Volunteers in Joplin Reflect the Body of Christ

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. -Romans 12:4-8

There isn't much left to say about the Joplin tornado. Everything that can be said has been said. I've heard the phrase so many times that I run the risk of sounding cliché by repeating it, but it's the most accurate phrase available. I've never seen anything like it.

Thankfully, something else is happening...the likes of which I also have never seen. Southwest Missouri is showing the country how to help your neighbor. There are literally thousands of volunteers in Joplin, and God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve with Samaritan's Purse alongside my father-in-law and brother-in-law. I have to tip my hat to this organization. The team leaders know the importance of taking care of the victims' physical needs, but they also know that the most important needs are spiritual. After each home that we work on, we hand the homeowner a bible that's signed by each team member. Then, we pray over them. Jesus' hands and feet are active in Joplin, MO.

The best part about the recovery effort is the collective nature of it. It's not about me; it's not about Samaritan's Purse; and it's not about any of the other organizations that came to Joplin. There are no individual heroes of the recovery effort. Granted, many heroes were made during and immediately after the storm: victims who sacrificed life so that others could live; doctors; nurses; emergency personnel. They are the individual heroes. The hero of the recovery effort, however, is not any individual person or group, but the body of people working together to rebuild Joplin. Those with money are giving money and buying supplies. Those with extra possessions are donating. Those who can cook are feeding the survivors and the workers. Those with chainsaws are cutting up trees and getting them off of rooftops. Those with extra room are housing strangers. Those who own businesses are offering products and services at no charge. Those with able bodies are cleaning up the debris. This recovery process is a perfect analogy for what the body of Christ should be. Can't you just hear Jesus saying, "The body of Christ is like a group the people who offered its talents to a tornado-ripped city...each one gave according to his or her gifts"?

On Sunday, our pastor even noted how the denominational lines have been blurred within the city limits of Joplin. We're all Christ-followers, and we're coming together as one body to serve in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Pray for Joplin, and praise God for what's happening in Joplin.

"Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city."

jb