by INGE DEVISSER
How can we say to people in need, "In His compassion I rejoice?"
(Psalm 66:7, Book of Praise)
This meditation question from last year's CRWRF Annual Report received the following responses from our younger readers:
"If I met someone who had a difficult life, I would tell them that no matter how hard their life is, if they believe in God, they will be able to look forward to heaven." Natasha, grade 3
"I would tell them that God is with you..." Jennifer, grade 3
"I would donate money to them and tell them if they believe in God they will go to heaven." Tim, grade 3
“I would tell them, don’t be afraid because God is with you and He will help you in hard times. He might not always give you the things you need but He will always be there for you.” Sarah, grade 3
"God can also work through other people to help you. But the most important is if you believe in God you will get eternal life!” Rachel, grade 3
"We could translate the Bible and make friends with them so they don’t feel so lonesome. If they do not know how to read we can teach them the alphabet and show them how to read. When I grow up I think I am going to their countries and teach them the Bible. I know it will be hard, but I will keep trying I am sure they will like that.” Alyssa (age 7) & Rachelle (age 9)
It is important to think about and pray for people in need. Sometimes we feel so powerless when we read about all the disasters that happen. We wonder how Christians will ever be capable of helping all the suffering people. Some of you would like to go to these places and help. Even though that is not possible right now, you still can really make a difference in the lives of needy people. You can pray and ask the Lord to bless both the people who are in need and those people who serve them. Through prayer, you can be their support group.
I have a challenge for you. After you have read through the 2008 Annual Report, choose one project that interests you the most. Write the name of the project on a piece of paper and stick it to your desk. Find names of people or organizations that are part of the project and write them down too. Every night, before you go to sleep, pray for the project and the helpers. Sometimes it is difficult to pray with our full attention. We are so used to talking to the Lord that we can even fall asleep while praying. To stay focused in your prayers concentrate on the one project. Keep on doing this and see what the Lord does. He might not change the situation as a whole but, as Sarah and Rachel wrote, He can answer prayer by sending out people that will help. Don't you think that you can be a great help in this way?
Bible study: Read Psalm 145: 8-16 and you will see God's caring hands open for those who ask Him for help.
