I'm sure you've been watching the news as I have and that your heart also has been wrenched at the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in the Southern part of our country. I've been particularly disheartened at the response of so many to the seemingly slow response and delivery of emergency supplies and needs.

The looting, violence, spattering of shootings at the very people who have come to aid are shocking. While the anger displayed is understandable, it seems quite remarkable that those who come to help would be treated so viciously and that so many who are in such deep need and vulnerability would be willing to cross the boundaries of human decency and common respect.

God help us, the Church of Simi Valley and the Church of the United States, to respond with kindness, faithfulness and fortitude in the face of such incredible circumstances. May He guide us through these difficult days of considering how to help.

I believe that some of what we are seeing strikes at the very heart of the series I am beginning this month called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. The premise is that you cannot separate your spiritual maturity from your emotional maturity. You cannot be emotionally immature and spiritually mature. It's a painful truth and one very worth exploring.

It's been said, "What's really inside a man comes out when he is squeezed." When the heat is on, the pressure is mounting and push comes to shove, what one is really made of gushes forth.

I heard today that New Orleans has the highest crime rate in the country. Sociologically, emotionally, that kind of violence comes from the heart and its condition. What we are now seeing is what has really been seething just below the surface in an entire region of people.

What would our response be in such devastating circumstances? Hmmmm ...... I do believe with all my heart that this series will be life-transforming for us all. Don't miss it, and while you're at it, bring a friend, or two, or more!

Corresponding with this series, we have the privilege of hosting The Emotionally Healthy Marriage Seminar on Tuesday, October 18, 7-9 pm. Then, on Wednesday, October 19, 9 am - 4 pm, we will host The Emotionally Healthy Church Conference for Pastors and Church Leaders.

Both the Marriage Seminar (open to all couples) and the Pastors/Leaders Conference (open to any Pastors and Church leaders) will be led by Pastor Pete Scazzero, based on the book he authored, The Emotionally Healthy Church. (You can order the book directly from our website on the Conference page). His wife, Geri, will co-lead the Marriage Seminar as well.

I mention these to get you praying and to ask you to mark the dates on your calendar. I am encouraging ALL couples of NewHeart to make the Marriage Seminar a priority in your schedule. There is no cost, and the investment of those two hours can only strengthen your marriage relationship. What married couple DOESN'T need that?

Then, I am asking all of our Church Leaders to make The Emotionally Healthy Church Conference a priority that Wednesday. I know some will not be able to take the day off work, but many can. Let me just say I believe it will be worth it as we grow into our future together as a church family. There will be a cost to the Conference, but I believe it will be a worthy one.