Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Multiple and various Christian agencies organize to help victims of Hurricane Katrina

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 2126, Garden Grove, CA 92842-2126

September 3, 2005

EVANGELIST BILLY GRAHAM CALLS KATRINA THE WORST TRAGEDY AMERICA HAS KNOWN IN MORE THAN 200 YEARS
Christian Agencies Respond To Hurricane Katrina's Devastation And Destruction

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent

ASSIST News Service GULF COAST (ANS) -- While local, state and federal emergency response resources are being stretched to their limits, Christian organizations are already on the ground in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and are responding with the love of Christ to those whose lives have been devastated and disrupted.

ASSIST News Service (ANS) has monitored reports from Christian missions, ministries and relief agencies and has put together the following accounts in an effort to counter the negative criticism of the relief effort by government entities put out by the secular media.

"The disaster of Hurricane Katrina may be the worst tragedy America has known since the Civil War. The aftermath has almost been frightening," says Dr. Billy Graham, speaking from his home outside Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Mayhem, looting, shooting, and raping on one hand -- compassion on the other. Millions of Americans, and millions of people in many countries abroad, want to help. The tragedy is so overwhelming that it is beyond comprehension. Yet it presents a challenge. With the aid of modern technology it is possible to turn the tragedy into blessing," Dr. Graham said in a statement released to media outlets.

Dr. Graham continued: "I pray especially for the hundreds of thousands who have become refugees because of what has happened. The flood of refugees may be one of the greatest challenges our society has ever faced. It is clear that it will take years for thousands of lives to return to normal. Once again, Americans are showing that they are the most compassionate people in the world. Scores of organizations and thousands of churches and individuals are involved in opening their arms of love and compassion to these refugees. It may be the greatest opportunity to demonstrate God's love in this generation.

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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 5:42 PM