what shocks you?

What is there that shocks you? The whole world seems to be upside down. I saw a statistic that brings this to focus.

Bono was speaking at a national prayer breakfast, and he talked of 150,000 lives being lost due to the 2004 Tsunami. There is a tremendous amount of support for recovery from this disaster. Then he said there are 150,000 who die every month in Africa in a “completely avoidable catastrophe.” Bono is referring to AIDS, poor water conditions, limited medical care, hunger, etc.

So what to do? It is not overwhelming. It is a matter of determination and a sense of love of “neighbor.” It is overcoming systems of government corruption that would make anything we do here look like child’s play. Some of us may decide to go to Africa to serve first hand. All of us can do something else.

1. Pray
2. Be informed
3. Support African causes through your local church or denomination
4. Support government efforts to make a difference

Difficult and challenging, but not overwhelming.