Faith
Faith Unites Kerr County After Devastating Floods
In the wake of the devastating floods that recently ravaged Kerr County, Texas, a powerful testament to faith and community resilience has emerged. As the waters recede, leaving behind a trail of destruction, it is the unwavering spirit of faith-based organizations and volunteers that is bringing hope and healing to this tight-knit community.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, known for its dedication to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of those in crisis, has been at the forefront of this compassionate outreach. Josh Holland, the international director, emphasized the importance of simply being present for those who are suffering.
“As our crisis-trained chaplains know, there are no words to say that will make things better in moments like this. There are no magic phrases. All we can do as Christians is to come alongside people, to be a listening ear, to be a shoulder to lean on, to cry with them,” Holland shared. His words echo the biblical principle of mourning with those who mourn, a guiding light for the community’s recovery efforts.
In small towns like Kerrville, the impact of such tragedies is deeply personal. “Everybody knows somebody who’s been affected,” Holland noted, capturing the somber atmosphere that has enveloped the town. Yet, amid the sorrow, there is a steadfast reliance on faith to guide the way forward.
Max Greiner Jr., an artist inspired by his faith, has seen the transformative power of the Coming King Sculpture Prayer Gardens, a sanctuary of peace and reflection. The gardens, marked by a majestic cross, have become a beacon of hope for those seeking solace.
“This is a strong faith community, and I don’t know how people make it if they don’t have that faith,” Greiner remarked. His words remind us of the profound role faith plays in helping individuals cope with life’s darkest moments.
The gardens stand as a symbol of life and renewal, offering a respite from the devastation below. “We want the families, the wounded, to come up here when they need a break from all of the bad. There’s death down on the river, but there’s life up on this mountain,” Greiner explained, highlighting the spiritual refuge the gardens provide.
Marcus Breaux, National Director at Soldiers of Christ Ministries, calls on all of us to contribute in any way we can.
“Do not be discouraged. There are ways for people to get involved, whether it’s donations, whether it is giving a pack of paper towels or toilet paper, whatever, there’s a way that you can get involved,” he urged. Breaux’s message is a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.
Matt Husted of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team underscores the importance of reassurance and prayer during these trying times. Providing comfort and reminding people that “God is looking over them” is crucial in restoring hope and faith.
As faith-based organizations rally together, they encourage us all to lift up prayers for the injured, the bereaved, and those who have lost their homes. Their efforts exemplify the core values of faith, family, and freedom that define the American spirit. In times of crisis, it is this spirit that lights the path to recovery, reminding us of the enduring strength found in faith and community.
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Faith Facts
- St Margaret of Scotland restored Christian life in her adopted homeland through faith-driven reforms.
- She was known for her charity, founding churches, schools, and caring for the poor according to biblical teachings.
- Her legacy as the Pearl of Scotland endures as an example of godly leadership and Christian service.
St Margaret of Scotland is remembered each year on November 16 for her lasting impact on Scottish Christian heritage.
Born in Hungary, she was of royal English Saxon descent.
She eventually became Queen of Scotland.
Her early years were marked by exile; political upheaval led her family to Hungary before returning to England. After a period of danger following the Norman conquest, Margaret sought refuge in Scotland, where King Malcolm III welcomed her family.
Margaret married King Malcolm III and became a devoted queen, guided by her strong Christian faith. Through her charitable works and church reforms, she transformed spiritual life and championed biblical values across Scotland.
Margaret founded churches, monasteries, and charitable institutions, seeking to align Scotland’s religious practices with Christian orthodox teaching. She personally supported the poor, redeemed captives, and made pilgrimages more accessible, reflecting Christ’s compassion.
Her death in 1093, shortly after King Malcolm, was deeply mourned. Margaret’s legacy continued through her children and the spiritual revival she inspired.
Let us remember St Margaret as a shining example of Christian queenship.
She was servant-hearted, courageous, and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through faith, family, and service.
Faith Facts
- Biblical truth calls for honesty in identifying obstacles to peace.
- Numerous historic peace offers to Palestinians have been rejected by their leaders.
- Official documents still call for struggle instead of peaceful coexistence.
Christian leaders recently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, suggesting that lasting peace depends on Israel’s actions and a change in attitude. They stated, “A credible peace must start with a ceasefire, but it will not last without a fundamental shift in the attitudes and behaviours that, for too long, have maintained Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and thwarted Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
However, history shows that the path to peace has been repeatedly hindered by Palestinian leadership rejecting viable two-state solutions offered in 1937, 1947, and several times since 1993. Israel fully withdrew from Gaza in 2005, granting the opportunity for Palestinian self-governance, yet conflict continued.
Much of the resistance to long-term peace is rooted in foundational Palestinian documents. The 1968 Palestinian National Charter states, “Armed struggle is the only way to liberate Palestine,” and sets out a call for continued conflict as a central strategy.
The charter highlights, “Absolute responsibility for this falls upon the Arab nation – peoples and governments – with the Arab people of Palestine in the vanguard.”
The Hamas Covenant echoes this sentiment, declaring the land as an Islamic trust and rejecting peace agreements. It reads, “The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgement Day. It, or any part of it, should not be squandered: it, or any part of it, should not be given up.”
Christians are called to promote honest dialogue and faithful prayer for all those suffering in conflict. True pathways to peace require transformation of hearts in accordance with Biblical mercy and justice.
Faith Facts
- The Central Church of Christ, founded with the vision and generosity of A.M. Burton, marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration hosted at Lipscomb University.
- This congregation pioneered urban ministry, providing holistic care—medical, dental, and daily necessities—for Nashville’s neediest for decades.
- After years of legal battles over its property, the Burton family regained ownership of the historic building, highlighting faith-driven perseverance and unity.
Faith, generosity, and leadership were celebrated as former Central Church members, community guests, and Amy Grant—the great-granddaughter of A.M. Burton—gathered at Lipscomb University’s Spark campus for the congregation’s centennial.
The original church, born in 1925 through A.M. Burton’s dedication, became a living testament of Christian outreach, regularly serving Nashville’s poor and upholding biblical compassion.
“What we celebrate is the impact of a church. They were the hands and the feet and the mouthpiece of Jesus to the downtown community, to the rich and the powerful and to the poor and the down and out.”
– Scott Sager, special advisor for mission and ministry at Lipscomb University
The church experienced years of innovative service and spiritual dedication, both through its dynamic ministries and unwavering commitment to God’s Word, even as urban challenges and changing member demographics shaped its path.
“For a century, this congregation has been a living example of God’s handiwork. Men and women have been doing good works together across the city for years. We need followers of Christ who, like A.M. Burton and this congregation, are willing to be a light … and to serve with both humility and grace.”
– Candice McQueen, Lipscomb University President
The recent legal resolution allowed the Burton family and former members to reclaim their building, reminding the community of the power of faith-led action and the importance of preserving godly legacies.
“I think … his vision and all of the congregation of Central Church of Christ … all together, all of their small portion of events changed, bent history. In the total of all of our acts will be written the history of our generation. … We have to tell the story of people that have come before us.”
– Amy Grant
The Central congregation’s commitment gave practical expression to Christ’s call to serve others, reflecting the heart of Matthew 25:35—feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and welcoming those in need.
This historic occasion encourages believers to honor the legacy of faithful servants and continue their work for God’s glory, serving Nashville and beyond with hope and compassion rooted in biblical principles.
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