“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker” (Proverbs 14:31).
I had, what some might call, “a very comfortable upbringing,” but I never thought that the life I had was a blessed or privileged one. I thought everyone grew up with the same comforts that I did. I am not saying this to boast, but to shed a little light on my life and to maybe excuse the ignorance I embodied as a teenager. If you asked the 17 year old version of me of what I thought about world issues, I would have given you a blank stare. I knew in my head that there were people living in poverty and that there was a lot of hurting in the world, but because these issues did not directly affect me, I was apathetic. But all this changed during my freshman year at the University of Michigan.
That year, the film Hotel Rwanda came out. Before watching it I did not know much about the Rwandan genocide, but this film opened up my eyes to the lack of political stability in Rwanda and the pain and the suffering the people there endured while political powers of the West turned a blind eye. The film extracted many different emotions from me: anger, frustration, sympathy, and compassion. Seeing the stories of Rwandan people made me realize that I had to do something about the violation of human right and that I could do something because I was fortunate enough to be receiving a higher education.
In the process of learning about what had happened in Rwanda, I came across the genocide in Darfur that is presently taking place. I was passionate about bringing about awareness to the violation of human rights occurring in Darfur, but as I was learning more about this issue I couldn’t help but think, “So what?” I questioned what I was really doing by telling people about Darfur and if I had a bigger purpose behind this passion.
The summer of 2006 I had the opportunity to go to India on a short terms missions trip through AMI. It was in India where I saw women being oppressed through sex trafficking and I learned how injustice was everywhere in the world, not just in Africa. I began to question God: why were these people were born into a life of pain? Does God really loved people? But God would always remind me how His heart for these people breaks more than mine and that His compassion is greater than anything I could feel. The God whom I worship heals and offers rest to His children; I know this because I have been healed and I have experienced the rest that He offers.
As I grow in my faith, I begin to understand that God is not only a God who loves justice, but that He is merciful and loving. Justice is only part of the answer to the problem – for justice without forgiveness does not bring about healing. I now realize how much of a sinner I am and that the sins of the perpetrators of injustice are not any worse than mine. I need Jesus just as much as the perpetrators and victims do. The forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ, which ultimately brings reconciliation and healing to the world, is the message that has been given to the Church to spread. This is the only message that can really bring change to our world. In the future, I hope to see the Church come to the aid of those who are oppressed and will be the agent of restoration and hope that people need. And God willing, I will be part of this movement of churches to bring transformation to the world.
Our fight. God's victory.
I've had similar thoughts and realizations, Jane.
My first reaction to injustice is anger. Then, my thoughts turn to retaliation by physical force. I keep thinking, "What can I do? What do I need to do? I can do something to alleviate the suffering and wrongs in this situation, just let me. God, let me do this."
Nearly three weeks ago, a group from our church watched "The Devil Came on Horseback" together, an expose on the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan, seen and told through a former Marine captain's eyes. Being a Marine myself, I could relate to some of the film creator's mode of thinking. At one point, Capt. Steidle expresses his frustration and desire to physically fight off the marauding assailants, as he is an unarmed military observer, equipped with only a camera. Observing a truck full of armed janjawid, Capt.Steidle remarks, "If I was looking through a scope [of a rifle] instead, I could end this right now. This doesn't need to happen"
I thought: "Exactly," and punched the seat in front of me in understood, mutual frustration. Near the end of the film, I got emotional when Steidle broke down, feeling guilty that he couldn't and didn't do anything to stop all the murders he witnessed.
I also had the opportunity to go on missions to India in July 2007. I saw similar scenes of women and young girls entrapped in the sex trade, and young children living in destitute neighborhoods. I started thinking to myself, "There's just too many people who need help. There's no way they can all be saved. There's no hope"
As I met and spoke with the local Indian Christians working hard to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their fellow countrymen, I was reminded that God is mighty to save. He was and is working powerfully through the Christian brothers and sisters in places like India, who faithfully devote their time and energy in praying for and assisting the suffering.
Throughout last year, I studied the last part of Ephesians 6 with some other brothers from HMCC. The study was on "The Armor of God". We need to stand strong and put on God's armor because "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (v.12)
At the end of all these experiences of injustice, I came to the same conclusion: As a Marine, I am taught that one way of addressing a threat or a wrong is to deal with it physically. I am trained to defend, employing weapons and fighting techniques. However, much like the situation Brian Steidle faced in Darfur, that's not always the case - I just can't stand up and fight everyone.
Instead, I must have faith in our great God, that He is mighty to save. He is indeed fully capable, and desires to know and comfort the Indian children I deemed hopeless. His heart breaks for the people of Darfur. His heart breaks for my close friends who are ignorant of Christ. It is my responsibility to don God's armor and pray, as Paul instructs: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Eph 6:18
One of the many things I've learned this past year is that we, as Christians "are at war" (I got this from John Piper's "Let the Nations be Glad"). It is still our fight. We need to be on the ground, acting as God's hands and feet. However, I know and believe that ultimately, it is God's victory. He alone is mighty to save. I have to trust that.
May we be the church mobilizing under Christ's banner.
Hey Joe! Thanks so much for
Hey Joe!
Thanks so much for your comment. It was really inspiring to hear that rather than physical force or power that you are being inspired by the power of prayer. I think we tend to forget how God really works in this picture and I don't necessarily think that anger as a response is bad. We learned today that we are created in God's image because when we witness injustices it makes us angry... just it makes God angry when he looks at the unrighteous acts of man. Hopefully we can lift up some BOOYAG prayers against social injustice. Anyways bro, keep up the prayers and continue to put on the armor of God!
Jane