By E. Hammond Oglesby

In a world divided by hatred, render love.
In a world smashed by fear, render faith.
In a world burdened by ethnic strife in eastern Europe,
Render kindness over cruelty.
In a world torn by the Wall of shame,
Render the refreshing spirit of Glasnost and perestroika.
In a world smeared with the pain of hunger and homelessness, render food and shelter.
In a world tormented by the demons of sexism and racism, render equality and liberty.
In a world cursed by apartheid,
Render the joybells of freedom.
In a world that disvalues our children,
Render protection and compassion.
In a world unsure about the future,
Render the cup of salvation;
Render the shield of faith. Pay your own vows unto the Lord.

E. Hammond Oglesby is a Baptist Minister, author, and professor.