Kingdom Revelator – Issue 42
At this time let us not forget all the people who have suffered from natural disasters in the last few months and for hose who have had to flee their homes because of warfare and persecution. Our news bulletins are constantly telling us about earthquakes, hurricanes, cyclones and flooding and we see shocking images of those who have been affected.
The pictures touch our hearts and we pray for them but they are soon forgotten as the news moves on to other things.
But for many people these disasters have long term consequences as they try to rebuild their shattered lives. I cannot imagine what they are going through. It reminds me of a big explosion at a gas storage depot a few years ago near to where I worked. Although it was a powerful blast and devastated many buildings on an industrial
estate, it happened at night when the buildings were empty and no-one was killed or badly injured. A week after the explosion I drove through the area on my way to work and I can still recall the feeling of shock just from looking at the damaged buildings. How much more must it affect those who have lost loved ones and seen their homes and communities destroyed. Many have lost everything and need our help both materially and spiritually. So let us be generous in sharing what we have and in our prayers.
Thousands of people are still living in temporary shelters relying on food handouts and still more are struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. There are many aid agencies working to provide food, clothing and shelter for those in need. There are also many smaller, more focussed projects that are supported by local parish fundraising. Let us put our faith into action and support those who are bringing relief to so many. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?” (James 2: 14-16).