Let Us Not Grow Weary Of Doing Good: Fall 2023 Relief Update
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. - Galatians 6:9-10
In a broken world, sometimes we can be discouraged looking for "the good in everything." While it is true that God is sovereign over all things, it is also true that our world is currently in a fallen state. At ARDF, we know that it is ok to admit this fallenness, and instead of searching for the good hidden in the rubble, we can turn our eyes towards our savior who has promised to be with us as we sift through broken pieces. When we turn our eyes to Christ, we turn our eyes to the ultimate good. This is when broken situations turn hopeful. It is this hope, brought by Christ himself, that enables us to continue in good works without growing weary.
There have been many major disasters in the past three months. We are so thankful for your prayers and support which bring encouragement and hope to our partners! Through the connections we have as the body of Christ, we are all reminded to look towards Him as our ultimate source of hope and healing.
Maui Wildfires
On August 8, 2023, wildfires swept across Maui with unprecedented fury, killing over 115 people, over 300 people missing, and destroying thousands of homes and other structures. Many survivors describe the area as looking “like a war zone.” ARDF is thankful for the quick support received through prayer and donations, initially sending $10,000 and supporting our partners there through various relief and recovery opportunities. Kingsfield Anglican Mission is ”soberly aware of the great opportunity to come alongside our hurting people as a loving gospel witness and presence.”
In a recent update, Fr. Jason Hill share that:
What our island needs, including the families directly affected by the fires, is stability. The children of Maui need stable homes and rhythms to feel safe again, the steadiness of discipleship is important. We know statistically that one of the unavoidable effects of these kinds of disasters is on mental health, and in order to step into that space to decrease human suffering when it hits our communities, our witness must be credible now. The biggest investment we can make with our resources is building relationships through acts of mercy, hospitality, and love.
This photo is from Kingsfield Anglican’s Facebook page. You can follow their relief efforts and see other photos at www.facebook.com/kingsfieldmaui
Kingsfield Anglican Mission is currently discerning best next steps for recovery and rebuilding, while faithfully ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the community. We are honored to walk alongside them.
Flooding in Libya
Two dams outside the Mediterranean city of Derna burst on September 11, instantly destroying sections of the city and killing thousands. The Anglican church (Province of Alexandria) is present there, currently working to connect relief aid to local volunteers and NGO partners to help provide aid for survivors. ARDF is so thankful for our sister National Organization, ARDF-Egypt! We are able to partner with them to bring relief aid to where it is needed most. You can support relief efforts through our General Relief Fund.
Earthquake in Morocco
ARDF is so thankful for local connections which allow us to send relief aid to difficult or remote places. One such place is Morocco, still reeling from a deadly earthquake that struck on September 8, 2023. The quake was reported to be as high as a 7.2 magnitude according to local authorities, with aftershocks registering as high as 4.8. Villages and towns near the base of the Atlas mountains were hit the hardest, while also tearing through the popular tourist city of Marrakech.
ARDF initially sent funding to Morocco through connections in the Anglican church, specifically through an organization called Ekklesia We are so thankful for this connection! You can support their relief efforts through our General Relief Fund. In addition, one Christian NGO that ARDF partnered with for earthquake relief in Syria is now sending teams to Morocco to help. They are using the experience they gained through their response to the Syria/Turkey earthquakes to provide much needed expertise and support to survivors in Morocco.
One family escaped their crumbling home through a hole in the wall.
Upcoming Disaster Response Mission Trips!
Interested in serving with ARDF? Join an upcoming Domestic Disaster Response Mission Trip! ARDF is partnering with two organizations in November and we would love to have you join us!
On Nov 4-10, we will be working with Adventures In Mission in Fr. Myers, FL for Hurricane Ian recovery.
On Nov 5-11, we will be working with Cajun Commissary in Grand Isle, LA for Hurricane Ida recovery.
You do not need prior construction experience to join a disaster response trip - there are volunteer opportunities for any level! In fact, one of the most important aspects is simply to be present with people who are recovering after such a life-altering event. Our National Disaster Network Director, Tommy Lamb, reminds people that our God is intentional, and that we bring His presence with us as we "work at the pace of peace and place relationship over task."
Do you want to receive ARDF Relief Updates in your inbox? Sign up for the news you want and never miss a story.
Read More Blogs By ARDF
