January, 2005 Newsletter

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“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matt 5:43-45)

Most of us were stunned to hear of the devastation caused by the tsunami in South-Eastern Asia on December 26. Having seen the 120-mile stretch of coastline along the Indian Ocean where the deadly tsunami hit, the U.N. Secretary-General Annan uttered, “I must admit, I have never seen such utter destruction, mile after mile.” We are gladdened, however, to hear about the massive relief efforts poured out to help the victims, who are mainly from the predominantly Muslim nations of Indonesia and Somalia. The logistics of helping the tsunami victims is mind-boggling. To help more than five million displaced people, the United States has joined hands with other nations and mobilized thousands of people, sending teams of doctors, nurses, rescue workers and helpers to help send food, water, and medical supplies.

But isn't it ironic that while the US care givers are pouring generous relief funds to help the victims who are predominantly Muslim, half-way around the world, a man who claims himself as a Muslim leader, Osama bin Laden, calls on his followers to kill not only Americans but fellow Muslims who participate in the coming elections in Iraq.

It is tragic that we have had to fight Muslim extremist terrorists with soldiers, guns and bombs in the Middle East, and at the same time help other Muslims in Southeast Asia with humanitarian assistance. Although we will not allow the terrorists like bin Laden and his follower, Zarqawis, to define the Muslim people, the war against terrorists will never be won with guns alone but with Christian love by building schools and sewage systems, and giving other humanitarian aid. When Muslims are dying, suffering, and need our help, we must heed the call to help them.

The United States will be sending millions of dollars in aid, not just from our government but from ordinary Americans—like you and I—who want to help. We don't ask whether those suffering share our values or politics or religion, or whether they like us or wish us ill. The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.’ Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Rom 12:20-21, NLT) Someone said, “The best way to get rid of enemies is to turn them into friends.” We, as Christians, will help them, not because we hope to change their minds, but because it is the right Christian thing to do. It is the difference between those who are fighting for good, and those who are fighting for evil.

— Pastor Jim Sakurai

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