The Mission Link

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
         how good God is. 
Blessed are you who run to him.    Psalm 34:8

Want to taste and see how God is working around the world this summer?  Apply for SMP 2008 by February 15.  You could learn, serve, and grow alongside your sisters and brothers in Christ in places like Mali and Guatemala (and elsewhere!). 

Jordan (above), who tasted and saw God’s goodness in Eastern Europe last summer, wrote this about his experience:

It is with great joy that I write to you to tell you of the power that is at work in God’s Kingdom, a power that surpasses our understanding. We went out as a small group of 4 to proclaim the gospel to both young and old in Ukraine, Romania and Hungary. Sent out with the power of the Holy Spirit, uplifted by the prayers and support of our families and friends we proclaimed God’s love, mercy and saving grace to more than a hundred teenagers in six different one-week camps. This message was also heard by countless others whom we didn’t even realize were listening. It is a message that continues to spread and one day will be resound around the globe. I feel privileged that God chose me to take part in this summer ministry and witness his power in amazing ways.

Do you want to witness God’s power this summer?  Apply today!

I read a very interesting article with this title in Collide magazine. It talks briefly about a couple of major films that came out: Blood Diamond (Dec 2006) and Amazing Grace (Feb 2007).  The article, from Collide Magazine’s inauguaral issue Sep/Oct 2007 written by Stephen Presley, indicates that these films are part of a growing trend in social justice issues being presented in films.  These hollywood releases have shown us the diamond trade, slave trade, and the sex trade with each film crying out for justice.  The author ponders: ”one wonders if Hollywood has discovered its conscience.”

Furthermore, the article indicates that the cry doesn’t end when the credits appear, on the contrary.  Many production companies partner with non-profit organizations to act on their outcry.  The article points the reader to the Blood Diamond and Amazing Grace websites so we can see for ourselves.

Collide Magazine’s tagline is “where media and the church converge.”  We are the church, and we can and should join those already acting on their outrage at these injustices.  The article offers a few suggestions (for churches, but I think they apply to individuals too):

• Be aware of new releases that speak to issues of social justice
• Host a screening of a film at your church (or home, or group, or wherever!)
• Partner with organizations that are currently involved in the specific issue addressed by a film (hey, that might be us!)
• Look around your own community at how you can build bridges to the ‘poor and needy’
• Offer mission trips that are aimed at a particular need (hey, we do that!)
• Host a Bible study on an issue that a movie addresses

I really appreciated this thoughtful post by Holly, a CRWRC staff member, about the current turmoil in Kenya. 

This also gives me a chance to highlight this wonderful new online community for CRCNA Justice Seekers. From their homepage: “The CRC Justice Seekers community is a place for folks to discuss, inform, and share their thoughts on justice with others in the denomination.” Head on over and let your voice be heard!