James 1:27 – This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself undefiled by the world. (NASB)

As a result of the ongoing conflict in Darfur, Sudan more than 200,000 people have been killed. They are survived by over 2.5 million widows and orphans who have been displaced from their homes. This tragedy is being watched by the world, a world also watching to see how the church will react. In the above verse James speaks of a religion by action. In chapter 2 he asks, “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” (in case you’re not sure, there is no use) We are called as followers of Christ to go to those in distress and care for their needs, regardless of their religion. One should note that the two groups engaged in the Darfurian conflict, as well as the majority of the displaced people, are Muslim, but James says we are to care for orphans and widows in chapter 1, he doesn’t limit the statement to Christian orphans and widows. By not limiting it, he calls us to go to all orphans and widows. That includes those on the other side of the world as well as those in our backyard.

Thus far the Church’s response to the crisis in Darfur has been notably shameful. At this point you may think I am ranting. I might be, but if I am I hope never to do so without proposing a solution. So, rather than continuing my complaint I have a proposition; why don’t we respond? When the early church faced a problem they fasted, they prayed, and then they acted (that’s why their story is call “The ACTS of the Apostles”). We should do the same.

The displaced Sudanese have basic needs that need to be met, including clean water and hygiene kits. A group called Mercy Corps is providing for these needs. They are improving sanitation in the camps as well as providing clean water and relief items while protecting children from the roaming militias. To continue this work Mercy Corps needs our support. Since most of us as college students and young adults cannot afford to go and physically provide for these people it is our duty to support those who can.

On August 15-19 we as the Lighthouse Collective will be fasting to raise support for those working in Darfur. During this period of fasting we will raise financial support for the work of Mercy Corps in Darfur by donating the money we would have otherwise used for food as well as meeting to pray for the region. Lord willing we will be able to make an impact on this region for Christ. This will culminate with a feast on the 19th at Belle Isle Park in Detroit where we will be feeding the hungry as well as ourselves.

In James 2:18 it says, “some one may well say, ‘You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’”

Lighthouse has long been known as a group of Christians by proclamations of our faith. It is time for us to show that faith by our works.