FLOODING in RIO-Jan2011

The flooding that occurred last week (Jan 13,2011)in Rio has already claimed the lives of 626 lives. 13,830 were left homeless and this is only the beginning of the rainy season in the sate of Rio in Brazil. With this being the worse event of this type in Brazil in the past 100 years, many are asking what they can do.

 The most appropriate things that Southern Baptist can do now is pray. Continuous rains could result in other flooding and landslides as the ground reaches saturation levels again and again.  Here is a brief summary

1.     There is much good going on at the moment. However, there is probably just as much bad going on also. As always, there is exploitation, looting, and such, this is no exception.

2.     Many of the roads and bridges accessing the areas are gone.   

3.     There are presently multiple groups and organizations that are mobilizing to render aid to the displaced families, provide food and water, and comfort those with missing or deceased loved ones.   

4.     The two Baptist conventions in the state of Rio as well as other denominations , and organizations are mobilizing themselves by collecting food, providing places for displaced families and in general giving what ever aid that appears to be needed at the moment.

5.     The Brazilian army has been called in and is doing a spectacular job of strategically accessing and giving leadership to a situation that could have been utter chaos. Helicopters are reaching areas with medical, food, etc. Teams are organized for reaching those possibly left in dangerous situations.

6.     The media is doing their part in stirring hearts showing the worst of the situation and in general “making  news”

At the moment there is already much being done. This week our Rio missionaries will be able to access the situation and develop a well thought out plan that will not duplicate the work of others and have the greatest impact for the kingdom and real help for the people involved.
      At the present moment the most strategic thing that can be done by Southern Baptists is Prayer for ….
 

1.     The Rescue Teams on site. Pray for their safety, their strength, wisdom as important decisions are being made. Many of these rescuers are fellow believers.

2.     The Victims of this terrible disaster. Many have lost everything, family, homes, jobs, and most of all hope.

3.     The continuous rains to stop. As stated, this is only the beginning of the rainy season in this part of Brazil. Pray for no more further occurrences of flooding in the near future.

4.     The Baptist Convention, other Christian organizations, your IMB team on the ground as they develop important plans for the most important “next step” of meeting real needs when there are no cameras, media, military or government involvement to help folks put their lives back together and make sense of what happened.

People of Brazil come together at times like this. The reporter today spoke of the solidarity of people working together, sharing what they have, giving to meet needs. Many are stirred and want to do something. This often leads to badly planned, poorly executed, and “little result” projects that are more often done more to make the giver “feel good” rather then offer a well thought out help that is really needed. I am thankful for experienced missionaries and BGR (Baptist Global Response) that can see past the immediate crisis and will be on the ground to help when the dust (in this case mud) settles.

 At this moment, the greatest “Mobilization” need for Southern Baptist is Prayer