Seeds Will Grow

With so much bad news threatening to drown out hope, I felt challenged to write down a positive vision (Hk 2).

I dream of a world without violence and the threat of violence (Is 11). In this world, even defensive weapons have been destroyed (Ps 46). Resources are shared—not hoarded— because the worth of a human being far exceeds the worth of any thing (Mt 6). In this world, everyone can eat. They live in beloved community and “share everything in common” (Acts 2). Power is shared, too—not hoarded—and not lorded over others (Mt 20). In this world, no one is afraid; each person knows deeply that they are loved (1 Jn 4). Every person understands that we belong to each other (1 Cor 12).

People spend their time looking out for and responding to the needs and concerns of others (Ph 2), especially those with whom they disagree (Lk 6). Conflict is understood as a catalyst to growth and healing, so it is not hidden or ignored (Mt 5). Conflict becomes the way to deepen relationships instead of the excuse for ending them (Rom 5, Col 1). Conflict is an opportunity to better understand a person or perspective (Js 1). Such understanding leads to greater patience—a cherished virtue (Gal 5)—and often leads to creating new solutions, over time and with careful attention.

Adults teach children to reject the demands of greed (Lk 12). Practicing an ability to self-reflect, discern, and choose the good is a rite of passage (or “freedom”, Gal 5). Rather than living lonely, isolated lives, people all have a place in beloved community. They speak their pain and grief to others who have learned how to listen deeply, respond appropriately, and offer comfort with their presence and their practical help. They share their joys. They don’t hide their weaknesses. They apologize. They forgive. They grow together, individually and collectively becoming more truly themselves (Eph 4).

Some Christians tell me this dream is impossible in this world. Surely, it is aspirational and far from our current reality. Yet, I’ve experienced joyful tastes of this world to come in various communities and friendships. What more might be possible? Nothing is impossible with God (Lk 1). Did not Jesus send the Holy Spirit and say, “You will do greater things than I have done” (Jn 14)? Could it be that the unfolding dream of a whole and flourishing humanity lives by faith in us (Heb 11)?

I am sad when I see the church dealing in sin management, shame, fear, exclusion, and control—patterns of worldly power. Jesus didn’t teach fear (Jn 14), exclusion (Mk 9), fixation on personal sins (Jn 3, Jn 8), or domination and worldly power games (Mt 20). Quite the opposite, Jesus lay down his life for others. He rejects violence and domination (Mt 26, Jn 18). His new commandment is love (Jn 13). Church, we need to renew our minds to think like Jesus (Rom 12).

If you feel that resisting wars and famine is in vain (Mt 24), remember that Jesus told his friends how to respond in these moments—to feed the hungry, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and visit prisoners (Mt 25). May Christians be known for such love (Jn 13).

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In its third year of war, Sudan has lived through two years of famine. Food prices rise and people starve in isolated & blockaded areas. The closure of USAID stopped funding for many lifesaving programs. Here are some ways you can help.

URGENT NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

• Give to Mother of Mercy Hospital, Treating Malnourished Patients
  Located in Gidel, South Kordofan, near the center of current violence (read more)
• Give to Displacement & Health Relief Network
  Formerly located in El Fasher in Darfur, but organization moved its work to Tawila after the El Fasher massacre in October 2025
• Give to Hope Relief and Rehabilitation For Disabilities Support
  Located in South Kordofan, near the center of current violence (read more)
• Give to Hope and Haven for Refugees
  Located in Al Geneina, Darfur; Adre refugee camp in Chad; Humanitarian kitchens across Sudan

ADDITIONAL NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

• Give to Al Abbasiya
  Located in Omdurman, devastated by urban warfare
• Give to Khartoum Kitchen Appeal
  Located in Khartoum, devastated by urban warfare
• Give to Trauma Rescue Aid
  Located in Uganda, providing food assistance and trauma counseling for the Sudanese refugee community

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