The Christian faith is given us for the benefit of all people, not just other Christians. Nothing illustrates this more than when disaster strikes, such as hit Moore, Oklahoma, yesterday, and Christians respond with assistance.
Children of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, want to help the victims in some way. So we pray for them, and we give them our money and other resources. We also rejoice when we see Christian agencies such as Orphan Grain Train immediately plan how they might assist with clothing, fresh water, medicines and even mobile kitchens for those who have lost their homes.
Orphan Grain Train began about thirty years ago through the efforts of Clayton Andrews of Nebraska who owned a trucking firm. He decided too many times his trucks came back from their deliveries empty, so he began finding things to bring back that will help people, used or new items, things that could be contributed to those in need.
Jesus' wrote to His disciples from John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans, but I will come to you." Thus, Andrews and other Lutheran Christians founded this highly successful and diverse ministry of procuring and sending items to people in need.
This summer I have been volunteering with sorting and packing used clothing at Epiphany Lutheran Church of Castle Rock, CO. Orphan Grain Train has become its primary social ministry, and for the past several years its members have sorted and packed over a million pounds of used clothing each year which is shipped all over the world to places in need, including places in the USA. Although their next container is scheduled to be shipped to the Ukraine, Epiphany people know that even now other Christians are packing items that will be sent to help the people of Oklahoma.
Our summer storm season is underway, and we know God will never leave us as orphans. He will bless us richly, providing our needs and providing ways for us to help others in their need. As you pray for and help the people of Moore, Oklahoma, remember with thanks the many ways Christians help each other, including also Orphan Grain Train.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
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