“Our once great western Christian civilization is dying. If this matters to followers of Jesus Christ, then we must set aside our denominational differences and work together to strengthen the things that remain and reclaim what has been lost. Evangelicals and Catholics must stand together to re-establish that former Christian culture and moral consensus. We have the numbers and the organization but the question is this: Do we have the will to win this present spiritual battle for Jesus Christ against secularism? Will we prayerfully and cooperatively work toward a new Christian spiritual revival ― or will we choose to hunker down in our churches and denominationalisms and watch everything sink into the spiritual and moral abyss of a New Dark Age?” - Mark Davis Pickup

Saturday, September 26, 2015

CHRISTIAN ADVOCACY

Recently I was denied an electric wheelchair by the provincial
government in the province where I have lived all my life (Alberta, Canada). This denial came after years of supporting my need for an electric wheelchair. The denial was eventually reversed after a barrage of emails from my Facebook friends and other people of good will deluged the Premier's office.[1] (It shows the power of new media to effect change.)

 While the change of decision is good for me, it raises a larger issue: What about those people with disabilities who can not speak for themselves and don't have a thousand Facebook friends or a community to rally behind them? Who will advocate for them?
This is a legitimate ministry for Christians and churches. Look for people who need an advocate. Make good things happen for people with disabilities through effective representation for them to government agencies, insurance companies or other avenues that can assist them to live not just exist.

 If your church or parish hasn't yet established a community advocacy ministry, start one. Let the community where you live know it exists. Go to bat for those who are most vulnerable with the same tenacity as if that person was Christ himself. It's a great evangelism tool and an effective way to show the greater community God's love through your actions.

 Below is a link to a news story about my case. Remember the media can be an effective partner for change. Cultivate relationships -- with organization but most importantly, with people. 

 http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.2578308 

 Mark
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[1] In Canada. a provincial Premier is similar to a state Governor in the U.S..

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