Ways to Help

Response to the bushfire crisis

Good afternoon, In the light of the current State of Alert which has been put in place to prepare the community for the extreme weather conditions forecast for the ACT and region in the coming days, I have contacted both the local Salvation Army and Communities at Work and advised them of the amenities we have that they might link us into any of the bushfire assistance that are being coordinated by them.

These agencies together with government and emergency services agencies have infrastructure and training to respond in times such as these.

In the meanwhile, there is much that we can do. Here are some suggestions for how we might play our part: 

1. Pray for:

  • Rain that will quench the fires and break the drought
  • Courage in the face of fear – for those preparing for, in the path of or living in the aftermath of fire and those fighting fire and protecting property
  • Endurance for the weary and waiting
  • Patience and humour for those in queues
  • Compassion and consideration
  • Wisdom for those assigning resources for the best response to needs and for ourselves
  • Safety
  • Counsellors

We have this assurance that our prayers will be heard:

2 Chronicles 7:13-15 New International Version (NIV) “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

2. Prepare and to keep safe throughout the crisis days

  • Follow the advice and instruction of those who are coordinating efforts to keep us safe and to provide for those affected and keeping informed through the ACT government’s ESA website https://esa.act.gov.au/state-alert-declared-act-0 and other media outets. 
  • Keep yourself safe and keep in touch with others who you may be able to support.

3. Prepare to play a part in the recovery process:

Give to:

4. Provide practical help

  • Be there for your family, friends and others in the church family
  • Join our neighbours at the Wanniassa Handmade Marketplace in the Wannisassa shops who are a drop off point for #slabsforheroes. Check out their Facebook page for the many items that are needed. The list of needs change regularly and are advised by the RFS.
  • Start looking for second had clothing and household items that are in good condition. They will soon be required by larger op shops like the Salvation Army and Vinnies who will transport them into the fire-affected areas.
  • Shop with retailers who are running bushfire appeals
  • Crafters get ready to start making the various items that will be required by homeless people and injured animals

Situations like this crisis present opportunities for us to dig deep to understand what we each have to offer and to partner with people like us and not like us to do what Jesus would do, and that is to do good to anyone in need.

May the Lord keep you safe at this time and open your eyes to what He wants you to do,

Blessings,

Ian

Ian Reid

Lead Pastor – Tuggeranong Baptist Church