“You cannot change the world but changing the world of someone costs very little” (Tony Sergeant)
3Cords Foundation is a community organization which endeavors to work for the betterment and uplift of local communities regardless of their cost, color and creed. Its inspiration and vision come from scriptures and history.
Firstly, the social involvement is firmly rooted in the character of God. The Psalmist portrays God in these terms;
The LORD sets prisoners free and gives sight to the blind. He lifts those who have fallen; he loves his righteous people. He protects the strangers who live in our land; he helps widows and orphans, but takes the wicked to their ruin. (Psalm 146:7-9)
This shows that God advocates the cause of the oppressed. He provides for the poor and sets free those who are bound. He sustains the marginalized and the most vulnerable in the society.
This doesn’t, in any way, indicates that God is prejudiced towards a certain segment of the society neither does it show that the poor are more deserving because of their poverty. Rather, it shows that God cares about justice and opposes those who victimize others. In case of exploitation, God sides with the oppressed as the book of Proverb sates;
Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy. Secondly, God’s concern for needy is well presented in the Mosaic Law where we read (Deut. 15:11);
There will always be some Israelites who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them. Furthermore, there are numerous laws which safeguard both the needs and dignity of the poor.
Thirdly, the character of God is ultimately revealed in Jesus. His life showed concern for the poor (Matthew 4:23; 9:35-38). He responded to the needy with practical compassion (Matthew 14:14; Luke 7:13). He offered acceptance to the marginalized and the outcast. Jesus summed up the law very succinctly as to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-40). Therefore, we feel it incumbent upon us to carry out this commandment.
Fourthly, following biblical instructions, the early church exercised generosity, compassion and tirelessly worked for social justice. For example, believers used to bring unwanted children left on the city rubbish dumps to di. They would collect those children and bring them up to themselves.
So, God’s character, the Law, Jesus’ own example and the church history provide us rich source for working among the disadvantaged and the neglected. Since we believe all human beings are created on the image of God therefore, 3 Cords Foundation seeks to reflect God’s characteristics by caring for the poor, to bring hope for the hopeless, to be a voice for the voiceless and to repel injustices in the society.
