What makes me sad is that if I didn't follow a rather small non-profit from Alabama I don't think I would even know about the Holocaust currently happening in our world...her quote continues...
Nhial asked the Western church for prayer as independence day approaches. “On July 9, we are going to be a nation, and we need prayers,” he said. “We need to be covered by prayers. We need Christians all over the word to pray for us and rescue us. We are begging them.”
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"
1 John 3:17
This country's plight has haunted me and J for a long time now since we knew their independence day was coming and everyone knew that would mean violence. We were so excited to be a minute part in working with Make Way Partners to put an orphanage in Sudan and watch it fill up with 500 orphans (through their newsletter "watch") only to find out recently they are all in grave danger along with thousands of innocent people around them. To put it in its most basic form: the Southern part of Sudan contains more freedoms (Christians) and more oil (money/power). The two are a toxic mix to Islamist in the North who want one and not the other (and I bet you know which). How can I do anything about what is going on in Sudan? Those quotes above make it shockingly apparent.
Furthermore, this blog post :http://kimberlylsmithblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/today-we-face-our-worst-times-with.html makes it even more clear (don't read it unless you are seriously ready to have a talk with God about lots of things) that I am to do more than pray.
To be totally honest, it sometimes disgusts me to live my life in America. I am still grappling with what this means. Every day I seem to be more thankful, though, of what we have and how God truly has blessed America. AND more keenly aware of the heroes that create/ed this place like our forefathers/troops/citizens/civil rights leaders/politicians (yes, even them throughout history) and normal folks who won't rest until they see change, etc. I even struggle more with hearing my kids whine and fight over light sabers knowing so many kids are starving/ dying of diseases from dirty water. I am ashamed that it took me a while to share this for some folks around thinking I am crazy for caring about people so far away. For some folks thinking it's prideful "oh she thinks she is so holy for caring for them". OR for some folks thinking "oh, the world is so bad and there is not much I can do about it" OR for some folks thinking "why did she share something that would make me so sad." Well, I finally said, "WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK." Put it out there because what breaks God's heart (and I know this does) SHOULD break all of our hearts.
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
Romans 12:15
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2
Video: Independence Day for South Sudan | Need to Know
"So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
You can read a full article from Christianity Today here on the situation there: http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2011/07/southern_sudan_1.html
If you want an outlet to give check out this website: http://makewaypartners.org/.
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