Having compassion on someone is entering into the emotional pain of their suffering. Having mercy on someone is putting compassion into action to alleviate their condition. As followers of Christ we are commanded to do something about the misery of people’s spirit, soul and body.

In the book, Just Courage, Gary Haugen contends, “Doing the work of justice is practicing the one command that sums up all of the Scriptures: To love God with our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Justice is doing for others what we would want done for us...In a world of injustice, loving intervention on behalf of the oppressed is simple obedience to Jesus’ most fundamental command to love our neighbor.” Jesus makes it clear that our “neighbor” is anyone in need (Luke 10).

So how can we make a difference in the lives of our neighbors? First, by determining that you will be like Christ in giving your life away to others. Second, by choosing to act. Third, by committing to a plan of action. Fourth, by following through.

Hidden Creek Community Church is committed to helping you live out your God-given purpose and calling by providing opportunities for you to respond to the Holy Spirit’s voice.

What does God think about injustice? He doesn’t like it. Throughout Scripture, God’s heart is bent toward those who are weak, oppressed, and in danger.  He “is righteous and loves justice,” Psalm 11:7 tells us, and is “a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble,” according to Psalm 9:9.

Isaiah 56:1 calls us to, “maintain justice and do what is right.” The implication is that “justice” does not happen naturally, and without attention, “injustice” fills the void. God calls his people to be agents of justice and grace as we serve those in need. He is looking for people to be advocates for those without a voice and dispensers of mercy on those who have no hope.

As you pursue biblical justice your faith will be stretched in ways you cannot fathom. Your senses will be assaulted and your soul unsettled.  The experience will be harder than you can imagine, but the results will be better than you could ever dream -- your heart will be changed.

Walk with us. Grow with us. Discover God’s heart for broken people, as we move through the journey of justice and mercy together.

His Servant and Yours,

                                       - Tim Heffer, Lead Pastor

What is it like to have to live on rationed food -- having enough to stave off starvation, but not quite enough to satisfy your hunger?  Find out by taking the Beans and Rice Five Day Challenge!

By stepping into the experience of millions of people around the world, you will grow in your appreciation of God’s blessings in your life and develop a heart of compassion.

Are you in? Pick an option that works for you!

❏ I will limit my food to one cup of cooked beans and one cup of cooked rice per day.

❏ I will eat beans and rice as one of my meals each day.

❏ I will choose one meal during these days to eat only beans and rice.

❏ I will pray for hungry and starving people around the world as I maintain my regular food intake.

BEAN TIP: Throw your dried beans in a crock pot before you go to bed and in the morning, they’ll be ready to eat!

The stunning fact is that in the world there is an estimated 27 million people trapped in slavery. Individuals and whole families are forced to work against their will in rice mills, brickyards, and textile factories around the globe. Annual revenue from this exploitation of innocence generates close to $150 billion (source: http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_norm/---declaration/documents/publication/wcms_243391.pdf).

Many modern-day slaves are children held hostage to the whims of deviant sexual predators and tourist on “pleasure” trips. Tricia Michalko, writes, “It is estimated that one million children are added to this industry every year; 2,740 girls today were introduced to this nightmare from which they cannot wake up.” Shattered lives are left in the wake of such demonic violence.

Human trafficking is not confined to the developing world. Each year 17,500 humans are brought into the United States with the promise of a “better life” or chance at the “American Dream” only to find themselves powerless against real oppressors. The chains that sap their hope for freedom -- fear, intimidation, physical abuse, coercion and economic extortion.

When faced with a horror like this one may ask, “Why doesn’t God do something about it?” He is, and he wants to use you to put a stop to it.

“O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring an end to the violence of the wicked...” (Psalm 7:9). And use me, in your hands, to free the oppressed.

Slavery Today?

Every three seconds a child dies of preventable causes like disease, poverty, and hunger; that is 28,800 children whose lives are cut short each day. In developing countries, one in twelve children will die before their fifth birthday. Each day 5,000 children die from not having access to clean water.

(source:World Vision)

Did you know?