The National Weather Service says storm season is upon us. Tornado season typically runs from May – June and hurricane season is from June – November. That’s just over half of the year that we’re supposed to have an extra awareness of what might or might not happen with the weather.
The EMIC Relief Team is hard at work throughout the year, so they are ready to respond when our partners are affected by the unexpected. We have quarterly training sessions on how to use specific tools and equipment, how to handle flood situations, and what to expect in an area that’s been disrupted by disaster. Last weekend, our team got together for training on the safe operation of chainsaws. Check out some of the training footage.
As believers in the Word, we know that God’s protection is abundant through these storms. Psalm 91 reminds us that He is our “refuge and place of safety.” However, there are also several examples in scripture that show the importance of being prepared for things that might try to harm us.
We see in Genesis 41 where Joseph advises Pharaoh to prepare for famine. This action not only saved Pharaoh’s people from starvation, but Joseph’s family was saved as well.
Ephesians 6 tells us to prepare for battle by “putting on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
In the Gospels, we read about how Jesus prepared himself for crucifixion by praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. And God responded by sending an angel from heaven to strengthen him (Luke 22:43).
So how do we prepare? We stayed prepared by reading, praying, and meditating on the Word so it’s in us and ready to use at a moment’s notice (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:15-16, 2 Timothy 3:16). We listen to sermons that our Pastors receive from the Lord (Proverbs 2:1-5, Romans 10:17). And we write down and talk to others about what He has given to us so we may gain a better understanding of His Word (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Habakkuk 2:2).
The EMIC Relief Team is always looking for new volunteers. Our next Relief Team Interest Meeting will be on July 10th after service here at EMIC. You can also visit our web page at www.emic.org/relief to sign up for more information and to read testimonies from some of our previous Relief Team trips.
