A Hard Question

Three weeks ago today, one of the strongest storms ever seen slammed into the central Philippines, killing 5,000 people and carving a costly path of destruction. The world’s response has been generous, with millions of dollars purchasing tons of food, building materials, and an opportunity for a better tomorrow.

Several days ago, I visited the collection center of a well-known relief agency. The volume of supplies they had collected was amazing. Their goal was to provide a week’s worth of food for nearly 3,000 displaced families. Very commendable. Other organizations were making similar efforts.

But may I raise a question - a hard question? How much good are we doing if we feed their body for a week, but make no effort to save their soul for eternity? The question is fair because Jesus asked a similar one. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?”

Each family we help through Baptist Global Relief carries with it a Christian witness from a caring pastor, a concerned church leader, or a compassionate friend. Our desire is not just to provide relief, but to present an open door to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some might say our giving comes with strings attached. But I say it’s more than just a string. It’s a rope, a life-line, an opportunity to be rescued from the consequences of their sins and introduced to the One who cares more about their eternal home than their earthly house.

As our giving continues, please pray. Ask our Father to remove the blinders that prevent many from seeing the love of the Lord and the lostness of their lives without Him. Pray that, as we give a little, their eyes will be opened to Jesus Christ, who gave everything on a dirty, wooden cross. Pray for those who have responded, that their faith will continue to grow and their joy made more complete.

Specifically, pray for those whom we have given food, medicines, and building materials in the following towns: Barotoc Nuevo, Barotoc Viejo, Anilao, Ajuy, Concepcion, Lambunao, New Lucena, Culassi, Pandan, and Jamindan. Pray for the team of 5 Texans coming next week to Roxas City to help rebuild a school and give relief with a Christian witness to dozens of families.

Finally, December is upon us, and for us that means the Lottie Moon Christmas offering where half of our support comes from. We were the only organization I know of that was giving relief the day after the storm, because of your support. We have church leaders in strategic places who share Christ’s love, because of your support.

Because of your support, we have 4,854 missionaries among 874 people groups in 134 countries who want to provide not just relief, but a relationship with God through His Son, born in a manger. You know the story, but there are still 204 people groups in the world who do not know the story because they have no Bible in their language and no missionary to tell them.

Typhoon Yolanda was devastating. But even more tragic is not knowing the Savior. Please be generous this Christmas in giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, so that the world may know.