Love INC is seeking people who have a holy anger at injustice and want to work tirelessly for freedom and peace among all people.
Every year as we approach the holiday season, we fall into a season of reflection. We look back on all the moments of the last year where we saw successes and failures, all the times where we saw God’s faithfulness through the little moments and the big moments. We grieve with those who lose family members and celebrate the excitement of life changes, new jobs, and baptisms. When we review the year there is so much to be thankful for, but there is also so much to work towards in the coming year; not only within our lives, but also in our community and in the world.
When we stop to think outside of ourselves and our families, we can see how much Christ’s heart is breaking over the state of the world. The forest fires devastating communities and animal habitats in California, families seeking refuge from corrupt governments in South America and the Middle East, and religious intolerance in China for Muslims and Christians alike, there is so much to keep in our prayers.
Within our own communities, we see families struggling to make ends meet, we see parents struggling with addictions, and teens and children struggling to understand their role in schools as depression and anxiety become more prevalent in society.
Yet Christ says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Peace. In this holiday season, we wish more than ever for peace on Earth. Peace within families, communities, countries, and within the Church. Peace as we knit together to become one Church Family that serves. One Church Family that prays. One Church Family that experiences freedom.
Not only to experience that freedom, however. Not to wait idly for freedom to come to us. Let us strive to be the church family that works tirelessly to bring about freedom for others. Freedom for our brothers and sisters who are struggling to put food on the table. Freedom for our brothers and sisters who struggle with addictions and are not sure what resources are available to overcome them. Freedom for those who are sick and suffering pain and cannot take themselves to the doctor to seek treatment. Freedom for those who are in debt and are doing everything in their power to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Freedom for those who have fled an oppressive government and need a safe haven elsewhere.
This holiday season, through prayer and active service, we can all take one more step towards healing, one more step towards restoring the Church, and one more step towards reuniting the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Today, tomorrow, and the next day, Christ can transform us into people who love as Christ loved. People whose hearts will not rest until justice, freedom, and peace reign for all.
For opportunities to start making a difference and bringing peace on the Earth, contact Kaitlin Verkaik at [email protected]. Then, you can learn more about Love INC and all of the ministry areas we have at the Hudsonville campus.
