For over a year now the aid team with which I have been associated for over thirty years has been working day and night, alongside others, to reach out to those who continue to be enduring terrible suffering in Haiti.
How do these very ordinary, but highly trained and skilled personnel, manage to keep the momentum going? The people I am specifically referring to are disciples of Jesus Christ and they have gone to work and serve and produce the highest form of relief and help that they possibly can.
I know they seek to work with compassion and understanding and sensitivity to the surrounding communities in the districts which have been assigned to them, but it cannot be easy.
Of course, this is now on-going in so many parts of the world as the disasters appear to increase.
Are they increasing in number, or are we just hearing more and more through the various news channels? Reverting back to the circumstances in Haiti, I have just been informed about those who continue to living in rural areas in extreme poverty.
There is insufficient food and little access to education for the children.
One of the very interesting facts which has just come before me is that in Haiti one of the biggest dangers continues to be road accidents.
We have been asked to pray for the people living there and for the staff working there that they may be safe.
This is something I have never thought of when considering those who are serving to improve the environment.
I am reminded of trying to cross the road in Kampala, Uganda, or in central Nairobi in Kenya where it certainly seldom easy.
When in cars I have been aware of some narrow misses and these dear people have to confront these traffic conditions every day of their life.
The fumes in downtown Nairobi in particular were strong.
The bus stations in most of these cities are something of a phenomenon, as vehicles just drive in without thinking very much about how to get out, but they do it every day, accompanied by a lot of shouting from the drivers! Aid teams are working in these city centres as well as out in the bush and in the jungle areas, and like in Haiti they need to be careful and protected.
These workers are seeking to improve the environment and they are using their skills in such a variety of ways.
We are asked to pray that those who belong to Christ Jesus take time to maintain and sustain their personal walk with the living God who has called them and sent them and commissioned them, and of course, they also need time to relax and unwind.
How do people do that when there is such need around, and yet it is vitally important? Sometimes we are concerned about the massive environmental requirements, and that is right, but we also need to take a moment to remember that there are individual men and women involved with weaknesses and temptations and just that wondering in their minds if it is all worth it! We are all open to all kinds of sin creeping into our hearts and minds.
Such people need encouragement.
Yes, we pray for such individuals, but very often an extra thousand pounds could help such a lot too and a few extra pounds may permit one or two to have three of four days break.
We all need that.
Everyone needs environmental help in one way or another.
Sandy Shaw