The New Lamplighters
By Sherri Kirkpatrick of Independence, MO, USA
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. —Colossians 3:12, 14–15 NRSV
Do you remember the old song “The Old Lamplighter”? I heard it again, and it struck a new chord. For those of you who don’t know it, the words go like this:
He made the night a little brighter,
Wherever he would go.
The old lamplighter
of long, long ago.
—by Charles Tobias, © 1946 by Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
This song is an excellent description of our Kafwa (health care workers) trained by HealthEd Connect. You will find them delivering babies in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the middle of the night or taking supplies into villages devastated by an earthquake in Nepal. They will be visiting homebound AIDS sufferers in Zambia or weighing babies in Malawi—lighting their way to health. The Kafwa are making people’s lives brighter wherever they go. The exciting part is that it is not “long, long ago.” It is happening even as you read this.
We appreciate the Kafwa lamplighters! We appreciate the generous response of those who make the work of the Kafwa possible. We appreciate disciples who help support Christ’s mission to Abolish Poverty, End Suffering wherever they would go, TODAY.
Prayer for Peace
Soften our hearts, Lord, and help us shine a light on poverty and suffering so all may see where help is needed. Help us expose injustice and the need for peace.
Abolish Poverty, End Suffering
Read and reflect on John 21:15–17 as a meditation. Direct your mind to places where people have no homes. Think of the wars and natural disasters that destroy the homes of refugees. Be aware of the hungry and homeless, who wander the streets or live in shelters. Let the images fill your mind. Offer a prayer for those who suffer. Imagine Christ is tending those sheep. Think of ways you might end their suffering as part of your mission. Throughout the day, carry in your mind the voice of Christ saying: “Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep.”
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will remember there is no peace without justice.
