Disaster Work

We just got back from a crazy week in Pensacola, Florida. Hurricane Dennis came up through that area and knocked out homes and power lines everywhere so the Salvation Army was sent there first thing Monday morning. Jason and I took the Tallahassee canteen and hit the road with the S. Army convoy.
The rest of the week consisted of LONG hours, grueling work and lots of sweat. I have to say it was one of the most rewarding things I've done in a long time. It was the way practical Christianity should be. Heart to God, hand to man. We saw hungry people and we fed them. They asked for food and we gave it to them. There was no red tape, no middle man, and for a week I fell back in love with The Salvation Army. The one that has a heart for people and cares more about the needs than the Burocracy. It was good stuff. There were only two people the entire week who cussed us out for not providing a prompt enough free meal but those who were thankful and precious far out numbered the mean and ugly. We had volunteers walk off the street to help us in our canteen. They brought us icecream and snacks and displayed the beautiful heart of Christ. Then we went to the town of Milton, where the worlds most amazing people live. These people had their town blasted away by the storm and still remained honest, friendly, and welcoming. I LOVE MILTON. I wanna get a shirt that says that.
The last night the Disaster crew ate out at Outback Steak House and much to our suprise, the family that had been sitting next to us paid 50 bucks towards our meal, but they wanted to leave before we knew about it.
I saw so much Jesus in people awakened by this natural disaster. And we wonder why God does things like that...
On Saturday we returned home with full hearts and a much needed appreciation for mankind. It was a wonderful week.