Pastor's Corner           January 2010

I have a photo in my office of my son Chris which was taken when was 14 or 15. He is holding a Haitian child who was a patient of Grace Children's Hospital in Port au Prince. He, his sister, and his mother were down there on a week-long work to erect solar panels on the roof of the hospital to provide hot water for the entire facility. Early reports are that the hospital was damaged but continues to stand. As I write, the entire nation of Haiti is in chaos. The death toll, devastation, and miser contrinue to rise hour by hour.

Among the tragedies, in my opinion, are messages coming from some of those in the Christian community who say that the Haitians deserved this, that God is punishing them, or that this is justice at the hands of an angry God. I can't describe the anger, pain, and revulsion I feel at those comments arising out of ingnorant biblical interpretation and theological self-righteousness.

In the 13th chapter of Luke, some poeple talked with Jesus about the people who were murdered by Pilate. Jesus then reminded them of the people who were killed when a tower in the city wall collapsed.

Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you... (13:1-5)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its underwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working our your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives His best-the sun to warm and the rain to-to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. (Matthew5:43-45 "The Message).

Violence and tragedy happen. War erupts. Disaster is an unfortunate reality with which we have to deal. In my prayers are the dead and injured in Haiti, the victims of roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan, those who suffered and died in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina, the victims of the twin towers, and the innocent victims of gun violence right here in Fort Wayne. None of those people are any worse sinners than you or I.

I have heard other voices complain that whenever and International disaster strikes, it is the US who always comes to the rescue with the most resources, money, and effort. These voices wonder why we always accept the largest share of the load. To those who feel this way, I say the we do that because that is who we are. That is what US Americans do. I thank God that our nation is so blessed that, even in the midst of our own national economic and political stress, we still can afford to respond. What a blessing is is to give to those who are desparate.

We will of course be accepting monetary donations. Remember that 100% of these donations will reach the ground in Haiti. We also are putting together health kits. These inexpensive kits will be collected and then shipped to our Sager-Brown distribution center in Baldwin, Lousiana for delivery to Haiti.

Pray for Haiti. Thank God for our ability to help. Walk with Jesus daily so that we can continue to learn compassion, generosity, faith, grace, and love. I know you will do that. I hope you know how very blessed I am to be your pastor.

See you in church.
Scott