Editorial: Giving thanks for those who serve the vulnerable

All too often, headlines remind us about the fragility of life and the immediacy of our mission to preach Christ to a dying world.

• In Stillwater, Okla., we report on the tragic loss of four lives and the campus ministry working to help a university community heal. 
• In the impoverished nation of Haiti, we follow the stories of Christians as they grapple with the loss of a murdered missionary. 
• From Los Angeles, we learn of a minister who died after preaching a sermon to his congregation. 

We pray for the families and the faithful affected by these sudden, unexpected losses. 

We also recognize that an increasing number of us must say longer goodbyes as we care for aging loved ones. Across the nation, we hear stories from Christian Chronicle readers who have become nearly full-time caregivers for their elderly parents. 

As the baby boomer generation retires, the demand for such care increases.

These conversations with our readers have inspired us to launch a new series, Blessed be the Caregivers. We want to highlight Christians who are serving others in ways we might take for granted. We begin this month with the story of a Christian wife and parents caring for the victim of a brain injury as they pray for him to awaken. 

In an upcoming issue we’ll tell the story of grown-up children as they reverse roles and care for aging parents. We also hope to feature Christians who care for special-needs children and other vulnerable populations.

Too often the caregivers among us go unnoticed. They struggle with physical and spiritual fatigue. 

We pray that this series will help highlight approaches Christians can take to put our faith into action as we serve those who continually serve others.

May God give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak, as Isaiah 40 tells us. 

May we be renewed and inspired to serve.

TELL US ABOUT THE CAREGIVERS in your life. Send suggestions for our series to [email protected]. Please include your name and home congregation.