Bulletin Statement

Open Our Eyes

World Hunger Emphasis

He was less than ten minutes old when we gathered around Brock’s hospital bassinet to welcome him to our family. Joyful first-time grandparents, my husband Doug and I stood in awe watching this precious child trying to focus eyes in the new light. With immense love we surrounded him, praising God for this new life.

In that spiritual moment, Zion’s potential became real for me. I knew that the world could be filled with peace, that justice could abound if each newborn entering the world were cared for and loved as much as Brock. I realized that as a disciple of Jesus Christ I was wounded and Zion languished as long as one of God’s children in my local and world community went to bed hungry, lacking physical and/or spiritual food.

You and I do make a difference when we generously give in response to God’s grace and love for us. The reverse is also true. The value of our lives is diminished when one child goes to bed hungry and when one woman despairs without the knowledge of God’s touch. Our indifference or inaction affects the lives and souls of many, and the hope of Zion.

We cannot dream of Zion without opening our eyes to the needs around us and throughout the worldwide Community of Christ. Opening our hearts, hands, and wallets is not just an act of charity but builds Zion, a world where the sin and degradation of temporal and spiritual poverty is finally abolished.

Adapted from the Herald, "Up Front," October 2002

Linda L. Booth, apostle
Southern USA Mission Field

March 6, 2005