DOES ANYONE CARE?
Several years ago, in a suburb of Sydney Australia, police broke into the apartment of Jorge Chambe, 64, after receiving a call from a concerned neighbor. Unfortunately, the call came too late, as Jorge was found dead in his single bedroom flat. In fact, the call came around 365 days late, as Jorge’s body, in an advanced state of decomposition, had lay dead for nearly a year prior to its discovery.
How was this possible? Chambe had no close relatives or friends, and his rent was paid automatically from a bank account that was funded by government welfare payments. Because he generally kept to himself, his lack of activity did not elicit undue concern. The only clue that indicated that something was amiss was an overflowing mailbox, but his neighbors assumed that he was away on an extended trip.
Shortly thereafter, New South Wales state Housing Minister Matt Brown asked a sobering question on a local Radio program: "How can it happen that a person can die in such a lonely way and no one know?"
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Although the aforementioned incident is an extreme case, less severe examples of neglect are commonplace. As you read this, scores of hurting, burdened, or lonely people in Milan may be wondering, “Does anyone care?” This might include members of the church here.
As we begin the year 2022, may God help us to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open for anyone experiencing need, depression or loneliness. God is keenly aware of such souls (Matt. 10:29-31), and we should be, as well. Moreover, your or I may be the encouragement that God desires to provide for the hurting, downtrodden and lonely.
So, stay alert for such people in 2022, and provide as much attention as you can.
"…there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it..." (1 Cor. 12:24-26).
Jesus FIRST in 2022!
Dennis
Several years ago, in a suburb of Sydney Australia, police broke into the apartment of Jorge Chambe, 64, after receiving a call from a concerned neighbor. Unfortunately, the call came too late, as Jorge was found dead in his single bedroom flat. In fact, the call came around 365 days late, as Jorge’s body, in an advanced state of decomposition, had lay dead for nearly a year prior to its discovery.
How was this possible? Chambe had no close relatives or friends, and his rent was paid automatically from a bank account that was funded by government welfare payments. Because he generally kept to himself, his lack of activity did not elicit undue concern. The only clue that indicated that something was amiss was an overflowing mailbox, but his neighbors assumed that he was away on an extended trip.
Shortly thereafter, New South Wales state Housing Minister Matt Brown asked a sobering question on a local Radio program: "How can it happen that a person can die in such a lonely way and no one know?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although the aforementioned incident is an extreme case, less severe examples of neglect are commonplace. As you read this, scores of hurting, burdened, or lonely people in Milan may be wondering, “Does anyone care?” This might include members of the church here.
As we begin the year 2022, may God help us to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open for anyone experiencing need, depression or loneliness. God is keenly aware of such souls (Matt. 10:29-31), and we should be, as well. Moreover, your or I may be the encouragement that God desires to provide for the hurting, downtrodden and lonely.
So, stay alert for such people in 2022, and provide as much attention as you can.
"…there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it..." (1 Cor. 12:24-26).
Jesus FIRST in 2022!
Dennis
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