Unexpected interruptions

It's the first week of the holidays and I had my schedule all planned out weeks ago. There was cleaning that had long been put off that I would finally be able to do because I would not have to be stopping in between to go out and do ministry somewhere. There were my godchildren who were home from school that I had not spent quality time with in months. There was sorting and filing that needed to be done. There was old currency to be upgraded to new currency. But then life happened.

One week ago, parts of south Trinidad were hit with severe flooding following 2 days of continuous rainfall. Rivers burst their banks and lagoons overflowed into people's property, trapping them in their homes for days. Some homes were inundated with up to 5 feet of water, resulting in loss of furniture, appliances and personal belongings.

One of the homes in Ragoonanan Trace, Penal

Looking at the pictures, hearing the stories of loss, seeing the pain and hopeless on the faces of the families affected, I could not just continue with "business as usual". Thankfully I am a part of an organization that is able to mobilize resources in a short space of time, so after a few conversations a plan was arranged to head into the flood hit areas on Sunday to bring relief supplies, food and the love of Jesus. Clothing was sorted and packed by some of our hardworking volunteers, hampers were filled using food items which were donated at a drive held a few weeks ago, and a caterer was found who was able to provide 80 lunches literally overnight.

All hands on deck to pack hampers

We visited families in Rock Road and Ragoonanan Trace, Penal who were now in the process of cleaning their homes. Many of them told us that we were the first persons who came to see how they were doing, and they really appreciated our visit as it showed that someone cared. One lady who received a hamper was very grateful because her husband's car had been caught up in the flood waters so now all their money was going into repairing their vehicle, which he needed to go to work. Many of the families were very grateful for the meals we provided, because they had been cleaning all day and did not have time to cook. We partnered with Compassion International who contributed sandwiches, party bags and toys to the children we encountered.

Blessing one of the families with a hamper and toys

Apart from material supplies, we were also able to provide some much needed emotional support. We listened to their stories, shared words of encouragement and testimonies, and prayed with some of them. As representatives of the kingdom of God we care about not just meeting the physical needs, but the spiritual needs as well. We are extremely grateful to those who gave, since this allowed us to be channels of blessing to those in need.

Hearts and hands joined in prayer

Last week my high school classmates and I were devastated by the news that one of our sisters had died suddenly due to a heart attack. As this is the second classmate in 3 years to die suddenly, it really caused me to stop and reflect. What came to mind was this parable from Luke 12:16-21 where Jesus spoke of a rich man who thought that he had enough possessions to last him for many years so he could take life easy.


“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” '


So many of us are caught up with pursuing what society deems to be important - a career, property, investments - that we do not make time for what is really important, and will last into eternity. I challenge us to ponder the following questions:

* Are we living out God's purposes for our life?
* Are we using the gifts and abilities that He has blessed us with to expand His kingdom?
* Are we living every day to please Him, rather than pleasing ourselves?

We can never be prepared for the interruptions that life throws at us. We have no control over calamities that may come, but how we respond to them is important. May we be ready in season and out of season to be God's hands and feet to bring comfort and help where it is most needed.