been doing is lifting up specific countries or social issues in my
prayers, praying for spiritual and physical provision, for God
to raise up and send out laborers to the harvest, and for love
to overcome evil. take lightly (Galatians 5:14). As a global Church, let’s be
people who listen, who seek to understand hurt, who seek
reconciliation, and who are known for our radical love. Some
practical ways to do that as students here on College Hill:
But our involvement in social justice as Christians cannot stop
with thoughts and prayers. Because prayers to a sovereign and
faithful God move mountains when paired with acts of active
obedience. •
In typical college-student fashion, I’ve been thinking a lot
about my future calling. And God, in His grace, has been
opening my eyes to see entire fields and opportunities—
from development economics to human rights law—through
which I can be a part of work that advances His kingdom
here on earth. In the process, I’ve been challenged to pursue a
professional career that’s glorifying not in the eyes of man but
in the eyes of God.
We can also give: our energy, our time, our finances, returning
a portion of what has been given to us by God. Each of us has
a heart for different issues, and discovering that is a blessing in
itself. Here is a very short list of organizations that recognize
faith as the motivation for their work:
•
•
•
•
HOPE International: utilizes microloans and collective
saving models to address poverty globally
World Vision: focuses on community development and
individualized child sponsorship
Love146: works to end child trafficking and exploitation;
founding of organization was deeply inspired by Christian
faith
Bread for the World: advocates for policy changes to
address malnutrition
But honestly, you don’t need to work with Christian
philanthropic
organizations—or
even
established
organizations—at all, although those can be good places to
start. Jesus’s ministry was built on relationships, on evidenced
love and generosity. Our command to love our neighbors,
second in importance only to loving God, is one we shouldn’t
•
•
See what your local church is doing in the city. If no
program or campaign exists yet, reach out to church
leadership about the logistics of starting one.
Join a student organization that uses a mentorship
model for underprivileged individuals in the community,
like BRYTE (Brown Refugee Youth Tutoring and
Enrichment) or BEAM (Brown Elementary After-School
Mentoring).
Be involved in policy advocacy and activism regarding
issues of social justice. Vote - prayerfully and educatedly.
People are suffering, living in abject poverty, and starving.
Girls are still being sold as child brides, and the human
trafficking market is ever-active. The world has never seen a
higher number of forcibly displaced persons, and we’re facing
an existential climate crisis.
But we have this hope—this steadfast assurance—that God
sees the pain and despair. His heart breaks for the oppressed,
the poor, the hungry, the afflicted. So we cry out: God, move
our hearts so that we would move our hands and feet. God, use us to love
people, to reflect Christ, to be part of Your great story of redemption on
this earth.
And if we know anything about God, it’s that He is a faithful
God who loves His people. Let us offer ourselves, our careers,
our relationships, and our lives as means for His restoration
and glory.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:3-5 (ESV)
Chaelin Jung is a freshman intending to concentrate in International and
Public Affairs and Economics.
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