19 August 2020 | Brussels, Belgium [João Martins]
There are moments in our collective memories that unanimously come into our minds when we talk about events that affected the course of history during our lifetime. If I quickly think about it, I immediately remember the fall of Berlin Wall, the September 11th, the Southeast Asia Tsunami, or the Iraq wars. In 2020, we are experiencing one of such events: The Global Covid-19 pandemic. For as long as we live, we will never forget this year and the disruption it brought into our lives.
When we recall past events, even if they affected our lives globally the direct impact was very local in the areas where they happened. Though, the global pandemic is a global humanitarian crisis affecting all the countries in the world, with the virus contaminating several of us, our families, neighbours, and friends. Indeed, we are all in this together.
It has also shown that the experience ADRA has gained in responding to emergencies worldwide has been essential in responding to this global event as well. Particularly in Europe, we have witnessed the emergence of many projects, even in countries where we had never before implemented any projects. Suddenly, Europe became an Emergency continent, and we had to mobilise our workers, volunteers, and church members. We were able to respond to the need of those most affected by the pandemic.
We are celebrating a special date in a special year, the World Humanitarian Day 2020. As I think about this day, I have to recall all the tireless efforts of ADRA workers and volunteers in Europe that had to instantly become humanitarian workers in the front line of a global crisis, often putting their own health at risk. I have listened to so many stories and read so many reports about how almost 2,000 people became a blessing to others in their hour of deepest need. ADRA leaders were able to partner with the local churches and mobilise church members to be an active blessing in their communities.
In moments like this, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus in the most obvious way. While on this earth, He was the noblest example of a Humanitarian Worker that we can find, always seeking the wellbeing of those He got in touch with. We have the privilege of following His example.
History will recall this crisis for many years. But even more than the crisis, what I will never forget is what Jesus will also always remember: The loving way as His children became a blessing to others. Today, I want to pay my special tribute to all ADRA workers and volunteers that by forgetting their self-interest have shown the Justice, Compassion, and Love of Jesus. I have no doubts that from His throne in Heaven, our God is telling each one of you: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:34-36)
Happy World Humanitarian Day!
João Martins is a regional director of ADRA Europe
__________________________________________
Used with permission from ADRA Europe.
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Deana Stojković, associate editor
119 St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3EY, England
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ted.adventist.org
tedNEWS is an information bulletin issued by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division. Readers are free to republish or share this article with appropriate credit including an active hyperlink to the original article.
