Over the last five days in Guatemala I have seen first-hand so much suffering. I have held malnourished infants, played with neglected children, played soccer with a young man who ran away from home to get away from his father’s severe abuse, and stoked the cheek of a child fighting to breath. This country is truly a place of beauty, wonderful people, and horrible suffering.
In recent months I have written about the plight of the third world regularly. It is no secret that the number one cause of death in these places is diarrhea, followed closely by malaria. It is also well known that a lack of clean drinking water produces cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and a variety of other ailments. Likewise, you probably know about the plague of malnutrition which kills so many. In all, approximately 26,500 children die every 24 hours from poverty related issues.
But as I have spent time once again in this county I love so much, I have come to an awareness. None of these things are the cause of death. Diarrhea, malaria, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and malnutrition kills no one. Once the post-mortem studies on each of these precious people are completed, they all share the same cause of death…apathy.
Each of the above ailments are completely preventable and treatable with medication and supplies found at our local drug store and super market. It is not an issue of resources, because more than enough resources lie in the pockets and bank accounts of church-goers in the USA. It is not an issue of awareness, because we know the world is suffering. And it is not an issue of access as the third world is simply a few hours flight away for the price of most families’ entertainment budget for a month or two. The issue is apathy.
Let me make it clear that I am not advocating more US aid or government intervention. Whenever foreign aid is involved it is inefficient and seldom reaches the true needs. What I am praying for is the church of Jesus Christ casting off apathy, giving, and going to the places of suffering and touching lives with the love of God.
Currently there is a small handful of believers who have taken up the call to go, love, and help. Far more are needed. If the professing body of Christ is to ever make a world impact, those numbers must increase significantly from the “radical” few to the common many.
As a believer who knows the need and has the resources and the access I am responsible. The days of expecting someone else to do something has passed. I will not allow another child to die due to my apathy. Will you?
