This isn't a sprint, it's a marathon

The past few weeks has been a whirlwind, and those of you who have volunteered and helped us know about this organized chaos. Even though the storms damaged our homes and neighborhoods, they have not destroyed our spirits or communities but only strengthened them. The passage 1 Kings 19:11-12 comes to mind through

The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

It has been truly a blessing to see the outpouring of people, organizations, companies, and communities come together in this time of need and we want to thank everyone who has donated or volunteered with us. We have sent these supplies to the Birmingham area, Cordova, Pleasant Grove, Walker County, Hackleburg, Smithfield, Hueytown, Cullman, Tuscaloosa, and more. Even though we have been able there for these communities, relief efforts are needed for months. I came across a quote that perfectly coined the relief efforts--"This isn't a sprint, it's a marathon." Currently we are serving basic immediate needs, but in the coming months we will be moving to provide more long term needs.

Our mission here at Christian Service Mission is to connect resources with needs by loving, serving and investing in community relationships to meet the holistic needs of our neighbors and we have been able to carry this out in the past few weeks. We cannot take credit for all that has happened for the past few weeks, but it is all for the glory of God, and Christian Service Mission serves as an organization to carry out God's work.