I noticed the tags as I drove around town this morning; tags from several Georgia coastal counties. Hurricane Matthew has brought evacuees to our area in search of temporary shelter.
The tags reminded me of the opportunity we have as believers to bless those in this time their need. Through the course of natural events, God has brought people into our path who need a blessing. We must decide to BE the blessing. We have the opportunity to bless hurricane evacuees.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. – Hebrews 13:2
The phrase “show hospitality to strangers” is actually one word in Greek. The word means to treat someone you do not know as a brother. It comes with the reminder that some have entertained “angels” without realizing it.
The word for angels literally translates “messengers.” These visitors could be/are actual angels from heaven or people sent to us by God. We should be eager to show hospitality to new people in our paths because they may be God-sent.
How Can I Bless Hurricane Evacuees
I want to encourage you to be aware of others as you go about your business the next few days. I offer you some suggestions of how you can work with God to bless hurricane evacuees in our area.
Be patient on the roads.
Out of town evacuees are not familiar with our town and may drive erratically trying to find their way. Lay off the horn, let people in front of you, smile and be nice. Give people the benefit of the doubt. It is not their fault you took to long to get ready and are running late.
Buy them a meal.
If you see evacuees in a restaurant and you can, pay for their meal. They incur unplanned expenses during a sudden evacuation, and your generosity will bless them and God will bless you.
Offer to pray.
Pray with them on the spot if possible, and if not, assure them you will remember them in prayer. You may exchange email addresses so that you can keep up with their plight and follow up with them later.
Offer suggestions to help them know what is around town.
They might need to know where to find laundry services, Wal-Mart, or grocery stores. Suggest good, inexpensive restaurants where they can eat. Some may be passing through, and you can suggest alternative travel routes to their destination.
Invite them to church.
Many evacuees will return to their homes sometime late Sunday, but you can invite them to your church Sunday morning. Offer to meet them at their hotel and show them the way to church, or give them a ride. Treat them to breakfast before or lunch after church.
What Will YOU Do.
Andrea and I survived Hurricane Fran in North Carolina in 1996. The most meaningful gestures to us were the smiles and words of hope others offered.
At the very least, smile and say God bless you to those you encounter the next few days. When you speak, reassure them of your concern and God’s care. Don’t get into a “what I had to deal with when” competition with them, just sympathize.
Over the next two or three days you will encounter people that need a blessing. You never know but what God may have sent them your way for HIS purpose. Prepare to bless those who come your way.