Here is what the Bible says about loving God and man: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20). The same applies to the commandment on loving our neighbor.

      Dear brothers and sisters, the Great Commandment and the Great Commission are two sides of the same coin. Social concern is an unalienable part of the church’s integral mission. In a creative access region, people usually get married at a very young age. However, since men can each have a number of wives and society values men over women, marital relationships are mostly insecure. If a woman gives birth to a baby with special needs, they will be considered as being cursed by gods and be looked upon as a shame of the extended family. It is very likely that the woman will be abandoned along with the baby. Many children are also abandoned and have become orphans this way. With the support of some funds, one local organization was able to organize a life camp for children with special needs. Yet, they had no idea where their volunteers would come from. When a missionary couple knew this, they joined the service. Then, something amazing happened. They needed 50 volunteers for the first camp. Surprisingly, they finally got all the volunteers they needed. In subsequent camps, the number of volunteers kept increasing. Some volunteers even came from other towns and villages, and they kept coming every time. Among the volunteers, some were Christians, but there was also a large number of non-believing friends. The practice of love has moved human hearts. Some young volunteers committed their lives to Christ. The power of the gospel was unstoppable even in a place where public evangelism was prohibited. All thanks be to God indeed.

       The practice of love is clear proof that the Kingdom of God has come to earth. The gospel must first be seen. Then, it will be heard and accepted. To put love into action, we must first understand people’s needs in life and the condition of the community. It is exactly this that the church’s social concern ministry is instituted for – to lead brothers and sisters into the community. It is aimed at helping all “see” and “hear” so as to serve, accompany, and walk with our neighbors. We do not have the resources nor solutions for social problems. However, we can perceive the heart of Jesus Christ in there and share what God has given us to share. We have sisters of a mothers’ fellowship who joined a small group to walk with women served. They share the burdens, needs and feelings of carers and exchange tips on parenting. Pastoral staff are also in their midst to educate parents. For sure, they also eat together, drink together and have fun together touring the countryside! In that life community, the gospel is seen. It is also heard and accepted.

      The apostle Paul said: “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:23). Brothers and sisters, may the love of God fill our hearts. May His Spirit renew our determination to steadfastly live out love and care in our daily lives. May we pay the price to serve and become ambassadors of God’s salvation of people.