Many of you are aware that less than a month ago (I posted about it here) - a fire deeply impacted the neighborhood which the simple way community calls home. They have posted some new ways that we can help them in this time of need. See their website and note especially the CALL OF THE DAY posted on the right margin of their web page.

May we all stand with our brothers and sisters of the simple way in these days.

The Simple Way

I have added updated information in how we can all help the simple way as they recover from Wednesday Morning’s fire.

Check it out here.

From The Simple Way
UPDATE!

6/21/07
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There is a new way to donate to the cause of rebuilding The Simple Way…

Donate using this link.

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6/20/07 12:30PM
This morning(Wednesday June 20, 2007), a 7-alarm fire consumed an abandoned warehouse in our Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia. The Simple Way Community Center at 3200 Potter Street was destroyed as well as at least eight of our neighbors’ homes. Over 100 people were evacuated from their homes, and 400 families are currently without power. Despite this developing tragedy, we are incredibly thankful to share that all of our community members and every one of our neighbors is safely out of harm’s way.

This fire will forever change the fabric of our community. Eight families are currently homeless, and in many cases have lost their vehicles as well as their homes. One of our neighbors, the Mahaias Family, lost their three cars as well as the equipment one family member uses for her massage therapy business. Teenager Brian Mahaias is devastated not because he has lost his belongings, but because he fears that this fire will force him to move away from this neighborhood that is his family as well as his home.

The Simple Way has lost a community center that was home to our Yes! And… afterschool program, community arts center, and Cottage Printworks t-shirt micro-business as well as to two of our community members. Community members Shane Claiborne and Jesce Walz have lost all of their belongings, Yes! And…’s after school studio and library were ruined, and community member Justin Donner’s Cottage Printworks equipment and t-shirts were destroyed.

We are thankful that we are able to help each other during this time of need, and we will continue to keep your informed about today’s events.

We have established funds to support the families who have lost their homes, the Yes! And… afterschool program, and the Simple Way community.

A fund to support the families has been established through a partner organization, EAPE. Tax-deductible donations can be made at https://www.tonycampolo.org/online_donation.php . Please make sure to put “Kensington Families Fund ” in the memo section.

Donations to the Rebuilding Fund can be made via PayPal to contribute@awip.us.

-The Simple Way Community

Regardless of the weather in Blacksburg, VA (indeed in many places) today - it will be a dark day. Many today will have to face unanswered questions, shock turning to anger, the stark reality that loss hurts, and the burden of enduring a senseless and massive tragedy. Families from across our nation will again face their own more private pain as this tragedy resurfaces their own tragic losses and pains.

No simple answers or well-meaning words will ease the wounds and searing pain of such tragic circumstances. Our Lord didn’t shout words at us in the midst of our troubles and trials. Our Lord became flesh and dwelt among us. Our Lord, the suffering servant, came and suffered right alongside us. May we be present today, this week and in the future with those who suffer - offering our presence and walking with those who mourn. May we “be there”
for those who mourn and for those who must walk this tragic road.

A Prayer for Those Who Suffer:

God, Father all-powerful, you who know our pain and see our tears, listen to our prayer. We believe that you will hear us in this time of difficulty and suffering. Help us keep the image of your Son ever before us, and let us feel the healing calm of your embrace. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

For those of you who work with youth and you want to address this issue of mourning, weeping with those who weep, and finding God when tragedy strikes - you will find some helpful resources here.