The Greatest Humanitarian Cause

Do you have trouble with prayer? How should we pray? For what should we pray? What lessons should we learn from prayer? Let's consider Christ's lesson on the subject.

by Doug Horchak

In increasing numbers, young adults are expressing a desire to "make a difference" in a world that is torn by disease, poverty, terror and the ravages of war. An article in The Washington Times noted that among teens and young adults, volunteerism and a desire to serve by helping others in the community and the world is at its highest level in more than 50 years ("Youth Volunteerism at 50 Year High, Study Finds," Nov. 20, 2002).

Chances are that you may also have a desire to do your part to bring desperately needed humanitarian aid to a strife-torn world.

A world in need

In recent travels to West Africa, I came to see just how much in need so many people are in this part of the world. Infectious disease and poverty kill more people than die in the continuing bloody conflicts that plague many countries in the region.

This is just one example of a world where human suffering is rampant. While the global economy has grown sevenfold since 1950, the disparity in per capita income between the 20 richest and 20 poorest nations has more than doubled between 1960 and 1995. (To understand the underlying reasons behind humanity's troubles and why God permits them to continue, send for our free booklet Why Does God Allow Suffering?)

We live in a world filled with conditions that cry out for others to simply help. Yet the problems and sheer numbers of people in need are so great that the goal of making a true, lasting difference is daunting. Conditions such as these have moved some people, particularly the younger generation, to want to make a difference. However, the idea of serving the world in the interest of solving human suffering is not new.

The Peace Corps: The power of an idea

Forty years ago, while campaigning for the presidency in October of 1960, John F. Kennedy (who was soon to become the 35th president of the United States) arrived at the University of Michigan to speak to the students. It was there on the steps of the Michigan Union that the Peace Corps was launched.

Read the full article at www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn49/humanitarian.htm

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