Providing aid at a time of crisis is a regular part of
BMS work across the world as UK churches respond to the needs that hit our TV
screens. Recently we have been actively involved in responding to the
aftermath of the typhoon striking the Philippines, and we continue to help with
the drawn out crisis in Syria and the immediately surrounding countries.
Having visited Lebanon most recently and come face to
face with some of this response I have faced questions as to how best to
respond in the face of a crisis. A partner there posted a helpful blog (Link to IMES blog)
that highlighted some of the pitfalls as well as indicating an appropriate and
distinctively Christian response. It is helpful to be reminded that a
true gift comes with no strings attached, and so in the context of giving
relief we should not exploit our relative power and impose a religious
belief.
Yet the act of offering a gift as a Christian is a
prophetic act and as such a message needs to be articulated. Our acts of
service and kindness demonstrate the kingdom of God and it cannot be assumed
that by merely observing the act people will know the King. I suppose
that how that message is communicated about the King needs to be thought
through in the particular context, but even in the West we are often too
reticent in speaking of Jesus. I want people to know me more than just
being a good bloke or neighbour, but rather to see beyond that to Jesus.
I need to be courageous in speaking of the King from whom the gift really
originates.
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