Harvard Divinity School’s Post

Chile is a country whose population suffers through a poor education system and high rates of income inequality. The Bible Society of Chile is reaching out to people suffering from a range of issues, including poverty, domestic violence, and serious illness with trauma healing. They are running Bible study groups and providing large-print Bibles for the elderly to help them draw closer to the Word of God. It is promoting Christian values amongst families and to educate teenagers on issues such as bullying and assertiveness. It is equipping churches to assist at-risk families, and to have the professional skills they need to deal with topics such as sexuality and domestic violence. --- This Bible Mission update is an excerpt from our latest Bible a Month Regular Giving Members' Report. Discover how you can launch a global mission from the comfort of your living room by supporting a new Bible project in a different country each month - www.bibleamonth.nz . . #BibleMission #Bibles #God #BibleSocietyNZ #MannaNZ #Hope #MannaChristianStores #MannaCommunity

The Mental-Health Benefits Linked to Going to Church “Active religious practice, such as going to churches, synagogues and mosques, is linked to mental well-being, according to a growing body of research. One possible explanation for the link, researchers and clergy say, is that places of worship can provide community and belonging, which are big drivers in mental well-being, and help counter isolation and loneliness.  The findings come at a time of declining regular attendance at services across nearly all faith denominations and rising rates of depression and anxiety. Young people in particular have low rates of church attendance and report often feeling lonely and anxious.” https://buff.ly/3Q2F0s6

Our July Devotional is out!! This month, our executive director writes about The Importance of Prayer. He discusses 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and how prayer is an integral aspect of life. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ePyJTAvB #Devotional #ENDpoverty #TheImportanceofPrayer #Prayer

Anthony Evans asks a good question, "Why aren't churches utilizing Christian counselors they know to assist their ministry?" I know some are doing it but that's not the norm. In my opinion, one does not have to have the NACC, ACBC or NCAA license, or be an MDiv to deliver effective mental health counseling for Christians. Church leadership can vet the counselor for their doctrinal views. Where do the "prodigals" go? Guess what...NOT to your church counseling office! They go to self-help books and podcasts, "life coaches" and they search for counselors with other credentials. Sometimes they even will seek out someone with a background of faith because it makes them feel safe. Who else are they going to process things like "church hurt"? Where they don't have to worry about fear of being shamed or legalism? To someone they can be vulnerable to without "churchy" responses? So yes. Church leadership. Reach out to us. We are ready and available to help.

Chapter 3, Homelessness – Epidemic in the Land of Wealth and Prosperity https://lnkd.in/e6eyJTJQ

In regards to general homelessness, the homeless community includes many who have been evicted while, if not due to, suffering significant mental health and/or substance abuse tribulations. It’s as though some people can be consciously or subconsciously considered disposable.   It’s additionally offensive that (at least where I reside) people who cannot afford an official residence are in effect made too poor to be permitted to practice what is platitudinously described as all citizens’ right to vote in elections.   In fact, human beings can actually be perceived and treated as though their suffering and even death are somehow less worthy of external concern, sometimes even by otherwise democratic and relatively civilized nations [along with their media].   Their worth(lessness) is measured basically by their ‘productivity’ or lack thereof. Then those people may begin perceiving themselves as worthless and accordingly live their daily lives more haphazardly.   Their worth will also be qualified/quantified by their overabundance and/or the protracted conditions under which it suffers; and that suffering and even loss of life can eventually receive reduced coverage in the daily news for gradual lack of newsworthiness. ... Meanwhile, some of the best humanitarians I’ve met or heard about were/are atheists or agnostics who, quite ironically, would make better examples of many of Christ’s teachings than too many institutional Christians. Conversely, some of the worst human(e) beings I’ve met or heard about are the most devout believers/preachers of fundamental Biblical theology. [BTW: Not to be misunderstood, I’m actually a big fan of Christ's unmistakable message and miracles.]

When desperation reaches its breaking point, it can shatter a person's mental balance, leaving behind only chaos and hopelessness. This is when fear takes over, for such a person has nothing left to lose. We have witnessed this tragedy in our own region, where the desperation of tribesmen—driven by poverty, injustice, and oppression—has turned into extreme hatred. In their hopelessness, they have resorted to the most devastating path of all: sacrificing their own lives as suicide bombers, causing unspeakable pain and loss. But we must ask ourselves, what drives a person to this point? The answer lies in the deep-rooted inequality and unfair distribution of resources meant for all humanity. When people feel abandoned, when they see their families starving while others thrive, when opportunities are stripped away from them, desperation becomes a dangerous force. It is time for us to rise and demand justice—justice in the fair and equal distribution of resources, justice in providing hope where there is none. Every human being deserves dignity, and that begins with ensuring that basic needs are met. We must work together to create a society where no one feels so desperate that they are willing to destroy their own lives or the lives of others. Let us build a future where resources are shared fairly, where opportunities are available to all, and where no one is driven to the edge of hopelessness. We must choose compassion, understanding, and justice to heal the wounds of our people and bring peace to our world. #JusticeForAll #NoMoreDesperation #FairDistribution #PeaceAndDignityForAll"

As we navigate the loneliness epidemic, it's clear: connection is our lifeline. 🌟 Whether it's institutions reimagining engagement or individuals embracing diverse viewpoints, every effort counts. Churches and communities, let's innovate ways to connect, support, and unite. Together, we can bridge divides and combat loneliness. Are you ready to take the leap? 💫 #BuildCommunity #CombatLoneliness #TogetherStrong #TPCTN https://lnkd.in/euZ8JfEX

Reflection: What Kind of City on a Hill? By John Tillman Jesus never intended “city on a hill” to apply to any nation. Politicians use the image to inspire hope and to advocate for a better “city” for all people…It’s a good thing when politicians lead with hope and inspiration rather then fear and intimidation. However, Winthrop's “city on a hill” included admonition, not just inspiration. It included a warning, not just a pretty picture. In Ezekiel 22, …what should be a shining city on a hill is a city of darkness, blood, and dross. What kind of “city on a hill” do we live in? Pray solemnly through what God saw in the city of blood and dross: Abuse of power Contempt for family and parents Oppressing the foreigner Spreading slander that causes bloodshed Lewdness, sexual abuse, promiscuity, and perversion Financially abusing or unjustly profiting from the poor Don’t lose hope. You are the shining city. But remember, the silver goes through the furnace too. Let God melt away deeds of dross so the world sees their opposites shining among us. Be Christ’s shining city. Follow link to read full post and subscribe to M-F email devotionals. #Ezekiel #ShiningCityOnAHill #CityOnAHill #CityOfBlood #Politics #Judgment https://buff.ly/4f3cpgM