Monday, January 30, 2006
Good News for New England
October 2005 was a life-changing month for many families living in the heart of New England. As the world watched New Orleans deal with the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, New England too was being inundated with rain. Subsequent flooding resulted in thousands of residents being displaced from their homes. Among these flood victims were residents of Brookside Apartments in Southbridge, MA who had been evacuated in the middle of the night, having only had minutes to gather a few personal belongs. In the days following they returned to water-logged apartments and began the monumental task of salvaging belongings, disposing of the those item that had been destroyed, and relocating to new apartments. The task at hand required rubber gloves, dust masks, pick-up trucks, duct tape, boxes and a large doses of courage. Because of time pressures a great deal of man-power was needed to help people get re-established.
Although, this was a very difficult time for those whose apartments were flooded, someone who may have been watching closely would have discovered a glint of goodness amidst the stress and tragedy. Along with the residents who were working feverishly to salvage their belongings were unpaid friends and volunteers. These were people who donated time, use of vehicles, food and household goods to their friends in need and to strangers whom they had never met before. This was good news for people who were in desperate straits.
Several months later, in a neighborhood not far away, a single mother checked in on a neighbor who lived alone and had been going through some difficult times. It is very likely that, because of her concern and intervention, her neighbor’s life was saved. In the coming weeks a dozen or more people from this region volunteered to provide food, labor and old fashioned “tender loving care” in an effort to help a fellow-New Englander get back on her feet again. These people were not government paid relief workers or emergency personnel; they were just members of a neighborhood prayer group who were making good news.
The above scenarios were real. I saw them played out right here in Southern New England. No doubt there are thousands of other such acts of love and goodness that are taking place on a daily basis. How refreshing it is to witness these acts of kindness mid the incessant reports of selfishness, hurt and violence that are so frequently focused upon in the news. How encouraging it is to be reminded that thousands of people, who live in New England, donate their time and resources on a regular basis. So many caring people give willingly and selflessly in order to: provide food and housing for the homeless, provide moral education for children, provide positive social experience for our young people, provide empowerment for families, and provide encouragement and fellowship for the elderly. These caring people are constantly bringing good news to the lives of fellow citizens.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has often been referred to as “Good News.” In a nutshell the Gospel says that anyone who is willing to believe in, and obey, Jesus Christ will be pardoned of their sins and empowered to live an abundant life. God initiates a process by which each of us can have everlasting life. He is good, and our response to His goodness can change our lives forever. That’s the Good News. But the Good News does not stop with the salvation of believers; it initiates a domino effect.
Believers everywhere are creating good news in the lives of others as they find ways to minister to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Have you noticed? Have you thanked someone? Have you determined to become involved? Maybe you are weary of all the negativity and sadness in your world. Rather than cursing the darkness, become a ray of light in New England. You can make some good news yourself. Consider getting involved in helping others. Participate in a food pantry. Help local charities. Join a church or a neighborhood prayer group. If you have been loved, find a practical way to show love to others - make some good news.
Although, this was a very difficult time for those whose apartments were flooded, someone who may have been watching closely would have discovered a glint of goodness amidst the stress and tragedy. Along with the residents who were working feverishly to salvage their belongings were unpaid friends and volunteers. These were people who donated time, use of vehicles, food and household goods to their friends in need and to strangers whom they had never met before. This was good news for people who were in desperate straits.
Several months later, in a neighborhood not far away, a single mother checked in on a neighbor who lived alone and had been going through some difficult times. It is very likely that, because of her concern and intervention, her neighbor’s life was saved. In the coming weeks a dozen or more people from this region volunteered to provide food, labor and old fashioned “tender loving care” in an effort to help a fellow-New Englander get back on her feet again. These people were not government paid relief workers or emergency personnel; they were just members of a neighborhood prayer group who were making good news.
The above scenarios were real. I saw them played out right here in Southern New England. No doubt there are thousands of other such acts of love and goodness that are taking place on a daily basis. How refreshing it is to witness these acts of kindness mid the incessant reports of selfishness, hurt and violence that are so frequently focused upon in the news. How encouraging it is to be reminded that thousands of people, who live in New England, donate their time and resources on a regular basis. So many caring people give willingly and selflessly in order to: provide food and housing for the homeless, provide moral education for children, provide positive social experience for our young people, provide empowerment for families, and provide encouragement and fellowship for the elderly. These caring people are constantly bringing good news to the lives of fellow citizens.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has often been referred to as “Good News.” In a nutshell the Gospel says that anyone who is willing to believe in, and obey, Jesus Christ will be pardoned of their sins and empowered to live an abundant life. God initiates a process by which each of us can have everlasting life. He is good, and our response to His goodness can change our lives forever. That’s the Good News. But the Good News does not stop with the salvation of believers; it initiates a domino effect.
Believers everywhere are creating good news in the lives of others as they find ways to minister to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Have you noticed? Have you thanked someone? Have you determined to become involved? Maybe you are weary of all the negativity and sadness in your world. Rather than cursing the darkness, become a ray of light in New England. You can make some good news yourself. Consider getting involved in helping others. Participate in a food pantry. Help local charities. Join a church or a neighborhood prayer group. If you have been loved, find a practical way to show love to others - make some good news.
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