Paul Rusesabagina: I am glad that you have shot this footage and that the world will see it. It is the only way we have a chance that people might intervene.
Jack: Yeah and if no one intervenes, is it still a good thing to show?
Paul Rusesabagina: How can they not intervene when they witness such atrocities?
Jack: I think if people see this footage they'll say, "oh my God that's horrible," and then go on eating their dinners.
[pause]
Jack: What the hell do I know?
Jack: Yeah and if no one intervenes, is it still a good thing to show?
Paul Rusesabagina: How can they not intervene when they witness such atrocities?
Jack: I think if people see this footage they'll say, "oh my God that's horrible," and then go on eating their dinners.
[pause]
Jack: What the hell do I know?
-Hotel Rwanda
We have all seen what has happened in Japan. We've all watched the videos, seen the photos, been exposed to the media hype about nuclear contamination, but how many of us have really taken the time to consider what we can do to help? I am as guilty as everyone for having said the very words that Joaquin Phoenix's character Jack drunkenly utters in Hotel Rwanda about many atrocities. I have taken a few steps but only followed through a handful of times. I may have done some relief work after Katrina hit, but other than that I donated my $10 to the red cross when Haiti's earthquake happened and allowed myself great pride in thinking that I had made a difference (I wanted to go, but didn't capitalize on the opportunity because I simply didn't prepare for it).
Is this loving? Jesus talks about loving the Lord our God with all of our hearts, minds, soul and strength and then immediately says that the next command is just like the first: To love our neighbor as ourselves. I think of the story of the good Samaritan, taking the time, energy and money to care for someone who was left for dead by robbers, a priest and a levite. I think of how Jesus described the Samaritan as a good neighbor. I think of how little I do when I am commanded to care for the poor and suffering. I find it so interesting that Jesus actually connects loving God with loving people.
Early Christians really got this. The early church in Rome took care of plague victims when the rest of the city abandoned them, giving their very bodies over to certain death to bring love compassion and care to dying people. Why would they do such a thing? Because of Jesus's words in Luke, "love your neighbor as yourself." Why would I, a comfortable American be willing to fly thousands of miles, work long hours doing back breaking work for a people who will never remember my name? Because Jesus says to love my neighbor, and I want to show them the love of Christ.
Right now, we have a team of four men on the ground in Japan looking to make contacts and figure out what we can do. Organizations are now asking for people to come and help. The need is huge and many are poised to help. I know that I am not alone in my heart to bring help and the Gospel to Japan.
My hope is that I can go. It is the cry of my heart. I want to be on the ground, loving with the love of Jesus, serving, caring, helping, and bringing healing to Sendai and the surrounding area. Honestly, that is what I want wherever I go. But even if I can't, I will still do what I can stateside. I will not allow myself the luxury of believing that my feeling sad is enough. Love is active and love is giving. Love is self sacrificing and I would gladly give my body to the flames if it meant a door was opened for Jesus to be known.
So I ask you to consider what you can do. Prayer is huge. Prayer for those affected by the tsunami and quake, prayer for the people in general. Prayer for the Gospel and prayer for workers. Money is huge too. Many who are available can't afford to fund the trip; consider sponsoring someone to go. Donate to CRASH Japan, the Red Cross, Samarian's Purse or other organizations that are providing relief. Consider going yourself. But above all, do not forget them when it is no longer a popular discussion topic. Please help.
Grace and Peace,
Lee
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