April 22 is Earth Day. What began as a grassroots movement more than fifty years ago is now a global day of action. Earth Day inspires people everywhere to see Earth’s beauty, value its resources, and take action to help. For Christians and the Church, Earth Day can be a time to reflect on a deeper truth. 

In the first chapter of Genesis, we read that God is the Creator of all things, and in God’s eyes, it was good. Scripture also reveals that humankind was given a unique cultural mandate: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). This makes us God’s stewards of Creation. It is through this perspective that we can approach our role in caring for creation, not only on Earth Day, but throughout our lives. 

Today, we face serious environmental challenges. Yet, even as creation experiences brokenness, our role as responsible stewards remains. For International Ministries, this stewardship is not just a principle— creation care is a vital part of the work IM global servants do alongside local communities.

Becky and Mike Mann work with hill tribe villagers and farmers in Thailand, helping establish clean water and sanitation systems. They provide education on sustainable agriculture and support projects designed to last for generations while protecting natural resources.

Felícita Burgos-Hernández partners with RECONPAZ (Continental Christian Network for Peace). She works with church and community leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean to care for and defend creation.

In a recent journal for World Water Day, “God Bless the Defenders of Water!”, Felícita highlights the urgent need for clean, uncontaminated water in many parts of the world. She shares how a Mayan community in Guatemala is protecting the headwaters of ten rivers. They are working to remove a mining operation whose practices are contaminating their water supply.

“[Water] is a vital element for humanity, both physically and spiritually,” Felícita writes. “Caring for it is not only an ecological duty but also an act of justice and conscience.”

She also describes the installation of 22 rainwater harvesting systems across Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. These systems offer sustainable solutions, helping communities regain control and care of their water sources. IM Regional Consultant Dwight Bolick coordinates these projects. 

Dwight’s passion for creation care is evident in his efforts to provide communities with rainwater harvesting systems and beekeeping projects. But he also cares deeply about educating others. He emphasizes that creation care is not secondary to the gospel; it is part of it!

“Too often we treat creation as merely the stage for our mission. In reality, creation care and creation justice are callings in themselves, pursued for the glory of God,” he explains.

In his latest journal article, “The Gospel is Good News for All Creation,” Dwight explores how creation care has long been part of the fabric of International Ministries. He draws from Scripture and IM’s mission to remind readers that the Good News is about more than the salvation of people. It also involves healing, reconciliation, and restoration of all creation!

His journal highlights current and past global servants engaged in this essential work. Dwight uses powerful, real-world examples to show what it means to be faithful “earthkeepers” in many places where caring for creation is essential for survival. But he also challenges readers to look beyond projects. He invites us to consider God’s mission and the kind of character that leads to faithful stewardship of creation.

From Genesis to the teachings of Jesus, we see that the earth matters to God. Creation care is not just a cultural movement for Earth Day. Instead, creation care is an act of worship, justice, and faithful stewardship.

So how can Christians and the Church respond? Here are five ideas to consider implementing on Earth Day and throughout the year.

• Pray for creation and those affected by environmental challenges. Ask God to guide leaders, governments, churches and individuals. Pray for protection and wise stewardship.
• Practice everyday stewardship in homes and workplaces. Make small, intentional choices that reduce waste and conserve water. Care for your local environment as a way to honor God’s creation.
• Engage as a church community. Organize cleanups, start a community garden or plant trees. Host discussion panels that connect faith with creation care.
• Learn and teach. Deepen your understanding of what Scripture says about creation and our unique role in caring for it. Share with your church, Sunday school or small groups.
• Support global servants. Partner financially and through prayer with those who are actively engaged in creation care ministries around the world.

This year, let’s see Earth Day not just as a moment. Let’s use it as an invitation to live out our faith in ways that reflect God’s love, mission, and care for all He has made.