Why Everywhere Matters

Whenever a tragic event like that in Haiti occurs, two sets of emotions seem to arise.  Some people feel led to help out in any way they can.  Others wonder why so much attention is being paid to another country when theirs has people in need.  Why give money away to another nation?  Why go and help them out in their time of need?  Why have a telethon for them?

While I’m no expert in the answers to these questions from a government or celebrity perspective, I hope I can shed some light on the Biblical commandment to help other nations:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
–Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus wants us to go everywhere and share Him.  When you look through the four gospels at the beginning of the New Testament–Matthew, Mark, Luke and John–you will see the ministry of Jesus Christ while He was here on Earth.  He didn’t stay in one place, but traveled to many, and preached how to be with God for eternity.  However, He didn’t stop at preaching.  He healed people, spent time with them, ate with them and loved and cared for them.  This work continued with His disciples in Acts:

‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’
–Acts 1:8

By saying His disciples will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the Earth, Jesus means their homes, their regions, their nations and beyond.  This call was answered as His disciples spread past where they lived to share Jesus with others and to meet their needs.

This is why everywhere matters–be it Haiti or outside your door.  We do need to meet the needs of the people of our nation.  That has been true and always will be.  Celebrity telethons were there post-9/11 and post-Katrina.  They were there for Haiti, too.  Praise God they were, as the influence of these people raised money in a couple of hours that would’ve taken weeks to be received otherwise. 

We need to be there for everyone.  Maybe the relief efforts of Haiti have brought forth places locally and nationally you would like to help out citizens of your country.  That’s great.  They need you.  The best thing to do is respond as you are called.  You don’t pick up a phone and say, “hello?” before it rings.  The world is a global effort, and the best way to find out what actions you should take is to seek the counsel of God.  He is the hope we all need.