I received a message a few days ago from someone in trouble. Their wording and descriptions of events made understanding difficult, and I wasn’t sure how to respond. I asked for it to be printed here in simple English in the hope that maybe someone can help me understand more about the needs of the writer:
“Please help us. We are in a bad situation and cannot do anything more by ourselves. We are hungry and our children cry often. We are afraid that no one can hear us or cares about us. Please, if you or someone you know can send help, please do it quickly. Our situation is serious.” The letter ended without a signature.
I wondered about the writer and what could have happened, and quickly called everyone I know who might be able or willing to help. The only thing I haven’t been able to tell anyone yet is exactly where to send help. The only thing I know for certain is when to send help — NOW.
The message may have come from someplace close or from Tiananmen Square; Wounded Knee or a little town in Costa Rica. I couldn’t tell if it was sent 100 years ago or just last week. Maybe it was from some point in the future; maybe something is about to happen here that we cannot foresee.
Will we be the ones who will need immediate help? It has happened before, and I believe you remember it well. The need is actually everywhere, and the time is always now. But what about you? Are you helping anywhere, or needing help yourself? Who will you call upon? May God always remember to send us help in times of need. Or maybe, just send us.
