Some Notes on the Nashville Flood

By now, you have read and seen many reports on the flooding in and around Nashville. This weekend’s rains have completely changed many parts of the city and have left several well-known landmarks, such as the Grand Ole Opry, in several feet of water. About 20  have been confirmed dead as a result of the flooding and some workers fear that number could rise as the waters recede.

Over the past hours, I have seen the outpouring of love and kindness that lets me know what good people have in them. Countless people have volunteered to help, while others are helping in a financial way. And only the Lord knows how many prayers have been offered up to Him in the midst of this tragedy.

In our Lebanon Road family, we have about 7 members whose houses were completely underwater, and several others who had flooding of a basement or garage. Others had family members with similar harm. We are sorry for them, and are seeking to remain in contact and help in any way we can.

Since Monday morning, many have asked me the same question, “What can we do?” I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do know what we are doing at Lebanon Road, and I thought I would pass it along.

1. We are holding a special prayer service on Wednesday night. Some of our men have been asked to lead prayers for specific areas (those harmed, our business community, emergency workers and volunteers, etc.) that need prayers as we continue to recover. We have put a notice on our sign out front that everyone is welcome to this special prayer service.

2. We are helping with Churches of Christ Disaster Relief. Some of our members went today, and more will be going on Thursday, to help prepare supplies to be sent out to several distribution points in the greater Nashville area. As we are in a “wait and see” mode with our own members whose homes were destroyed, this gives us a direct way to help those who are providing assistance.

3. We are trying to keep our members informed. This is an ever-changing situation, and announcements come quickly. We are not trying to give out too much information, but we have sent out several emails and made a few phone calls so our members can plan ahead as much as possible in ways to help.

4. We are “funneling” anything given to us toward Disaster Relief. I have received messages from brothers and sisters in four different states asking what they can do to help. THANK YOU! Right now, we are asking them to donate money, but to “earmark” it for Churches of Christ Disaster Relief. We have a great relationship with them, and we will pass it their way.

5. Above all, we are spending time in prayer, and we ask you to do the same. This will last a long time. So many will be displaced for weeks, and even months. Our city’s “look and feel” has been changed for some time. Please pray that we will recover. Also pray that, with God’s help, some may come to know the Savior through all we seek to do.

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Following are some pictures from around the Internet. They are of the inside of the Grand Ole Opry and the Cascades area of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort.