Wednesday, December 29, 2004

7:15 PM This Sunday we will dedicate our monthly Benevolence Fund offering entirely for disaster relief. A few days ago a massive earthquake near Sumatra spawned devastating tsunamis that left over 100,000 dead in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia and other countries in Asia and Africa. It appears that the death toll may go considerably higher in the days ahead. Everything that is given to the Benevolence Fund this Sunday will be earmarked for disaster relief through Samaritan’s Purse. I hope you will give generously to this worthy cause. Here are web links for several evangelical organizations that are helping in the aftermath of this enormous tragedy: Samaritan’s Purse World Vision World Relief Gospel for Asia You can also mail your donation to the church and we will add it to the offering this Sunday. Mail it to: Disaster Relief Calvary Memorial Church 931 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60301 Please note in the “memo” portion of the check that it is for disaster relief. Everything you give will go directly to Samaritan’s Purse to help in their efforts. I spoke with someone from their headquarters today and learned that they have teams on the ground in Sri Lanka and Indonesia and are working with partner ministries in Thailand and India. The greatest needs at this moment are fresh water, food, shelter, clothing and medical supplies. Now is the time for the body of Christ to rise up and help those who are hurting and in terrible distress. It is what Jesus would do. It is what we should do. Thanks in advance for caring and giving. 10:58 AM Calling all men! You can sleep in for two more Thursdays and then First Watch starts again on January 13! 10:56 AM Wednesday shout-out to Dave McKee, Caleb Fields, Tolee Chang, Michael Fields, Fran Eaton, Janet Chismar, Dick Tyler, Steve Lewis, David Weiser, Al Webber, Jennifer Smith, Chris Tuttle, and to Diana Newcomb. 9:56 AM We leave for China in 15 days. 9:55 AM Today’s entry in the Crosswalk weblog is called Staff Member Covenant—Calvary Memorial Church. 7:28 AM The final Christian Carnival of 2004 is now online. There are entries from all corners of the Christian blogosphere, including one I wrote called “What are you so worried about?”