A few weeks ago as I watched a talk show on 3ABN , a gentleman was testifying about how God had given him victory over a 20-year drug habit. But, he said, life was still difficult because he had no education to help him get a job and a fresh start.

After answering a few questions from the studio audience, the hostess looked lovingly at the man and dismissed him by saying, “We’ll be praying for you.” We will be praying for you? Thank you for sharing your need, we’ll hope with you that somebody meets it?

I was angry as the man left with no relief from fellow believers, sitting comfortably full of questions and comments but not offering a shred of help. No attempt was made to start a scholarship—even at a cheap community college—to help improve his situation. They didn’t even pray for him on the show. I gripped the remote tightly and reflected on secular talk shows that are known for giving. Ellen rewards people for outstanding behavior. Oprah gives away cars and vacations. Extreme Home Makeover builds and furnishes houses and throws in scholarships to boot.

The Bible says, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20 ESV). I believe in the power of prayer, but it has become a cliché to cover up complacency. I want to know, what are we doing?

Recently I received an e-mail from a conference, stating that we were not to open church doors to Hurricane Katrina victims, because of liabilities associated with helping. In addition we were to caution church members regarding opening their homes. While I understand the rationale of the e-mail, I wrestle with its implications. I cannot help because of my insurance policy? The e-mail did provide addresses of places where we could send money, which is important. But what would have happened if God had just sent us a check instead of Jesus Christ? I agree with donating; but eventually that money has to empower somebody to do something. As a follower of Christ, shouldn’t that somebody be me? I could not help but contrast my church’s attitude of “protecting its assets” with the recent news story about an 84-year-old woman who gave her house to a family she didn’t know. Sophie Starzenski had heard of homeless families in New Orleans. She isn’t a rich woman. She lives with friends and wasn’t using her home. She told reporters she wondered to herself if “someone down there couldn’t use her home.”

On TV we watched as Sophie Starzenski’s frail frame was wrapped in the embrace of the woman she had given her house to. Starzenski’s neighbors added their own gifts to her generosity, volunteering renovations and support.

The Bible says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, ESV). I have grown angry as I read stories of other churches opening their doors, and then think of some of ours closing. James writes, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22, ESV). I know we can pray, but what are we doing?

(back cover)  adventist today | vol. 13 issue 5