This is a heartrending story to report. According to an Associated Press investigation, recent famine relief delivered to the starving country of Somalia has been stolen by none other than their own – local Somali businessmen.
According to AP, food staples such as grain and peanut butter snacks, meant to save the lives of those on the brink of death, have disappeared and showed up on the black market in Somalia capital Mogadishu. Relief flown in from “the World Food Program, the U.S. government aid arm USAID and the Japanese government” have been intercepted by vicious thieves.
With a death toll to date of almost 30,000 children and over 450,000 crippled by the countrywide famine, a peanut butter cracker or bowl of grain can mean the difference between life and imminent death. It is devastating to know that the love and generosity pouring in from citizens around the world is being undermined by greed and heartlessness.
All throughout scripture we see how the poor are never overlooked by God. He instructs mankind to care for those in poverty, and take care of them as their own. And He staunchly warns against exploiting those who are poor for selfish gain.
“He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.” –Proverbs 22:16
Quite often we don’t consider another person’s suffering until it visits our home. We spend needlessly on Starbuck’s, pedicures, and fashion trends of celebrities but will not think to buy a meal for someone on the street. We’re too busy. Or we’re embarrassed. Or we don’t care. We assume the poor have not worked hard enough or made the right choices, and obviously are reaping what they deserve. But when the financial tide shifts on us we see things much differently.
Any little that we give can go a long way to someone in need. As children of God, He equips us to be sensitive and respond to those who are suffering in some way. But we have to keep our eyes open to what the Spirit is showing us. If we continue in selfishness and greed, it is not farfetched to believe that the type of famine plaguing Somalia could one day invade U.S. soil.
“Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” –Proverbs 21:13
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