WATCHING any news is a heavy going experience, rarely inspiring. 

Stories of war, acts of terrorism and politicians in constant verbal conflict doing others down. 

Large corporations paying minimal tax and those in positions of influence ensuring their wealth is protected in offshore tax havens whilst the low paid struggle and are the main users of foodbanks.

Against this negative backdrop, it is understandable that many embrace the idea of building walls such as the one proposed by Donald Trump along the Mexican border or withdrawal from the EU on the understanding this will protect us from the wider world.

With the forthcoming EU referendum, we must personally address what our response is to the world at large and whether what happens overseas should be kept at arms length or embraced. 

Next week, local churches will be participating in Christian Aid’s annual appeal, raising funds for the most vulnerable through ‘house to house’ collections.

The theme of the campaign are the words of Jesus to love your neighbour as yourself.

Jesus was challenged to explain who is our neighbour?

He replied by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan who attends to the needs of a complete stranger from another land and ended with the words ‘go and do likewise’.

Christian Aid is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of hurting people.

Believing the people best equipped to address poverty are those with local knowledge, monies are not given to governments but only to local agencies with proven track records, empowering poor communities to help themselves. 

My hope in the coming week is that we will take the opportunity to ‘go and do likewise’ by giving generously and begin to build bridges rather than walls to an increasingly hurting world.

JULIETTE HARRIS
Cirencester Christian Aid Group