In the years to come,History will remember the numbers of lives lost to illness and war, the destruction of lands in conflict and natural disaster, and the governments who led amidst unprecedented challenges. But what will our children remember?
If you were to drive past my local church; “the big white shed” as it’s affectionately known in the community; you’d read the words:
“Because People Matter.”
At the very heart of our faith is the call to serve the lost and broken, the displaced and disenfranchised;to show the love of the Father by being the hands and feet of Christ.
In the last month, my church and others across South-East Queensland have risen to the call of ministry as service; withholding no resource in helping the community to rebuild after the floods that have devastated the east coast of our nation. More bodies have been mobilised, hot meals served, homes and businesses cleaned from floor to ceiling, and donations offered than I have ever witnessed. All because people matter to God, so people matter to us.
On the other side of the world, three million Ukrainian men, women, and children have crossed borders; giving up all else in pursuit of hope for the future. We’ve seen the great courage of Ukraine in rising up against the invasion, but just as great is the courage of families to travel with nothing but the clothes on their backs, not knowing what lay ahead. Churches in Poland, Romania and neighbouring nations have risen up to meet the needs of Ukraine’s displaced people; offering food, shelter, the warmth of a home, and hope.
When the generations remember these times, it is my hope that they remember the compassion of the church. They will saythat at the border of devastation and hope, they were met with the love of the Saviour.
If you’d like to partner with the church to offer hope in the midst of the Ukraine crisis, visit:
https://donate.acci.org.au/form-6105910/ukraine
Laura Wardrop has undertaken further study in the areas of Linguistics, Art, and Ministry. She currently works a graphic artist and painter, and takes a keen interest in exploring all areas of human creativity as a reflection of God’s character. She lives with her husband Stephen and two children in Brisbane.