A few years ago, I had an opportunity to spend some time with the Miami/Dade Fire and Rescue team. And they were telling me about this thing called the “Golden Hour.” It’s that crucial time between an accident and when the victim gets help. Right now, the city of Joplin, Missouri is in the middle of their own golden hour.

At 5:41 pm CST on Sunday, May 22, the deadliest tornado to hit the USA in over 50 years touched down in that community. The death toll is still rising.

In a time of crisis, people rush to help. As Christians, we should be leading out to help, because it is the perfect picture of how God rescued us.

That’s the essence of the Bible; it’s the reason that Jesus came: to search and rescue. To help those who are lost and dying. To seek those who are facing the destruction of the tornadoes in life.

If you’re a follower of Christ, God has put a lifeline in your hands. He trusts you and me enough that he has put us in a position to help. It’s our choice to extend the love of Christ to victims facing a seemingly hopeless situation. It’s all about communicating the essence of the Church and extending the love of Christ by taking action…

Less than 24 hours after the tornado touched down in Joplin, a team from a nearby C3 Global church was on the ground. Right now, you have an opportunity to reach out as well to bring hope and the beginning of healing to that city.

For details on how you can help, visit our C3 Global Initiative.

Every amount helps. Every amount is needed. And every amount is a reflection of the love, mercy and hope that God has in store for the people of Joplin facing their own golden hour.