One Body

I was reminded on my trip in mid-March to Barahona in the Dominican Republic that as Christians we have family all over the world. While there, I worked beside Thomas and Sarai Ann Webb of Meridian, Miss. and Pastor Pedro Kery Johnson from Barahona, located on the southwest side of the country along the Caribbean Sea. We celebrated putting some concrete floors in the homes of families in some very poor parts of the Dominican Republic.

Adding concrete floors to homes in these areas enables families to get up out of the dirt and away from the worms and reducing the overall incidence of disease. However, the real blessing of this kind of experience is realizing that we have friends and family from all over the world who can meet in any part of the world and we can share an immediate bond in Jesus Christ.

Today, as you’re looking at your world, recognize the people around you may be from the far corners of the earth but in Christ we are one and we share that joy and love in the name of Jesus. I just think that is wonderful!

Contrary to what some Christians may think, if there are Christians suffering in Africa, Belize, the Dominican Republic or Cambodia, it really is each person’s problem and the responsibility of the church collectively to relieve or eliminate that suffering. The Apostle Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 12:26-27:

“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Some of us have the financial means to provide the necessary resources and materials to help fellow Christians abroad. Others have specific skills in plumbing, electricity or construction work and are able to donate their time. Each Christian is equipped in some way to make a difference in the lives of Christians around the world. The bottom line is you simply need to make up your mind to do something, anything, and begin today.

Category: Blessings, Church, Dominican Republic