Numbers ... and the Church Responds

Thanks to our ever-present media in this age of instant information, there is no lack of statistics used to describe the current state of affairs in our world. Unfortunately, most of these statistics are troubling rather than encouraging. In the past few weeks, three sets of numbers have particularly caught my attention. 

Thirty-three percent of people in the state of Illinois are living in poverty. Heartland Alliance, a Chicago-based human rights advocacy group, released data from its annual study that suggests that 33 percent of Illinoisans are living in poverty or near it. Statistically, that's one out of every three people I pass on my way to work in my home state. 

In city and suburban neighborhoods, like the one in which I currently live, it’s so easy not to see that people are living in poverty.  But they are there … ask the leaders at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, Illinois, located in a comfortable middle-class suburb. They host a one day “Clinic” each year that draws nearly 1,000 people who are in need of food, clothing, a warm meal, and basic health care services.

The death toll by murder in Chicago over the past decade is greater than the number of American forces who have died in Afghanistan since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom. Between 2003 and 2012, 4,777 people were murdered in the city of Chicago. In 2012 alone, 512 people were murdered in the city. Operation Iraqi Freedom, the name for the war in Iraq, which started March 20, 2003, and ended Dec. 15, 2011, saw a total of 4,422 killed.

“Two more people were shot to death in Chicago last night and two others critically injured.” This report greeted me when I turned on my car radio yesterday. The reporter’s tone betrayed how matter-of-fact deaths by gun violence have become in Chicago and in other cities in the U.S. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre, the news is filled with reports that gun sales have skyrocketed, and the NRA is suggesting the solution to gun violence is more guns. Thank God for congregations like Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan, that is committed to being an oasis for hope and healing in the midst of their violence-prone neighborhood. They open their church property all day, every day so that residents can be touched by the love of Christ through ministries such as an urban community garden, a safe and nurturing early childhood center, and a counseling and support program for victims of domestic violence.

More suicides by members of the U.S. military in 2012 than soldiers killed in combat. (349 – up 16% from 2011). The only good news in this statistic is that the number of U.S. military men and women being killed in combat is decreasing. However, this is small consolation to the families and loved ones of those who choose to take their own lives rather than continue to struggle with the trauma of combat and its physical and psychological effects. Once again, the church responds. Elim Lutheran Church, a small rural congregation in Minnesota, is served by a retired military chaplain who has a vision for how the church could make a difference. The pastor recruited a talented team of like-minded people and produced Welcome Them Home, Help Them Heal, a resource designed to help congregations develop programs to provide encouragement, support, and hope for veterans returning from military service. Thousands of copies of this resource have been distributed to congregations across the United States.  For more information, click here.

While statistics like these are a vivid and sad reminder of the brokenness that exists in our world, we are also encouraged by efforts such as the recent National Service Day, which demonstrate that millions of people are moved to respond to the needs of others and to move the numbers in a different direction. God’s spirit is at work in powerful ways. Followers of Christ respond by sharing the healing touch of Christ with others. For example, consider that over 170,000 people volunteer annually through the social service agencies of the Lutheran church. The actual figure is undoubtedly much higher, though, since it reflects statistics from just a portion of the member organizations of Lutheran Services in America.

Thank God for congregations whose response to the Gospel calls them to provide free health clinics, food pantries, and employment services. Thank God for those who engage in their community to address the root causes of poverty and who advocate on behalf of those whose voice is otherwise not heard. Thank God for those who bring a listening ear and a healing presence to others who are struggling with post-traumatic stress and other psychological challenges. If you are among those reading this, the chances are good that you are personally engaged through service and support in one of these life saving ministries of the church. Thank God for you!!