Over the past month our church has been blessed to dive into the gospel of Matthew Chapter 25:
for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ (Matthew 25:42-45, NRSV)
In the middle of June we served alongside one another in Bridgeport, CT — doing our very best to bring Jesus’ light into a poor church. The stories that were shared, the smiles that were exchanged and the lives that were touched by our good works moved the community deeply.
At the end of June, twenty-two of us traveled to Reading, PA — one of the poorest areas in our nation. We landed in a community that is home to over 29,000 American Veterans. As a collective unit we served over 70 homes while present in Pennsylvania. The conversations we had about the Bible, Jesus Christ and our future as a Church inspired everyone!
July 1st I took a team of Americans to travel 7,000 miles across the globe to be with our brothers and sisters in the Kibera Slum of Africa. Here are some facts about Kibera:
– Life expectancy is 30 years old
– 10 people live in a single room
– 600 people share one toilet
– Unemployment rate is 50%
– 1% will graduate High school
While in Africa, I received many emails about what was happening in America. My heart broke instantly. Constant questions were asked about what I thought, felt and believed about our world. Here is what I have to offer in short.
I believe, deeply, that the message Jesus Christ of Nazareth brought to this earth 2,000 years ago is just as relevant than as it is today. Furthermore, the anchors of our faith, found in Jesus Christ are rooted in love, peace and transformation, which allows for radical hospitality amidst a broken people.
However, as beautiful as this faith sounds — without works it’s a dead faith. Words without actions are only dreams. Dreams can come true but only with hard work, dedication and action.
This is God’s calling to ALL Christians. To be the hands and feet of God so we can witness to the world that the message of Jesus Christ can bring unity, wholeness and truth despite even the most terrifying circumstances.
The world needs you, the world needs us and the world most certainly needs Jesus…
Compassionately,
Gary Michael