Let Us Open our Arms and Hearts
Human tragedy and suffering in Haiti and Afghanistan remind us that the condition of human beings is fragile and can cause us to have a sense of helplessness. As the interfaith community we are brought to compassion because we believe so strongly that each human being is a brother or a sister, created by God and inseparably connected to each of us. It is something very strong for everyone, but we can hold on and draw closer to each other and to God. The reality is that there is a purpose for us in human tragedy. President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reminds us at this time –– “Faith empowers us to do things that seem impossible to us.” Now is a time of solidarity and determination to respond to these situations with compassion and love.
The Montgomery County Faith Community Advisory Group (FCAG) is assessing the situation and the possibility that our community will have opportunities to assist and support refugees from Haiti and Afghanistan. Refugee organizations in our area have great expertise in addressing such circumstance, but they will need resources of all kinds –– financial, human resources in the form of volunteers, food, shelter, clothing, mentoring, etc.
As each of us observes the situations occurring in these two countries, let us begin to trust in our faith to do that which seems impossible. Let our response to this human tragedy be one of action and welcoming. Begin to think about what you as an individual can do and more broadly how your faith community can offer resources as those resources are needed. Our County will have the opportunity to invite our brothers and sisters from these two countries to find refuge with us.
The FCAG is calling on the interfaith community to express willingness to provide help as we address the opportunities available to ease the suffering of so many. At this time, we are asking that you respond to this message and let us know if you are willing to be involved in our County-wide response and if there are specific resources you may have available to help in our response. We pledge to play a coordination role to your responses –– facilitating partnerships and communications.
We have great faith in the goodness of our vibrant and loving interfaith community in the County and look forward to receiving your responses at interfaith@montgomerycountymd.gov
With Kind Regards,
The Executive Committee of FCAG
