Hurricane Sandy Update & Relief Efforts

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

James 2:14-17

What a mentally chaotic week its been.  I still find it hard to believe a week ago we woke up to the truth of what Sandy brought to our region.  Its still hard to wrap my mind around what happened. I live in an area that was virtually untouched but the crazy part is only 8 miles away there were entire communities punched and knocked out by Hurricane Sandy.  It still doesn't seem real.  

The worst hit part of Manhattan was downtown, East Village, Lower East Side and Tribecca.  The East Village has a lot of housing projects and low income families.  The church I attend and work for has a parish down in that area lead by Guy Wasko.  Guy was one of a handful of pastors who initiated one of the largest drop zones in Manhattan.  Over 3 days they served 1000s of people with hot food, groceries, blankets, and more.  Hundreds of people from the community and outside of downtown poured in to help serve those who lost their homes or at best were living without power and heat.

I served at this location for two days, sorting through food and helping people get what they needed.  

Although Manhattan was hit pretty hard, it wasn't the worst hit, by far.  Staten Island and the Jersey Shore had the worst of it.  Entire communities lost their homes, their businesses and even their lives.  The death toll for Sandy is as high as 110 people and is expected to keep climbing.  

I've been proud of my city and the surrounding cities as people have helped those without power and homes get the things they need.  I've loved watching those who were in the middle of it all who came out to volunteer.   

One my favorite acts of love is from the marathoners who came out to Staten Island to help serve this community.  Although many people were disappointed in the cancelation of the marathon, it was necessary and important to this city that resources not be spent on runners but on those who were devastated.  For those marathoners who took the cancelation in stride and helped serve instead, I am proud of you!

The restoration and clean up efforts are still not over.   It will take months and even years to get some communities back to something that resembles order.  If you'd like to help there are many ways.  I am listing just a couple below.

Kristina @ Big Apple Mami is selling Ad space.  100% of the procedes go to hurricane relief

My church has also started a relief fund to help serve those in the communities around us.  These funds will provide food & shelter to thousands.  I vouch 100% for this organization. 

Please keep New York and New Jersey in your prayers as they begin to rebuild their communities!

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
James 2:14-17

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