Symbolic tents, not specifically designed for shelter but conveying a serious message of need, are making their appearance in growing numbers on the lawns of many churches of various Chistian denominations throughout the nation and in particular in major population centers. The Tents of Hope are designed to call attention to and stimulate contributions toward help for suffering thousands, perhaps millions, of homeless, shelterless refugees in Darfur, Sudan, confronted in particular by need of dietary and health care attention.
As a further means of explaining and clarifying the extent of the need, thousands of congregations from across the continent plan to fold, pack and transport their special, artfully decorated tents, in November, to Washington, D.C., to serve as centerpieces for a massive rally for compassion.
Some congregations in our own region are among those engaged even more in preparing for participation in the rally and related activity in the nation’s capitol. Some in our region include Heights Christian Church, Cleveland, Ohio; First Christian Church, Medina, Ohio, and Crown Heights Christian Church, Oklahoma City, each of whom already exhibits a brilliantly painted tent that is ready for the rally and is being examined every day by passing members of the general public.
The entire event is a project of Global Ministries, an international effort including many churches in virtually every civilized nation ln Europe, Australia, North Africa, North America and South America and representing virtually every mainline denomination within Christendom.
The great need is clear and real and properly should receive widespread support and participation.
However, I would be remiss if I neglected to point out that charity is best begun at home. Therefore, according to basic Christian ideals, we must suggest that equally intense effort now should be invested in helping deal with the needs of growing numbers of homeless, jobless and frustrated persons in many American cities, some of which are within ready driving range of Carthage. Their needs also should be the subjects of prayer, public exhibitions and widespread funding efforts throughout the civilized world.
The application of Christian compassion and Christian muscle should result in providing hope wherever there is need and compassion wherever there is pain or hunger.
Clearly there is a need for many more “Tents of Hope” and an even greater volume of Christian love poured out selflessly to lift, protect and inspire the multitudes of the needy worldwide.
