Lectionary Selection: 1 John 4:7-21

Loving God,

 

Thank you for the gift of love. Thank you for your indiscriminate acceptance of all people. Sometimes it is hard to understand, accept, and love those who are different, and sometimes there is fear because of the differences. Fill our hearts with your love. Open our hearts and minds to the new perspectives and help us to see the similarities that bind us together. Give us the courage to connect with those who are different, and allow us to find you in surprising ways.

 

Today we pray for the Refugee Ministry and the Roma Mission of the Reformed Church in Hungary. As our world changes, there is increasing fear of those who are different from us. In this time, we must remember that every person we encounter is someone who is loved and treasured. In the Refugee Ministry, I lift up the wonderful staff of Kalunba Social Services Ltd. Please provide the staff with the wisdom and strength to carry on in their mission in providing the necessities for refugees to find a safe home and a caring community. In the Roma Mission, we pray for the Gypsy (Roma) youth and children. There are more and more children turning to drugs, alcohol and prostitution. Please surround the children with people to love and guide them. Wrap your arms of grace around them, and fill our hearts with the same compassion and love to be a pillar of strength in their lives. Empower us to meet each person as one who is worthy and deeply loved.

 

In the loving name of Jesus, Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Hungary:

In the current political climate in Hungary, fear of difference lingers in the hearts of the people.

As part of my mission with the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH), I work with those who are being marginalized. Specifically, I serve as a volunteer at Kalunba Social Services Ltd. and a conversation partner at a local school. Serving in these placements have opened my heart and mind. Working with the refugees, I hear so many stories, not only of the difficulties they went through, but also the stories of hope and love. The people who provided a hand or a shoulder in their journey have made them into the strong people they are today. The conviction of the staff at Kalunba is inspiring. Their love is felt in their patience and willingness to help with each individual who comes to them for help. With the children at the local school, I enjoy the conversations of enthusiasm and curiosity. Although we occasionally run into outbursts, every week, I love going back to see the children grow and their willingness to learn increase.

For me, 1 John 4:7-21 is a reminder that “there is not fear in love,” and only perfect love can drive out fear. I say I love God, but this is only true if I can also love my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Prayer and Mission Moment by Ha-un Priscilla Yang

Photo by Global Ministries

Priscilla Yang is a member of First Christian Church of North Hollywood, Studio City, California. Priscilla is a Global Mission Intern from Global Ministries, the combined overseas ministry of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in America. She is working in English communications with the Ecumenical Office of the Reformed Church in Hungary as well as serving with the Refugee Ministry and Roma Mission of the RCH. Currently, her term of service in Hungary is one year.