Participatory Approaches in Community

Poverty is commonly associated with lack. Long term missions in Haiti has received significant contributions to address that lack during the last several decades - personnel, materials and more. What is the current status in this hurting country? Is this help continuing and in what ways? What is being done and can it be done differently? There are some initiatives in the country that are rising as examples of success. What are the key guiding principles in these new initiatives and how are they modeling and instilling fresh hope in this devastated country?

We watched it grow. At first, it was pretty distant unless you live in China, or specifically in Wuhan. It increased in size and its impact travelled before it. Eventually, it was declared a pandemic and its blow thundered across the nations, globally. It’s no longer business as usual all over the world, in every sector, including the church. We are in disaster response status. As Christian health workers, what should be our perspective and response at this time? Our Perspective Our identity is on the table. We are not health workers, but Christian health workers. We are invited to be what only people who know Christ can be in this response. We have an opportunity to live out our faith and serve from our identity. It’s amazing that during a time like this, we are able to live and serve as children of the King, confident that he is still on the throne. Our hope makes us stand tall. It does not put us to shame. We come under a covenant established between God and Noah and all the generations to come. Our hope in this is once again pegged on our God. He will not destroy. We can echo that hope in the midst of every situation as it unfolds. We can have courage. As fear, panic, and anxiety rise, we will be different. The Lord is with us. We will not be dismayed. He will strengthen us when we begin to fear. His outstretched hand is victorious. Let’s take hold of it. God watches over us. Has he not assured us he is our refuge and our fortress, and we can trust him? Surely, he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. We can trust him. And even if he invites us into a pit, even there he will be with us. He is depending on us to bring healing. We are the people God is going to use to halt this. His people, who are called by his name, humbling ourselves and praying and seeking his face and turning from any wrongdoing. This will cause him to hear from heaven, forgive and heal our world. We are the aroma of Christ. To all who are affected, directly or indirectly. To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? As men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. We are his aroma in this pandemic. We do not rely on our ability. It could well be that this has happened so that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God. Our deliverer will once again deliver us from a deadly peril. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us and those we serve. His love abides. To the end. Nothing will separate us from his love. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Our Response May we be a shining light to the nations. May those we serve see his glory shine through us. May we bring a word of hope to one and to all. Let his mercy flow through us that the nations may be healed through the power of Christ. May we display his uncompromised righteousness in this season, as we fulfill our role.  Yes, we will stand. Does it feel like war? Well – here we come. Soldiers of the cross marching with him. His banner of love will be lifted by us. May he lead the procession of Christian health workers and may we be among that number. Until this has passed, he can count on us. We will stand by his passion and zeal. As duty calls, we will not be found wanting. We sign in.  The end is around the corner. The finish line is just ahead. We will run and not be weary. We will walk and not faint. Though the night tarries, joy comes in the morning. Soon, we will look back and give thanks. Until then, we will fight a good fight. Download full ebook "A Healthcare Worker's Response to COVID-19" here