CrossPoint Community News 05/20/2022

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

       If the wars that are going on around the world (Ukraine is a cross-border war, but there are many countries experiencing civil wars or terrorist insurgencies) are any indicator, we live in a world where violence occurs. Perhaps it is more unsettling when that violence occurs closer to home (as in Buffalo on May 14) or to people of the same ethnic/religious heritage as us (as in the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church on May 15) or to people of Asian descent (as in Dallas on May 11).
       “I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.” (Ps. 121:1-2) It light of the recent shootings, it can feel like the Psalmist is out of touch when he writes: “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.” But the same Lord who made the world still cares for us. If he didn’t, we wouldn’t exist.
       We grieve with the families who are mourning the loss of Andre Mackneil, Aaron Salter, Roberta Drury, Margus Morrison, Geraldine Talley, Celestine Chaney, Heyward Patterson, Ruther Whitfield, Pearl Young, Katherine Massey, and Dr. John Cheng. Our God also grieves at the racially / ethnically motivated hate crimes. This is not the way that things should be.
       We can also pray with the psalmist when he cries out: “How long, O God, is the foe to [kill]? Is the enemy to revile your name [through murdering those made in God’s image] forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!” (Ps. 74:10-11) God can and will bring about justice fully one day.
       We also know that God is near to the brokenhearted and he saves the crushed in spirit (Ps. 34:18). If you are in need of support, take time to pray. Talk to God about how you feel and how you want things to be different. Thank God for the lives and courage of those who help to stop the shooters.
       Also, the Taiwanese American Foundation (TAF) has put out a statement which has a list of resources on pages 06 to 08. I can’t endorse all of them, but there are some which may be helpful as you deal with the range of emotions that comes with these headlines, and some opportunities for support. Here it is: https://www.facebook.com/tafworld/photos/pcb.5431047050247750/5431046900247765

       Here is a list of ways you can support the city of Buffalo (which carries the same disclaimer from above): https://www.buffalobills.com/news/how-bills-fans-can-support-the-city-of-buffalo-right-now

       May God have mercy, and please continue to pray for Ukraine. Here is a suggested prayer if you are at a loss for words in how to pray: 24-7 Prayer – A Prayer for the Crisis in Ukraine (ENG).pdf Thank you for kneeling on behalf of the people of Ukraine and Russia, and taking a stand (or a knee in prayer) against tyrannical despotism.