It Can Make a Difference. Pt 2
“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.” Isaiah 3:8
“I’m just checking up on you, and wonder if we could get together somewhere up the road just to talk.”
Does having a pastor and being actively involved in a church make a difference? For active members of the United Methodist church in Bagley, Wisconsin, they will have all the emotional and spiritual support they will need through the process of recovery. When the hour of need arises, their pastor will do all in his/her power to bring resources that are available to them to assist these persons. They will never be checked off a list of a case manager closing a case. (Case managers are only hired for short periods of time to assist in recovery.) As they receive support, they will learn to give support for others, which is also a part of the healing process. The support they experienced in the midst of the disaster, will be same through the recovery, and will continue for years to come.
If all we do is help rebuild homes and communities, while not sharing the importance of the church, we have missed the mark and an opportunity to change lives. We have forgotten that Jesus’ desire to bring healing to humanities troubled (sinful) lives. Social scientists have found mentoring increases the amount of change when dealing with substance abuse, poverty, and dysfunctional families. When people are connected to healthy role models social, economic and spiritual transformation often transpires. In order for that to take place, people just like you need to be willing to reach out, giving of yourselves, your substance, and support in bringing transformation in our world.
Give us the courage to share the faith that transformed our lives. Amen
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