I am writing to "brag" a little bit about our Southern Baptist Convention, our Georgia Baptist Convention, and our disaster relief teams. On two trips down to the Gulf Coast I have had the opportunity to see them at work and I can honestly say that we Baptists are second to none. Our efforts are better than FEMA, better than the Red Cross, better than any other social agency.

Having grown up a Southern Baptist and having served in local congregations, I have known that we had disaster relief ministries but I never experienced them in action. Now I have seen what they can do and it is impressive.

I watched as meals were prepared for victims and aid workers. I saw chainsaw crews preparing to go out and clear debris. I saw aid in the form of food, water, baby items, personal hygiene packets, etc. being distributed to those in need. And along with all the meeting of immediate physical needs, I saw spiritual needs being attended to as well. I am proud to be a part of such a caring community.

It is my hope that all Southern Baptists will give towards disaster relief in their own church and through the disaster relief offerings in their state conventions.