Low Visibility Tragedy

LOW VISIBILITY TRAGEDY

Having last posted an article on the high visibility of Jewish/Palestinian peace talks, my attention was subsequently turned to the relatively little publicized tragedy in the Congo. Warring factions, intent on exploiting the area’s rich mineral resources, are routinely killing men, women, and children—while pillaging the land. Since conflict broke out in 1998, it is estimated that 5.4 million people have lost their lives. Some 45,000 persons die each month, about 47 percent of them children.

In addition, approximately 1.5 million people have been displaced. Their homes, churches, schools, and villages were burned to the ground. Diseases are rampant as a result of the ongoing hostility. The prevalence of rape is said to be among the worst in the world. In brief, the situation is grim, complex, and largely ignored in the Western world.

While other factors are involved, materialism is singled out as the prime culprit. "No one can serve two masters," Jesus vigorously protested. "Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money" (Matt. 6:24). The Congo tragedy seems to be a prime case in point.

Prayer provides a good place to begin a corrective initiative, and no doubt plays a larger role than we may realize. For instance, I am from time to time prompted to pray for someone or a special concern. Then, too, on occasion someone seems to be interceding on my behalf. This serves to remind me of the divine networking which is in place.

While good works do not substitute for prayer, neither does prayer for good works. "You are the light of the world," Jesus informed his disciples. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:14, 16).

Although the church cannot ignore financial matters, it should focus more on selfless worship, fellowship, and service. As for fellowship, it consists of being available to one another, and open to God’s gracious initiatives. As for service, it implies a holistic ministry—meeting both one’s spiritual and physical needs.

In addition, the faith community should serve as a catalyst for good, and a reproach of evil. "International response to the conflict has been tepid,"Maria Wolf (staff writer for the American Bible Society) asserts concerning the Congo crisis. "Dialogue and peace talks have skirted around the economic dimension of the conflict, which fuels the problem. Consequently, the warring parties and the companies that do business with them continue benefitting from the mineral trade with impunity."

All things considered, I am reminded of William Merrill’s urgent petition:

Rise up, O men of God!

Have done with lesser things.

Give heart and soul and mind and strength

To serve the King of kings.

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