Our children will be paying for this for the rest of our lives.

I am not complaining about their unthankfulness, so much as I am complaining about the critics of the government. Which is why I said "we need to stop whinning". I think we have an unrealistic attitude. It seems some think that if we did not get the evacuees out of the city in 24 hours and into hotels and houses with all the amenities, we have failed. I think that is a realitivly spoiled attitude. There need ARE being met and no other group of evacuees in the history of the world has been taken care of like these folks will be. I'm talking about things like saying they were near starvation. They had food there, but you can go for several weeks without food. Some people fast for a week at a time routienly. An accusation of starvation is inflamatory and wrong.

 

I'll remember what you said, TexasSky. Thank you for the reminder.

I think the media is getting in between alot of us and the evacuees. They are painting a picture and emphasizing those who really might be complaining, instead of concentrating on those who are truly grateful, etc.

 

If you’re directing that to me, there is a reason I bolded some as to make it clear, maybe not clear enough, who it referred to.

 

TexasSky, since you addressed your post to me and anyone else that it applies to, I certainly take offense to many of the things that you have said.

So you are ashamed to know us. so we dare not criticize people for"not being grateful enough"

I certainly have not said anything about people not being grateful enough and I personally think you have been too critical of the things that people are doing to help these unfortunate people.

Perhaps you didn't mean your post the way it sounds and I will give the benefit of the doubt here, but I would like for you to explain just what you were saying to me (and everyone else it applies to)

 

The BGCO (Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma) has a
trunk and the logistics tail to feed 8,000 people a day.
They deployed to Lafayette, La prior to the disaster,
moved to New Iberia later, and are now in East New Orleans.
They have served some 160,000 meals, enough meals for
one meal for half the total displaced. This is free of
cost to the U.S.Government, the State of Lousiana, and the
city and Parish governments. The Southern Baptists of Oklahoma
maintain this truck and it's logistical tail 24/7/365 as
a ministry to our country.

 

I learned tonight that the Union Baptist association sent two 18-wheelers of supplies and one U-haul trailer and $50,000 dollars in cash to the Evangeline Baptist association in Louisiana. These trucks were unloaded in New Iberia, Louisiana. The drivers thought that they were not going to be able to unload the supplies on the day that they arrived, but fortunately, one of the local pastors had a forklift operator's license and unloaded the supplies in a timely manner. It seems that God does provide.

It was pointed out tonight that this pastor has worked as a forklift operator while he was going to Seminary and had kept his license current. The message was that God trains people to fill tasks before needed.

The evacuees in our area are very grateful for the lodging and provisions provided to them. Many churches are providing temporary housing in their church buildings.

Jim Burton, director of volunteer mobilization at the North American Mission Board (SBC) stated that they are now calling the continental United States as "ground zero", as the dispersion of Hurricane Katrina survivors is bringing this disaster to each of our communities.
He is suggesting an adopt a church plan which our association has already implemented.

I really don't see how we are Christians could do more than we are doing. We are providing shelter, food, jobs, counseling, money, and other necessary supplies. Do they know that we are Christians? Yes, I think they do.

 

TexasSky, I am glad that you explained that the entire post was not meant for me. Yes, I knew that I had not made those statements, but the casual reader might not know and many times people will not take the time to see what a poster really said.

 

Texas sky,

If you would get of the war path and go back and read what I said, you would see That I said "we" need to stop whinning, not "they" need to stop whinnig. And later I posted and explained that I was talking about the armchair critics who are criticising the gov and others who ARE helping while "they" are sitting in front of there tv screens. As far as the welfare roles and such, I want the people to be helped, I am just saying that we have a right to complain about the complainers who just want to call the gov inept and stupid. I wonder if you will apologise for grossly misquoting me? As far as having food and such. I know there are victims, but the government did not kill them.

 

Just from our little town, the churches, firemen, and paramedics have deployed semis loaded to the brim to the survivors. We had several people from our church spend 10 days in New Orleans.

OTOH, I, like many others, have seen people on the news 'whining' about what they lost instead of falling on their knees and thanking God their lives were spared when so many others weren't.

I get tired of hearing it and yes, I am doing my part to help the survivors by trying to locate and reunite families.

This is pulling our nation back together, to a degree. That's what our country is all about. When the chips are down - we are there...

 

Now---here's a bit some of us can chew on---and it goes like this

The following are really the stupid ones---though they are "stupid by stealth"

Those who make a claim with FEMA or Red Cross----but who have not lost anything----you want to know who burns me up????

Buddy---I'd personally HELP any soul from the Gulf Coast and from the Greater New Orleans area who has lost his house, his job, his car, his "whatever"---and the only thing he has left is what is on his back in the form of a shirt, britches, and shoes and a hat!!!

But I wouldn't give you a red cent if you're in line for cash, debit card, voucher or whatever---and your house is still standing and you still have a job----God help your selfishness!!!

 

TS, I was not talking about you, which implies behind your back, but to you.
Immediately after any disaster food, water, and shelter, and some personal supplies are all a person needs. These people were and are being shuffled around tring to find a place for them and must carry all their stuff with them in bags, no boxes, no luggage, nothing but a grocery bag. And you were angry becasue you couldn't send musical instruments, when they needed food and water, baby supplies. Fact is some of those people are going to need shelter and maybe more help for a while as some of them had nothing to go back too. Take care of basic needs first, as long as that is needed, then help in other ways.
You put people down for not doing enough, but you have no idea what anyone is doing.

And who are you comparing yourself too, who hasn't done as much, or as important? Or are you patting yourself on the back?
According to Jesus we are supose to keep these things secret, not tell everyone.