Hope for the World Outside Our Window
by Betty Robison
Week of January 2, 2005
"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with
such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)
An old Christmas song was re-recorded this year called, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The lyrics encourage us to pray for “the world outside our window,” because…
“It’s a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing
Is the bitter sting of tears…
And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life.”
These lyrics remind me of a recent report Ann Pretorius sent after visiting a malnutrition clinic in Angola. Perhaps when you read Ann’s words, you will see the real world outside your window.
“Having assisted the poor and needy in various African nations for 25 years, I thought I had seen the worst there is to see. I was wrong. I was shocked and confronted by the pathetic and desperate need of not only the little children, but also the despair in the hearts of their mothers. These women have nothing to offer their babies. As a mother myself, I can imagine nothing worse. Their babies' little bodies have deteriorated to the point where they are unable to take in any nutrition by mouth. These mothers hold their babies close to themselves in the hope that their bodily warmth will provide comfort to the tiny little body, void of energy.
Visiting several of our feeding projects in other areas of Angola helped me realize, more than ever, just how vital it is for us continue and, hopefully, expand our work. These feeding projects are making an enormous difference, preventing children from getting to that desperate condition caused merely by a lack of nourishment.
Many times we do not realize how blessed we are. Our focus is so often on what we do not have, what we want, and what we need. I know from experience that there is a greater joy: the reward of seeing the difference we can make when we help others. Our help is saving the lives of many children, bringing hope and comfort to their mothers as well as assisting the children in receiving an education, so their 'tomorrow' presents hope and a dream for the future.
I am determined to do more, work harder, source more supplies, trust God for more, share the need, and do whatever else I can to get help to the thousands in need.”
I have seen the anguish of the women Ann described as they bring their young, malnourished children to the clinics. They hope to provide the same things we want for our children: nourishing food and clean water. They desire sanitary living conditions that will help them grow into strong, healthy children. It breaks my heart because I never faced the burden of supplying the most simple, basic needs to sustain my children’s lives.
“Do they know its Christmas?" The answer to the song’s question is "no." The children in Angola probably never knew it was Christmas time this year or any year before. The words of the song challenge those of us “in a world of plenty…to spread a smile of joy” and “to throw our arms around the world.” We can do that by praying and by giving something extra to help the malnourished children that Ann visited. Pray for a revelation of Christ’s love as we work in partnership with Peter and Ann to meet Angola’s desperate need.
The 2004 Christmas season has passed but the season of sharing His light must continue. James and I hope you and your family experienced the joy of gathering and celebrating the light that Christ brings into our lives. We anticipate that in 2005 many people will turn their hearts toward God, who will not fail them.
This Week
Take a moment to see the world outside your window. Ask the Father how you should respond to what you see.
Prayer
“Father, I know you always have the world on your heart. That is why you sent Jesus. You made Him the light of the world and you have put His light inside of me. Help me to shine my light from a high hill so you will be glorified and that those in need would experience your love, hope and peace for this New Year.”
