Compassionate Action:
It all starts with us, showing that we do indeed care and that we have great compassion for others. Here, I ask that above all else, that you do whatever you can, (however big or tiny) however you can, for whomever you can. Listed below are some suggested actions that we can take to help many, but as well, remember that a great number of these things we can also do for individual people too. Sometimes it is the individual who gets overlooked or forgotten, but often they are the ones who need and will appreciate our kindness the most.
By doing such things, you will be following in the footsteps of Jesus and you will be blessed abundantly with the grace, joy, and love of Christ.
Any time of great or small tragedies, we often feel that there is nothing we can do - nothing that will make any significant difference; but there is.
Help In the Immediate:
- Pray. It may sound far too simple, but never underestimate the power of prayer.
- See if you can volunteer to help in your local community through churches and organizations who are preparing to send aid and supplies.
- If you know anyone within your proximity who has lost or who is worried about a friend or loved one, spend time with them. Pray with them if they would like you to. Pray for them in your own prayers, if they are not comfortable praying with anyone else.
- If you know anyone from a distance who has lost or who is worried about a friend or loved one, e-mail them, call them, write them, just to let them know you honestly care. Pray for them and their loved ones.
- Consider making an one-time monetary donation for a specific need, to one or more of the many recognized registered charities who are accepting funds to aid those affected by the tragedy.
Help for the Long-Haul:
- Continue to pray. - When a tragedy falls from the daily news outlets - and unfortunately they all will and way too soon - there will still be those in need of help and prayer. Please don't forget about these people.
- Consider becoming a volunteer with an organization who strives to help those in need.
- If you have the time and are physically able to do so, consider being part of a mission team, who will go to these devastated areas to help rebuild homes, communities, and people's lives. In Canada, Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. organizes such mission teams.
As you have done so admirably in the past, I urge you to continue to support the organizations listed below. They in turn, help those in need. Consider making regular donations to one or more of the following organizations:
Presbyterian World Service & Development.
The Salvation Army.
The Canadian Red Cross.
Crossroads Christian Communications.
Act Alliance.
Kairos. | 
