Turn on the television news or the Weather Channel, or pick up a newspaper anywhere these days and you will likely be inundated with reports of flooding somewhere in the U.S.

For many of us, our experiences with flooding in Minot make it especially disturbing to watch others go through the same thing. Been there, done that, still hurts.

We can be assured, though, that today’s flood victims will not have to go through the recovery process alone. Help will step up, from within those very communities or maybe through strangers living high and dry states away. They will get help. Hopefully, enough.

Recalling Minot’s greatest flood, in 2011, there was all kinds of help available to homeowners who lost homes or had severely damaged dwellings. Among the angels that pitched in to help with the recovery were the churches – churches of all faiths. Local, regional and national ministries whose members are always poised to step into such situations.

One of the groups that “mucked out” flooded homes in Minot was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Mormons were almost professionals at it. They had a system down, had the man and woman power, were skilled in many ways and as such were able to completely muck out and gut multiple, entire houses in a single day.

It is so good to see that same commitment to community demonstrated these days by all of the churches in Minot and the surrounding area. The Pursuit has been very active outside the walls of their sanctuary. The Men’s Winter Refuge is another mission organized and staffed by area believers. Soup kitchens, food pantries … the list of continued good works goes on.

Most recently we learned through Senior Reporter Jill Schramm about the efforts of Eagle’s Wings Community Fellowship and other churches to help people overcome addictions.

Why churches?

Why not?

As Schramm put it, “Addiction touches nearly everyone in some way, and the church isn’t exempt.”

What might be remarkable to non-believers is not all that surprising to others. The programs – the extended hands of help, if you will – are faith-based but not faith-required. You didn’t have to be Christian to have the Mormons muck out your house and the same goes for addicts in the community seeking assistance.

That point was made pleasantly clear through one of the pastors Schramm interviewed for her article in Sunday’s edition.

“Another faith-based approach is the Celebrate Recovery program that First Baptist Church brought to Minot in April 2018.

” ‘A good church is about its community, not just about itself, ‘ “ said Senior Pastor Kent Hinkel. “Celebrate Recovery has the potential to put us on the leading edge of service to this community over the long haul. It really can help change lives.’ “

Addiction touches all of us in some way. Thanks in part to area churches, help has arrived – in great strength