Disaster Relief Update - Friday, November 6, 2009

Photo caption: Patrick Underwood and Chris Martin, Hawaii Pacific Baptist disaster relief volunteers, and Don Gann, Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief, assist residents with a water purification system. The yellow shirt in the background is Randy Corn, Mission Service Corps missionary and Incident Commander, who is talking with residents waiting in line. On one such occasion a young Samoan girl accepted Jesus as her Savior. As she finished praying the sinner's prayer, she turned to the crowd standing in line awaiting the clean water and gave her first testimony to the cleansing power of God in her life.

Southern Baptists are represented by five churches in American Samoa. Other Southern Baptist work in the island territory includes the Seafarers Center and Happy Valley School. Building on established relationships and God’s favor, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has established a tremendous ministry through water purification and helping individuals cope with the stress caused by the disaster.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is the only organization on the island providing water purification. To date more than 2,000 gallons of water have been purified. As residents come to water purification sites, disaster relief volunteers are able to engage them, helping them share their story and deal with loss and fear brought on by the tsunami and over 95 aftershocks. During these conversations there have been opportunities to share the gospel and Samoans are coming to faith in Christ. SBDR volunteers and local pastors use the dirty water and purification process that creates clean water to tell those gathered around about the sin that surrounds our lives and the purifying power of Jesus' blood that washes us clean and fills us with living water.

Through Pastor Elise Tafao (Happy Valley Church and School), Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have been invited into both public and private schools to talk with students. Don Gann of Mississippi Disaster Relief shares, “I was encouraged to share the gospel (in a Catholic school) and when students accepted Christ, the entire school celebrated their decision.”

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief will continue to strengthen their presence on the island and is looking at their role in the long-term recovery process. They are looking at opportunities for individuals, churches, and associations to touch this small South Pacific island. Please lift this ministry up in your prayers and encourage others to do the same.

H1N1 Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms

H1N1 flu continues to affect our churches. Any place where people congregate provides opportunities to spread this virus. Below is a chart to help determine if one is experiencing a simple cold or the H1N1 flu virus. Individuals, especially those in at risk groups, should seek medical assistance at the first sign of flu symptoms in order to give flu remedies the best opportunity to treat the virus. Young children, pregnant women, and persons with other underlying health issues are at greatest risk from the H1N1 virus. The best way to prevent the spread of any disease is for sick people to remain at home. Know the difference between cold and H1N1 flu symptoms.