Ever since I was saved and accepted God’s commands as my guidebook, I have struggled with watching secular television. One of my favorite shows continues to be ER, an award winning drama series on NBC. My wife Elizabeth and I have been fans since the very first season over a decade ago. This week’s episode featured a one hour guilt trip to Darfur, a western region of the country of Sudan.
In Darfur, the current conflict between the ruling government or “Janjaweed” and the indigenous peoples of the region has led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions.
The uncontrolled presence of Janjaweed (meaning “armed men on horseback”) in the burned countryside, and in burned and abandoned villages, has driven civilians into camps and settlements outside the larger towns, where the Janjaweed kill, rape, and pillage—even stealing emergency relief items—with impunity.
Faced with the obvious, Elizabeth and I have been discussing the various ways we can lend a helping hand remotely. Since we are not in a position to participate in a mission trip to Sudan, we opted to share the situation with our ministry members. In an effort to inspire you all to obey God’s call to help those who can’t help themselves, we hope the scripture herein will hit the spot.
The main target I want to aim at is your heart. My first question is: Does your heart bleed for the victims of oppression in Darfur? Or have you grown immune to the wide spread movement of destruction that’s all around?
Beware the devil’s work for Satan would love nothing better than your heart growing cold. The bible promises eternal light to those who steer from indifference.
“And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)
Be sure to remember the Lord is ALWAYS watching. Though a forgiving God, He is also the ultimate judge. He knows your heart and sees your actions.
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life“. (Galatians 6:7-8)
God is also ruler of heaven and provider of the never ending gift of eternal life. All believers know of the gate leading to the kingdom and that the way through this gate demands sacrifices worthy of eternal life.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Avoid sacrifice and compromise and you will surely be turned away at the gate and cast into the fiery furnace, as promised in the bible. However, obey God’s commands and follow in Jesus’ footsteps and you will reap eternal rewards in heaven, it’s really that simple.
How does this apply to Darfur? It applies whenever we have an opportunity to help either in person or in this case, remotely. What is important to remember is this: Doing nothing is wrong!
But what can I do? You can pray. You can lift up all those victimized, murdered, starved, raped or beaten. You can help raise awareness about the oppression in Sudan. Or, you can send money (UNICEF).
Don’t have money to send? Organize a fund raising dinner. Take pledges, ask for sponsorship at work or school. Post a blog, stir a chatroom or call the White House and urge President Bush to do more.
Whatever you do, DO NOT IGNORE THIS MESSAGE. Doing nothing about the Darfur situation is a sin. “Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
I invite you to keep us posted on your good deeds involving Darfur and other issues you feel called to take part in. I promise eternal rewards in heaven await those who do good works in the name of the Lord.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For your love, your forgiveness, your grace.
Lord we pray you will continue to inspire us
To search within and keep refining ourselves,
So that we may continue to live out
Your plan for our lives on earth.
Father we ask that you continue strengthening us
To seek, know and trust your word the bible
And drive us to be more like you and follow in your footsteps,
And reflect this in all our deeds each and every day.
Lord we pray for the oppressed in less fortunate countries
And lift up those who suffered at the hands of evil,
May you bless the souls of all your children
And open heaven’s gate to all those who seek and obey you.
God we thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
