By Rick Postma as referenced in Winter 2012

It doesn’t seem that long ago that news headlines highlighted an embattled Martha Stewart defending her brand from ethical challenges as media types wrestled with a slow day at the office. Fast forward to the present and the headlines are tripping over themselves – Famine in East Africa; Libya’s Gaddafi and loyalists executed; Tunisian Islamists claim victory; Syria attacks dissidents; Economy falters in the USA; Looming Greece bankruptcy threatens the EU; Steve Jobs dies.

 What we don’t hear or read about much is the Kingdom of God and the biblical worldview that accompanies it unless it is in a derogatory fashion including numerous insults. In fact violent Islamists appear to be getting an easier ride than Christians on the whole. The pretence of religious neutrality in our western secular societies is wearing thin. Christianity is under attack on numerous fronts. Are we holding fast in our churches, schools, businesses and families? A businessman, who is a member of a United Reformed Church in Ontario, is doing just that. Ed Kikkert is getting a rough ride for asking transgendered booth operators to leave the fruit and vegetable market he has been operating for many years. When presented with a petition by 30 demonstrators with 4,000 signatures, he said he had a petition with one signature that carried more weight. When asked whose signature that was, Kikkert replied, “Jesus Christ.”

 Secular thinking is permeating humanitarian aid organizations as well. Many organizations founded on Christian principles have fallen to the allure of big dollars and the pressure of being accepted among those most influential on the humanitarian aid stage. It is chic to employ the latest methods and buzz words. Who likes to be mocked and laughed at? At Word & Deed we recognize that we will never become large while we maintain a commitment to biblical methods and a vision for extending God’s Kingdom. What both the board and staff at Word & Deed do commit to you, dear reader, is that we will continue to do what is right before God as we struggle to address a poverty that is rooted in sin – sin against God, our neighbor, ourselves and creation. Yes, that definition makes us all poor and humbles us as we come alongside precious humans in the developing world with the wonderful news that God sent His beloved Son into the world to die for sinners. Now that is headline news!

 In this issue we highlight projects in South Africa, Ecuador and Malawi as well as our response to the famine in East Africa. We also learn more about the child sponsorship program. Do you sponsor a child? If not, why not touch the life of some precious child today?

 Meanwhile, let us commit to continue to boldly live out the truths of God’s Word in all areas of our lives – including how we spend our money. Have you considered leaving some of your money to a Christian charity like Word & Deed? Please see the article, “A Living Legacy”. May God bless you and your loved ones in the Christmas season.

 Rick Postma is Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.