Dear Editor,

Talk-show hosts and others have lambasted the church on what they say is its lack of compassion. The church is everyone who has decided to take up the cross and follow Jesus Christ. It is the people – not the building – who are the hands, feet and voice for the disenfranchised, etc. If the work is not being done, rather than pointing fingers, ask, “What can I do to help relieve the pain of another human being?”

Many times people “pass the buck”, not realising that they are a part of the solution. Nehemiah would not be distracted; he and his workers held a sword in one hand and the work tool in the other. The King’s business required haste and so it is today – move with a sense of purpose.

Do you have an idea on how the church can help? Put it forward and stop the complaining and criticising, but ensure you state what you are willing to commit to the execution of the process. The church is funded largely by the offerings and gifts from its members. It should take care of the needy, especially those who are not able to work because of myriad reasons and who have given beyond measure when they were employed.

There can be no withdrawal if there have been no deposits. Recession did not bypass the

churchgoers and members. The primary mandate of the church is not to fix every social problem of the society. And, as Jesus said, the poor will be with us always.

Nancy Drew

St Catherine