Tragedy = Awareness

January 12th 2010 brought a terrible catastrophe for millions of people in Port Au Prince, Haiti. The wake of the 7.0 earthquake is ever widening as time goes by. As reports stream in people are shocked at the harshness of this event. Millions lost their homes, tens of thousands died, and several hundred thousand children were left orphaned by this horrible disaster.

We have all seen countless pictures and videos of the devastated buildings, crushed vehicles, parents in heart-rending emotion with tears streaming down their face because of their loved ones who were killed or injured.

In the days and hours after the rescues began we have seen scores of heroic stories of rescues of those who were trapped in the rubble of the quake. Having friends who are missionaries in Port Au Prince, the impact of this tragedy is felt immensely. Though we cannot begin to sympathize with what they are going through, it has still placed an indelible memory upon our hearts, however heartbreaking they might be I suppose would depend upon each individuals level of compassion they possess.

One thing that I have noticed is the overwhelming response by those who want to help. Everywhere you turn there are commercials and ads to send money to relief efforts. Turn on the Tv, radio, Internet, drive down the road these advertisements are there. I know that every effort is greatly needed, and by all means we who have been blessed beyond measure should help. But one question plagues my thinking recently as a result of all these happenings.

Why do people wait until tragedy to be aware of the needs? Why is it that we are so complacent until chaos shakes us out of our lethargy? There are billions of people who are desperately needing something to help them out of the situation that they are in.
Sin.
They are needing something to sustain them and help them with a problem that is impossible for any human effort to provide. You and I who have been redeemed by the work of Calvary have an obligation to reach out to those who are in a Sin situation.

Don't wait until tragedy strikes to do something! The tragedy of souls streaming into Hell on a daily basis should be enough motivation to do everything we can to make a difference.

So yes be Aware of the tragedies that happen. Help, give, pray, go, by all means get involved. But don't forget that it shouldn't take tragedy to be aware of the spiritual condition of the masses of humanity that are without God.