Many of us have seen the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf States. As I watched the newscasts played before and after the storm, there was an inner conviction we must do something to relieve the suffering and loss many thousands experienced.

The Indiana Conference community services and disaster response leadership team began to mobilize disaster teams and laid out plans to help from Indiana. Conference administrators also responded by suggesting we collect a special offering in our churches. The response has been overwhelming. After two special offerings were collected, church treasurers notified the conference that at least $41,000 was donated for relief efforts.

On Tuesday, September 6, Jerry Higgs, a pastor, Mike Hughes, Paul Fruth, and I drove to an Adventist disaster warehouse in Louisiana, more than a thousand miles away, to deliver 954 blankets and close to 600 personal care kits. While we were there we helped unload several truckloads of supplies. The days were long and the hours full of activity, but we were glad to be the hands of Jesus to bring relief to the people.

The relief efforts will continue for several months to come. We have set up a warehouse to collect donated items in Cicero, Indiana. We continued collection operations at the warehouse until the September 25. Many of our churches across the state have conducted food drives in their communities and the response has been overwhelming.

One day Randy Barr, a young man from Columbus, Indiana, called and said, “We must do something. I want to collect items needed and take them down there.” The Columbus community responded in a marvelous way. Someone donated the use of a truck. Another person got in contact with the local country radio station and they ran advertising spots free of charge. In a matter of 24 hours, more than 20 tons of water and diapers were collected! So, on Saturday, September 3, three truckloads of water and diapers were delivered to the fairgrounds in Jackson, Mississippi, where many evacuees were housed.

Jeff Smith, a Fort Wayne Church member who works for Triple Crown trucking company, made arrangements to bring the supplies to our warehouse. He also contacted his company to deliver the supplies that we collect to the affected states for a very reasonable amount. Volunteers from the church set up a semi at a local mall and ran ads on the radio and newspapers. They collected close to 100,000 pounds of much-needed supplies. I had the distinct privilege to meet the team from Ft. Wayne when they came to drop off the supplies at the warehouse.

Many Indiana schools are participating in fund drives and food drives in their communities. There is a spirit of service that has taken hold in our schools and churches. Sarah Stout, fifth and sixth grade teacher at Cicero Adventist Elementary, mobilized her class to go door to door for donations. They were able to fill over 60 grocery bags with needed items in a short amount of time.

A few days ago Indiana's leadership team participated in the North American Division’s disaster response coordinator’s meeting in Dallas, Texas. We were surprised to find that many of the hotel guests were actually evacuees from New Orleans. They were there with just the clothes on their back. We were moved as we listened to their stories. We offered prayers and hugs, but one of our own coordinators, Katheryn Ratliff, was inspired to do something more. She said, "Why not bring the disaster truck from the Texas depot with blankets, clothes, and personal care kits to them?" We made arrangements with hotel management, and the next day the disaster truck was brought in and we helped close to 100 people, replacing showers of destruction with showers of blessings!

In the days ahead there will be many opportunities to serve, not only here in our state, but also in the states that were affected. Several hundred individuals have moved into our communities. This presents an opportunity to help them. There will be opportunities to go as volunteers and serve in the warehouses and distribution centers.

The North American Division will embark on the most ambitious plan yet to make a difference in the lives of people. “We must go beyond just providing food and supplies. We must provide a tangible impact in their lives through our churches,” urged Sung Kwon, North American Division Community Services executive director.

Three strong entities in our church are partnering to make a huge impact in the effected communities. Maranatha International, Adventist-Laymen's Services and Industries, and Community Services are joining forces to help rebuild churches and the houses in the immediate vicinity of those churches. Contact one of these organizations to learn how you can become involved.

I leave you with the words of Jesus, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). All of these disasters are just reminders Jesus is coming soon. Let us serve while we have the opportunity until He comes.

Jose Vazquez, Indiana Conference community services and disaster relief director