Follow up: Did God create evil? (Mar 3)

I have some good news that I'd like to pass on. It's about the little Afghani boy I wrote about in my blog entry for Mar 3rd.

It was reported last night that he is currently undergoing treatment in a Pakistani hospital for a cancerous tumour he has on his face. Surgery was conducted and the tumour was found not to be as bad as first thought. The boy is undergoing a round of chemotherapy and one of the doctors (an oncologist) reports that the he has a 60-65% chance of surviving. The boy's grandfather was visibly happy, and grateful for the news. A far cry from the expectation that the boy would not see his sixth birthday.

What was the difference? A Canadian soldier in Kandahar writing to his church back home, where they raised $13,000 to pay for the boy's treatment. A small price to pay for an innocent little boy's life. Also a small price to pay to show his family and neighbours that there is good in the world. That complete strangers were willing to help. That violence for violence sake is unnecessary.

I can only imagine what this little Afghani boy will do with his life. Will he become a doctor? A great politician and peacemaker to bring strength to his country? Or maybe a suicide bomber? Only time will tell. I like to think that the showing of kindness towards him will give him the opportunity to 'pay it forward' and he will lean towards the first two options, rather than last one. History will be his judge.

In the meantime, let us continue with this. Let us commit to performing good deeds. Let us reduce the opportunity for evil to flourish. It made a difference in a little Afghani boy's life. Are you willing to help the battered wife down the street? Help fund the cure for cancer? Stop the fighting in the Middle East? Whether your act, however small, helps your community, your country, or the world we live in...it's worth it.

Allow me to repeat the previously posted quote from Edmund Burke:

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

Do something good. Anything.

Wings Over The World