Repairing the Breach

In Isaiah 58, the prophet exclaims, “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12). As the people of Israel returned from the cloud of exile and struggled to rebuild their lives, Isaiah questioned their efforts: [Are you not called] “to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them?” (Isaiah 58:7).

When we give to the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), we are combining our efforts with those across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to repair peoples’ lives — people who are hurting, oppressed, lost or on the margins of society. The exact people about whom Isaiah is speaking of. The people we are called to connect with every day, but especially in the light of the Good News of the resurrection.

I invite you to visit the OGHS website (pcusa.org/oghsmap). Find a partner on the map and see how your gifts are used by the ministries these offerings support all over the world and offer prayers for those who will receive support through this offering. Small changes which, when added together here and around the globe, make huge differences in the lives of our siblings in need.

This is an opportunity for our congregation to recommit to our participation to do our part to participate in God’s ongoing repair of the world God so loves.

This year, I challenge each of you to increase your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering to benefit Presbyterian ministries to combat hunger, provide assistance after disaster strikes, and to work with sustainable community development. You will see how giving opens your heart to God’s work in your own life. I hope that you’ll join us on Sunday, April 13th  as we collect this offering and tangibly witness to the repairing love of God in Jesus Christ through One Great Hour of Sharing.