It can seem so daunting that it is easy to just hope someone else will tackle the problems we see, but I certainly am very passionate about each of us doing whatever we can do, however large or small, to tackle the seemingly impossible mountain of dire poverty that is literally reality for too much of humanity. We have said for far too long, 'the problem is too big, Therefore, what can I possibly do that will make a difference?', which then creates a comfortable space between others' reality, and our responsibility. With all my heart, I encourage you to Be a good steward of where you will spend time, energy and finance to help... but don't judge the poor, or the many levels of poor, or how the poor became poor... but IF IT IS IN YOUR POWER TO HELP... THEN HELP. If we all took this on board personally, we would certainly be easing the plight of so many. To even slightly understand the effect of injustice and poverty, you've got to let it touch you, let it wash over you. Almost everybody feels compassion, but it takes personal leadership to move to action - using what's in YOUR hand.
I am NO expert on these matters, but I know through personal experience, that it doesn't take much to start taking steps toward becoming an agent of change... through your own local church and community, through great organisations such as Compassion, Samaritans Purse, World Vision, Opportunity international, the list goes on and on. Compassion and Mercy Ministries being two of our great loves in life, and I guess HopeRwanda, which is a global church mission, is a great example of the power of a whole lot of people working together, in one place, at one time, in unity, to see a Nation propelled into HOPE... To be honest, I am quite ruined for anything else... I believe the responsibility of us as the church, and us as effective individuals, must make sure that the words we sing, and the lives we live are one and the same... that to worship in spirit and in truth is of premium importance in each of our lives. As our hearts are changed in His presence, we MUST respond to the greater call, and as uncomfortable as this may be, to answer the groan of a humanity under sustained pressure.
I actually believe that the power of preaching is diminished without follow through of practical answers, and the challenge for the church is to bring alongside the great message of strength and leadership, true spiritual answers that are tied to practical solutions.
Take Mercy for example, Mercy Ministries is a bridge between society and the church, a way for the broken to find their way through to The Healer.... Compassion International, it's a juncture for these kids, in a village, that may have never heard the GOOD news, but here is the gospel presented in a way where they hear good news, taste good news, and feel good news.... The gospel made flesh.
I think as human beings, there is something in us that wants to remove risk from our lives, even as mature Christians we can be like this... yet Jesus lived a life full of risk, touching need and letting it touch Him, the problems of the world up close to Him...... Yet we can tend to build lives that distances challenge away from us... emotionally, physically. My challenge to us is to pull poverty and social need close to you.
