(Mine and Amber von Schooneveld from Hope Lives and a few others)
I've been told that there are over 2,000 verses in the Bible concerning poverty, the needy, the oppressed, widows and orphans. With that many verses, it must be of utmost importance to the creator. The One who created those in need. Why is it then, that the subject isn't often spoken of from the pulpit? Why are people afraid to hear such messages? Or are they? I'm just wondering.
"There will always be poor people in the land." Deuteronomy 15:11 If this verse is right, how can we even begin to put a "dent" into the problem of poverty? One child at a time, one person at a time, one project at a time?
For those of you who like to see statistics, here's a few:
1.2 billion people in the world are living in extreme poverty on less than a dollar a day.
Nearly 30,000 children under the age of 5 are dying each day of hunger and preventable diseases.
38.6 million people are diagnosed with HIV worldwide.
1.2 million children are trafficked each year as slaves.
854 million people are hungry today.
The Gross National Income per capita in the USA in 2003 was $37,610. In India it was $530. In Ethiopia it was $90.
I wonder if this is what God invisioned when he created the world--when he created man. God explains to us in Isaiah 58:1-3, 5-7 what He believes true fasting to be:
"Why have we fasted," they say, "and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?" Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers...
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
What does God want from us His church? James says that "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27)
Does this mean to ignore them or to help them? Do we neglect them or do we care for them?
I need to open my eyes to the choices I'm making. "I've been commissioned by God to use my power, resources, and love to reach out to the poor and oppressed in the world." (Amber Van Schooneveld) Paul tells me: "Don't be selfish...Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too." (Philippians 2:3-4)
God would like to see that each of his people would have enough bread to live on day by day and be given enough dignity to thrive. That's God's justice. True charity is love. True charity is mercy. Bono stated: "This is not about charity in the end, is it? It's about justice...I just want to repeat that: This is not about charity, it's about justice." "Mercy goes beyond justice...Mercy is costly. Look what it cost God: the infinitely precious life of his own Son." Peter Kreeft--Back To Virtue
Love motivates us. Christ wants to transform me by his love. God wants to transform me into a new person. He asks that I love Him and love others. Do I love Him enough to love the poor? I hope so, because "he who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." (Proverbs 14:31)
Becoming like and loving the poor was at the heart of Christ's ministry.
Matthew 25:31-46 According to this passage, if I see someone hungry and I don't feed him, if I see someone naked and don't clothe him.....
John says: 'let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Helping those in need is central to following Christ. "He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?' declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 22:16)
We become Christ to those we help.
"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them." Bono
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
National Cancer Survivors Day
June 7, 2009
Today is a day to remember those who have beaten their cancer diagnosis. Whether they have been through treatments that have made them so sick they couldn't stand it, or if they have chosen alternate means of dealing with their illness, I just want to recognize those in my sphere that have experienced cancer and survived.
A "Shout-Out" goes to:
my dear friend Cindy who has been about 3 years cancer free. She was there for me when I learned of my breast cancer. Right after the doctor's phone call, Cindy was the first person I contacted. Charley was home with me, Jim was at work, Caleb was in Hollywood, Cory was in Madagascar, Carey was in Tennessee. Cindy came right over until Jim could get away. Thank you Cindy for being there for me. I appreciate you. I am so glad that you have been cancer free for 3 years.
my sister-in-law Helen who has struggled with different forms of cancer for years. I was fortunate to have her around to talk to, share my fears, and share my thoughts.
my cousin Barbara Dean who has been cancer free for 5 years.
my Uncle Charles who I don't get to see often, but has been cancer free for a while now.
my friend Odie who has been cancer free for years as well.
my good friend's son Dominic who left his cancer behind 8 years ago.
There may be others that I have forgotten--if so I'm sorry but congratulations to you as well. There may be some that I don't know about--I recognize you too. For those who have lost the battle, my heart goes out to those families. Unfortunately my brother and father didn't make it. However, I'm so happy to have had the years I did with them.
Ways I chose to celebrate my 2 years cancer free in February of '09.
Dinner at Famous Dave's with family and friends.
A little pain.
My pink ribbon tat.
Today is a day to remember those who have beaten their cancer diagnosis. Whether they have been through treatments that have made them so sick they couldn't stand it, or if they have chosen alternate means of dealing with their illness, I just want to recognize those in my sphere that have experienced cancer and survived.
A "Shout-Out" goes to:
my dear friend Cindy who has been about 3 years cancer free. She was there for me when I learned of my breast cancer. Right after the doctor's phone call, Cindy was the first person I contacted. Charley was home with me, Jim was at work, Caleb was in Hollywood, Cory was in Madagascar, Carey was in Tennessee. Cindy came right over until Jim could get away. Thank you Cindy for being there for me. I appreciate you. I am so glad that you have been cancer free for 3 years.
my sister-in-law Helen who has struggled with different forms of cancer for years. I was fortunate to have her around to talk to, share my fears, and share my thoughts.
my cousin Barbara Dean who has been cancer free for 5 years.
my Uncle Charles who I don't get to see often, but has been cancer free for a while now.
my friend Odie who has been cancer free for years as well.
my good friend's son Dominic who left his cancer behind 8 years ago.
There may be others that I have forgotten--if so I'm sorry but congratulations to you as well. There may be some that I don't know about--I recognize you too. For those who have lost the battle, my heart goes out to those families. Unfortunately my brother and father didn't make it. However, I'm so happy to have had the years I did with them.
Ways I chose to celebrate my 2 years cancer free in February of '09.
Dinner at Famous Dave's with family and friends.
A little pain.
My pink ribbon tat.
Friday, June 5, 2009
World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk
Pray For Children At Risk--June 6-7, 2009
Children have always been a priority for Jesus; He placed His hands on them, prayed for them and blessed them.
Children all over the world are living and dying in poverty.
"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isaiah 42:6-7
Life on the streets: Children who live or work on the streets have no one to protect them and are vulnerable to exploitation and the dangers of drugs, rape, violence, HIV/AIDS, and relentless poverty. An estimated 150 million children live on the world's streets.
Child Labor: Rather than going to school, 170 million children worldwide go to work--many in oppressive, abusive, and hazardous situations.
Sexual exploitation: Children trapped in prostitution suffer deep emotional wounds, physical harm, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that 2 million children are enslaved in the global sex trade.
Disabilities: Between 120 and 150 million children live with disabilities, the majority in developing countries and in cultures where they may be shunned, hidden from view, abused because of their disability, or abandoned on the streets.
Conflict: Thousands of children are abducted by rebel armies to be sex slaves or armed soldiers. Others are left disabled, homeless, orphaned, or even dead.
"Whosoever welcomes a little child...in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:5
Agnes' Story
"They came at night," 10-year-old Agnes remembers with a shudder. "I refused to go, but the rebels said they would kill me if I didn't."
For six months Agnes lived at gunpoint in the bush of northern Uganda and was beaten every other day. She was forced to witness murders and even take part in a group killing.
During a shoot-out with government soldiers, Agnes fled and found refuge at World Vision's Gulu Children of War Rehabilitation Center. Here she has new clothes, food, health care, an education, and staff who love her.
"I like the prayer here the best," she says. "It's helped me clear up the visions of things I've seen. I believe God has forgiven me for what I have done."
(above information from World Vison)
(also see www.viva.org)
Children have always been a priority for Jesus; He placed His hands on them, prayed for them and blessed them.
Children all over the world are living and dying in poverty.
"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isaiah 42:6-7
Life on the streets: Children who live or work on the streets have no one to protect them and are vulnerable to exploitation and the dangers of drugs, rape, violence, HIV/AIDS, and relentless poverty. An estimated 150 million children live on the world's streets.
Child Labor: Rather than going to school, 170 million children worldwide go to work--many in oppressive, abusive, and hazardous situations.
Sexual exploitation: Children trapped in prostitution suffer deep emotional wounds, physical harm, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that 2 million children are enslaved in the global sex trade.
Disabilities: Between 120 and 150 million children live with disabilities, the majority in developing countries and in cultures where they may be shunned, hidden from view, abused because of their disability, or abandoned on the streets.
Conflict: Thousands of children are abducted by rebel armies to be sex slaves or armed soldiers. Others are left disabled, homeless, orphaned, or even dead.
"Whosoever welcomes a little child...in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:5
Agnes' Story
"They came at night," 10-year-old Agnes remembers with a shudder. "I refused to go, but the rebels said they would kill me if I didn't."
For six months Agnes lived at gunpoint in the bush of northern Uganda and was beaten every other day. She was forced to witness murders and even take part in a group killing.
During a shoot-out with government soldiers, Agnes fled and found refuge at World Vision's Gulu Children of War Rehabilitation Center. Here she has new clothes, food, health care, an education, and staff who love her.
"I like the prayer here the best," she says. "It's helped me clear up the visions of things I've seen. I believe God has forgiven me for what I have done."
(above information from World Vison)
(also see www.viva.org)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I Can See (Clearly) Now
This title reminds me of a Johnny Nash song:
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is a rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.
Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.
Our time in Madagascar wasn't about being with the KKIM (Kings Kids International Madagascar) team at all. It wasn't being in ministry with them or going to their days of meetings. That's not what it was about. I can see that now a little more clearly.
It was about those children at the bottom of the hill who ran over to the "faza's" (white people) with a smile and hands outstretched for a cookie or a piece of candy.
It was about those moms walking along the street with their babies on their backs smiling broadly when we handed them a beanie for their baby to wear.
It was about a family that offered us a ride to town so we wouldn't have to take the crowded bus, even though their car broke down along the way.
It was about those street women with their little babies asking if we knew anyone that could take them in since they were being harrassed by the police.
It was about the street kids looking for a handout or following us around town.
It was about the man twisted on the sidewalk begging for a coin.
It was about the little girl in the wheelchair with paralyzed legs oh so thin.
It was about families watching their territory on the streets hoping for a handout.
It was about true friends that treated us like we were special--providing us with feasts though they thought it was so little.
It was about true Malagasy culture and hospitality.
My dream for years was to visit Africa. I had that chance. Even though things didn't go as planned, I'm glad we went. I'm glad that I got to see how most of the world lives. I'm glad Charley got to experience that as well. We had good times along with the bad. It was about getting uncomfortable. It was about stepping out of our comfort zone. Do I wish things had turned out differently? Yes I must say. Would I trade the positive experiences? No
It wasn't about me and it wasn't about a ministry team. It was seeing with the eyes of God. Reaching out to the poor and the needy. Blessing them with a tangible object, a word of encouragement or a simple smile. It was being Jesus to someone. Becoming like and loving the poor was at the heart of Christ's ministry.
I love the Brandon Heath song: "Give Me Your Eyes". I wanted God to open our eyes to see those around us-the broken, the destitute, the poor, the needy, the orphans, the needy.
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see.
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity.
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see.
"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."
Bob Pierce, Founder of World Vision
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is a rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.
Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.
Our time in Madagascar wasn't about being with the KKIM (Kings Kids International Madagascar) team at all. It wasn't being in ministry with them or going to their days of meetings. That's not what it was about. I can see that now a little more clearly.
It was about those children at the bottom of the hill who ran over to the "faza's" (white people) with a smile and hands outstretched for a cookie or a piece of candy.
It was about those moms walking along the street with their babies on their backs smiling broadly when we handed them a beanie for their baby to wear.
It was about a family that offered us a ride to town so we wouldn't have to take the crowded bus, even though their car broke down along the way.
It was about those street women with their little babies asking if we knew anyone that could take them in since they were being harrassed by the police.
It was about the street kids looking for a handout or following us around town.
It was about the man twisted on the sidewalk begging for a coin.
It was about the little girl in the wheelchair with paralyzed legs oh so thin.
It was about families watching their territory on the streets hoping for a handout.
It was about true friends that treated us like we were special--providing us with feasts though they thought it was so little.
It was about true Malagasy culture and hospitality.
My dream for years was to visit Africa. I had that chance. Even though things didn't go as planned, I'm glad we went. I'm glad that I got to see how most of the world lives. I'm glad Charley got to experience that as well. We had good times along with the bad. It was about getting uncomfortable. It was about stepping out of our comfort zone. Do I wish things had turned out differently? Yes I must say. Would I trade the positive experiences? No
It wasn't about me and it wasn't about a ministry team. It was seeing with the eyes of God. Reaching out to the poor and the needy. Blessing them with a tangible object, a word of encouragement or a simple smile. It was being Jesus to someone. Becoming like and loving the poor was at the heart of Christ's ministry.
I love the Brandon Heath song: "Give Me Your Eyes". I wanted God to open our eyes to see those around us-the broken, the destitute, the poor, the needy, the orphans, the needy.
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see.
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity.
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see.
"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."
Bob Pierce, Founder of World Vision
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