BROKEN and ANGRY...

I just got a piece of mail. It's from a wonderful local organization that is putting together a day of events for kids that are going back to school. They are going to literally GIVE AWAY over 1000 backpacks, school supplies, hair cuts, dental demonstrations, medical screenings, and other services. They call it a "Back To School Kids Fair". They do this so kids can return to school with the tools that they need to be successful. They're going to TEACH these kids how to be healthy and how to keep their teeth healthy as they give away medical and dental care to those who can't afford to see a doctor or dentist.

The letter starts out, "Do you remember the excitement of returning to school with your new backpack and assortment of school supplies? For many children in this county, new backpacks and supplies are out of their reach." It's a GREAT letter and a GREAT event. But you know what? It ANGERS me and BREAKS my heart all at the same time. You know why? Because I want to know where the CHURCH is and why there isn't a CHURCH that is having a back to school fair for kids that can't afford the tools that they need to be successful in life. I am BROKEN because it's the CHURCH's job to make sure that kids have what they need to be successful and it is FAILING and because it is failing, other secular organizations have to step up to the plate. And you know what? When those kids that go to that fair grow up and want to be a part of something bigger than themself, they will go be a part of a secular organization that meets kids needs instead of becoming a part of the church that is SUPPOSED to meet people's needs. The church is losing ground and losing more and more credibility every day that we fail these kids and their families.

If THE CHURCH simply MET PEOPLE'S NEEDS instead of sitting in their pews/seats and judging their community and arguing over the color of the carpet they would AUTOMATICALLY gain credibility with people. The problem is not that people aren't interested in Christ today. The problem is that the body of Christ (the CHURCH) is no longer appealing because we have made it ugly by our judgement and lack of love for our neighbors. No wonder most of the people around me don't go to church. If I didn't know Jesus already, I probably wouldn't want to be a part of the church either. The problem is, every kid that a secular organization helps become successful is one that the church failed and lost the opportunity to share the love of Christ. It makes me down right angry...and it breaks my heart...all at the same time.