In times of crises, the church has served as a place of respite. There are many stories throughout history of the church serving as a sanctuary for the lost, impoverished, broken, convicted or oppressed. A recent example can be found in major cities around the world where churches house the homeless from overnight chills and violence. Regardless of a person’s faith walk, it is generally understood in society that the church is a sanctuary for the hurting.
Although I never would want to discount the value that the church brings to the hurting, it is important to recognize that Jesus Christ welcomes each believer at any time to provide this same type of comfort. While churches tend to be physical structures, the Body of Christ is welcomed in everyday union with our Lord and our Savior. Christ desires for us to count on Him to be a place of peace.
This couldn’t be more true than in our urban areas across the United States. When I say urban, I am not talking about the magnificent mile in Chicago or Park Avenue in New York. Rather, I am referring to the dank, broken, hurting places where we have parked poor people from all around the world. The areas that I am describing when I say “urban” are commonly referred to as the “inner city,” the “hood,” the “slums,” and the “ghetto.” These represent areas where crime is rampant, social injustice has run amok, and would be viewed as poverty stricken by American standards. For the mainstream population, these urban communities are dirty, loud, and violent. For the population that lives in them, it represents the reality of everyday life.
So if Christ offers us rest from the normal day to day world, imagine how much more it is needed in these urban areas? That is why World Impact has specifically targeted urban communities with its ministry for over 40 years. We are answering Christ’s call in Isaiah 61:1 and Galatians 2:10 to serve the least of these. However our efforts are geared toward more than a short term relief from daily life. Instead, we educate those we serve about Jesus Christ who says, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened” (Matthew 11:28).
Imagine how much more appreciated and significant it is to fully embrace and know the rest of Christ when the world around you screams chaos. This is why Christ repeated time and again the need for us as Christians to reach out to the impoverished. It is the biblical call on our lives as Christians. At World Impact, it frames our mission and vision to reach the inner cities for Christ.
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