A 'sacred ministry' of compassion

December, 2013—Someone recently described the work of Samaritan’s Purse as a ‘sacred ministry’, words not commonly used to describe a relief and development organization.

The description stuck with me because it fit so perfectly.

Everything we do at Samaritans Purse is done in Jesus’ name. Why? Because we believe in His Gospel—“to proclaim good news to the poor… freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18, NIV).

In a world where millions of people are marginalized and suffering, we are passionately engaged in the sacred ministry of compassionate service. As Samaritan’s Purse and as His Church, we are called to be Good Samaritans to those in need.

Archbishop Desmund Tutu has said, “If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action!” His words sum up what we have accomplished in 2013 with the support of Canadians. Here are some examples:

• More than 5,000 people learned how to improve their agricultural techniques to help them feed their families.
• Over 400 team members joined Operation Christmas Child shoebox distribution teams, construction teams and water teams to help, encourage and equip communities in need worldwide.
• The homes of nearly 800 southern Alberta families were prepared for rebuild because of the help of volunteers and donors last summer; we were also honored to serve the Blackfoot people on the Siksika Nation reserve as they recovered from wide-reaching flood damage.
• More than 20,000 families were given clean water for years to come through gifts of BioSand Water Filters.
• More than 28,000 people heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

These aren’t just numbers. They represent individuals—hurting people who are made in the image of God and whom we came alongside so that they could live with opportunity, dignity and safety.

As I reflect on our work in 2013, I am overwhelmed—our projects are truly a ministry of service. And put quite simply, this ministry is a form of worship.

I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul’s encouragement: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

Our ministries of compassion bring glory to God

Why? Because we worship a God who knows suffering; whose Son died in agony on a cross to save us; whose Spirit “intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26, NIV).

As the year comes to a close, we at Samaritan’s Purse are preparing for 2014 and dedicating the coming year to the Lord.

Whether through restoring homes in High River and Calgary, building BioSand Water Filters in Nicaragua or providing emergency medical care in the Philippines, we will continue to worship our Savior through acts of sacrifice and service.

Join us.

Together, we can create a choir of Good Samaritans that sings the music of justice and compassion to a world that cries out for redemption. And in so doing, we sing a love song to our God.

Your gift to "Where Most Needed" will help equip us with resources including personnel, materials, and supporting services to fulfill our mission and meet needs in Jesus’ Name around the world.