Crisis and the Gospel

Before Tuesday, most people likely had no idea where Belgium even was except for maybe in Europe.  Admittedly I didn't know where Belgium was or if it was a city or a country before our survey trip in 2013.

This obviously has hit close to home for Libby and I this week.  We personally traveled through the Brussels airport in 2013 and know dozens of people that could've been there at that exact moment.  Praise the Lord that everyone that could've been there wasn't.

The migrant crisis that came to the surface of American media as of recent has been ongoing since 2013.  The strain on resources and governments has created raging debate over how to respond and handle this crisis.  With the attacks in Paris and Brussels every society is anxious to find a way to end the blood shed.

Where can hope be found in all of this suffering?  The Gospel.  In cold, hard Europe we find that the white fields of John 4:35 can be seen in these difficult times.  As these refuges arrive on the shores they arrive with questions and looking, craving for hope.  When we are prepared as the church to have people with resources behind them to show them where true hope can be found, lives are becoming radically changed.  As these horrific attacks occur, Europeans will be forced to answer a multitude of questions regarding God, life after death, religion, and the purpose of life on Earth.  They also may ask, "If these people claim the same religion as I, then why is my religion of peace murdering my friends and family?"  Doors are opened through this tragedy that Europeans and refugees alike that otherwise would not open themselves up to consider.  This is where we find that the Gospel seed can be planted.  In the book Deep & Wide, Andy Stanley identifies pivotal circumstances as one the five noted catalysts for faith.  This very situation could be labeled as such an event but we as the church must respond.  As a member of that body, what is your role?

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few . . ."  I urge all of us as the church not to miss the opportunity laid before us.  Let us join together to go forth in sharing the hope, love, and peace that Christ can offer this hurting continent and world.