hunger and poverty

In my area land rights violations and abuse have escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abusers have taken the weak structure and desperate situation communities are experiencing as an opportunity for exploitation. Land grabbing and displacement is prevalent in communities and institutions that have not formalised their ownership (such as the church). If the churches are also erased, what remains in the social and moral fabric of society that will hold it together for future generations?

Have you ever been asked that weird ice-breaker question: if you could have a superpower what would it be? My answer would be super-weakness. Let me explain. I have always wondered why Superhero movies are so popular lately. To be honest I was over the fad back when the first X-Men movie came out. So I did a bit of research. Out of the many theories out there, I came to this conclusion: superheroes are a metaphor of our lives and they personify our ultimate hopes.

Our Phone2Action partner launched #HearUsOut to help you send a personalized message to federal elected officials.  It is now avaliable to Canadians.  By selecting a topic within the action alert, you’ll be able to provide direct feedback on the COVID-19 response affecting vulnerable people in your community. The following paragraphs will be embedded in your action alert when you select a specific topic to take action on.  You can also copy and paste these paragraphs into communications with your official as necessary!

People on the move due to insecurity in their countries have many anxieties and uncertainties in life. Uganda hosts more than one million refugees that have no hope or plans to return to their home country. This prohibits them thinking positively about going home. Where would be the best place to live and experience the joy and sense of belonging? We have heard refugees asking, “How do we start thinking of going home amidst the lack of commitment to peaceful co-existence due to tribal and ethnic differences in the governing structure?”

His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. - Psalm 91 (The Message) 

As employees of the CRC we’re working from home as much as possible to do our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.  So we’re sharing some of our favourite podcasts with each other and with you! Here’s our wide ranging list of fantastic content.  We hope that whether these podcasts are biblical or scientific you’ll enjoy some of our (personal) favourites.  

The various ministries of the Christian Reformed Church in North America strive to care for our vulnerable neighbors well.  During this time of COVID-19 there are many ways in which we, as people of faith, can continue the work of loving our neighbors.  In fact, many of you are likely taking steps to physically distance yourself as a current expression of love!  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

For Those Providing Essential Services

This week we lift up prayers for those serving our communities in many ways.  We are particularly thankful for their service during this time.   Join us in prayer.  

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.  - Martin Luther 

Breathe. SomeOne is here.  Not some idea, not some philosophy, not some theology — SomeOne. I could not go to Him, so He has come to me. We follow more than words on a page, we follow a Person who stays at our side. - Ann Voscamp