Whatever You did for One of the Least of These Brothers…
We’re all devastated by the horrendous news coming out of Central Texas. Story after story of chaos, destruction, loss… I read account after account of seasoned rescuers who say it’s the most heart breaking disaster they’ve ever been a part of. Even after seeing the photographs and videos and watching interviews and news accounts, we can’t even imagine what’s really going on down in Texas.
But, even if we can’t wrap our heads around it all, we still can help. In fact, we are called to help. Scripture tells us: “‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Even if we can’t fully comprehend the logistics, the loss, the grief…we can offer both prayer and financial support
Most of us are not equipped to actually travel to Texas to aid in recovery efforts or even to deliver meals for the rescuers or provide shelter for people who lost everything. We don’t personally know any of the grieving families and aren’t able or appropriately connected to know the specific needs of a given family, neighborhood, or community.
However, in our great country, we have plenty of organizations that are both equipped to and experienced in serving others on our behalf. As we all know, though, we have to be careful who we trust, especially in a crisis.
As I’ve noted once before, Charity Navigator has a stellar reputation for assessing the validity and efficacy of charitable organizations that present their credentials for analysis. I know not every legitimate charity is listed on Charity Navigator, but the ones that are are worthy of our support.
Charity Navigator lists 17 charities that are working in or donating to the relief efforts in Central Texas. These organizations are international, national, and a few are local to Central Texas. The only one of the 17 listed that I have historical knowledge about is Team Rubicon, which started as a new relief organization 15 years ago after the Haitian earthquake. Well, and the Red Cross, of course.
If you want to help the survivors of the Guadalupe River flash flood, and you want to be sure your dollars are going to a mission that shares your values and concerns, check out the list on Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give/central-texas-flooding/#charity_list
Other organizations I know that are involved in rescue and recovery efforts in Central Texas but are not among the 17 listed above:
Mercy Chefs, INC
96% rating on Charity Navigator
“Mercy Chefs is serving hot, chef-prepared meals to families and first responders affected by the deadly floods in Kerr County, TX.” (from their website)
Samaritans Purse
100% rating on Charity Navigator
“Samaritan’s Purse North American Ministries (NAM) and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team (BGEA-RRT) have deployed to hard-hit Kerr County, Texas.” (from their website)
When I don’t know anyone local to advise me on where to donate, my go-to choice is Samaritans Purse. This organization, led by Franklin Graham, has stood the test of time, is scandal-free, and supports my economic, social and faith values. By reading about the other organizations on Charity Navigator’s list, you can make your own decision about how to support the rescue and recovery mission in Central Texas.
Our hearts ache for the lost, the displaced, the grieving. We’re grateful for the thousands of volunteers who sacrifice their personal time and treasure to bring peace and closure to people they have never even met. We can help them all by donating a few dollars–or a lot of dollars–to help the mission continue until all the lost have been found and returned to their loved ones, until all the hungry have been fed, and until the displaced are under roof. God have mercy on us all.