Consistent demonstration of the love of God through building genuine relationships impacts people of any culture, tradition or religious framework—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth.

I have spent this week working with a group of young people in Rathfriland*, Northern Ireland. We have been living with a host family and serving with four churches in a “Drop in Center” for youth 13-17. We have simply been here to build relationships with the youth who come looking for a way to fill their evening. We have played sports, had “messy games night” and other such activities along with watching the World Cup games each night.

Every morning I read the newspaper as I ate breakfast. On one evening, the day after a small paramilitary event in Belfast, I had a long conversation with several local policemen. What became evident is the same disturbing fact that I ran into in South Africa, Uganda, Australia and New Zealand.

Man is created in the image of God and that image can be seen in gracious hospitality of our hosts. Man is a sinner whose ugliness soils the reputation of each culture.

The beauty and the wonder of God’s handiwork are evident in every part of the world. The ugliness of man’s disregard for the homeland that God has given to us to manage for His glory and our benefit is seen everywhere.

As I read the newspaper each day, I simply replaced the names of places and people with those from home. The stories were the same! Politicians line their pockets at the public’s expense. Parents fail to love and discipline children. Sports “heroes” provide poor examples. Alcohol and drugs are abused. Anger, resentment, bitterness and racism raise their ugly heads.

That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God is self evident. The proclamation of the good news of the Gospel is essential. Being salt and light has the same impact in any culture. My eleven year old grandson discovered this as he mingled with these unchurched youth.

It was not that he was an American because the Pastor’s son was also the object of verbal and physical abuse as well. It was simply light shining on darkness. Nonetheless, within simply one week of consistent genuine caring these youth softened and listened attentively to the Gospel message.

So, there is something else to be learned here.

Consistent demonstration of the love of God through building genuine relationships impacts people of any culture, tradition or religious framework—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth.
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*Rathfriland is a village of just over 2,000 about half an hour south, southwest of Belfast. Although small, it is located at a key intersection of 3 major roads that connect most of the southern portion of County Down.

Howard Eyrich is a minister in the PCA and currently serves as Pastor of Counseling Ministries at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. He is the author of the best selling pre-marital counseling guide Three To Get Ready, as well as Totally Sufficient and Curing the Heart both in 2nd editions. He and his wife, Pamela, have two children and eight grandchildren.