Do you know what's going on in the world today? If you were to watch the news, you would think that the only things happening are politics, Iraq War, and terrorism plots being busted up. But is that it?

Do you know how many wars are going on at this moment? According to Wikipedia, there are currently 21 wars taking place today in the world...may of which I haven't even heard about. When I found out about this I was shocked, but not suprised. I just didn't know.

While I'm saddened to read about this stuff, I understand why we don't know more about it. Quite frankly, we don't want to know. It's distirbing enough to watch the "clean" war in Iraq on the TV. There's nothing about war that is clean, but with just over 3,000 dead American soldiers, the Iraq war is nothing, comparatively speaking.

I'm on this because watched this slideshow from a photographer of the war in the Congo. You can watch it here -> http://www.marcusbleasdale.com/podcast/congo-the-forgotten-war-large.html. Did you know that since 1998, 4 million people have died from this war? 4 million!!! That's like the entire city of Phoenix. Most of that number died from lack of medical care...from diseases that we have vaccinations and cures.

When we hear about this stuff, we ask a few questions. Why and How? All of these conflicts occur because of selfishness and a lust of abundance beyond our need. But why would God allow this? I think we have exhausted this question. We know that God cares. We know that there are consequences for sin.

The question I think we should all be asking is "what now?" What will we do in light of this? How can we help? How can we help a country of people that is helpless? So here's a list:

1. Realize that those people are our neighbor...the same neighbor God tells us to care for.
2. Learn more. This isn't just the Congo. Check out organizations such as the Blood Water Mission, International Justice Mission, International Rescue Committee, and the P.E.A.C.E. Plan.
3. Offer your time, money, and talents.
4. Be with God and pray. Pray for your heart to be broken by such images and stories.

You may have just read that and thought "that's a nice idea, but..."

Satan loves the power of "but..." Don't be overtaken by doubt or feelings of not being able to make a difference. The body of Christ, with all it's parts working together, is capable of incredible things by the Holy Spirit. It says "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph. 4:20).

We can make a difference because Christ makes a difference in us.

What about this doesn't scream for the need of God?