Last Friday, while on a pastoral visit, I was asked where God is in the tragedy of the Haiti earthquake. Now there are no pat answers to a question like that, particularly for those caught up in the disaster itself, but in responding I talked about God becoming a victim of violence and death in order to show his love to us which suggests that he is alongside all who are victims themselves and about the inspiration that Christ's sacrifice has been for others to go and do likewise which suggests that he is inspires many of those bringing aid and relief.
That same evening I was at Solid:Remix, a youth event in Chelmsford Cathedral with the youth group from St John's Seven Kings. It featured giant Inflatables, big screen console games, music, graffiti art and much more. You might have thought it was just about young people having a good time and forgetting about the troubles of the world but, as part of the worship that followed the games, these young people were challenged to become people who use their God-given talents and abilities for the benefit of others. The situation in Haiti was highlighted for prayer and people gave towards the relief fund.
The desperate needs of people in Haiti were not met by what happened at Solid:Remix but for young people to be challenged and inspired to use their lives and talents for the benefit of others is a sign of hope in a troubled world. This is something that the Church has done throughout its history with charitable foundations, education, healthcare and relief work all, in part, coming into being within our society as a result of those whom God inspired, through the example and love of Jesus, to serve others.
I don't pretend that what I've written about here is an answer to the question I was asked on Friday morning but I know that the world is a better place for what I saw happening on Friday evening. So, my prayer is that more of us will be inspired to give our lives, not just our money, in the service of those in need.
That same evening I was at Solid:Remix, a youth event in Chelmsford Cathedral with the youth group from St John's Seven Kings. It featured giant Inflatables, big screen console games, music, graffiti art and much more. You might have thought it was just about young people having a good time and forgetting about the troubles of the world but, as part of the worship that followed the games, these young people were challenged to become people who use their God-given talents and abilities for the benefit of others. The situation in Haiti was highlighted for prayer and people gave towards the relief fund.
The desperate needs of people in Haiti were not met by what happened at Solid:Remix but for young people to be challenged and inspired to use their lives and talents for the benefit of others is a sign of hope in a troubled world. This is something that the Church has done throughout its history with charitable foundations, education, healthcare and relief work all, in part, coming into being within our society as a result of those whom God inspired, through the example and love of Jesus, to serve others.
I don't pretend that what I've written about here is an answer to the question I was asked on Friday morning but I know that the world is a better place for what I saw happening on Friday evening. So, my prayer is that more of us will be inspired to give our lives, not just our money, in the service of those in need.
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Bruce Cockburn - Put It In Your Heart.
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