I had an English teacher who was an atheist once, or at least an agnostic. I asked him why, and he asked me how there could really be a God if people everywhere were suffering. I told him, it's not because there isn't a God that people are suffering. It's because of sin that people are suffering. I didn't get to remind him that Jesus came and died in our place, in order that we would not have to suffer under at least our own sin. However, I hope that someone tells him that, and I hope that some one will live the kind of life in front of him, and he will see God working in them.
I do want to thank God for the hope though. For the peace that he has let me enjoy, and his love. However, I want to challenge you, the reader, to reach out to the suffering. If you know someone who is shut off to God, it's because they suffered at some time in their life, and they saw what they thought was God, on the side of the oppressor. Also, those who hurt others; they where hurt sometime, or are still being hurt. They need relief, and healing. Only God can give the best medicine for that.