Workers' Day

Today is "Dia Del Trabajo" here in Peru. It is a national holiday, as it is in many other countries around the world, where it also is called May Day or Workers' Day. It is more or less the equivalent of the Labor Day holiday celebrated the first Monday in September in the USA.

Because it is a national holiday, nobody works on Workers' Day in Peru. This year, however, due to the worldwide economic crisis that swirls around us all (as well as the swine flu pandemic), there are a lot of nervous workers here in Peru on Workers' Day. Many people already have lost their jobs or have had their pay & hours & benefits cut, & many others are fearful that a pink slip is coming soon. It is no different here in Peru than it is in the USA or anywhere else in the world. Workers & their families, both ministerial & secular, are living lives of high anxiety right now, hoping & praying that things will get better soon, but secretly wondering how bad it could become.

Remember on this Workers' Day 2009 that God is in control. God is not shocked or surprised if the stock market falls or if the price of oil goes through the ceiling. He knows commodity prices & interest rates. Nothing is outside of His realm or His knowledge.

For those of us in ministry, this economic crisis, & ensuing workers' anxiety, presents us w/ a marvelous opportunity to show Christ's love, compassion, grace, mercy, & understanding to a hurting world. Perhaps it is time for you & your church or ministry to ramp up your social & charitable efforts, instead of cutting back on them. Perhaps you can start a job bank or an employment counseling session or a job skills class as part of your church or ministry.

Unemployment and underemployment are both way up here on Workers' Day 2009, & they may go higher. Take advantage of this God-given opportunity in your church or ministry to reach out to those who are hurting right now. It will pay off for you in divine dividends.