6722 Clark Rd. Paradise,
California 95969 |
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Across the Pastors Desk
Having lived through a 7.2 earthquake (Humboldt County, 1982), I am not surprised by the unseen power released in those events. The earthquake in Haiti has broken the hearts of all those who have witnessed the devastation of arguably the poorest nation on earth. The pleas of “Help us” remind us of other tragedies, such as Hurricane Katrina just four years ago. Yet, amidst the tragedies, and they are too many to number, there are glimpses of love that also bring tears of gratitude. Our own United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) lost two of its top leadership in the collapse of Hotel Montanna. I heard of parents and school personnel who indicated that many others were in that collapsed hotel as well, students and missionaries who had already been in Haiti seeking to help make life there be less difficult and more hope-full. Yet, that is just the point, God’s people are on the scene and have always been, right there in the midst of tragedy, inspired to keep looking, and lifting broken lives. The presence of these faithful ones, and countless helpers on the scene of the collapse of Port-au-Prince inspire us all, albeit through our tears. Yet these are those glimpses of truth that give us all hope; to still believe in a better future, to pray with optimism, and contribute generously even when we thought we couldn’t afford one more request for help. In everything, Paul reminds us, “God works for good with those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8) Faith undergirds our vision, and is often only strengthened when we identify with how fortunate we are, and how much others need us. Faith is God’s unseen power to unite and heal. We refuse to be overcome, we will share our brother’s and sister’s burdens, we will make a difference not because we can afford to, but because we cannot afford not to do so. We cannot undo the tragedy that is Haiti's earthquake, but we can believe and work toward a better tomorrow. I am heartened by the television networks who carried the fund raising campaigns for Haiti live, i.e., canceling all other normal programming. I am truly amazed that such a thing was even possible. When we work together, when we push the envelope of the negatives, “it can’t be done,” or, “We’ve never done it that way before,” great things can happen. Walls of discouragement and impossibility are broken down, and in their place, a vision of hope rises from the rubble of broken buildings and broken lives. As Lent begins (Feb. 17th) we turn our eyes on Jesus’ earthly journey during the tragic last days of his life. If his life means anything, his sacrifice for us means everything. In Him is our hope and our challenge, our focus and our vision. With God all things are possible, it all depends on where we focus our faith.
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