During the last several months, I have been privileged to be involved in several sectors of our global world- economic development, church work, education and community development. In every corner, there seems to be confusion, hopelessness, and those who are searching for the answers to life.

Additionally, with each devastating and heartless act of violence, the wise from all vantage points have likewise been searching for answers- simplistic solutions such as ban guns, hire school guards, do more mental health evaluation, and tasers for teachers have all been suggested.  It is easy to jump to simple solutions for societal problems when in reality the problems of humanity are much deeper. The fact remains that fallen humanity and sin are the real issues and only a life-changing experience with Jesus Christ will solve that problem.

Most of you would not know my extended family background- but I was raised in rural Appalachia where only the tough survive.  My family did not come from royalty. I had extended family members and friends who had their fights, who used moonshine and who lived for the moment.  However, the course of history was changed when my Grandma met Jesus Christ- she was truly converted. Many family members became Christ followers and everything changed. It was a Bethlehem “God Moment”.  My great uncle got saved and his family changed- he was a fighter and wife beater but when he met Jesus he never did those things again. The family pursued righteousness and holiness instead of evil. Later they gave all to God in an act of full consecration and the Holy Spirit, in a moment of time, cleansed their hearts and filled them with love. Now for generations, our family members have lived righteously under the power of the Holy Spirit and been good citizens.

So the world needs transformation- Christ’s transforming love. Someone once asked Billy Graham, “If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?” To this, the famous preacher replied, “With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world? Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives.

Charles Wesley was the 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley.  The Wesleys were in London in May of 1738.   For a period of time, they were staying in the home of some Moravians in Little Britain, not far from St. Paul’s Cathedral.  As Charles sat listening to the Christian testimonies of his hosts, he was deeply affected. God was dealing with him. Charles said he felt “the Spirit of God striving with his spirit ‘till …. He chased away the darkness of my unbelief. I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ.”

Exactly one year from his salvation, Charles wrote a song recommending it to be a song sung “on the anniversary of one’s conversion.”  One verse, in particular, is dedicated to what Christ did for him.

“He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.”

Join with me in praying in a place that seeks to share transformational Christian living- it really is the answer to our world’s problems.