The bigger picture – Day 9

It is not always easy to photograph people when they are doing charity work, simply because not many people enjoy the spotlight when involved in something they see as their calling.

During a visit to a feeding scheme in Danville, Pretoria, I struggled to get pictures of the people involved in the outreach. When I asked them why they were involved, the general answer was, “We are doing it out of love – love for Jesus and love for those in need.”

On another occasion, I had the opportunity to visit a centre where abused children received counselling. In this centre, I met people who have such great love and compassion for those they work with. There were teddy bears everywhere! When I enquired about the huge number of bears, the answer came quickly. “The teddies comfort the children while they cuddle them. We are believers and because we are thankful for what Christ did for us, we reach out to others.” This was the incontestable answer when I asked about the reason behind such a selfless task.

While visiting a Muslim country, three Catholic sisters told me their story of service, working in a hospital as nurses. “We try to be Christ for these people. The women here look down on us because we are not married and we do not have children. All we can do is to live Christ.” This was their simple but straight answer. Pose for a photo? Never!

Many believers reach out to other people on a daily basis, just as these people mentioned. Suffering comes in many forms and there are needs all over the world, in South Africa too. Fortunately, there are believers who would rather focus on the smaller picture and feel they can make a real difference at grass root levels.

This is also the challenge presented to us, to go out and make a difference in other people’s lives. This is our calling as Christians.