Can We Eliminate Discrimination?

I suppose the realistic answer to the question above is a resounding NO!  I can't really argue with that, but I do think it's within our responsibility to do all we can within our sphere of influence bring an end to discrimination.  And that begs the question...

What can we do? 

At ECM, that question is always weighing on our minds.  Not “what can we talk about doing?” or “what can we think about doing?” or even “what can we plan to do?”  But what can we really do? 

We can’t answer that question for you, and we don’t even think we’re supposed to.  It’s something that you’ll have to grapple with on your own.

But we can answer that question for ECM. 

We want to eliminate the discrimination that divides the communities in which we minister, especially the discrimination that causes pain for those with disabilities, those with albinism, and those looked down upon because of their tribe or sex. We are committed to ending discrimination in every sphere where we have influence and restoring children and communities to one another and their Creator through God’s overwhelming love.

We know it's a big goal, but in the communities where we serve, we see children abused and discriminated against everyday because of how they look, how they walk, how they talk, or simply because of the tribe they belong to.  They can’t go places that other kids go, or do things that other kids do.  They don’t get the help they need because the people around them don’t care about them or are afraid of them.  They end up being prisoners in their own homes.  The people in their communities have built walls, and these kids are on the outside looking in.   To end such discrimination is a big goal, but it's one we are willing to go after.

Why do people choose to discriminate against these kids?  We know the answer is complex, but we think one reason is because people don’t understand why these kids are the way they are.  They see “curse” instead of disability or difference, and believe they need to protect themselves and their families, lest the same curse fall on them.  What they need is information.  They need to be educated.  They need to be told the truth about what causes albinism, physical and mental disabilities, and tribal differences.

That’s where ECM can help. 

We believe that we can educate communities, families, and churches about the true causes of these differences, and more importantly, about the love that God has for these children despite the differences.  We also believe that we can demonstrate for these communities how to love these kids unconditionally, so that everyone can see how it’s done.   

We truly believe that these efforts will not only change the lives of these children forever, but will also change the lives of those in the community now, which will eventually change the lives of all the children born into that community in the future.  We believe it will have a long-lasting impact. 

Next week I'll share more about our plan to eliminate discrimination in the areas where we minister.