The top ten health crises in the world are refusing aid. In Somalia, violence is worsening and healthcare has collapsed. Fighting in eastern DR Congo and north-west Pakistan has left many displaced. In Sudan, Darfur violence continues and aid is badly needed in Southern Sudan. We read that in Ethiopia’s Somali region fighting has isolated population from services and aid. Burma and Zimbabwe are experiencing government neglect and economic chaos, thus worsening health crises. In Iraq, aid is needed but agencies have been targeted for attack. On a global level, malnutrition kills millions of children each year, while tuberculosis is increasingly threatening those with HIV/Aids. Shocking statistics such as these are well-documented by the “Medicine Without Borders” teams, according to BBC World News.

Can you imagine that rescue oganizations are standing at the borders of diseased and devastated nations unable to enter and provide needed help and supplies? The tragedy is incalculable. At the birth of Christ the angels proclaimed “…glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14 KJV) God in the body of a baby condescended to enter our wicked, war-torn world and sacrifice Himself on a cross to pay the price for man’s sin. God sought to rescue us when we determined to reject Him. Listen to the words of Paul the apostle:

 “…At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possible dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)

“You (believers in Christ) were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.” (Colossians 1:21 NIV)

Every world religion exacts a price for eternal salvation from man. Christianity is the only faith that pays that price with no cost to us. Jesus freely came to earth. He voluntarily died for our sins. And God promised to receive us into heaven solely upon the work of Christ and our faith in Him. True peace comes from Jesus, the tiny babe who became a great Savior.

We must, with open arms, receive God’s free gift.

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7795036.stm