A theme interpretation written by Rev. Erin Wathen for the 2021 One Great Hour of Sharing
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that many western world constructs that were intended to create a sense of safety actually promoted a false sense of security. In a global crisis, we were faced with a danger that defied our usual protective hedges. While some were made more vulnerable by economic and geographical factors, everyone was affected by the virus.
As it turns out, lines on a map don’t stop the spread of disease; a pandemic does not recognize human-made boundaries. Whether we like it or not, our lives are deeply intertwined. Our well-being is bound, inextricably, to that of neighbors close to home, and those halfway around the world.
The sooner we recognize that human interconnectedness, the better we can let love flow—generously and indiscriminately—to those who need it most.
When water comes to a village, everything changes. Improved sanitation promotes health. Crops thrive, providing food security and better nutrition. People can provide for their families and care for their communities today while also planning for the future. In the same way, when our love flows, brothers and sisters around the world are sustained through difficult circumstances and their lives are transformed.
Isaiah 49:8-12 articulates a stunning vision for a world of justice and equity; a world where everyone has enough, and all live in safety and abundance. It is also a vision for a healthy world of interconnectedness. In this vision, what is good for you is also good for your neighbor; what is good for one country is good for the whole world; and what harms any one of us harms us all.
That Kingdom-oriented vision in our shared ministry through One Great Hour of Sharing is much like the stream that runs through Isaiah’s Kingdom vision. Human-made constructs too often hinder human thriving. A world built on that sort of imbalance is counter to God’s dream for creation. To help bring about that more just and abundant vision for humanity, One Great Hour of Sharing supports ministries around the world that create opportunities and empower communities. This includes: farmers participating in educational opportunities and working to establish food security; volunteers preparing for a year of Christ-like service; Brethren pastors, leaders, and members sharing in meaningful conversations and events; and individuals encouraging people and rebuilding homes affected by disaster.
In many ways, our world was not prepared for the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic. But because of your past generosity through One Great Hour of Sharing, many communities were better prepared to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19. Through your past support, more people were equipped for the crisis and were empowered to prevent the spread of disease among their family and neighbors.
And when you continue to give generously, you continue to give life to people in need around the world. You continue to build on the dream of a world in which there is no thirst, no hunger, no suffering… just the abundance of life.
When you share what God has provided, you “let love flow.” The love that we give—and the love that we receive from those who partner in ministry with us—crosses all sorts of spaces and dividing lines, knitting together a better human family, and bringing the Kingdom of God to earth in our time.
When you give to One Great Hour of Sharing, you support people near and far in tangible and spiritual ways. When you “let love flow,” lives are transformed—for the glory of God and our neighbor’s good.
The suggested date for this year’s One Great Hour of Sharing is March 21. Find worship resources or learn more at www.brethren.org/oghs.