Justice in Action {Kyle & Erica}
Missions work is so often put into a very tight category of planting a church in another country. Missions work is far more than that. In truth, we should all be missionaries in whichever field we find ourselves working. Yet what about providing justice throughout the world for the poor and oppressed? Is not caring for people in their affliction real religion? Should we not send people to minister to “the least of these?”
The poor and oppressed in our world are often left wanting, often because a culture has just accepted slavery as a normal part of life. Other times it is our ignorance of a problem. In Southeast Asia, there is slavery going on toward the poor that is harsh and inhumane. There are very few people in their community who are able to bring this evil to justice which ultimately results in their liberty.
I’ve always been aware that the Bible tells us to care for the poor and needy around us. My mind automatically moves to physical needs like food, clothes, and shelter. While I have been doing some research on this topic I came across several verses discussion how we should treat the poor when it comes to justice.
When describing evil people Amos 2:7 says, “They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed.”
“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.”Psalms 82:3-4
We are told defend and deliver the poor and needy. Not just care for their physical needs. We need to root out the oppression keeping them poor and needy. God is just and He hates oppression. He loves mercy. It takes a heart of mercy and humility to stop oppression and fuel righteous justice.
Too often in life we hear about a need, and say to ourselves “That’s too bad.” And move on with our lives. Bothered by the cruelty someone else is enduring, but ignorant of a way in which we can work to change it.
I want to introduce two people who are not merely sympathizing with those who are hurting. They are taking action to help. Kyle and Erica leave for Southeast Asia on Valentine’s Day to work for the next year defending people who are living their lives in brutal slavery. Beaten and sexually exploited, these people have no hope for release from their bondage, unless someone comes and speaks for them in court. This is exactly what Kyle and Erica will be doing; defending the poor and oppressed and demanding justice against those who abuse them.
They are moving halfway across the world, leaving family, friends, and material comforts to minister to people through justice. Denying themselves to take up the cause of people they do not know, but people who desperately need their help. They are actively living out Scripture in one of its purest forms.
God does not call all of us across the ocean to minister, but He does call us to serve him with our talents and abilities wherever we are. We can do this by financially supporting these ministries that care for the poor. We can help a neighbor who is in need. We cannot neglect our calling to serve those around us. For in this service we show Christ’s love, and further the Gospel. The Bible says that they will see Christ through our good works. We do not work to earn salvation, we work because we live to glorify the God who saves us and to show His goodness to the lost around us.
If you would like to know more about their ministry or would like to support them, visit their website:
