Haiti 2011: Reflections Day #3

 

(Major Robin Lyle, Major Marie Lamartiniere, Major Lucien Lamartiniere, Major Stephen Banfield)



I concluded my previous blog by asking the following question:

How can I make a difference??

This brought back to my memory a sermon I had either heard or wrote many years ago.  The three points were simply:  I can make a difference by PRAYING, GIVING and GOING.

Here I will outline briefing how I (and you, too) can make a difference in the country of Haiti.

PRAY

Here a list of prayer needs for Haiti.

1. The nation of Haiti.
2. The church in Haiti.
3. The reconstruction effort after the earthquake
4. The safety and health of international aid workers.
5. The United Nations workers.
6. The ministry of The Salvation Army.
7. Major Lucien and Marie LaMartiniere, Divisional Commanders.

Will you commit to pray for Haiti and these specific needs during the coming week??

GIVE

Give above and beyond your regular contributions to your corps/church and/or regular charities.  Find someone or some project that you can consistently support.  This will make a great and real difference in the lives of some many who have so little.

Here's two simple suggestions:



1. The Salvation Army Goat Project.  Donate $50. to the Haiti Salvation Army.  The donation will be used to purchase a she goat and given to a family that lives in a rural area.  When the goat has young (usually two) one (a she goat) is given back to The Salvation Army to be given to another family.  The original recipient returns two she goats to The Salvation Army and then the original recipient's obligation is complete and future young from the goat belong to the family.  This is a wonderful and practical project.  If you are interested, contact me and I can coordinate your donation to the Haiti Divisional Headquarters.
2. Band Instruments.  The Haiti Division has at least 10 corps bands and is in great need of brass band instruments.  If you have one or more not being utilized, or know where a number of older instruments may be stuffed in an old corps band closet collecting dust, let me know, get the instruments to me and I will faciliate delivery to Haiti.

GO



I would encourage every serious, dedicated Christian to visit Haiti or a similar developing country on a missions team.  I have gone to Haiti 8 times (3 trips with missions teams and 5 trips to conduct continuing education seminars for Salvation Army officers).  I hope and plan to go again, if the Lord wills!!

I commit to do my part!! Will you join me is some way??

Haiti 2011 Reflections: Day #1

Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

May 5, 2011

(A Brief Reflection after my arrival in Haiti more than a year after the earthquake)

Life is so difficult for much of the world. 

An overwhelming sense of humility floods upon me.  I now recall why I keep coming back to Haiti--I need a shock to my worldview and system of values.  Our lifestyle is so extravagant and wasteful.  Why do I spend my money the way I do?  What could I be doing differently?

It is all too easy to sink back into the norms and values of the American way (system) and forgot or neglect the values of God.  I need a dose of realism to remind me that I an not the center of reality.

Every time I visit Haiti my heart and spirit is torn apart by the misery and hardship faced by so many Haitians.  How should I respond?  What can I do?  What should I do?  Do my norms, values, lifestyle change as a result of what I see here and how it affects me today?

Should I allow what I see to prompt me to move towards some deep-seated change?  Is it at all possible?  Or do I allow myself to merely be a Christian tourist?  Come to Haiti--see the heartache--go back to American--feel pitful today--but settle back quickly into the relative ease of indulgence and luxury??

NO!!  I do want to be affected!  I want to be continually reminded that I have friends, associates in The Salvation Army, brothers and sisters in the Christian faith who are effected each day of their existence by the hardships of Haitian life.

The ever-present question is how can I make a difference??

A Concerned Servant: The Call for Humility

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine.  Then he put the man on his donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.

Luke 10:34

The Good Samaritan compulsively went to the abused and suffering Jew.  He allowed the compassion he was experiencing to travel deep into his being to the point that he was moved to even greater action.  His compassionate compulsion led to action.  A servant places himself at the disposal of another for service.  His compassion could not remain at the depth of his heart. 

The Samaritan’s compassion led to self-subordination.  This subordination is the willful lowering of oneself to a level at or below one’s normal station of life.  The Old Testament concept of hesed depicts this voluntary, intentional self-subordination.  Hesed is passionate, undeserved loyalty to someone, especially from one in a superior position.  Hesed always involves action.  It cannot be simply a concept to envision.  Hesed is a concept to emulate and live out.   

Several prominent Old Testament examples of hesed are David and Mephibosheh (1 Samuel 9:7); and Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 3:10).

         The concerned, humble servant relinquishes self-interests.  Philippa Carter expressed this in the following manner:

“God now calls his people to become weak and oppressed in the sense that rights and privileges that may be claimed often are to be surrendered.”

         The concerned servant willingly makes connections with others.  As this occurs, self-interests voluntarily are relinquished and subverted.

            The concerned, humble servant elevates the interest of others.

A Compassionate Neighbor: The Call to Serve Others

A man was going down to Jerusalem to Jericho,

when he fell into the hands of robbers.

They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed on the other side.

So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him,

passed on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was;

and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

Luke 10:30-33

The Good Samaritan compassionately saw an injured man—a Jew.  He did not simply have sympathy on the man.  He was filled with compassion for a person who was thought of as a social and religious enemy of his countrymen.  The Samaritan empathized with the beaten man.  He felt his pain and hurt.

         The passerby observed the situation.  He saw and evaluated.  Observation is useful only to the extent that it leads to further evaluation and action.  Randy White, author and urban missiologist, writes:

“It is hard to drive unmoved past the gaping needs of the neighborhood unless one is totally hardhearted or suffering from a serious case of denial.”

        The Samaritan could have passed by on the other side, as had the priest and the Levite, brethren of the injured one.  But his observation led to further action—he took pity.

Mercy-Living

A number of years ago an associate and I were making a pastoral visit to a patient at the Hahnman Hospital in Center City Philadelphia.  As we were leaving the hospital and making our way to the parking lot, we were approached by a dirty, unkempt and, obviously, homeless man.  I freely admit that I usually do not respond positively to requests from such individuals.  However, on this particular evening as I looked into the man’s eyes, I was reminded of the words of Jesus-- “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  I reached into my pocket and pulled out two quarters and placed them into the hand of this individual.

            Normally, one feels a certain amount of guilt regardless of whether you help the beggar or reject his plea.  I recall that I had read an editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer that very week in which the head of the mayor advisory council had advocated not helping any beggar or homeless person with small change because of the deception and misuse of donations for alcohol or drugs.  She suggested that these individuals can be better served by going to homeless shelters or feeding programs that the city and social service agencies offer.

            As Christians, what should our response be when we encounter people in need on the street or in the world?  Should we treat them as if they were our neighbors?  What makes a neighbor?  Geographical proximity?  Community of race or religion?  Homogeneity of social or economical background?  Commonality of ideology?  

In this parable, Jesus overturns our traditional definitions and shatters our stereotypes of what it means to be a neighbor.  One of the basic fundamentals of Christianity is the denial of self in exchange for service to others.  Jesus affirms this in Mark 9:35—“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”  This is a foundational concept of Christianity which I call “mercy-living.”

Mercy-living is displaying godly compassion in our actions by undertaking acts of kindness through subordinating self to the person’s level of pain expecting no personal gain.  This implies action that is caring and compassionate, unselfish and sensitive to others being served. 

In the next several blogs, I shall examine the familiar passage of Luke 10:25-37 to anchor this biblical principle of mercy-living.  While responding to the probing question of an expert in the law who asked “Who is my neighbor?”—Jesus advocated that his followers should live out the principle of mercy in life’s routines and interactions.  Mercy is expressed through service to others in humility while denying oneself.

Children: A Gift from God



Jonathan Spencer Lyle was born on December 3, 2010 in Laconia, New Hampshire.  I am the proud grandfather.  The birth of a child changes everything for all individuals involved:  parents, siblings, grandparents, etc…  This was certainly the case in our family.  The birth of Jonathan has created many moments of introspection and feelings of joy, hope, anxiety, and anticipation.  My instances of deep thought have led me time and again to this passage in Psalms:

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

(Psalm 127:3-5)

In the midst of new birth, I am reminded that God is working in human affairs.  Life cannot ever simply be viewed from the narrow perspective of humanity.  Thus, this Psalm reminds me that life and children are a gift from God.

Children are a Heritage

“… children are a heritage from the Lord, …”

From a literal and perhaps legal perspective, children could be viewed as property or possession.  This, however, seems cold and callus. From another perspective, children can be viewed as God’s possession.  As a heritage, God’s possession is being passed on to us with the necessary ramifications of care, responsibility, etc…  God shares children with us and we, in turn, are to share our children with the world.  That which is shared by God must be passed on from generation to generation.  I appreciate this perspective that children are God’s gifts and a perpetual sign of God’s unending favor to humanity.

I am furthermore caused to reflect that children are a heritage and, yet, children gain a heritage from those who parent them through care, responsibility, nurturing, etc…  I can make a fairly high percentage forecast concerning Jonathan’s heritage:  He will love the outdoors and nature.  He will reverence God.  He will care for others.  He will value family.  And he will probably love German Shepherds.

 

Children are a Reward

“…the fruit of the womb a reward.”

In the Old Testament, the absence of children could mean that your inheritance could be lost (Numbers 27:8-11) and passed on to others.  Children are to be viewed as a blessing.  This presents the idea of appreciation, pleasure and joy.  Children should be seen as physical and spiritual blessings from God.

“Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb…”

Deuteronomy 28:4

Children are like Arrows

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!”

The bow and arrow were one of the choice weapons of warfare during this period.  They could be used as a defense against many forms of assault.  It must be noted, however, that arrows are directed by the archer.  The arrow must be hued and carved to a point of precision.  The wood selected must be strong without defect and not susceptible to bending or warping. The archer guards his bow and quiver of arrows with care.  In similar fashion, parents and grandparents are to care for their children as an archer watches over his quiver of arrows.  Children are like arrows in the hands of their parents and grandparents.

“Train up a child in the way he should go;

Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

What heritage are you creating and giving to your children and grandchildren?

Thank God today for your children and grandchildren and please see them as a blessing from God.

Are you preparing your children and grandchildren to be productive members of society and children of God?

A Life of Luxury and Self-Indulgence

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. . . You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence in the day of slaughter.

James 5:1-6

            These seem like harsh words directed at the successful of this world.  Look carefully at what seems like insensitive exhortations against the rich:  hoarded resources, oppression, injustice, luxury and self-indulgence, fattened.

           

The writer is condemning those who gain wealth in sinful ways and those who use their wealth in sinful ways.  The serious question is does our social position in the world keep the poor of the world down?

            Let us cautiously examine these verses for clarity in our own circumstances:

            Hoarded resources—This is the storing of wealth on earth.  What takes priority:  laying up treasures in heaven or creating an earthly inheritance?  Do you use your wealth for the glory of God?

            Oppression and injustice—Does the hoarding of wealth keep others from gaining a foothold in our economic system?  Do we buy into the political and economic systems of our country where the rich get richer and the poor have no hope or resources to advance?  Do the choices we make keep others economically and politically captive?  Have we become oppressors and administrators of injustice?  Do our choices keep others from benefiting from opportunity?

            Luxury and self-indulgence—This fifth verse can be translated, “You have lived in high style on earth.”  Luxury is waste and waste is sinful.  Jesus said, “Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”  (Luke 12:15)

            Warren W. Wiersbe in Be Mature writes:

            “There is a great difference between enjoying what God has given us (1 Timothy 6:17) and living extravagantly on what we have withheld from others.  Even if what we have has been earned lawfully and in the will of God, we must not waste it on selfish living.  There are too many needs to be met.”

Consider what changes you ought to make in your life in regard to your personal resources?  And the relationship between those resources and people in need around you?

Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,

and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,

you notable men of the foremost nation,

to whom the people of Israel come!

Amos 6:1

The Folly of Riches

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.  For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.  In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

James 1:9-11

            The world views the rich and the famous as having success, riding the world, being in a superior, elevated position.  The poor are seen as being the scum of the earth, unmotivated, lazy, in the worst possible, lowest position.

            These verses are a modern day irony.  How does the rich take pride in their low position?  How does the poor take pride in their high position?  There is another irony that fits well here:

            “The greatest among you will be your servant.  For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”  (Matthew 23:11-12)

            All the material possessions we have will one day pass away.   What would you do if all the prestige, possessions, and status you have would suddenly be taken away?

            One day, the poor will be elevated and the rich will be lowered.  The status and position will be reversed.  If fact, in the eyes of God this is already the case.  God looks favorably on the poor and looks with distaste on the wealthy.  What counts in this material, temporal life does not matter to God—degrees, commissions, jobs, church positions, etc…  What matters to God is how you use for God what you have!  What matters to God is how you play the hand you have been dealt?

            These verses in James reflect the words of the Psalmist (103:15-16):

            As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

What do you value most in life?  What are possessions do you prize?  What status or positions do you hold?

How do you reconcile what you prize in life with what God prizes?

What steps do you need to take to bring your values into line with God’s values?

“Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the Lord.

“I will protect them from those who malign them.”

Psalm 12:5

The Perpetual Poor

The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want.  (Mark 14:7)

            Again at first glance this verse appears to be in sharp contrast with the earlier Deuteronomy verse (15:4).  However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.

            These verses that describe Jesus’ anointing with expensive perfume at Bethany tell us more about the attitudes of the disciples than about a new or differing theology of the poor.  Jesus is not advocating neglecting the poor because you will also have the poor among you.

            The woman with the alabaster jar of very expensive perfume is anointing Jesus.  This is an extremely critical point in Jesus’ ministry.  Note that this event is occurring immediately before the Lord’s Supper, Gethsemane, His Arrest, Trials, and Crucifixion.

            The rebuke Jesus railed against the disciples had more to do with addressing their indignation—they were upset perhaps that this woman of questionable character would perceive the significance of the moment.  In John’s account of this event, Jesus says; “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.  You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  (John 12:7-8) 

            The woman understood the consequence of Jesus’ mission, while those closer to him did not.  The rebuke brings the totality of the event into a clear focus.  Our spiritual response to Jesus is urgent.  Our work among the poor will be constant for the poor will always be among us.  However, there are times that we must not allow a work that is always present to hinder us from our spiritual relationship and worship duties.

            Balance is the key!  In The Salvation Army, we struggle constantly with this.  How do we equalize our spiritual and social ministries?

Can you recall a situation where you have become upset or even indignant over the use of resources for a spiritual function?  And perhaps you thought the funds could have been used better for a more compassionate effort?

How do you balance the spiritual and social ministries at your church?

If anyone has material possessions

 and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him,

how can the love of God be in him?

1 John 3:17

Called to Care

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,’ (40)  “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ (45)

Matthew 25:40-45

            Jesus makes it abundantly clear throughout the Gospel accounts that his followers have “to make a choice between living to enjoy our money or living to bless the poor with it.”  Listen to his words in Luke 12:33-34—“Sell your possessions and give to the poor.  Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

            How do we use our money?  Are we called to care for ourselves and/or to care for others?  Jesus teaches that we are to use our money to help others.  He even equates helping the poor with personally helping Him.  When we do for the poor—feeding the hungry—giving drink to the thirsty—inviting a stranger in—clothing the naked—visiting the sick—visiting the prisoners; it is as if we are doing it for Jesus Christ Himself.

            The follower of Christ is called to care.  Being a Christian is far more than believing a creed or set of doctrines.  Being a Christian is far more than living a norm of behavior.  Being a Christian is doing for others what Christ would do Himself.  Being a Christian is reacting, behaving, bringing to completion the very involvement of Jesus Christ in that given situation.  The follower of Christ is called to care.  The follower of Christ is called to involvement.  The follower of Christ is called to do something.  The follower of Christ is called to live out Christ in everyday life.  The follower of Christ is called to be the very presence of Jesus Christ in every circumstance.

            Note the consequence of failing to live out Christ in everyday life—particularly to the poor:  “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

How do you view money and possessions?  Held tightly to yourself or as gifts from God to be used to care for others?

            What adjustments might you have to make in your life as a result of new understanding from this Scripture?

            How would you be able to respond to the Lord if he asked you; “Why did you not help?”

Arise, Lord!  Lift up your hand,

O God.

Do not forget the helpless.

Psalm 10:12