Heaven

COVER LETTER

Dearly Beloved:

IN CHRIST WE HAVE PEACE AND REST!

I was praying today and asking the Lord what I should share with our readers. I was quickly led by the Holy Spirit to these verses in James 2:15–17, “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

These verses move me deeply. In my world travels I have witnessed the awful poverty and heartbreaking living conditions in slums, in South America and Africa especially. Recently in Nairobi, Kenya, I walked through one of the largest slums in Africa. One and a quarter million poor people live there in squalid tin shacks with no clean water, no electricity, open sewage ditches. The sights, the stench, the hunger are almost unbearable. It tears at your heart to see so many bony, sunken-cheeked children. You can never forget what you saw — you are impacted for life.

I have always believed that I am responsible for those needs that are placed before me — things I have seen with my own eyes. I did not cause the poverty and suffering — that is the result of man's fallen nature and lack of knowledge about the saving grace of Christ. But when hunger and nakedness and squalor are right there in front of my eyes, I am responsible to act — to do all in my ability and opportunity to provide hope and provisions. If I can't go there in person, I can send others willing to be a living sacrifice. I can help ministries that are already in place and doing these good works. We support ministries all over the world — in feeding, clothing, building shelters, schools and orphanages.

I hear it said, “We are not saved by good works.” True — we are saved by faith alone, trusting in the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. But these good works testify to the compassion of Christ. And they echo the heart of God. It is obedience to the Word of the Lord to care for widows, the fatherless, and the poor. Doing these things does not save me — but it answers my need to stand one day before Christ and hear him say, “I was hungry and you fed me, naked and you clothed me, in prison and you visited me. Insomuch as you have done it to one of these, the least of these, you have done it unto me” (see Matthew 25:34–46).

James leaves no room for excuses. He says, “If you give them not those things needful to the body, what doth it profit?” In other words, your faith has not profited. He is referring to those destitute of daily food. I judge no man and I am not trying to put guilt on anyone. But I know I have to do more than talk faith — Imust act faith.

This is not an appeal for money for our ministry. It is a loving reminder that if God has blessed us and provided for our needs — if we have the ability to give — then we are commanded to give. And we will be judged if we do not. According to Matthew 25, this will be high on God's agenda at the Judgment.

I believe most who read this letter want to help. Many readers hurt deeply over the pain and suffering, especially among children. God sees your compassion, and he will present to you such ways to help meet some of these critical needs. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in your giving. There are ministries you can trust — he will give you discernment.

Pray for us. Thank you, in Christ's lovely name.

In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON

DW:bbm 4.30.07