By Rick Postma, referenced in Winter 2010
Just recently, the world stood by with baited breath as the Chilean government, with assistance from the USA, Canada and various European countries, raced to rescue 33 miners trapped far below the surface of the earth. Did the technology exist to reach them without causing another cave-in that would kill them? How would they survive in the mean time? Each of us likely shuddered to think what the struggle to survive would be like in a dark hot hole, far below the surface of the earth for months with the likelihood of rescue hanging in the balance.
The rescue of the miners was a celebration of ingenuity, teamwork, and the high value placed on an individual life. It was wonderful to hear or read of the credit given to the Lord as well by many of the rescued.
I can’t help but contrast the high value placed on human life with the heinous slaughter of unborn children which takes place in almost all areas of the world. God brought judgement on the Israelites and surrounding nations for sacrificing their children to Molech. The growing challenges faced by the western world with an aging population are but one outcome of this horrific practice. Small changes such as raising the age of retirement from 60 to 62 years of age in France have resulted in massive strikes from an unthankful and increasingly dependent populace. Do the mindless tactics of countless citizens in France and Greece provide a glimpse of our future?
In this issue, we highlight the sponsorship program. This program makes a major difference in the lives of many children and their families. Each child is a precious human being, made in God’s image, with an eternal destiny. If God wills, we can be the instruments in His hands to bring a child into a saving relationship with Him, to nurture that relationship and to help him or her face a very tough and often disappointing life. Nidia De López tells us how the program has impacted her life in Guatemala and Mike Sosola, now a policeman, does the same for the orphan program in Malawi. We join Everton Kamangire, the director of the Lizulu Orphan Care program in celebrating the 10th anniversary of that program. Various articles explain more about the sponsorship program and highlight the need for sponsors in Ecuador. The Miskins introduce a new home for the aged in South Africa.
In the meditation, Pastor Pontier, reminds us of a beautiful love story in God’s Word. May the love of Christ for His bride, the Church, compel us to reach out in love to many precious children, and their families, in the developing world.
Rick Postma is Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.