While most relief efforts are tending to the physical devastation left by Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Christian groups are also doing what they can to fill in the spiritual vacuum that was left.
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Pledging to provide spiritual support, leaders from Christian ministries such as the Bible Society agree that "the most important thing to provide is a sense of hope, something that is an absolute essential for life to be remade."

“Individuals and organisations are looking for ways to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of Hurricane Katrina survivors,” the International Bible Society (IBS) noted in a statement released yesterday.

In overwhelmed shelters last week, people were sprawled out on every corner, hallway, or cot without hope. At least 17 people committed suicide on Aug. 31, said Campus Crusade for Christ relief worker Mike Downhauer. The Associated Press also reported that at least two New Orleans police officers had shot themselves in the head.

"The main things these folks need are hope," Downhauer said on The Lighthouse Report radio program.

"Throughout the centuries the Bible has been recognised to provide this dimension of hope. This holds true today.”
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An official in Baton Rouge said on Fox News that Bibles were the second most asked-for item after food/water.

“We need water, food, ... and Bibles,” the official said.

According to IBS Outreach Director Sues Hyde, IBS has received numerous reports that Bibles are high on the list of items requested by evacuees. The Bible society also reported that relief workers were “flocking” to its door, phone, e-mail, and website.

“One woman called begging for Scriptures for pastors and relief workers,” Hyde said, in a statement released by IBS on Friday. “She was handwriting Bible passages to give to pastors and those she was counseling who had lost their Bibles in the flooding. They were also downloading Building the Mosaic from the IBS website and printing off copies.”

In response, IBS sent out thousands of its special crisis and disaster Scripture resources while another approximately half million pieces have been committed. The society anticipate requests will far exceed the US$250,000 Emergency Scripture Fund it set up to provide resources in Katrina’s aftermath.

"This is the nation’s worst disaster and we are praying that God's word can bring these children peace, comfort and strength,” said Judy Billings, a spokesperson for IBS.

Zondervan, one of the largest publishers of Christian books, is also working with the International Bible Society to provide ministry-edition Bibles to hurricane victims. In addition, Zondervan's parent company, News Corporation, is pledging US$1 million to the Salvation Army. News Corporation will also match — dollar-for-dollar — contributions made by the company’s employees to accredited charities to a total of US$1 million.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by the hurricane, and Zondervan is committed to providing and supporting relief efforts,” said Zondervan President-CEO Doug Lockhart.

Thomas Nelson, the world's largest publisher of Bibles in English, is also taking part in the efforts.

“This morning, I started getting e-mails from our employees with ideas for how our Company could help,” Thomas Nelson President-CEO Mike Hyatt wrote in his company’s web log on Sept. 1. “Everyone feels the need to do something. I know I do.”

When, Hyatt heard Bibles were in high demand he said, “This is something I knew we could help with.”

Thomas Nelson pledged to donate 100,000 Bibles that will be distributed through Samaritan's Purse – which was already mobilising its Disaster Relief Units and alerting hundreds of volunteers before Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.

After pledging 100,000 Bibles and US$50,000 in employee matching funds, Thomas Nelson has been looking for a third channel for those who want to give material aid to Katrina victims, according to an e-mail message sent out from the company’s director of human resources, Jim Thomason.

“To date, the company has sent US$55,762 (half employee money and half company match) to Samaritan’s Purse, who is using that money to purchase and distribute personal hygiene items to flood victims,” he wrote.

According to Thomason a truck will be leaving the company this weekend with its first shipment of 23,040 Bibles bound for three distribution points in Texas.




Rhoda Tse
and Joe Alvarez
Christian Today Correspondents