After World War II there were some very difficult years for our family. In addition to living in a country governed by a dictator, daily life was challenging. The daily needs of life—shelter, clothing, and food—were almost impossible to obtain. We were more fortunate than many others because we grew most of our food. However, there was little variety in the food that we ate—especially during winter when nothing grew in the garden.
Then one day something unexpected happened. Somehow a can of food found its way to us. The fact that the food made it to our home was itself a miracle, since the government managed to keep most food for its favored people, and we were not among the favored. We were told that the food came from the United States, and since we did not read English we really did not know what it was. The language was strange, and the picture of the food did not help us understand what was in the can.
Even after we opened the can, we still did not know what it was. We could tell it was red and firm. But when Mother touched it, it wiggled; and when she took it out of the can, it stayed together in a cylinder shape. She then tasted it and pronounced it edible. It was a can of jellied cranberries*—something we had never seen or tasted. Since we didn’t know how it was to be eaten, Mother decided to slice it and place the slices on pieces of bread. What a feast we had!
Millions of people—many in your area—have numerous needs. Because of war, disaster, and other crises, people experience great needs—shelter, food, clothing, health care, and lots of other necessities. What are we doing for those in need? It’s a question both for congregations and organizations. Listed here are some realistic possibilities.
Recognize those who help those in need. You might be surprised that individuals, often behind the scenes, are involved in a ministry of helping those in need. In one of my congregations I found that a man was an active member of the board of an organization that provided temporary housing for women and children who experienced abuse. Additionally, he volunteered to make repairs at the shelter. Very few members in our church knew of his important ministry. We honored him publicly in the congregation, and after that others joined him as he ministered to others.
Look in your neighborhood.Where are the needs? Large disasters often receive publicity—at least for a short time. But what about daily needs that exist in our communities? I teach a Sabbath School class at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, United States. Our class participates enthusiastically in the world mission offering and local expenses. But additionally, our class chooses special projects each year, one outside the country and one locally. Right now, another class teacher, Ron DeClerck is purchasing supplies for a homeless family who plans to move into an apartment with funds provided by special donations from class members. What about your neighborhood? Is there someone who has experienced a crisis or has a need that you could meet?
Do what you are able to do. We minister in a world bombarded by disasters, and the challenges seem overwhelming. What can one congregation do? If the crisis happens in your area, your church can help in many specific ways. In order to do that, congregations need to prepare for disaster situations—and many congregations, to their credit, are prepared. If the need does not happen to be in your area, I suggest contacting legitimate organizations and partnering with them. A number of good organizations exist, and Seventh-day Adventist churches have access to both Adventist Community Services (www.communityservices.org) and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (www.adra.org). Don’t ignore the need—do what you are able to do.
Many countries have a day of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day in the United States is on the fourth Thursday of November. Our congregation—as many others do—collects food to meet the needs of others. We often bring food to the church so that it can be distributed. More than fi fty years ago someone who did not know me donated a can of jellied cranberries, and this brought a smile to my family. My wife and I take food to our church, and now I make certain that I include a can of jellied cranberries. It’s an experience of joy to give it because of the memories it brings, and I know that someone somewhere will enjoy the berries as much as we did.
When the righteous say, “ ‘ “Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?” ’ ” (Matt. 25: 37, NASB), Jesus might say, “When you brought that can of jellied cranberries.”
* Cranberries are native to North America and were used by Native Americans long before other settlers populated the continent.
