While most relief efforts are tending to the physical devastation left by Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Christian groups are also doing what they can to fill in the spiritual vacuum that was left.
Pledging to provide spiritual support, leaders from Christian ministries such as the Bible Society agree that "the most important thing to provide is a sense of hope, something that is an absolute essential for life to be remade."
“Individuals and organisations are looking for ways to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of Hurricane Katrina survivors,” the International Bible Society (IBS) noted in a statement released yesterday.
In overwhelmed shelters last week, people were sprawled out on every corner, hallway, or cot without hope. At least 17 people committed suicide on Aug. 31, said Campus Crusade for Christ relief worker Mike Downhauer. The Associated Press also reported that at least two New Orleans police officers had shot themselves in the head.
"The main things these folks need are hope," Downhauer said on The Lighthouse Report radio program.
"Throughout the centuries the Bible has been recognised to provide this dimension of hope. This holds true today.”
Throughout the centuries the Bible has been recognised to provide this dimension of hope. This holds true today.
Campus Crusade for Christ relief worker Mike Downhauer
An official in Baton Rouge said on Fox News that Bibles were the second most asked-for item after food/water.
“We need water, food, ... and Bibles,” the official said.
According to IBS Outreach Director Sues Hyde, IBS has received numerous reports that Bibles are high on the list of items requested by evacuees. The Bible society also reported that relief workers were “flocking” to its door, phone, e-mail, and website.
“One woman called begging for Scriptures for pastors and relief workers,” Hyde said, in a statement released by IBS on Friday. “She was handwriting Bible passages to give to pastors and those she was counseling who had lost their Bibles in the flooding. They were also downloading Building the Mosaic from the IBS website and printing off copies.”
In response, IBS sent out thousands of its special crisis and disaster Scripture resources while another approximately half million pieces have been committed. The society anticipate requests will far exceed the US$250,000 Emergency Scripture Fund it set up to provide resources in Katrina’s aftermath.
