Strohschein: Turning curiosity into caring

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Published on Thursday, July 10, 2014

By: Neil Strohschein

As I write these words, officials from the Province of Manitoba have stated that ‘they believe’ the Assiniboine River has crested in Brandon. But they have warned communities downstream from Brandon to prepare for a surge of water and have also indicated that a second crest is expected in Brandon within the next few days.

As usual, the efforts to protect major urban centres from rising flood waters grab the most media attention. In a few weeks, when water levels have returned to normal, the focus will shift to other pressing issues and the ongoing needs of those most directly impacted by the 2014 floods will no longer be front page news.

That is a sad commentary on the state of our society. We are a curious lot. We want to know what’s happening in our communities, in our country and in our world. We rely on electronic and print media to bring us pictures and reports that satisfy our curiosity. They do an excellent job of providing us with the information we seek. But they never ask us what we intend to do with that information – and that’s a question that should be asked.

I moved to Manitoba in August of 1996. The flood of the century hit communities along the Red River valley the following year. I was instantly impressed by the caring attitude I saw in people who were not directly affected by that flood. People offered what help they could. Organizations like the Red Cross, Mennonite Central Committee and others had no problem collecting donations of food, clothing, blankets and good used furniture for those who lost everything in that flood. Volunteers from all regions of this province donated their time (often taking vacation time to do it) to help clean and repair flooded homes and businesses.

I came to one conclusion very quickly. In Manitoba, we have learned how to turn curiosity into caring. If one of our neighbors is in need, we will come to their aid. That’s how our communities work. And now, it’s time for us to step up again and to go to the aid of our friends and neighbors in south west Manitoba.

Here are some things we can all do, starting now.

First, pray for those who are building dikes, shoring up dikes, and monitoring flood conditions. Pray for their safety and for wisdom to know what additional steps they should take to protect threatened homes and fields along the Assiniboine Valley. Pray that their decisions, while not popular, may prove to be the right decisions.

Second, look out for your neighbors. Every community in the Banner’s coverage area has homes, businesses and farms that could be seriously damaged by flooding. Be on alert. Be ready to loan pumps and other equipment (if you have it) or to help your neighbors protect buildings and move animals to higher ground. You never know who may need your help; so be alert and be ready to help if you are needed.

Third, as you offer help, remember these words of our Lord: “What you do for one of the least of my children, you do for me.” If you see a need that you can meet, meet it. If you find a hurt that you can heal, heal it. Seek out those no one else feels like helping and care for them. Do it on your Lord’s behalf, in his strength and for his glory. As the late Mother Theresa said: “Let Jesus touch others through you.”