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For what purpose?

In one of my former roles I was the Operations Director for a humanitarian organisation. I was responsible for sending out a team to do a survey/investigation with regards to understanding the scope of a disaster and planning a response. I quickly learnt that the answers we got from this survey would depend on the questions we asked. More than this, the questions we asked were determined by our interests. If I sent a medical person out to do the survey, we always ended up with a medical response. If I sent a food security person out, we had a food security response.

If I had never come across a washing machine before and was suddnely confronted with one, it would be hard to know exactly  what its purpose is. I might take it apart to understand how it is made and try and understand what it was created to do. But it would be a lot easier if I had the handbook on it, and even better if I could meet the designer, as together they would explain the purpose of the machine. I could then choose to use it for its original purpose or decide to use it for another purpose such as a table. Similarly, if I were to encounter a parachute I would not know what it was designed for, but once it was explained to me, to use it I would have to put my life in the designer’s hand and trust that it will work for me when I jump out the plane.

It all comes down to the question: For what purpose are we created?

If we say that life is an accidental result of a struggle for existence, and success is measured by the evolutionary principle of the survival of the fittest, what does this say about our understanding of success? What does it say about how (or why) we should care for the poor, those with disabilities, the oppressed and marginalised and the vulnerable.

Perhaps one could argue that the value of philanthropy goes against the grain of evolution, but that still leaves the question -- what is the purpose of it all?

Here we need to ask the Designer and read the Handbook. In doing so, we learn that God created us in his image to live in relationship with him. He tasked us with the care of all he created. And even when we chose (and often keep choosing) to avoid this relationship and responsibility, he pursued us in love, becoming one of us, demonstrating what walking in relationship and responsibility looks like. He declared clearly what his purpose is:

John 10:10 – That we may have life in all its fullness

Colossians 1: 20 – to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood shed on the cross.

If our questions and actions are determined by our interests – then surely our interests should be the same as our Father’s?

As we pray through the points below, as we face daily decisions in our life, ministry, community and nation – let us remind one another about our shared purpose. Let's ask the Designer for his wisdom on how things should work and let's read the Handbook to guide us through the call to be ministers of reconciliation.

Lord, here we are, send us.

Massacres Continue in the DRC

Beni, situated in the North Kivu Province of the DRC, is facing ongoing massacres with the latest seven civilians killed in Kitevya village. This brings the known tally to 1,500 murdered in the last two years.

Baliesima Albert, who many of you know from the CCD Conferences, works as an MP for this region and runs an aid response initiative. He informed Micah about the urgent plea of those living in Beni for the international community to take action, to investigate the massacres, expose the truth and enable protection and care for all those affected.

Albert sent us photos of the precious people who were hacked to death. They were distubring and shocking.

Let us pray with Albert, with the people from Beni for action and help.

Lord, we don't understand the purposes of those who commit such atrocities. We know the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, but you come to give us life in all its fullness.

Lord, in your mercy and with justice and love, we lament before you with news of further massacres and plead with you to intervene. Comfort those who mourn. Surround these people with your protection Lord.

Here we are, send us.

In the News

Whether you are shocked by the recent USA election outcome or celebrate it, what it reveals is the growing discontent for politics, the power of media to influence for good or bad, the hunger for quick-fix celebrity styled solutions, the growing polarisation of 'sides' and the readiness to blame others for national woes.

As we consider this election and other outcomes show us Lord how to pray. We ask the question: for what purpose do governments exist? Your Word reveals their role in caring for all citizens, especially the vulnerable and marginalised, and their responsibility to create a just society for the common good of all.

We pray for this for each of our nations and especially for the USA as they go through this presidential change.

Facing Ideological Disagreement

Wide-spread concern about ethics in Brazilian politics, disagreements within the Christian community, injustice and conflicts, poverty and inequality. The National Evangelical Alliance invite us to pray for justice that brings life and Shalom.

Upcoming events that need prayer

Upcoming Events

God, we pray for each activity in the coming month - that you would be present and guide each conversation so that we may be united in purpose:

19 November: National Conference Micah Switzerland / StopArmut - Refugees

24 - 26 November: Integral Mission Conversation, Russia

1 - 2 December: Integral Mission Conversation, Bangladesh

Micah Global Board:

Board meeting on the 14th November. Lord we pray for inspired discussions and your wisdom for Micah.

We continue to pray for Christine MacMillan as she recovers from her health callenges

Dare to ask and imagine...

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that works in us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21

We ask Lord for your purpose to be fulfilled.

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