Taken
from: NY
Christian Resource Center
New York Rescue Teams Mark 10 Days
September 20, 2001
Located up in Utica, New York, Compassion
Coalition had just become a Hunger Strike Force (HSF)
partnering organization before more than 5,000 individuals
were declared missing in New York. Not even having received
the first donated truckload from HSF, Director Dave Nicolette
called OBI's offices and wanted to give several pallets
worth of bottled water and paper products towards the
relief effort! Last weekend while picking up another load
of donated product, HSF picked up this humble gift and
delivered it to OBI's Chesapeake, Virginia warehouse to
add to the items of the next relief truck heading to New
York.
Meanwhile, in the midst of "Ground
Zero", Pastors Ricky and Jeremy Del Rio of Abounding
Grace Ministries as well as Pastor Marc Rivera of Primitiva
Church have been busy leading in the mobilization and
coordination of clergy activities. These include pastoral
counseling, performing last rites and guiding other ministries
wanting to serve. The DelRio father and son team has worked
with OBI for years on various projects.
This past Sunday evening, a Memorial Service
sponsored by the Ground Zero Task Force brought in over
1200 area church members and community members to unite,
reflect, worship and pray. Operation Blessing director,
Rev. Jim Esposito, was on hand praying for the community
members and standing in solidarity with over 100 clergy
on behalf of OBI.
The rescue teams "are tired but determined,
and realistic but very hopeful. They have unity of purpose,"
commented Jim. He continued, "The biggest need at
"Ground Zero" is love, prayer, and the faith
of God's people to support them."
Currently, OBI is working with the Ground
Zero command center which is operating out of Primitiva
Church and mobilizing in all areas! Thank you OBI partners
for allowing us to unite people as well as organizations
together and give hope in this very difficult and draining
time for our nation!
Your continued prayer for all of the relief
efforts as well as generous gifts are needed desperately. |