I visited the World Vision "Step into Africa" exhibit yesterday. I placed the earphones on my ears and a rhythmic, soothing voice hummed Emmanuel's story into my ears. The journey began in a small hut made to look like the home he shared with his mother and brother before his mother died from Aids and before the hut collapsed from heavy rains. It wasn't too long until tears were streaming down my cheeks. How can a 9-year-old boy become the parent? How do two children survive in a banana plantation? What is my responsibilty to this epidemic, this global crisis? I continued on Emmanuel's journey discovering that World Vision found him and his brother, provided them real shelter, and are helping the boys pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. At the end of my journey, the soothing voice announced Emmanuel's diagnosis: HIV negative--AMEN!
In response to the stories, people wrote and posted prayers and thoughts in the chapel. Many pleaded earnestly to know how to help; to be broken in order to do what matters; and yet, far too many comments seemed too trite, too canned--"God will be with you" or "God will answer your prayers" or even "Hang in there." Really?
There is none of Emmanuel's story that I can begin to imagine for me or for my children. The loss of both parents? The scorn of extended family and community? The loss of all earthly possessions? The loss of a house? What is my response? If we declare "God will answer your prayers" and do not respond by action, how then can God work? If I give only words, do I give anything?
I hope we do more than say "you'll get through it" when what might be needed is an extended hand to walk through those dark valleys and the chance to help someone feel the love of God.
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