world-wide inflation: time for church to do something
May 5th, 2008
Food prices have risen 45% in the past nine months, according to the UN. In other parts of the world it has incited social unrest. The World Bank has estimated a doubling of food prices over the past 3 years could push 100 million people further into poverty, and some 33 countries face unrest because of inflation caused by several factors: increased demand due to changing diet in Asia; bad weather; diversion of staples such as corn into biofuels; soaring transportation costs, and trade restrictions on farm produce. Are we seeing the third seal unfolded before our very eyes? “When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed like to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” (Revelation 6: 5,6). Famine, according to the third seal, will become so severe that a laborer’s entire wages will go merely for food. Families will have to buy barley, a lower quality of grain. Oil and wine will be spared perhaps a hint that the well-off will still be able to indulge themselves, like many of us Singaporeans.
I believe the church in Singapore must sit up and do something about this need of fellow-Singaporeans and even more the poor of Asean, and even the world. This may be worse than a tsunammi. In our church, the Chinese service has started the ball rolling with a small but wonderful idea, so we English service folks just piggy-backed on their idea of asking members to bring a packet of rice for the needy. So about 200 packs of rice were collected the Sunday before Labour Day and transported to the storeroom of Marine Parade CDC. These will then go to those who have been assessed as needing such aid. It was a privelege for us to participate in something like this. God would want the church to always look out for the needy. And in these days of unprecedented inflation, such help goes a longer way than we dare to admit. There are very needy people out there, especially outside Singapore. This was a once off project but it will probably take on a life of its own. After all, God has a bias towards the poor.
Entry Filed under: Church, Home church
I was shocked by the tremendous increase in prices in Bolivia. Everything had almost doubled. The government banned the export of cooking oil and tried to control prices of daily foodstuff. I just do not know how the poor or the lower middle classes are coping
http://bolivianbeat.blogspot.com/2008/03/prices-soar-in-santa-cruz-inflation.html
When I read about Bolivia in your blog I thank God for the blessings here in Singapore.
The current situation exposes the greed of man. Petrol companies making excessive profits running into billions, certain arabs buying a A380 as a personal jet and traders speculated on basic commodities - all these is happening on the expense of poor people.
I am encouraged that your church is doing a part by contributing to those who are in need. As for us Christians, let’s not be discouraged but continue to look to God who is our protector and provider in all circumstances.
Well said Simon…its true ..some of the waste and extravagances are obscene.
By the way..does anyone know what’s happened to the 2 persons who after having distributed chick tracts were subsequently arrested for sedition in Singapore?
Pastor K,
Well done in the rice donation exercise!!! Good job!
This is market capitalism - allocation of resources based on demand and return.
It will gyrate according to greed and fear of society.
Can we be in the world but not be of it?
A difficult challenge balancing self preservation and greater good.
Being Christ-like remains as difficult today as 2000 years ago.
Continue being a generous Church so that more blessings can flow in…..great start!
You are right about the challenges being the same today as 2000 years ago.