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In HOPE - Faculty Publications
In  HOPE

  In HOPE 7.33 

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David Timms  

Book Recommendation

Have you read Irving Stone's biography of Vincent Van Gogh, Lust for Life (Arrow Books, 1990: 430 pages)? A friend recently loaned it to me and I'm finding it compelling reading. The tragic story of this 19th century Dutch artist (who dies at 37 years of age)touches the heart and gives depth to his art. From evangelist to the Belgian coal miners to a ridiculed obsessive artist whose personal life is marked by deprivation and rejection, this book is a moving read.

Hope Happenings

The Music Department of Hope International University presents a FREE evening concert -- One Holy Night -- on December 1 at 7pm in the Pacific Auditorium. The evening offers a chance to reflect upon and celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth. One Holy Night features the University Chorale, jass ensemble, and international percussion ensemble. 

Hope International University
Fullerton  CA  92831

 

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy


Famine

Tomorrow marks the Thanksgiving celebration here in the United States.

The celebration usually recalls the story of the Mayflower landing on December 11, 1620. The Pilgrims arrived just in time for a devastating winter which claimed the lives of nearly half of the 102 passengers who sailed from Plymouth, England. Thankfully, the harvest of 1621 was bountiful and the Pilgrims and neighboring Wampanoag Indians (who supplied much of the food) celebrated together for three days.

Most of us have little fear of starving today, despite the fact that at least 15 million children will die of hunger somewhere in the world this year -- 1 every 2 seconds. The World Health Organization estimates, broadly speaking, that one third of the world is well-fed, one-third is under-fed, and one-third is starving. Even in the United States, some analysts suggest that 1 in every 8 children under 12 years of age goes to bed hungry every night.

Famine abounds. Yet, while these statistics disturb us, a famine of a different kind looms.

"Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord God, "when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the Lord." (Amos 8:11)

The violence, despair, apathy, and fear of our day point not just to a struggle for material resources but to a famine of deeper significance. When we trample the needy (Amos 8:4), cheat each other with dishonest scales (Amos 8:5), ignore the weak, or take advantage of the helpless (Amos 6:6), God withdraws His Word.

Ultimately, the famine to fear most is not the empty shelves in our pantry but the silence of God in our lives.

Ironically, our lives suffer from verbal overdose but a Word-famine. We have so much to say and hear so much from others but our souls wither for lack of nourishment. The famine has struck our homes and our churches. In rare moments of crystal clarity we cry out for a Word -- not entertainment, not persuasion, not hype, not cleverness, not humor -- but a Word from God. Yet, He speaks only as we obey.

Half of those first Pilgrims perished for lack of food. How many of us are fading amidst a famine of a different kind?

We thank God this Thanksgiving for His provision -- and we implore Him afresh to end the famine that gnaws in our hidden places.

In HOPE --

David

 

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You can find back issues of "In HOPE" (2005-2007) at http://www.hiu.edu/inhope/.

David Timms serves in the Graduate Ministry Department at Hope International University in Fullerton, California. "In HOPE", however, is not an official publication of the University and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Administrators or Board. "In HOPE" has been a regular e-publication since January, 2001.