How can you help.... the Queensland floods

At times when we see things that are geographically a little distant, but tragic nonetheless, we want to help. There are many ways that we can help and I would encourage people from our church community to consider what they can do.

Firstly, we can pray. If we believe in a powerful God, then he can do amazing things for the people of Queensland. I recall an interview given by Envoy Bob Poff following the Haitian earthquake. Bob is a PR guy from way back and always ready with a quip, but what he said was profound: "When the earthquake hit it was a natural disaster; what has happened since is an act of God". He was referring to the miracles of survival and healing, the help from around the world and the resiliance of the Haitian people.

The people of Queensland need an act of God. They need our prayers, some miracles and some help.

Apart from prayer, the best way to help from Adelaide is to send money to a reputable appeal through a trustworthy agency. The Salvation Army's eastern territory may be one way you can support.

As a footnote, I might add that, despite people's best intentions, sending in-kind donations is not the way to go. I have extensive disaster experience, and sending goods (e.g. 2nd hand clothes etc) is usually creates a parallel disaster all of its own. In summary, it costs a fortune to ship the goods, to a place where there is no available storage. It takes hours of man power to sort through goods to see if any of it is needed. Often it's not even the gear that people are looking for. Then what to do with anything that's left? Sending cash takes no time, no sorting, and means that people can buy what they need, when they need it. Much simpler and quicker.