Dispatch from Ringgold: Voices of Compassion

(Editor's Note: This article was originally published May 4, 2011. It is a first-hand account from Bob Nunn, who is a Snellville resident and member of Snellville UMC.)

A couple of years ago, God blessed me with the opportunity to go to Nicaragua on a mission trip with members of Snellville United Methodist Church. The work was hard, but rewarding.

Upon arrival home, when asked about my experience there, I said it was great except for the fact that I couldn’t communicate with the people because of our language barrier. I felt I would have been able to say something that may have given them some comfort.

Last weekend, I was again blessed with the opportunity to go with a group of volunteers from Snellville United Methodist Church to help with disaster relief from the tornado in Ringgold, Georgia. Once again, the work was demanding, but rewarding. However, this time I could communicate with the people but unfortunately I felt I didn’t have the words which may have given them comfort.

Thinking back on last weekend, I now understand one of the ways that God speaks to me is to do His work; not through words, but through deeds. I pray in some way my actions brought comfort to the wonderful people of Ringgold.

I am blessed to be in the Cornerstone Men’s Bible study group at SUMC. Our motto is a bible verse from 1 John 3:18 “Let us not love with words or talk, but with our actions and in our truth.” I never realized it more than I did in Ringold.

Anything any of us can do for the tornado victims; be it volunteering, donations and especially prayer will help the people get their lives back to normal. Remember, He is in charge.

God is good!.....Always!!!

-- Bob Nunn

-----------

This is the third in a three-part series.

Part 1: Dispatch from Ringgold: Bird's Eye View

Part 2: Dispatch from Ringgold: Humanity in Action