"The LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm" (Nahum 1:3).

In the aftermath of what some are predicting to be the costliest storm in US history opportunities for ministry abound. We all watched the satellite images as Hurricane Sandy (maybe the largest storm to hit the east coast since we have been keeping records) literally swallowed up the Northeast with torrential rains, storm surge and vicious winds. For days the storm raged and now in the calm that has ensued, millions are still without power and the infrastructure that supplies necessities like food, clean water, and gasoline lie in ruins or underwater.

When a Storm of this magnitude strikes, cellphones, computer screens, televisions, and a myriad of other distracting devices so prevalent in our modern world go dark. The Stars shine out at night in darkened city skies, and the hearts of people that normally would not give a second thought to their mortality or their dependence on the grace of God are made aware of eternity and their need. This forced quietness only lasts a moment in the grand scheme of things but the results can be eternal. The Churches of the Northeast have an unprecedented opportunity to minister to the needs of those around them and the rest of us have an equally unprecedented opportunity to assist in that work.

We have not been able to contact many of the Churches on SermonAudio in the affected area as of yet but we did get an update from one of them via cellphone and we want to encourage you to listen in.

The New York Gospel Mission is no stranger to helping those in need. For years, they have been serving the heart of Manhattan by providing for their physical needs while preaching the everlasting Gospel of Grace to needy souls.

Please take some time today to familiarize yourself with this worthwhile ministry and then do what you can to help them. Pray for the workers, pray for the hearers, pray for everlasting results. This work normally runs at full capacity but with the recent crisis, they have not been able to meet the need around them. Pray for strength. Consider giving, if you are able. The financial support you give will be used for the spread of the Gospel in a very needy city and in a very important time when the minds and hearts of men and women are sobered and better able to hear.

Prayer Points for New York Gospel Mission: Gasoline. Gas is in short supply. Gas is needed for the vehicles in order to pickup the food from 3 Trader Joe's throughout the day and distribute it to the needy areas of the City. Gas is also needed to keep our portable generator running for heat and basic power. We have to wait in line for 5-6 hours to refuel. Millions are still without power and it may not be back for a number of days yet. Food. We have a unique partnership with all of the Trader Joe's in Manhattan to distribute to those in need. It has created incredible goodwill in the community and a genuine openness to the Gospel. Lines of hundreds of people form in front of the church to receive help. Gospel literature. We seek to distribute literature with the food but we are running out of our own supplies. We need Gospels of John and even Bibles if possible. NYGM is a ministry friend of SermonAudio and we highly recommend them to you. Please send all support to: New York Gospel Mission PO Box 123 New York, NY 10009 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nygm.org

There are other churches on SermonAudio that may have been affected by this storm in one way or another. Perhaps instead of giving to the Red Cross or some other institution you might consider contacting one of these churches and giving directly to them.

(Luk 6:38) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

(Heb 6:10) For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

(Rom 12:13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

(1Jn 3:17) But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?