"Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready. But they all alike began to make excuses. ... The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ -Luke 16-18 and 21
At the beginning of each orientation in Mission Year, our meetings begin with being told that "God is in the City." In contrast to a lot of other missional programs , that can suggest that bringing the gospel somewhere means pioneering a way of thought, Mission Year has challenged me to question what it means to fully live out the gospel. If God is "overall, and in all, and through all", (According to Paul in Ephesians 4:6) then when I move into a new city, I am not going to bring God, but going to meet God.
Coming out of my first year, the need of building relationships, rather than trying to change people to my way of thinking, has proven to be a much more authentic way of showing love. I have seen that building relationships connects to people through our humanity, instead of trying to hide our humanity under theology. Building relationships has shown me the mutual need for love and acceptance, rather than trying to become a resource.
At the banquet Jesus talked about in Luke 16, we see that the people who "had it together" don't even show up to the party! Instead, we see people who are willing to admit that they are hurting, that they can't see their next step, and people who don't know how move forward, people who see their humanity. Jesus shows us that all who come to "the table" are suffering in some way. A Philadelphia team member shared some insight about this passage and described the banquet more as a holy potluck. A place where all both eat, and bring something to the table.
Simple Living
This second year of simple living has started off very well! I am currently working as an Educational Paraprofessional for Esperanza charter school in Northeast Philly. My position entails a role very similar to a teachers assistant in the classroom, and a mentor/counselor figure during my free periods. It has been an incredible experience getting to know the students in the school, a lot of whom like to refer to me as "Jesus". So, when students have been whispering or talking too much in class this past month, I like to remind them that Jesus listens !
As I am settling into my new rhythm of life, I am also trying to remember the importance to set aside time to pursue my passions. These past few weeks, I have had the pleasure to volunteer in the Simple Way gardens. The Simple Way gardens have three different lots, on which I have seen an aquaponics system, a raised bed garden, murals, fruits, veggies, a few composting bins and more! This month, I plan to make contact with a Collaborative Arts non-profit, Yes! And.. , and hope to develop my background in theater into a tool of transformation for both me and the community around me.
MEET MY TEAM ! Top Row: Adam, Amber Bottom Row: Me, Sophy
Hey folks, I could use your help! As I try to live out this second year of intentionally learning, living and loving any prayers or words or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I also have a financial need of $5,000 dollars to help fund my full immersion into this way of life that covers all of my living expenses for the year, including groceries, public transportation, rent and more. I welcome your partnership this year and invite you to consider becoming a one-time or monthly donor. I am equally thankful for your ongoing spiritual and financial support. I pray that God blesses you in all that you do this month and would encourage you in the pursuit to love your neighbor as yourself!
Simple Living
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