I was just recently reminded of the importance of Christians establishing a massive movement for peace and justice in this country and worldwide. I cannot fully describe the feelings of mine which have overwhelmed me and swell up many thoughts in my mind.

 Last night, in Bawa, a neighboring Barangay in the municipality of Gerona, Tarlac, a child was taken from her families’ residence. She is 12 (or 13?) years old. She was kidnapped and placed in a van, likely to be taken to Manila or wherever the hideout of the kidnappers is located.

 This common trend usually ends in the same result: The child is put to death by these sick fiends and his or her organs are surgically removed to be sold to surgeons or medical facilities within this nation. There was, recently, a special program on television about this very practice happening, mainly, in Manila. Now, it seems that the criminal practice is moving more notably into the provinces of the Philippines. I could not describe my sickened feelings within me after hearing of this tragedy occurring in our own backyards. Please forgive me if you have learned of these acts before me and are not surprised to hear it again and again. I simply did not hear about it until this time and I am shocked.

 I realized that kidnapping is not new in the States, as well. This is typically done for the perverse sexual fulfillment of the pedophile / molester and often results in the offender murdering the child to escape being caught with him or her alive.  I am, likewise, saddened when I hear about that case but I could not conceive that the fiends are doing this kind of appalling act for money and are succeeding at it!

 For many of you, the terror within this country is not new. The extremely corrupt government and widespread poverty are all problems that should be dealt with. It is not my intention to turn my focus on politics, though. This is not a political statement! My intention is to encourage some kind of a movement for justice and peace in our communities. Whether in America, Philippines or anyplace in the world that Christians may be, we should be advocating the truth and battling injustices everywhere.

 Some issues which are usually associated with a political statement are actually simple Christian truths that we need to realize and defend. The death penalty must be reinstated and enforced to preseve order in all nations. I am aware that the president has recently abolished capital punishment. It should, therefore, be no surprise that crime is on the rise and criminals have less to fear.

 Do politicians believe that they are smarter or better than God himself? Do religious “authorities” believe the same? God instituted the death penalty in ancient times (Gen 9:6) and continues to demand such a public institution to be enforced to this very day (Rom 13:1-4). Without such institution, where is the justice for one who takes life? God used the death penalty against Ananias and Saphira for their sinfulness, should society not follow his command to do the same? Of course, they must!

 I understand that I am not a citizen of this country and, therefore, it is not my right nor responsibility to be part of a national movement here. I am not making a statement about this country and their sin, alone. The U.S. must also endure in enforcing justice within it’s respective boundaries. I am advocating an united effort by churches of Christ to preach and teach the truth about capital punishment and it’s necessary enforcement. The implementation of this law, no doubt, will curb much of the violence being inflicted against children in all of our communities.

 There are more ways to move against violence and injustice in our respective communities. Writing congressmen to establish laws which prevent hospitals from buying organs without proper records is a good start. Why are these hospitals and surgical centers a part of the problem of human trafficking? Why aren’t they demanding records of where these organs have come from before they begin transplanting them? Obviously, the government is not enforcing a strict law that prevent such injustices.

 What are we doing to stand up against child-sex tourism in this nation? Pedophiles are coming into this part of the world to abuse and molest children because laws are not being enforced here. We may be part of the group who are turning our heads away from the problem instead of standing up for the right way.

 We don’t have to consider ourselves “political” to be doing these things. If it is our responsibility to submit to our governing authorities, is it not right and proper to demand that our authorities enforce godly, just and logical laws to preserve peace everywhere? This is surely a Christian duty, knowing that God has placed us in our communities to do good unto all men.

 Christians, open your eyes and your ears to the world around you! Be not conformed to this world by silently permiting such sinful activity in your surroundings. Stand up and proclaim your opposition to such sinfulness and be a part of the solution to curb violence against children and all social injustices.