In recent weeks, we’ve published stories detailing the efforts of local individuals and groups — Integrity Worldwide, First Baptist Church and Kenya Relief, to name a few — in foreign countries that are worse off than the United States.

There’s no denying the City of Selma has problems of its own, but the fact that these groups of people have given their own time and money to help others across the world shows that Selma’s level of Christianity and caring are unmatched.

Whether it’s Integrity Worldwide or Kenya Relief and Steve James’ work in Kenya, First Baptist’s members in Malawi or another organization from our community whose story has yet to be published, the stories that have come back to Selma from the African nations have been both heartbreaking and inspiring.

It takes a special kind of person to be able to go to a foreign country and help those unlike themselves, and these Selmians are showing the world that our community is capable of accomplishing anything we set our minds to.

As these groups return to Selma, and even prepare to once again return to the African nations in need, we commend them for their work and urge others to find it in themselves to donate some of their time and possessions to help them continue to be successful in making a difference in the lives of hundreds, even thousands, of others.

A lot can be said of these groups and how it reflects back on Selma, but it is best summed up by saying the level of caring and Christianity in our area is unmatched statewide, and even nationwide.

Thank you for doing what you do.