Pastor Marvin Arnpriester

A person recently commented to me that they were struggling with how to best respond to all the tragic events going on in the world—earthquakes, floods, volcanos, wars, and mass migration.

I suggested a response through our church channels. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is an agency which responds whenever there is a tragic event in the world. We provide the connections to get donations there through our One Great Hour of Sharing offering taken during Lent. This means every penny donated for a relief cause goes to make a difference as it was designated.

Later, as I reflected on the conversation, I remembered a devotional skit by two people which spoke to me at the time and continues to challenge me to this day. I hope it will challenge you as well.

Speaker 1: “Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice when He could do something about it.”

Speaker 2: “Well … why don’t you go ahead and ask Him?”

Speaker 1: “Because I’m afraid God might ask me the same question.”