We have been reminded once more that the church cannot depend upon the Red Cross or the Federal Government.

As a church, we must not stand idly by but become active in relief for our people. The church must "care for souls." "…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these. . .you did for me. . .I was hungry, you fed me not, naked, you clothed me not, sick or in prison and you did not help. . ." (Matthew 25:40-46)

God has called us to become a beacon of light to those persons in the South who have lost practically everything, including hope and confidence.

To this end, Second Baptist Church, the community of faith, freedom and fellowship, shall step forward to provide relief and help.

Our commitment will be long-term (1-2 years) and occur in several phases:

Phase 1 has already begun as the Church raised over $10,000.00 to support Hurricane Relief efforts by the Missions Department of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.

Phase 2 involves establishing a group of committed volunteers to respond as a church-wide collective effort. The Missions Ministry of the church, Acts 1:8, and committee members will meet to discuss practical ways the entire church might be later engaged in re-building lives.

To advance this planning initiative, we welcome the volunteer leadership of persons in and outside of the church.

Establish a special fund for all contributions - The Beacon of Light Fund at Great Bank, 525 Main Street, 60202; 847-869-4500. The Fund has already been established and welcomes donations from individuals, groups and organizations. The Fund will be used to support local initiatives to help families affected by Hurricane Katrina to begin re-building their lives in the Chicago area and beyond.

Develop a writing/advocacy initiative directed to our public officials. We must aggressively let our voices and concerns be heard by our elected leaders, especially concerning the deathly slow response of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and other governmental organizations.

Phase 3 -- By November/December 2005, SBC shall adopt an African-American Church destroyed in the Hurricane, helping it to rebuild (facilities) so that it will again be a Beacon of Light to that community.

Phase 4 -- We shall seek to help and meet the needs of identified relatives of SBC members.

Phase 5 -- We shall support college students who have suffered loss and been displaced by Hurricane Katrina, among the membership and beyond.

Phase 6 -- We shall adopt a family that has migrated to the Chicago area seeking a fresh start.

Phase 7 -- We are asking families to save funds or sacrifice one leisurely activity each week to purchase special gifts for children and families during the holidays (November - January). During the holiday season, we shall caravan down south to actively help those in need, particularly our adopted church.

Phase 8 -- We shall engage in a MINISTRY OF PRESENCE-coordinating a church-wide visit to the adopted Church and/or other identified community affected by the Hurricane. The visit will be tentatively scheduled for a 3-4 day weekend in November or December 2005.

Phase 9 -- Our local initiative will also involve adopting hurricane victims temporarily located at the JOHN J. MADDEN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER (near Brookfield Zoo)- providing general support, encouragement and expressions of love, community and practical assistance. At this facility, more than 60 seniors and a few children are seeking to recover and need our presence, prayers, and partnerships.

FINALLY -- This is an initiative in which every member of the church can become involved; and

We seek the volunteer leadership of all members.

We shall also seek the support of other Evanston churches, individuals and groups.

Together, we can become a Beacon of Light for our brothers and sisters who are trying to gain a fresh start.

Persons interested in serving with this effort should contact Rev. Dr. Johnny B. Hill (johnny.b.hill@sbcglobal.net) or Deacon C. L. Brown at the church office.