The 3000 and 143 million: Part 2

(Part 1 Here.)

So as I think about it, it's more about the condition of our hearts as we come into contact with those in need and hear about the issues in the world. Is God forming our hearts where we can be attentive to how He longs for us to respond to the drunk middle aged guy at the end of River St. panhandling, who most ignore and may think, "Why can't that guy just get a job?" Is God transforming our inward being where we are in anguish over the fact that In the past hour…

• 1,625 children were forced to live on the streets by the death or abuse of an adult
• 1,667 children under the age of five died from malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases 
• 115 children became prostitutes 
• 66 children under 15 were infected with HIV 
• 257 children were orphaned because of HIV/AID.......

.....and most without knowing Christ.

God is asking us to extend his compassion and embody His love to a world in need, in both word and deed. He's asking us to respond to the "3,000" living all around you and to the "143 million" you don't yet know. They both are in need of compassion and His love.

Do you know an orphan? Up until 2001, the answer for me to that question was no. In the US it takes intentionality to put ourselves in a space where we come into contact with those living in extreme poverty. It's not easy for anyone and for many it takes substantial money to travel. But, do you know the name of one homeless person in your neighborhood, a child in need, a street kid sleeping on a sidewalk tonight, the single mom parked in the dark recesses of the parking lot behind Target? I bet you can find one and hear their story. I bet your life will be changed by it.