For a variety of reasons, I decided to cancel a planned trip to Eastern Washington with a couple of my fishing friends over the Labor Day Week-end. This trip was to be a combination of trout fishing, visiting distant friends, and hanging out at the property … one of my all-time favorite things to do in these wind-down years.
Instead of traveling, I am going to spend the week-end going through my belongings to sort out the useable items (especially clothing) that are in good shape, but no longer as useful to me as they will be to someone currently doing without because of Hurricane Katrina. By the end of the week-end, I expect to have a donation set aside that I can be proud of.
I am not currently in a position to donate cash, but I will be in a few months…so I am trying to figure out exactly when and how much I will be able to tithe to my less fortunate Brothers and Sisters each month. I know that tithing is usually done through the Church a person chooses to attend, but too many Churches support Ministerial Enterprise that touches the few rather than the many, so my tithing will be done through the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or one of the Medical Mercy Organizations (Mercy Corps) that are operated through and by the doctors dedicated to bringing health and hope to the poverty stricken of the world.
Another thing I intend to do in the future (not so distant) is put together ten to twenty kits that contain batteries, flashlights, small propane canisters, toiletries, bottled water, and other survival items as I can afford to do so, and let my Family, friends and neighbors know how to access them if the need should arise. It is hard to envision a situation as dire as that taking place in New Orleans ever happening in my community, but I can easily see the wisdom of being better prepared than I am now. It is also easy to see the wisdom of putting extra items aside for those who are unable…or just don’t do so.
I am thankful that my change of plans is due to choice rather than necessity, and my thoughts and prayers are with those suffering the tragedy of Katrina.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Like Jack said, thanks for the reminders Rich. I have plenty of good clothes that I will never use...
About the flashlights and radios. If you can get it, a radio that gets world band or short wave will allow access to less "controlled" information. And try to get flashlights and radio that both use the same size NON RECHARGEABLE battery. Rechargeables are only good as long as the grid is up to recharge them.
Do not forget to include a knife that has multiple uses and some form of matches or firestarter.
Post a Comment