Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy.


It is the death knell for many worthy projects.  Needs constantly present themselves and resources are committed to meet the needs. Why are not more needs easily met when the resources stand ready and available?


Bureaucracy.


I remember FEMA trailers bogged down in muddy fields in the greater New Orleans metropolis during Katrina. Even though  trailers were shipped to address the growing needs, numbers of families displaced by the waters of the hurricane still remained in shelters or with families. The trailers were close, but not close enough to meet the needs of the needy. Why?


Bureaucracy.


It seems simple...you have a need and a resource is committed to meeting the need. But the need continues even though the resources are at hand. Blame is shifted, fingers are pointed and decisions are on hold because turf battles are being fought in some distant office. All the while, people remain homeless even though temporary housing is available.


After serving in disaster response in Slidell, Pearl River, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Wapello, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Houston, Galveston, Jasper and Cordova, Alabama, I have seen my fair share of bureaucratic tangles and tie-ups. 


As "hurricane season" approaches and as tornadoes continue to steal lives and damage property, Joplin Missouri will now be in the spotlight. Resources are being stretched thin and often the needs outpace the funding streams.


My prayer is that all resources will flow to meet the needs and none will be hampered by crippling bureaucracies. This is why churches and non-profits are often the first to respond to disasters. They are are not encumbered like government agencies.


Standing on the streets of Slidell Louisiana in the aftermath of Katrina,  I was talking with a local resident.  He said, "look around...do you see any government officials? Do you see anybody from the city, the parish, the state?"  While I was looking around he answered his own question. "Nope! The only people you see are people from churches working in our community." Then he said, "Thanks for coming!"

I love when bureaucratic knots are untangled and people with genuine needs find and are able to restore their lives. I love being part of a church that responds to needs with all of her resources. Today I will respond to needs with all of the resources that God has given me right here where I live.