blogging for awareness & action

Lots of news about the displaced refugee crisis in South Africa.  Wanted to give some links to what people in our community are saying:

Arthur

Barbara

Bryan

Chris

btw, we are all safe (since many people are asking about that).

PLEASE pray with us and do pass along this link and to those mentioned above.

Responding as a community

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth

A few weeks ago when we decided to consider Zimbabwe during our Pentecost worship & prayer gathering, I had no idea what all God had in mind. Yes, a few of our own had an extremely significant trip to Zim. Yes, a number of our community have become personally tied to Zim refugees here. Yes, some of us are wired to advocate and seek political change. But I have been amazed to see God’s Spirit speak to us collectively – as a body – to respond.

We find ourselves in the midst of a crises. African refugees living in South Africa are being burned, tortured, stoned, and chased from their homes. The poor of this country, having waited for years to see their situations improved and faced with increasing costs of living, have had enough. They are losing hope and lashing out at those they see as competition – refugees, primarily those living in townships. They have become the scapegoat.

Lev. 19:34
The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born.
Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

God is raising up people all over this country, and around the world, who are saying, “enough.” More than that, they are doing something about it. These are ordinary people whose hearts are being moved to action. Forget the politicians, forget the committees, just help.

I have watched in wonder as our community has responded. Individuals doing what they can – lots. Corporately praying and deciding we MUST help. Offering home to a family. Giving money to others. Partnering with projects. Raising awareness.

I am proud to see how our community has responded to this crises from our hearts – with compassion, insight, sacrifice.  (Not by creating a committee…)
I am honored to be part of a body of believers that takes following Jesus seriously enough to do something about this – even if we don’t have everything figured out, we are responding.
I am intrigued and excited to see each of us respond differently – according to our wiring and gifting – yet also willing to be part of what the body as a whole.

This is what God intends for His people – to be conduits of love. It’s amazing to be part of.  And we’re not done…

If you would like to contribute money to help with Zim refugees, email arthur@nieucommunities.org for details on how