The Lord's churches were made for such moments of crisis; this is when they shine.

The members of your congregation will respond to specific requests—"Who will travel to Jonquil, Minnesota, to help Buttercup Church, which was nearly destroyed by last week's flood?"—more than almost anything. And your people will minister to the Jonquilians, but when they drive away, they too will be bursting with joy from the experience.

Those who stayed at home but who gave and prayed and supported the team will also be enthusiastic.

Here are ten ways to support a congregation hit by a disaster:

1) Pray for them in your worship service. Show pictures on the screen.

2) Send up one or two leaders to scope out the land. See if this is a place where your church can serve effectively. If everything is "go," they will initiate the planning while on the field.

3) If the pastor(s) needs financial assistance, send him money now, not later.

4) If Buttercup Church and its pastor are unknown to you, check them ...