How often can it be said that the entire world is
focused on the same thing at the same time – and all working toward the same
goal? Welcome to the world of
COVID-19! Aside from a few exceptions, the headlines of every country around the world are about the
battle with this coronavirus. The effects
at a macro-level include truces being called between warring factions, air and
water pollution clearing up, massive shifts in businesses and economies,
etc. At the micro-level, it seems that
every family has its own unique story of how the virus has impacted them.
Difficult times such as this have a way of bringing
the best and the worst out of people.
Some respond by slipping into a “protectionist” mentality which is
committed to look out for oneself, one’s family, one’s people at all
costs. This is seen on an individual
level (such as hoarding) and at a national level (such as has been seen in some
global leaders). But others choose to
reach out to help others, even if it means putting themselves at greater
risk. Once again this can be seen in
individuals (such as health care workers) but also in countries (such as when
people are willing to pay the economic cost of supporting the most vulnerable).
This second response is definitely the one which should
be seen among God’s people. At the time
of the early church, the region around Jerusalem suffered a famine. The apostle Paul praised the churches in
Macedonia (northern Greece today) because of the incredible way they
responded. They themselves were by no
means wealthy. And many of them were
being cruelly persecuted for their faith in Christ. But look what Paul says about them:
“They are being tested by
many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant
joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but
far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the
privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.”
2 Corinthians 8:2-4 (NLT)
A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit with
our partner in DRCongo, the CBCA. Their
executive director at that time, Dr. Molo, challenged the CBCA staff to live as
“wounded healers.” We cannot wait until
we are whole and happy and healthy before we reach out to help others. Even as we suffer and struggle in our own
situation, we continue to love and help others.
I remember looking around the room and thinking that this was not just a holy-sounding theoretical stance. Those people were
living it out on the ground. They were
ministering in practical ways in an area which has dealt with cruel rebel
attacks, destruction from a volcano, high levels of violence against women,
Ebola virus, etc.
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| In 2019, at the height of the Ebola Virus crisis in DR Congo, the CBCA distributed hand-washing stations to organizations and communities |
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| The CBCA used soccer competitions to teach youth about good practices which prevent the spread of Ebola |
I would encourage all of us, during COVID-19, to live
as wounded healers. We need to fight the
temptation to look strictly inward. Yes,
we acknowledge and try to address our own struggles. But we also look outward – to our neighbours,
the community, even the world. It is not
surprising that the ones who are suffering most during this coronavirus are the
most vulnerable in our society and elsewhere.
That is why CBM is promoting a special opportunity for people to
contribute to the efforts being done by our global partners to reach out with
Christ’s love to those who are suffering most due to the global pandemic. If you would be interested in learning more
about this initiative, please visit the CBM website at www.cbmin.org/covid-19-appeal/. You can also find different ways to pray for
our global partners as they seek to live as wounded healers in their own
contexts.
