In Our Own Backyard

Let me be the first to say that I'm proud to live in a country where we are anxious and eager to send aide to nations around the world in need.  I believe it's one of the very few Christian principles that's still on display in our nation's capital today.  And it's thrilling to see churches and denominations organize and implement missions trips to foreign lands in order to provide aide and share God's love.  Even celebrities seem to be eager these days to lend a hand to raise awareness of the various crises facing nations across the globe. 

Assisting to implement a desperately needed water supply system.  Aid in delivering meals on a daily basis to starving children.  School systems being built.  Homes and churches being erected and maintained.  Desperately needed medical care being delivered.  Blessings that the majority of us take for granted are the very things that, without outside help coming in, are impossibilities in these poverty stricken nations.  And I agree that we all need to do what we can to help.

But while we're so anxious to jump on board with the next mission trip overseas or send a donation to the latest celebrity-endorsed aid relief plea that comes across our television screens, do we exhibit the same  eagerness when it comes to helping our own neighbor?  While it's true that needs are great around the world, it's also true that they're great right next door.  Sure, your neighbor may not be starving for food but they may be starving for love.  The sweet little widow lady down the street may not be in need of medical care, but she may be in need of some company. She may need an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.  The neighbors on the corner may not need water, but they may need God.   

And what about the ones that are in physical need in our communities?  We don't have to travel to the Horn of Africa to find someone in need of a meal.  It's not just those in Honduras that need medical care or assistance with building and maintaining their homes and churches. Last year a group of students from the University of Tennessee came to my hometown on a mission trip.  They spent their Spring Break working in homes, yards and churches in our community.  For a week they sawed, hammered, painted, cleared overgrown landscapes, built wheelchair ramps, and shared God's love.  Our community was thrilled to have them here, local churches hosted them and threw a block party in their honor.  But I couldn't help but feel somewhat embarrassed.  I couldn't help but wonder why it took a missions group to travel here from 8 hours away to fulfill the needs in our own backyard.  Why weren't we as a community taking care of our own? 

Oh sure, we have Make A Difference Day once a year where it's fun to team up with others in the community in an effort to help others in need.  But what about the other 364 days of the year?  What are we doing for others on those days? 

We are commanded to share God's love in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  Our Jerusalem is our immediate locale.  Where we live.  Where we work.  People we pass on the street every day.  I don't think it's by chance that Jesus mentions Jerusalem first. He wants and expects us to begin at home.  Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth are also included, clearly showing that He expects us to share His love everywhere.  Around the globe.  To the ends of the earth.  But not without first beginning at home. 

We should keep going on the missions trips, or supporting the ones who do go.  We need to keep sending donations to assist in relief efforts around the world.  But we should not be overlooking needs in our own neighborhoods in the process.  We should start at home. 

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”   ~  Acts 1:8