Beloved Friends in Christ,

In recent days, we have been receiving regular reports from China and Myanmar (Burma) about the tragic disasters that hit large regions of their countries. Tens of thousands are dead, hundreds of thousands are injured and millions are suffering hardship. News and images from these areas have been shocking, causing many of us to respond to pleas for assistance with financial aid.

Even more shocking, however, has been the news of the reluctance of the military junta in Myanmar to allow foreign aid into their country. How can those whose duty it is to care for the citizens of their country fail to help their own people? How can they put a desire for political power before human life? Shouldn't their selfish ambition outrage us?

Indeed it should; but it should not surprise us. For even among those who profess Christ and claim to live in His love, the lust for power often flourishes.

Some congregations have even been known to hold back in their outreach lest too many "outsiders" come in and take charge. While they would acknowledge that sharing the Gospel is a good thing, they might add: "but not if it infringes on the way I think church should be or on my personal space". In a way, the reluctance of many Christians to share the Gospel is no different than Myanmar's unwillingness to share the free aid being offered by others.

Both result in human suffering-one here on earth, the other in eternity. For it is only through faith in Christ that one is saved from eternal wrath and given the free gift of eternal life. Additionally, just as allowing aid into a country will not make anyone poorer, so sharing of the Gospel does not leave those who give it with any less for themselves.

Thankfully, our Lord Christ was not reluctant to share the Gospel. And thankfully, He gave also Himself. He gave Himself as our substitute to death on the cross to alleviate suffering. His desire is for our eternal well-being, both physically and spiritually.

As for us? May God grant us also compassionate hearts-willing to share of the material blessings that are ours and eager to share the Gospel of salvation.

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey