When the Horror Is Beyond Your Comprehension…What Can You Do?
You see the pictures and you read the horrific stories in Afghanistan. You watch the devastation from a 7.2 earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace in Haiti.
And I could name a dozen other places around the world where war, totalitarian governments, genocide, drought, storms and internal clashes are devastating whole nations and people groups.
How does your mind—and especially your heart—handle all this? What can you do to make a difference? Here are a few thoughts:
PRAY
We can all do this, the most powerful intervention and impact we can have. Here are some Scriptures to cry out to God and cling to Him with—may they help you pray in this seemingly helpless time:
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!” (Psalm 130:1-2)
“I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.”
(Psalm 73:23-26)
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1-3)
“ These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
GIVE
You can give to those who are in place to help. Here are a few ministries and organizations I believe are trustworthy. There are many more. Ask God what He would have you to do.
Helping in Haiti:
1. Unto (A Cru MInistry)
Relieve Suffering, Restore Dignity, Reveal Hope Through Humanitarian Aid.
"We have an active campaign now to provide relief to the people who are suffering in Haiti in cooperation with our Cru partners there. You can read more about it using the link shown here -- there is an opportunity to give (by mail or by phone) on that page as well." https://unto.com/disaster-relief/
2. New Missions
(Mission Organization in Haiti based in Orlando, Florida)
Serving in Haiti, providing quality education, daily school lunches and medical care.
3. World Relief
Responding to crises in Afghanistan and Haiti
4. Compassion International
www.compassioninternational.com
(On their website, type Haiti in the search feature at the top right of the home page. This will bring up some links about the crisis in Haiti, one of which is how to donate to the need in Haiti.)
An American child sponsorship and Christian humanitarian aid organization that aims to positively impact long-term development of children living in poverty, globally.
5. World Vision International
An evangelical Christian humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organization.
The crisis in Haiti is highlighted on the home page, along with a donate button.
6. Hope Fleet
We are a Christian, non-profit, humanitarian organization, operating primarily in the Caribbean. We sail essential supplies, services, and hope to the children who need it most.
Helping in Afghanistan
1. Unto (A Cru Ministry)
Relieve Suffering, Restore Dignity, Reveal Hope Through Humanitarian Aid.
We serve the refugees who flee to neighboring countries by providing them with essential humanitarian aid (e.g., food, water, shelter, etc.) We work in cooperation with Cru partners who are already located in those outlying countries and build long-lasting relationships -- they share the gospel when the time is right.
"We have not yet launched our campaign specific to the Afghanistan refugee crisis, but an interested donor could give to this link and indicate in the comments field "Afghanistan" and we would know how to direct their gift. A printable gift form is located on that page if that is desirable. https://unto.com/donate/?desig=0873054
2. Preemptive Love Coalition
Serving and responding to the crisis in Afghanistan
3. World Relief
Responding to crises in Afghanistan and Haiti
Refugees
These current situations, especially in Afghanistan, will create many new refugees who have fled for their lives. Here are three ministries involved in helping to settle those who come to the United States. There are many others.
1. Evangelical Immigration Table
www.evangelicalimmigrationtable.com
A national movement of Christians committed to learning more about what the Bible says about "welcoming the stranger," and living out these biblical principles in our churches, our communities and our nation."
2. We Welcome Refugees
Jesus was clear: whatever we do to serve the vulnerable among us, we are in fact serving him. In Matthew 25 he reminds us of this truth. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” We are a community committed to Choosing Welcome. We are advocates of the upside down kingdom. We believe that welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, loving our neighbor and enemy are core tenants of the Christian faith.
3. Home for Refugees
http://www.homeforrefugeesusa.org/
Home for Refugees USA seeks to establish collaborative relationships between faith groups and community groups and refugees in order for refugees to achieve a sense of feeling at home in their new communities. We do this through training and coaching Community Sponsorship Teams, which we call Home Teams, who partner with Refugee Resettlement Agencies and organizations to resettle refugees. Our purpose is to offer support to help relieve the tragedy of displacement and loss for families and individuals having to leave a place they once called home, and help them regain independent and self-sufficient living as they create their new home in the United States.
WHERE DOES YOUR HEART CONNECT?
One more thing you can do: Look at your passions, the things your heart responds to, and ask God if there is some way, through these ministries, or in some other way, you can be truly involved in reaching out to those who are in danger, have lost so much, who see no where to go.
Then I encourage you to follow this impassioned plea from Beth Moore:
Pray for Afghanistan & Haiti. Take that angst, grief, concern, bafflement & indignation to the feet of Jesus & let them tumble forth in pleas for mercy, action & leadership, knowing the Spirit intercedes according to God’s will. Just show up at the throne and groan. But show up.
What about you? What might you do?
C2021 Judy Douglass