Coming face to face with suffering on the scale seen on our television screens or in newspapers, is not something most of us will experience. It changes us and makes us question the world we live in.
Arriving in Lodwar, northern Kenya, we are met with smiling faces. Looking beyond the smiles one cannot help but notice the tell-tale signs of malnourishment. Skinny arms and sagging skin upon frail bodies are hidden under the traditional Turkana clothing.
It is with mixed emotions that I take photos. Somehow it does not seem right to take photos of people who are suffering. I resolve that it will help to send a message to more people who can help. I question how hunger exists in this world?
It doesn’t have to, whispers a voice in my head. In some places an estimated 40 billion dollars a year is spent on diet fads and weight reduction programmes.
The thought troubles my mind as I seek to understand. I watch as people carry their food portion, fading away into the distance as they walk miles to their huts and shelters. My mind turns to scripture….. ‘when I was hungry you fed me’… Yes, God willing more food will arrive before it runs out, the headlines will inspire action; people do care - here in Kenya and around the world. I thank God for placing me here to see His love in action.
Devotion by Judith Dupuis - Information Coordinator for MAF in Kenya
Pray...
Father, we pray today for our brothers and sisters in Kenya. We thank you that you are a God of compassion and you care these your children. We pray that more people will wake up to the call to go out and show your love in action.
Amen
Matthew 25 v 34 – 40 (NIV)
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’