“ARE THEY OK?”
We have all thought it. "I wonder, are they ok?" Every time we hear a siren or see a car accident we have wondered if the people involved will be ok. There is something within all of us that our heart goes out to those at the scene. As a believer in prayer I will lift of a word of prayer for those involved in the accident. I ask God to protect the children that may be involved. I ask God to provide comfort those who survive. I ask God to protect emergency workers responding to the call. You are like me I am sure. Our heart goes out and we wonder, “Are they ok?”
When I was about ten years old I was the witness of a car accident. If it weren't for my mother's careful defensive driving we too would have been victims. In this case we were witnesses to a car driving way too fast for road conditions. The car was going well over seventy miles an hour when it passed us and the curve ahead was too sharp to maneuver. The car skidded off the road, just missing a residence and rolled four times before coming to rest upside down in a field.
With little hesitation we rushed over to the accident looking for ways to help the driver and passenger trapped in the car. There were two people inside the car trying to get out of the damaged wreckage. A smell of gasoline was in the air. My mother expressed her caution for the risks but we proceeded to free the occupants. The victims were thrashing and kicking, making every effort to free themselves. It took us a few minutes but we were able to free each passenger. My mother made attempts to calm the driver and provide basic medical attention. He sustained a large cut on the forehead and was very agitated. The other passenger looked to be in shock. He just sat on the ground moaning. Later we learned that he had broken his arm.
The police and ambulance did arrive to provide additional medical assistance while the police took our statement. Alcohol use was a factor in the accident. Within days of the accident a police officer visited the house for further information about the accident. The accident left an incredible impression in my memory. There were many times after this scene that I wondered, are they ok?
I am sure that this incident, along with several other memories like this, has contributed to my interest in helping people who are dealing with crisis. Thankful there are wonderful First Responders (Law enforcement, Medical Technicians, Nurses, Fire-fighters and others) who give immediate assistance when tragedy strikes. Having provided Chaplain Services over the years and provided Pastoral services to police departments in Indiana and Illinois, I have seen the personal sacrifice and risk that First Responders take when providing emergency help. I also believe that there is a place for community volunteers who wish to lend a helping hand. Places like the Salvation Army, The Red Cross or emergency volunteer organizations that lend a helping hand.
Everyday we learn of tragic circumstances confronting people. News reports are rapid and intensive as they report Tsunami scenes, Hurricane and tornado scenes, trapped miners, and many other incredible tragedies in our world. We are reminded that life is temporary and often filled with tragic times. A Ministry of Presence in times of crisis is a real ministry to people in need. This is just one way caring people can make a difference. The church should play a roll in meeting needs. Bringing good news in bad times is a great opportunity to demonstrate the love of God during tragic times; during times of incredible doubt and personal hurt. Crisis Evangelism is a ministry of communicating the good news of Christ’s love to people in the midst of terrible times. There are opportunities to bear witness of a loving and incredibly good God during difficult times in the life of people dealing with crises of all kinds.
Let’s unite together to develop ways to meet people at their most difficult times. By conveying our love and ultimately God’s love through a Ministry of Presence we can make a profound difference the aftermath of crisis.
