The devastation that we have seen this week in the Gulf Coast region and especially New Orleans is almost beyond our capacity to understand. Our instinct is to do something – anything – to help those in need, but when the crisis is this huge, what does one do?

Writing for National Review Online, Karen Woods, the Director of Acton’s Center for Effective Compassion, lays out some ways that we can most effectively use our resources to help the many thousands who are in need.

When we give, we are demonstrating that each of us bears the image of God. Even the smallest, simplest act is of great value.

Many people are suffering this weekend, and will be for some time e. There are ways that those of us who were not in the path of the storm can help. I encourage you to seek out a reputable charity this weekend and give, if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to pray for those who have lost homes, property, and loved ones in this terrible calamity.