Even though his Louisiana home was destroyed by flood, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins drew little sympathy from netizens who lambasted him for reportedly saying that God uses natural disasters to punish the LGBT community.
Perkins clarified later in an article written for Charisma News that the statements attributed to him were inaccurate, and that people were simply putting words in his mouth.
"What I have said, which I repeated yesterday in a sermon at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, is that I don't know what was behind this flood or any other natural disaster. However, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe the Bible which makes clear that God is sovereign over the elements of nature and can and does use them for His purposes," he explained.
Perkins said God allows those same elements to test people's faith and devotion to Him. Regardless of what happens, he believes people's faith in God should be unwavering.
"We are to be on our faces before God, giving thanks in everything, and placing ourselves in total dependence on Him," he said. "We know that in walking in obedience to Him, God will never leave nor forsake those who search for Him and walk with Him."
Even as Christians cry out to God, Perkins said they must also reach out to their fellow citizens who are hurting and needing help. He stressed that it's important to do good for others because that is what God called His children to do.
"The flood has brought together this community as never before as we are learning to depend more on each other and on God. We are thankful for the volunteers and resources that are beginning to arrive from across the country which are so vital to the relief effort as we look toward rebuilding," Perkins said.
He is also grateful to Rev. Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse, which arrived at their church within 48 hours after Perkins called for assistance. "Please join us in prayer that God would use the church to minister to this community in a powerful way," he said.
