“If Jesus were here, what would he say to you?”
I remember the question. I recall the setting as though it were yesterday. As I reflect, I can almost feel the inner turmoil I had been experiencing in the days prior to meeting the one who asked me the question. To this day I feel the subtle whisper of peace which, like a ray of sunlight, pierced the fog of my confusion. The person who would become my spiritual mentor had asked me a question that was extremely beneficial in that moment and has continued to be a guiding principle in the years since.
What would Jesus say? What would Jesus do? How would Jesus respond? These are questions I frequently ask myself as I encounter the myriad different circumstances of life.
This is also a question we frequently ask in Tearfund Ireland. Over the last number of months, the Board and staff have been working through a strategic review to set the organisational direction for the next five years. We have sought input from those who volunteer on board committees, as well as from supporters, church leaders, donors, our local implementing partners and organisations with which we are in strategic alliances. We have followed professional consultation processes and carried out the internal analyses that are essential to this type of direction-setting. In addition, and this is the most important element, throughout our process, we have continued asking God, ‘What do you want us to do?’.
An important part of our process was to reflect on various Scripture verses that have influenced and guided the direction of Tearfund Ireland over the years. One of the Directors referred to Matthew 25: 40 in which Jesus makes clear how his followers should behave toward those who are hungry, sick, in need or imprisoned. “…as you did to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Another shared the story of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37). These passages continue to resonate deeply with all involved in Tearfund Ireland.
(In the coming weeks, we will be ready to share the outcome of this strategic review – and we hope you will be as excited as we are! But in this moment, I return to the question; What would Jesus do?)
Exactly one year ago today, in another country, I was with some of the most courageous, resilient, committed Christians I know. These are people who love the Lord and have demonstrated their love through dedicated, sacrificial service to others in great need. Choosing to remain in an environment that many would consider unsafe, these believers are intent on demonstrating God’s love and goodness to people who have fled conflict zones and, as a result, are in extreme need and experiencing trauma. But what makes their choice to serve even more astounding is that most of the people they help are from a nation that, only a few years ago, oppressed their own homeland. Not only are my friends living out Mt 25:40 by serving the hungry, the sick, the stranger and those in need, but they are also demonstrating love for their neighbour and blessing those once considered an enemy (Lk 10:25-37).
Listening to the leaders of this group, I hear them describe the questions they ask themselves as they make their decisions to serve: ‘What would Jesus do in this situation?’. ‘How can we be the hands and feet of Jesus?’. ‘How can we love our neighbour?’.
One year ago this group were resourcing hundreds of local churches in their network to serve refugees, people who had come across their nation’s borders seeking safety from conflict in their own country. Within days after our meeting a new conflict erupted in their region. Yet, despite the many challenges, risks and needs, my friends have remained and continue asking, ‘What would Jesus do in this situation?’. ‘How can we be the hands and feet of Jesus?’. ‘How can we love our neighbour?’.
In Tearfund Ireland, we would like to help them as much as possible. We see the suffering of thousands and ask, ‘What would Jesus do in this situation?’. ‘How can we be the hands and feet of Jesus?’. ‘How can we love our neighbour?’.
Those of you have been supporters of Tearfund Ireland may recognise that I am referring to our long-term partners in Lebanon whom we have been walking alongside as they serve those in need around them.
For the past eleven months regional conflict has exacerbated an already precarious situation in Lebanon. In the last two weeks the situation has become even more difficult and dangerous. Yet our Christian brothers and sisters are committed to demonstrating God’s goodness and love to the stranger, the hungry, the sick and those in great need. We would like to help them provide shelter, food, blankets and hygiene kits for those who have fled their homes throughout Lebanon.
In addition, as we have witnessed the suffering of tens of thousands of people within Gaza, we have been asking, ‘God, what do you want us to do?’. Through our international network of Christian Humanitarian organisations we have formed a partnership with a trusted, and experienced, organisation that is able to deliver medical supplies into the functioning hospitals and pop-up clinics in Gaza. The needs are substantial, but, in following the instructions of Jesus, we feel compelled to do what we can for those in need.
We are appealing for funding so we can send much needed medical supplies into Gaza. Would you consider making a donation to this appeal? If you can, any amount will help.
Tearfund Ireland was established many years ago so Christians in Ireland could, through trusted Christian organisations, participate in humanitarian response and quality development interventions for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. We are committed to continuing that aim and purpose.
Cover Image: Thanti Riess