I stood at the Sri Lanka ministry table earlier this year during our GO Weekend celebration, anxious to tell people about what God is doing in Sri Lanka. As I stood there, I heard a comment that made me realize how much serving those in need in Sri Lanka has changed my heart. One couple perused the photos of young girls and widows and made this statement - “Why would I send my money there?  Look at their clothing, they are well-dressed, obviously well-fed and have a safe place to stay. They don’t look needy.”  I was moved to respond.

Maybe you have felt this way when choosing where to serve, or who to judge as needy or not.  If you have, be assured that outward appearances do not always reveal the place of greatness need.  Poverty of the soul or a heart who does not know the hope and saving Grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ – this is one of the most tragic forms of poverty in our world.  Consider a young girl’s body invaded by those who should love and protect her; A young boy’s nightmares of horror and daily abuse; Hopelessness of a young mother caste out of society as her own karma is blamed for her husbands death; A mind unable to afford an education and therefore destined only to repeat the pains of the past  -  There are unseen scars that neither you nor I can imagine. Do covering these scars in clean clothing and setting them under a roof make them any less needy?

Yes, there are refugees and homeless in this world who reflect the visual picture of neediness. They need our care and compassion, prayers and tangible acts of love. But be careful, my friends, not to let your hearts be convinced that need has to show its face only in dirty faces, extended bellies and open sores.  God is working in amazing ways behind the scenes and in places where the hidden hurts are deepest – the need for workers is great, and the reward is being part of helping God’s will be done on earth

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