So, how does one cope with the overwhelming needs, and the worries of "bringing it home" with you...I think that sometimes we need to be overwhelmed. Sometimes we need to "bring it home" with us. I have read about activists who live in boxes or tents to call attention to the problem of poverty and to get a feel for what it is like to be homeless. I applaud these efforts. But no matter how long we choose to "sleep in a box" or how many times we walk the streets on cold days looking for someone to minister to, the one thing we can never feel is their true despairation. However long we choose to put ourselves in the "homeless condition," we know in the back of our minds that we can escape back to our own comfortabe lives at the time of our choosing. We do not, because we can not know this kind of despairation. We can only catch a glimse when we allow ourselves to to get close to someone in this circumstance. This is exactly the point at which government and private organizations fail these people. An organization can not, by definition, get to know someone on a personal level. As Matt said, these kinds of organizations are wonderful and necessary, and we support their efforts woleheartedly. But this personal kind of ministry kind of needs to be spontaneous and unscripted. It is messy, and scary. We are vulnerable because we are allowing God to use us completely at His will. We are without org charts, mission statements, and all of the other familiar organizational structures we are used to relying on. Sometimes, we admit to ourseves that we have no idea what we're doing. We are not the ones running this show!
The bottom line is, we are not "changing " the people we meet. They are what they are...God's crowning achievement, His most beloved. Though they find themselves in dire circumstances, they are priceless in the eyes of God who created them. No, we take it home with us because we are the ones being changed. If we are not overwhelmed; if we can get through a night without worring about one of our new friends, then I fear God has much more work to do in our hearts.
I think Jesus affirmed this kind of personal ministry in the story told in Matt 26:6-13. The problem of poverty is always going to be there, and giving to the needy through charities is clearly something we are called to do. But we can't forget the importance of the personal relationship...it is why He came.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Face-to-face vs writing a check
Recently I received comments that what we are doing lacks focus and isn't the right way of approaching the homeless. Further, the person indicated that it was better to send money to the established service organizations that are already in place. Oh, of course I was going to reply... This is what I said in response (some parts edited for clarity)....
I think I should clarify what the focus of what we're doing with Praxis is:
We are actually meeting face to face with the homeless and learning their stories. It is infinitely easier for me to simply write a check and send it to Union Gospel Mission, and our family and many others do that. However, it changes a person when they stand and talk to a homeless person, for either 5 minutes or for an hour (like we had the opportunity to do last weekend). Sure, Jesus ministered to thousands at a time (Sermon on the Mount, feeding the 5000, etc...), but He also took the time to talk to individuals. The focus for Praxis isn't efficiency, it's faithfulness. And in talking to the homeless, I've learned more about what they like about these organized service groups, and what really offends their sense of self-worth. That's something I would not learn any other way. That's another aspect of it: learning. And when we listen to their stories, we give them a dignity they say they don't get from certain organizations.
At the beginning of each day, we put our time in God's hands to bring people to us to talk to. Does that seem unfocused? In one way, yes. In another way, to acknowledge God's sovereignty can't be a bad thing, can it? Obviously we're not transitioning people to high-paying jobs overnight, but when we see someone without a hat or gloves and it's -5 degrees out, then I'd say that the organized charities missed this person, and that we are exactly where we need to be.
Now, we have dropped items off and Union Gospel Mission and Naomi House, and will continue to do so. (Soon I'll post about what the kids in CrossWalk @ CrossRoads have done: it's awesome!).
Absolutely, there has to be people plugged into the service organizations, and I applaud those people and the passion that God has given them. However, I have an informal rule that if people don't get my particular passion, then it's likely they aren't meant to serve there. I am called to talk face to face with the homeless and to give them dignity. That's it. Others are called elsewhere, and should serve elsewhere. I'm not big on convincing people that they should serve the way I'm called to serve. That's not God's way. All I can do is tell my story, and something will stir in someones heart, or it won't. That's it.
This is becoming a spiritual discipline, in the sense that Richard Foster means (see note on his books below). We are putting ourselves in front of God and asking God to both work in us and work through us.
I can't stress enough: until you stand in the cold, in a park or on a street corner, and create a space for a homeless person to unpack their emotional & spiritual baggage, you won't really understand them. And after all, Jesus died for that individual also, so how can our giving them a bit of dignity by listening to their stories be a bad thing?
Comments?
I think I should clarify what the focus of what we're doing with Praxis is:
We are actually meeting face to face with the homeless and learning their stories. It is infinitely easier for me to simply write a check and send it to Union Gospel Mission, and our family and many others do that. However, it changes a person when they stand and talk to a homeless person, for either 5 minutes or for an hour (like we had the opportunity to do last weekend). Sure, Jesus ministered to thousands at a time (Sermon on the Mount, feeding the 5000, etc...), but He also took the time to talk to individuals. The focus for Praxis isn't efficiency, it's faithfulness. And in talking to the homeless, I've learned more about what they like about these organized service groups, and what really offends their sense of self-worth. That's something I would not learn any other way. That's another aspect of it: learning. And when we listen to their stories, we give them a dignity they say they don't get from certain organizations.
At the beginning of each day, we put our time in God's hands to bring people to us to talk to. Does that seem unfocused? In one way, yes. In another way, to acknowledge God's sovereignty can't be a bad thing, can it? Obviously we're not transitioning people to high-paying jobs overnight, but when we see someone without a hat or gloves and it's -5 degrees out, then I'd say that the organized charities missed this person, and that we are exactly where we need to be.
Now, we have dropped items off and Union Gospel Mission and Naomi House, and will continue to do so. (Soon I'll post about what the kids in CrossWalk @ CrossRoads have done: it's awesome!).
Absolutely, there has to be people plugged into the service organizations, and I applaud those people and the passion that God has given them. However, I have an informal rule that if people don't get my particular passion, then it's likely they aren't meant to serve there. I am called to talk face to face with the homeless and to give them dignity. That's it. Others are called elsewhere, and should serve elsewhere. I'm not big on convincing people that they should serve the way I'm called to serve. That's not God's way. All I can do is tell my story, and something will stir in someones heart, or it won't. That's it.
This is becoming a spiritual discipline, in the sense that Richard Foster means (see note on his books below). We are putting ourselves in front of God and asking God to both work in us and work through us.
I can't stress enough: until you stand in the cold, in a park or on a street corner, and create a space for a homeless person to unpack their emotional & spiritual baggage, you won't really understand them. And after all, Jesus died for that individual also, so how can our giving them a bit of dignity by listening to their stories be a bad thing?
Comments?
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Silence (Molchanie) and Unity (Sobernost)
I've come across this passage in Molchanie (The Silence of God) by Catherine de Hueck Doherty. Doherty worked with the poor in Harlem and Toronto, then set up a servant community in mid-Ontario. Thomas Merton (The Seven Story Mountain), monk and contemplative writer, heard Doherty lecture, and was facinated and challenged by her intimate faith in God, which turned her to service to the poor. Now the passage...
You wish to experience this kind of silence? Go into the alleyways of the world. Look at the garbage pails and see the old ladies rummaging through them, and the children collecting what you have thrown away. The poor go about this task in silence, a despairing silence, crying silently to God. People have closed their hearts to these poor. So some day, when you have nothing to do, walk through the garbage alleys of the world. Then you will know the silence of the Devil. And in that silence two thoughts will emerge: “Will I share more with the poor?” and “To hell with the poor!” What effect will this silence have on you?
Silence can lead us to God, and that is why the Evil One constantly tries to interfere with it. Take, for instance, the silence of indifference.
I appreciate that she is honest enough to say that we don't always have pure responses, and sometimes we're tempted to walk away from the things the bother us. It's important how we respond at this decision point.
Another quote, this time from Sobernost (Unity):
The only way to show the reality of Christ is to become an icon of Christ, a reflection of his face. And the reflection of his face will make us not only pray but serve. The two go together. For those who follow Christ, there is no service without prayer, and no prayer without service. They pray always, and they serve always.
So we have to enter the world – not the world that God condemned as evil – but the world he created … the beautiful world. And we have to restore it.
...
To serve mankind, to restore mankind to what was in the mind of God when he created it: this is our task! For this have we been baptized. Remember! We have died with Christ and have been resurrected with him. And if we listen carefully, the Gospel will shout at us clearly and simply, and we will have to do what it says.
Note her devotion to God, which leads her to serve Him by serving those He created and loves.
We've had several people mention that it would be a real stretch to walk downtown with us. I understand that. One alternative would be take some time and walk downtown, and simply pray for the people you see. God is sovereign, and will work in your heart uniquely. Go with someone, and take some time afterwards to talk about it. Let us know what you learn.
Blessings
You wish to experience this kind of silence? Go into the alleyways of the world. Look at the garbage pails and see the old ladies rummaging through them, and the children collecting what you have thrown away. The poor go about this task in silence, a despairing silence, crying silently to God. People have closed their hearts to these poor. So some day, when you have nothing to do, walk through the garbage alleys of the world. Then you will know the silence of the Devil. And in that silence two thoughts will emerge: “Will I share more with the poor?” and “To hell with the poor!” What effect will this silence have on you?
Silence can lead us to God, and that is why the Evil One constantly tries to interfere with it. Take, for instance, the silence of indifference.
I appreciate that she is honest enough to say that we don't always have pure responses, and sometimes we're tempted to walk away from the things the bother us. It's important how we respond at this decision point.
Another quote, this time from Sobernost (Unity):
The only way to show the reality of Christ is to become an icon of Christ, a reflection of his face. And the reflection of his face will make us not only pray but serve. The two go together. For those who follow Christ, there is no service without prayer, and no prayer without service. They pray always, and they serve always.
So we have to enter the world – not the world that God condemned as evil – but the world he created … the beautiful world. And we have to restore it.
...
To serve mankind, to restore mankind to what was in the mind of God when he created it: this is our task! For this have we been baptized. Remember! We have died with Christ and have been resurrected with him. And if we listen carefully, the Gospel will shout at us clearly and simply, and we will have to do what it says.
Note her devotion to God, which leads her to serve Him by serving those He created and loves.
We've had several people mention that it would be a real stretch to walk downtown with us. I understand that. One alternative would be take some time and walk downtown, and simply pray for the people you see. God is sovereign, and will work in your heart uniquely. Go with someone, and take some time afterwards to talk about it. Let us know what you learn.
Blessings
Friday, March 03, 2006
Speaking of prayer...
In the post below, I answered the question "How do you cope with what you see?", by saying "prayer, and lots of it", and also by talking through it each day. Following along that theme, I'm currently reading Richard Foster's book, Prayer: Finding the Hearts True Home. I've read Fosters other books, and really enjoyed and was challenged by them. This one is just as good. One of his strengths is that he draws upon the whole of Christian history, not just the past 30 years (like some other contemporary authors). Reading this book will excite you and draw you into a deeper prayer life. Not bad for $24!
This book might also prompt you to read his other books. I also recommend Spiritual Classics and Devotional Classics. Those two explore extended passages from some of the older Christian writers. Following each section are personal reflection and group questions. They certainly stretched me out of my comfortable little way of seeing our faith. I regularly go back to these books, and also search out the original books that the passages come from. Let me know what you think of them.
Finally, Streams of Living Water will challenge you to learn about other Christian traditions, not denominations mind you, but traditions. Quoting from a summary "The six streams Foster presents are: the Contemplative, or prayer-filled life; the life of Holiness, or the virtuous life; the Charismatic, or Spirit-empowered life; the life of Social Justice, or the compassionate life; the Evangelical, or Word-centered life; and finally, the Incarnational, or sacramental life." His book looks at strengths and possible weaknesses of each tradition. He is even so bold as to suggest how merging a couple of streams could strengthen each. The section on the Incarnational Life is one of my all-time favorite chapters in any book. This one will also stretch you.OK, enough Foster for now. Let me know what you decide to pick up.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
"How do you cope with what you see?"
Last weekend, a video describing some of what we do when we walk downtown was shown in service. I have to tell you we were a bit hesitant about doing the video, because we're not doing it to be noticed. However, Pastors Phil and Brad assured us that if the story is told so that others will be inspired to do likewise, then that is good.
Several people have since asked how they can be involved. We are going to be having a "training session", which really isn't the right term for it, in a couple of weeks, followed by a trip downtown. We'll be announcing that soon.
I just received a very nice email from someone at church, who is inspired to get out and help, but is understandably concerned about being overwhelmed by the needs, and about bringing that home. That is a great question, and I've included my answer below. Bill & Casey will also have worthwhile insights to the question.
About your question about how we cope, the short answer is prayer and lots of it. The long answer is: Before we get out of the car, we pray that God will make us responsive to what we see, will bring the people He wants us to meet to us, and that we are offering this time to Him. As we walk, we'll spontaneously pray (eyes open, of course, because I don't want to walk into a lamp post!) for people we see. Sometimes when we get to talk to some people for a while, we'll get some of their story, which is usually quite sad but with seeds of hope. We ask if they'd like us to pray for them and the answer is always "Yes please!". As we walk away we again ask for God's protection on that person.
As we drive home we talk about what we're learned and who we met, and what God is doing. Sometimes if we have to really decompress we go for a coffee. Sometimes I'm still bothered when I get home, but fortunately my wife is very understanding, and let's me tell her what I've seen.
A couple of times I've woken up in the middle of the night worried about someone we met, and I'll pray for their protection through the night. The next day at church I'll find out that Casey and Bill also woke up at the same time and prayed for that person.
We keep our eyes open for people we've met before, and sometimes we do. Often we don't, and I'm saddened.
About wanting to do more than you actually can, I'd say that you might feel that way, but you absolutely can't let that chain you down. We know we're not getting people off of the streets and into jobs (although I pray that will happen). We helping ensure that some people's hands don't freeze off in the night. We are helping people get through the day. Like I said, we are offering this time to God to use as he sees fit. Without that mindset of obedience, it would be too depressing to do.
Blessings!
Several people have since asked how they can be involved. We are going to be having a "training session", which really isn't the right term for it, in a couple of weeks, followed by a trip downtown. We'll be announcing that soon.
I just received a very nice email from someone at church, who is inspired to get out and help, but is understandably concerned about being overwhelmed by the needs, and about bringing that home. That is a great question, and I've included my answer below. Bill & Casey will also have worthwhile insights to the question.
About your question about how we cope, the short answer is prayer and lots of it. The long answer is: Before we get out of the car, we pray that God will make us responsive to what we see, will bring the people He wants us to meet to us, and that we are offering this time to Him. As we walk, we'll spontaneously pray (eyes open, of course, because I don't want to walk into a lamp post!) for people we see. Sometimes when we get to talk to some people for a while, we'll get some of their story, which is usually quite sad but with seeds of hope. We ask if they'd like us to pray for them and the answer is always "Yes please!". As we walk away we again ask for God's protection on that person.
As we drive home we talk about what we're learned and who we met, and what God is doing. Sometimes if we have to really decompress we go for a coffee. Sometimes I'm still bothered when I get home, but fortunately my wife is very understanding, and let's me tell her what I've seen.
A couple of times I've woken up in the middle of the night worried about someone we met, and I'll pray for their protection through the night. The next day at church I'll find out that Casey and Bill also woke up at the same time and prayed for that person.
We keep our eyes open for people we've met before, and sometimes we do. Often we don't, and I'm saddened.
About wanting to do more than you actually can, I'd say that you might feel that way, but you absolutely can't let that chain you down. We know we're not getting people off of the streets and into jobs (although I pray that will happen). We helping ensure that some people's hands don't freeze off in the night. We are helping people get through the day. Like I said, we are offering this time to God to use as he sees fit. Without that mindset of obedience, it would be too depressing to do.
Blessings!
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