OUR CONNECTION MATTERS
ALLISON LINDSEY
“Creation is the canvas on which God has painted His character.” Author Unknown
Spring fever is upon me, especially as the temperatures begin to feel like summer. I love to be outdoors in God’s creation, and April is the perfect time to highlight Creation Care as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22.
You may be familiar with the Seven Wonders of the World, but do you know there are
seven natural wonders of Georgia? Two of these wonders are located right here in South Georgia: the Okefenokee Swamp and Providence Canyon.
As someone who loves to explore nature and hike, I am, of course, drawn to
Providence Canyon – also known as the “Little Grand Canyon” – located in Lumpkin, Ga. And, yet, while I am inspired by the beauty of the canyon, it is interesting to note that the massive gullies of the canyon, which go as deep as 150 feet, were actually caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s. The canyon is evidence of the impact we have in this world and on the land in which we live.
This makes me wonder about the future as it relates to the ways we use and interact with this world and all its resources God has entrusted to us. What will our world be like for future generations? There’s no doubt, God calls us to care for his creation.
Below are resources to help you learn more about Creation Care, discover activities for families, youth and children, and find practical ways you can be good (or better!) stewards of what God has created for us each and every day:
I am also working with Pat Homer, a lay member of Pittman Park UMC in Statesboro, to produce upcoming resources in which she will share her passion and knowledge around the theology of creation care and offer training for our conference. Pat was commissioned by Global Ministries as an
EarthKeeper in 2020. She is the first person in South Georgia to complete this training and embark on education and building awareness for creation care in her community and beyond.
As we challenge ourselves to become more aware of the beauty God surrounds us with, I am reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
We see God in creation, and we honor God by honoring His creation. I encourage you to find time to spend outdoors to enjoy creation each day. You will discover more of God’s eternal power and divine nature up close and personal. And if you haven’t visited Providence Canyon, an adventure awaits you – no mask required!
Allison Lindsey is the director of Connectional Ministries. She has a passion for the local church and its people. Contact her at allison@sgaumc.com.
