‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these you did it for me’
DAVID JONES on passing by on the other side is not an option
CHRISTIAN Aid week begins this Sunday when churches of all denominations and none get together to raise money to help those in greatest need in our world.
This annual event is one of the most prominent acts of Christian unity and witness in the UK and Ireland. During the week, around 200,000 people join with others in their communities to give, act and pray for lasting change in the world, and in doing so seek to be obedient to Christ in extending the hand of compassion and care.
This has been of even more relevance as Christian Aid along with many other organisations have in recent months raised money for relief work in Ukraine.
Passing by on the other side is not an option for any church when it comes to supporting those who work to feed the hungry and to meet the needs of the most impoverished in our world.
Christian Aid not only provides immediate food supplies at times of emergency, but seeks to help farmers to grow their own food and provide the resources to market their crops for the good of their communities. Covid-19 has, as we know, caused immeasurable suffering world-wide and especially in countries where poverty and lack of medical resources have resulted in even greater suffering. Christian Aid has been in the forefront of providing help and support where it has been needed most. Other projects are ongoing, such as in the poorest parts of Egypt.
Christian Aid are transforming one village at a time, working in a community for seven years until it is selfsufficient and has infrastructure and education systems in place and then moves on. In Bolivia, a campaign to end the tax injustice of multinational mining corporations has led to enough tax income to provide pensions for older people and to give breakfast for every school aged child.
This coming week churches will come together to support Christian Aid. Serving alongside other relief agencies who also work tirelessly for the many millions who suffer hunger and abject poverty in our world. Remembering always the words of Jesus ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these of mine you did it for me’.