Let's Do Something About What Matters Most!
"Triune God take our tears and righteous indignation, stir compassion, and birth actions of agape throughout the earth!"
As parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, let us put ourselves in the place of children around the world who face hunger, war, displacement, and the evil caused by the dysfunction and effects of sin.
For instance, while genocide and starvation is occurring in Gaza, let us beware of going about business as usual.
At least since the inauguration of President Trump term two, business as usual looks like trying to keep up with all of the lies, deceit, dysfunction, and acts of evil flowing out of The While House at unprecedented rates.
Business as usual looks like being distracted from what matters most.
For instance, while the powers that be run from the truth uncovered in “The Epstein Files,” we are distracted from paying attention to the incompetent leadership occupying The White House who treat persons who are undocumented as less than human. These are the same officials who don’t apply pressure on the leaders of Israel to treat Palestinians who are barely surviving in Gaza like fellow human beings.
While we need to be aware of the lies, deceit, dysfunction, and acts of evil flowing out of “The White House,” let us be even more aware of the love of God and ways we are equipped to embody the love of God throughout the earth.
In other words, business as usual for followers of Jesus looks like doing what we can to be living prayers who seek to embody, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in the realm we call heaven!”
“Holy Spirit, take our righteous indignation and help us do all we can to do something about insisting the women, children, youth, and men who are starving in Gaza receive food, nourishment, and shelter!”
Let us do what we can to help them receive food, nourishment, and shelter too!
Despite efforts to do something to assist starving children in Gaza, according to PBS, the amount of aid reaching Gaza is described as a "trickle" and severely inadequate to meet the immense needs of the population.
Aid organizations report that the delivery of aid faces significant obstacles due to Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting, and a breakdown of law and order within Gaza.
According to UNICEF, warehouses have been destroyed, supply chains shattered, and transport infrastructure decimated, making it challenging to move supplies safely within Gaza.
Incidents of violence, including gunfire near aid sites, looting, and attacks on aid convoys, have been reported.
According to the United Nations, more than 1000 people have been killed by Israeli forces while seeking food since late May.
The United Nations has criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new aid group supported by Israel and the US, for failing to provide adequate and safe access to supplies and replacing the UN's aid distribution role.
According to CNN, the Israeli government denies deliberately hindering aid and blames Hamas for disrupting distribution efforts and diverting supplies.
The dire situation:
Experts warn of a growing risk of famine in Gaza, and the entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
An alarming number of children and mothers are suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
According to Reuters, The World Health Organization (WHO) and other aid groups state that Gaza is experiencing "mass starvation."
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that dozens of people, including children, have died from malnutrition-related causes.
According to the British Red Cross, beyond food, the population faces shortages of clean water, medical supplies, and shelter.
Calls for action:
Aid agencies are calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unimpeded and safe access for humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians and aid workers.
There's a strong call to lift the blockade on Gaza and restore commercial supply routes to address the root causes of food insecurity.
One way to reach out to those who are starving in Gaza and other places on the earth is to support United Methodist Committee On Relief Organization. Donate to the Where Most Needed Fund, (Advance #999895.)
This fund supports UMCOR's greatest needs worldwide, including fighting hunger and poverty, assisting displaced persons, and responding to disasters. 100 % of your gift goes to help those in need. Every effort is made to ensure the needs on the ground are met.
To give go to https://umcmission.org/umcor/
