Well, the short answer...
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
For while we were still weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of Christ is eternal life, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
For God so love the world that he gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16
Everyone stands before God in need of a sinner. Everyone is separated from the Father because of their sin. Sin that they were conceived in. Sin that corrupts all of God's good creation, sin that delivers death and condemnation. All people are in need of Christ. No one can come to the Father on their own. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the propitiation for our sins so that by faith in him we are justified. How can they know if they have not heard?
We all need the proclamation of the Gospel for the very same reason. We are a people without hope and life. We need to be brought from the pit and into life! We need to hear, we need to be taught, we need Jesus! We need God's Word to have it's way with us. We need the Holy Spirit to enliven us to faith! God promises to come to us and gather us around His gifts that give forgiveness, faith, life, and salvation. He uses the feet of those who bring Good News to do it.
The harvest is plentiful the workers are few. Matthew 9:37
Yep... that's you and me, through our vocations, God does his work!
The job of the church is to share this Good News. To speak forgiveness. This is why we need our Pastors to admonish, proclaim and give out the gifts of Christ through Word and Sacrament. This is why we need missions. Laity take on responsibilities in missions also. As brothers and sister in Christ we all are called. We are to share the a word of comfort, teach, witness to Christ, to pray for those in need, and to care for the needs of people and communities through works of mercy.
So often, our perceptions and masks cover up our greatest needs and the needs of others. Many times we pass right by unbelievers without so much as even a glance. Or worse we fly by them in a fit of rage on the interstate leaving them staring at the "Jesus Fish" on our bumper through a cloud of dust. The sinful broken world we live in strives to pull us away from the promises of Christ and distracts us from sharing that love and promise by serving our neighbors here and far away.
Slovakia is a place that has been highly affected by war and politics. These factors have brought on poverty and spurred on atheistic beliefs. This area of Europe was impacted by the Reformation so there has been a continual Lutheran presence. However because of the challenges of being a relatively young country the church there is in need of our support and care.
It could be easy to view Slovakia through the eyes of a tourist. (Not that tourism is bad, they certainly need tourism for a flourishing economy.) However, as I prepare to go over there I am trying to see what life is in their shoes, so that I may effectively respond to their needs in compassion and empathy, knowing all the while their greatest need is Christ.
I'd like to share these two videos with you as I think it emphasizes the point and the second one helps us see the care and mercy the beautiful country and it's people need.
Slovakia through the perception of a tourist
A different perspective. Please beware of a few somewhat graphic images.
As you can see there is work to be done there. There is work to be done here in our everyday life also. Work that we in our vocations can do. Witness to Christ as we care for our neighbor, Together we are the hands and feet of Christ.
Please consider how you can support my service in Slovakia.
Check out my fundraising campaign. http://igg.me/at/lisagoesslavic/x/10825861
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