CHRISTIANS ARE HERE FOR 'SUCH A TIME AS THIS'

CEN Founder Says This Is A Time For A Return to Basics In Disaster Relief

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (ANS) -- In the wake of several natural disasters around the world, Christians across America are being called upon to pray continuously, to be vigilant about daily Bible study, to be prepared for disaster themselves, and to boldly share the hope of Jesus.

Christian Emergency Network (CEN) CEO and Founder Mary Marr is calling upon Christians everywhere to recognize that the number of natural disasters occurring around the world are causing people to ask questions about God.

Hence, she said, "This generation of Christians is here, now, 'for such a time as this.' The Apostle Paul taught young Timothy, 'Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season…' (2 Timothy 4:2a). Well, if ever there was a season when this generation of the Body of Christ can share the Hope found only in Jesus Christ, this is it."

She continued, "Not only are Americans recovering from the devastation of a series of hurricanes, more than 40,000 are dead in Pakistan and neighboring nations from last week’s earthquake, the Northeastern United States is recovering from a weekend of flooding, and Tropical Storm Wilma is just east of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and may turn into yet another hurricane that will hit the Gulf Coastal United States. And, this is but a handful of disasters presently impacting millions around the world. Combine this with fears of the avian flu and volatile world events, and it is clear that we live in a world that is on edge."

She added, "While the dangers are real, so is Jesus Christ and the calm he offers in the storm. So, if we, as believers, are living our faith, then our living and verbal testimonies will help draw our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and even perfect strangers to Jesus Christ despite the images they are seeing on the TV screen or even experiencing."

Marr noted, "From the beginning of our founding four years ago, and again during this latest series of crises, CEN has been calling upon Christians to adhere to the biblical model to offer prayer, demonstrate care, and earn the right to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, we call upon believers to return to the basics – to do as our Lord commanded in Matthew and pray for workers. Inevitably, God's Spirit will lead us to caring ways – whether it is giving of our time, talents and treasures – and provide us with opportunities to share the hope that is within us, if we will be obedient."

However, she cautioned, "We must avoid the temptation to attempt to understand God’s ways. When we say that God is judging this sin or that sin, we are forgetting that 'all have sinned.' No, rather than point fingers at groups of people or particular sins, the cause of Christ is best served when we simply point to Him. His Spirit will then work in the hearts of those that respond to loving, kind Christian generosity."

Marr acknowledged she is calling Christians to a higher level of sacrifice. "We have been blessed with opportunities like no generation that has ever lived. Consequently, it is easy to lose focus of the call upon the Christian's life to make disciples. However, Jesus modeled a sacrificial life; it is time for us to do the same, if we are not already."

CALL TO PRAYER

Because CEN's ministry is focused on conveying the hope of Christ through a prayer-care-share message, Marr asked that Christians consider each of these prayer requests:

**Pray for Christian workers willing to demonstrate in word and deed the sacrificial nature of Jesus Christ
**Pray that Christians continue to look for opportunities to meet the emotional and physical needs of the hurricane victims, always pointing them to Christ through acts of kindness and life-giving words
**Pray that Christians will reflect upon their own relationship with the Lord and determine if there are any strongholds or idols preventing them from fully surrendering their lives to God's call

Marr asks concerned Christians to consider the thoughts of Oswald Chambers, from the October 17 entry of "My Utmost for His Highest." He wrote, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work."

Marr also said there are many ministries through which Christians can share their faith at this time.

She noted that www.needhim.org needs volunteers to share their faith with callers.

And, in addition to the Salvation Army and Operation Blessing, other organizations can be contacted directly for those wanting to volunteer.

Among those serving the victims are United Methodist Relief, Christian World Reform, Church World Service, Nazarene Disaster Services, Mennonite Disaster Services, Brethren Church U.S.A. and Southern Baptist Men.

Christian Emergency Network leads Christians to intelligently pray for, sensitively care for, and strategically share the gospel with victims involved in a national emergency.