Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 9-12-17

Letters To The Editor
To All Believers - Governor and President: Pray As You Plan For Hurricane Irma
As I watch the news and attend various meetings, I have seen a missing ingredient that has been the back- bone in building this great country called America, in spite of its many faults!
In the past believers and non- believers would always begin their meetings with prayer! We, as Black people, know the power of prayer!
I believe hurricanes are an act of nature. Also, I believe God can control nature. Hurri- canes are not new to God or man. Man has changed the natural environments that were used to control hurricanes and storms.
Once there was a photo of an Indian weeping as he saw the destruction of his land. Now we can see the cause and effect of changing this land.
However, when we turn on our TV and watch the news, all we see are people rushing to Home Depot, Lowes, CVS, Sam’s, Walmart, Walgreens, Dollar Tree, gas sta- tions and various other places to pre- pare for Hurricane Irma. How many peo- pledoweseeonTV rushing to the church house, mosque, syna- gogue or any houses of faith to pray to the God that created the earth and control the winds,
to pray that Hurricane Irma changes its course and disinte- grate?
Can we, as believ- ers, pray as we plan? As we often hear the preacher say, “Faith without works is dead or nothing.” Then in the other ear I hear, “it’s impossible to please God without faith and nothing is impossible with God.”
However, there is a spiritual prescription in receiving an answer to our prayer. When we pray we must come before God with a clean heart/spirit, re- pent, confess our sins and make a commit- ment to live right and treat all people right. Then we can walk in faith knowing God’s mercy is new every day!
According to the Bible there is a Prince of the Air - the com- mander of the powers in the unseen world. Galatians 2: 2...
But God says, Greater is He/ Jesus who is in us than he that is in the world.
Therefore, we, as believers, should pray as we plan for Hurri- cane Irma and Hurri- cane Jose who are threatening our lives.
We pray that God will protect and con- tinue to bless America. God Bless America! Amen!
REV. WILLIE DIXON
Citizen Sets Up ‘Victims Of Hurricane Irma’ Fund
Gofundme: https://www.go- fundme.com/victims- of-hurricane-irma-fund
I am tired of giving money to organiza- tions who claim to help others, but utilize only a small percentage of the funds collected in the name of charity. I understand that there should be some opera- tional cost; however, any organization spending less than 50%-70% on the “Cause,” which should solely be charity is in business under false pretense.
The upcoming months and possible years may become des- perate times for mil- lions of people in the U. S., citizens and non-cit- izens alike, affected by Hurricane Irma. I’d like to start a small or- ganization which will utilize the funds col- lected to supply food, water, clothes, shoes, furniture, etc., to vic-
tims needing immedi- ate help.
My first trip will be to supply dry goods, personal hygiene sup- plies and water in order to access the need and make direct contact with victims of Hurricane Irma. Once the need is accessed the supply will con- tinue as long as needed or as long as your char- ity permits.
Anyone wanting to do more than supply money is welcomed as your hands of assis-
tance will be needed at some point. We are supposed to be good stewards of our money, time, and talents. Let’s actually make sure that the money is being used wisely and for the purpose stated.
I am a regular citizen and I live in Tampa, FL. I used to live in Saint Croix, U. S. Virgin Is- lands prior to moving to Tampa, FL. I want to make a difference and help those in need of help. I work full time and am willing to sacri- fice my weekends to be on the road moving supplies to the areas affected by Hurricane Irma. Nevertheless, utilizing the shipping companies will prove to be a great asset in getting things done at a more expedient rate.
God Bless America.
Help spread the word!
MICHELLE PEREIRA TAMPA
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL-BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2017