Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute. (Pr 31:8)
Sometimes I’ve heard people described as the voiceless. If taken literally, this language can become problematic. But, when used in a figurative, or representative sense, there are voiceless people. Millions of them.
Sad but true.
People living in low-income countries often have less decision-making authority than those living in high-income countries. People living in rural villages often have less influence than those living in bustling cities. People living in poverty often have less say than those living in relative wealth. People living under oppressive regimes, in conflict zones, or in war-torn regions have less opportunity to raise their voice. People living where crops don’t grow, where food is scarce, or where food is withheld have little prospect of being heard.
Disappointing but true.
These people have a voice, the problem is their voice isn’t being heard. Many times, the rest of us are not aware of the situation, or we’re not attuned to the needs, so we simply do not hear their voice. But what is more often the case, these people are disregarded by those in positions of power.
Disturbing but true.
I have a conviction to raise my voice for those who are not able to be heard. And, in Tearfund Ireland, we acknowledge that we are sometimes called to be a prophetic voice to the Church in Ireland. We feel a responsibility to remind people of God’s perspective on issues of global justice.
We’ve all seen the images of people in Gaza. Here there are many children, elderly, sick, and injured whose voices are not being heard.
Last week I attended a meeting of Irish humanitarian organisations who were told there are more child amputees in Gaza than anywhere else in the world. These are children. Children who have lost arms or legs as a result of the destruction from bombs or artillery. Children who need someone to speak up for them.
Heart-wrenching but true.
We are all aware of the restrictions on delivery of aid, food, medicines, and fuel. The impact of these restrictions is weakening the voices of those needing the deliveries. Last autumn, Tearfund Ireland raised funds to send medicines into Gaza. That first delivery was safely delivered to the intended Christian partner, who securely distributed medicines to those who needed them.
Photo: Distributing medical supplies in Gaza Credit: Anera/International Health Partners
Two months ago, Tearfund Ireland sent funds to contribute toward another shipment of medicines into Gaza. That second shipment was held up at the border for several weeks. Unable to get across the border into Gaza, and with the time-stamped medications nearing their expiry date, our partners made the difficult decision to redirect the truck so the medicines would not go to waste. The truck was diverted to deliver medicines to Christian partners in Lebanon and was gratefully received by those who needed the medications.
There are many places around the world where the voiceless are praying for someone to speak up for them.
As I think about what it means to use my voice for those who have no voice, I am reminded of a Christian friend living and ministering to people in a conflict zone. This person told me how important it is that we, as followers of Jesus, are a ‘voice and not an echo’. My friend followed that statement with this,
“In any difficulties of life I want to always express the love and justice of God with a clear voice. If I echo any message, it must be the voice of Jesus.”
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute. (Pr 31:8)