Elaine L. O'Neill

Passion, Promise, Partnering with God

Passion for Disaster Relief

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When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf of Mexico, my heart felt the burdens of so many people who lost their homes and belongings. I watched the news media and saw crowds, wandering by foot, out of the coastland area to find shelter and food. I felt helpless not having a clue of how I could meet the overwhelming needs.

After experiencing Hurricane Katrina from a distance, several New Jersey Rivers flooded four times in four years. My girl friend’s house had extensive damage during each flood experience and she had to rebuild her home each time. My heart continually hurts for the victims of disaster.

My husband suggested that we participate in training for disaster relief. I had no idea why someone might need training. I thought people just showed up after a disaster to help wherever needed.

Together, we signed up for the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief training held in the NJNET Association. As I trained, I sat on the edge of my seat and took in every word, knowing that this was a ministry that I really desired to do.

Our instructors told us that as trained volunteers we might not get a call to use our training for two or three years. Two weeks later, New Jersey flooded again and we responded to the call to serve.

My passion for Disaster Relief grew as we were involved in several feeding kitchens and as we helped homeowners recover after storms. My biggest challenge was working full time as a teacher and not having the freedom to work on jobs when there was a call to help.

After 37 years of teaching, I made a commitment to retire, to pursue my passion, and to do Disaster Relief. My friends and family supported my passion andI fervently followed God’s call.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”          (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

Four months after my retirement, Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey, putting us in a place to volunteer our time and energy for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. Serving in this ministry has provided many opportunities to help the people of New Jersey and New York recover physically and spiritually from our recent storms.

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:3 NIV)

The Call to Missions

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john 9-4

 

God called me to be a missionary. He called me to serve Him and to minister to needs in my hometown, job, church, and family. I never received a lightning bolt revelation to do missions but as I accepted Jesus as my Savior and followed Him in obedience, He daily led me to do His work.

The Lord planted me in the exact place where I could do His mission, following His plan, to meet the needs that He placed in my way.

God calls His followers to intentional missions. The definition for intentional is “done on purpose and deliberate.” When I get up in the morning I purposely and deliberately plan to follow Jesus in whatever His mission is for that day.

I have heard it said that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. That concept helps me to understand that God purposely and deliberately puts people and situations in my path for His purpose and plan. Many times those people and situations present problems, or challenges that He wants to work out for His eternal good.

I believe that all believers are called to do mission work. Every need is an opportunity to serve and obey. Look for needs, read God’s word for wisdom, pray for grace, and follow his prompting and plan.

  1. Meet physical needs:

 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,a you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:35-40 NKJV)

  1. Share the gospel:

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15 NIV)

  1. Encourage believers to grow spiritually:

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19 NIV)

Has God called you to missions? Yes! True believer are challenged and encouraged to follow Him and to do His work. “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me.” (John 9:4 NIV)

Promise: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 NIV)

Partnering with God: Lord Jesus, You showed me how to minister and do your mission. Give me wisdom as I follow your great example to meet needs of people and situations that you put in my path. I am so glad that you will strengthen and equip me for every job. Help me to trust you to do the best work in and through me.

Let me know your thoughts!
Partnering with God,
Elaine