October 2005
Volume 10, Issue 8 Inside This Issue: Upcoming Events
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Don Horton, Moderator
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Financial Report
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Dinner at Baptist State Convention 3 Common Sense College Ministry
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2005 Advisory Group to Meet
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Prayer Calendar
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Missions Reports
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Larry Hovis, Coordinator
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Attend the CBFNC Fellowship Dinner during the Baptist State Convention Tuesday, Nov. 15 See page 3 for details and reservation form.
AFTER KATRINA The urgent need of those who have survived Hurricane Katrina last month is well-known to all of us. The magnitude of the loss of loved ones and livelihood is on a scale we seldom experience in the United States. CBFNC has the opportunity to embody Christ’s ongoing presence in times like these. After conversation with the Coordinator of CBFNC, Larry Hovis, I agreed to serve as a volunteer coordinator to help mobilize, organize and send CBFNC churches to the Gulf Coast. What this means is that I am trying to help congregations, organizations and individuals travel to the region or participate locally in relief efforts as they feel called. We would love to see a steady stream of CBFNC churches plug in to hurricane relief and rebuilding in the days to come. We have many gifts to share. CBFNC has a part to play alongside many others in our state and our nation. The relief network is diverse and includes the NC Baptist Men, the Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, other state CBF groups and the CBF national office. My goal is to help each person or congregation find the best outlet for his or her gifts.
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship photo
- CHRISTOPHER INGRAM Several CBFNC churches and organizations have already made trips to the region, and others prepare to go. Here are some considerations to make as you prepare: Take a Long-Term View: Don’t rush down at the expense of doing what you do best. Many are willing to go but because of work and life constraints cannot reorganize their schedules and go in a few days or weeks. Take enough time to gather your resources so you may feel effective in your work. Our national attention span nowadays tends to be very short term, and the memory of even the most traumatic events can evaporate quickly. The needs in this region will be very long term. Relief and rebuilding efforts will last well into 2006 and beyond. Prepare To Be Self-Sufficient: Do not assume that when you go, your partners on-site will have the capacity to meet even your basic needs. It is not likely that some work sites will have regular electrical, water or fuel services (much less a comfortable bed or air conditioning) available as you work. Too, it is important to safeguard your own health. Consider getting a physical examination or consult your physician. In (continued on page 3)