{"id":39230,"date":"2026-04-11T10:37:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T15:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalministries.org\/?p=39230"},"modified":"2026-04-11T10:37:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T15:37:12","slug":"earth-day-and-gods-mission-good-news-for-all-creation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internationalministries.org\/earth-day-and-gods-mission-good-news-for-all-creation\/","title":{"rendered":"Earth Day and God\u2019s Mission: Good News for All Creation"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the first chapter of Genesis, we read that God is the Creator of all things, and in God\u2019s eyes, it was good. Scripture also reveals that humankind was given a unique cultural mandate: \u201cBe fruitful and multiply\u201d (Genesis 1:28). This makes us God\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2014 creation care is a vital part of the work IM global servants do alongside local communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Becky and Mike Mann<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fel\u00edcita Burgos-Hern\u00e1ndez<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a recent journal for World Water Day, <\/span>\u201cGod Bless the Defenders of Water!\u201d<\/span><\/a>, Fel\u00edcita 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c[Water] is a vital element for humanity, both physically and spiritually,\u201d Fel\u00edcita writes. \u201cCaring for it is not only an ecological duty but also an act of justice and conscience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>Dwight Bolick<\/span><\/a> coordinates these projects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dwight\u2019s 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!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToo 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,\u201d he explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

In his latest journal article, \u201cThe Gospel is Good News for All Creation,\u201d<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Dwight explores how creation care has long been part of the fabric of International Ministries. He draws from Scripture and IM\u2019s mission to remind readers that the Good News is about more than the salvation of people. It also involves healing, reconciliation, and restoration of <\/span>all <\/span><\/i>creation!<\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u201cearthkeepers\u201d 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\u2019s mission and the kind of character that leads to faithful stewardship of creation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

So how can Christians and the Church respond? Here are five ideas to consider implementing on Earth Day and throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\n