Our country is reeling right now. As if the global pandemic wasn’t challenging enough, the senseless murder of George Floyd has turned our country upside down. So how are we, as followers of Jesus, supposed to respond?
First, it’s totally appropriate to be angry. Scripture confirms in Psalm 4:4 and Ephesians 4:26 that there are times when all of us become angry. Jesus Himself was angry at the money changers in the temple—an anger that could only be described as “righteous.”
Anger is only constructive, though, when it motivates us to focus on a specific problem and offer a solution. That’s what those of us involved with Forward Edge have been doing for decades. Outraged by the injustice of a billion children trapped in extreme poverty—children who in some cases are sold into prostitution or domestic slavery by their own parents—we’re motivated to do something about it. Outrage alone would have been understandable and appropriate. But would it have been enough?
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, those of us who follow Jesus need to let our anger motivate us toward constructive action. It might be personal expressions of love and solidarity with our African-American friends, along with a willingness to listen and learn. It might be fervent prayer that God would give our nation’s leaders the wisdom and courage to implement reforms that purge injustice. Or it might be repenting of the pride, insensitivity, and prejudice in our own hearts.
Crises are always opportunities for something good. Right now, each of us needs to ask and respond to the question: What good is God calling me to do today?
There is a word—or at least a series of decisions—that determine to a very great extent the story of our lives. In fact, if we fail to use this word and make those decisions, we will never experience the fullness of God’s plans for us. The word is “Yes.” One
by Joseph Anfuso A well-known 19th-century philosopher once said: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” So, what does that mean? It means that someone who’s found a purpose in life—a “why” to live for—can overcome any obstacle in his or her path. It means
If there’s one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has made abundantly clear it’s that none of us are fully in control of our lives. What we can control, though, are our choices. And those choices ultimately determine the story of our lives. Several years ago, I coined a word that conveys
Almost 20 years ago now, I was circling the 60-foot maple tree that stands just yards from my front door, talking to my Heavenly Father. Forward Edge needed to upgrade the training we provided for our short-term mission teams, and I was asking God for guidance. In a matter of
19 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2023
Mariam lives with her parents and three siblings in a three-bedroom mud house roofed with thatch; they have no latrine. The village has access to electricity for purchase but it often runs out before they can buy more. They have no access to potable water. Water is fetched from a local dam until it dries up, then the village women and girls must travel long distances to find other sources. This interferes with work and school attendance.
Mariam comes from a Muslim family but she and her younger sister, Rahamatu (also in the program), have accepted Christ. Mariam’s father is a farmer but barely harvests enough food to last throughout the year. Her mother tries to sells rice to help provide. They live on about $20 a month and before coming to Create Hope, they sometimes ate only once a day. Before joining the program, Mariam and her sister could not attend school regularly. Also, like many girls her age, Mariam misses school during her monthly cycle since they cannot afford sanitary supplies.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
