Tending to the burning bushes

As you begin reading this post, consider a few questions.  When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you?  When was the last time you actually became still so you could listen?  And what was your response the last time you felt God tugging at your arm, inviting you to a place that you really didn’t care to go?

 As each day passes there is never a shortage of opportunities for ministry in and around our community.  Those burning bushes God uses to get our attention seem to be set ablaze at nearly every turn.  They could take the form of a woman sitting at a bus stop, a homeless person staking claim to a park bench, or as was the case yesterday, a parishioner making a frantic phone call to my office.  I am usually amazed at what God can do each time I am invited into difficult and stressful situation in the life of someone whom I am called to shepherd.  Yesterday was one such day when God called me to a place I’d rather not go.  Suddenly, I felt a bit like Moses when he saw the burning bush.  What makes me so special that they should listen to me?  What if I don’t have the ability to do what is required?  What good can come out of my simply being there?

Moses is certainly one of the central characters of the Old Testament narrative, yet before he became such a key figure, he could have been best described as someone who was short of confidence and filled with doubt.  He was born a slave but raised in the house of Pharaoh and later rejected by even his own people.  He had to flee Egypt because he killed a guard.  When God finally got Moses’ attention he was but a shepherd tending a flock that wasn’t even his own.  God’s call wasn’t extended in dramatic fashion.  There were no lightning bolts or loud claps of thunder.  Instead, God used the sight of a burning bush.

This is where Moses gives us one of those great theological movements.  Instead of sitting there with a puzzled look on his face, Moses turns aside.  Turning aside is one of those things we learn about in seminary.  Turning aside means dropping what you are doing, forgetting what you are thinking about so that you can look and listen for God.  Moses turned aside in order to pay attention and noticed that this bush was not consumed by the flames.  Moses turned aside and heard God.  Yet even turning aside isn’t always enough.

When God called Moses his response was to the effect of “Who am I but a poor shepherd, uneducated in your ways and incapable of eloquent speech?”  With each excuse Moses was able to conjure up, God promised to do more than simply meet his needs.  Fast forwarding several thousand years, we may be quick to offer the same excuses when God calls us to ministry.  “Who am I that I should be of help?”  “I’m not qualified, send someone else.”  “In this instance I don’t believe I have what it takes.” I’m not up to the challenge…am I?”  Often at times we sound just like Moses, yet God still takes the time to bless us with the gift of the Holy Spirit and walk with us into the dark valley.  Our calling as followers of Christ Jesus is simply to go and let God be God.

The burning bushes are out there in our midst.  God continually calls his people to action using the most ordinary of means, but spotting those burning bushes takes patience and it takes practice.  If we are not listening for God, if we are not paying attention we might not recognize a burning bush when we see one.  As we go about our busy day, Christian folk need to be actively looking and listening for God.  We need to be tuned in to the burning bushes in our midst, always remembering that as we are called to ministry, God is with us and provides what is needed to do his will.

So again I ask the questions that I have considered these last few weeks.  When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you?  When was the last time you actually became still so you could listen?  And what was your response the last time you felt God tugging at your arm, inviting you to a place that you really hadn’t planned on going?

The King’s Speech

Like many folks, I enjoy seeing a good movie every now and then.  Sadly, like many other folks, I don’t always take advantage of the opportunity to spend an enjoyable night out when it comes along.  But recently I recognized there was a break in my normal routine and so my wife and I decided to take in a movie.  First we had dinner than we went to the theater and saw The King’s Speech.  I must say that I had no idea what the movie would be like, but it garnered twelve academy award nominations so it must have had something going for it.

The King’s Speech is a film about King George VI and his sudden rise to the throne of England.  It was the advent of WWII and England needed to hear a clear and confident message of hope from her king.  Yet, even as he had the gifts and pedigree for the job, George VI lacked confidence due to his obvious speech impediment.  Realistically, I didn’t think I would enjoy a movie about a king who stammers, but to be honest, I enjoyed the movie very much.  I won’t ruin the story, but I will say that it gives one plenty to consider, especially when we are faced with the opportunity to speak confidently with someone who may be confused about matters of faith.

Not all Christians are ready and willing to step up and speak out about their faith.  Many lack confidence in either their knowledge of the Bible, strength of their voice or ability to articulate clearly what they believe and why.  Christians ought to be glad for the opportunity to speak of God’s grace, but we humans don’t always believe we can do it.  If this describes you, well, you’re not alone.  Moses, as great a prophet and leader that he was, also lacked confidence in his ability to speak for God.  In the fourth chapter of Exodus, Moses goes so far as to beg God to send someone else.  He admitted to being slow of speech and lacking in eloquence.  Yet God reminded him that it is God himself that gives speech to mortals.  God promised to fill Moses with the words and message of deliverance.  We all know how that story turned out.

Fast forward a few thousand years and not much has changed.  Humans still suffer under the weight of a fallen and broken world.  Many are lost and forgotten and countless more live well beyond the margins of society.  In the instances where people suffer and feel lost and forgotten, people need to hear a confident message of hope from their king.  God has something to say to those desiring to be delivered from sin and despair.  Whom shall he send?  Well, for starters, how about you?

To those whom God has called through baptism he gives the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The same Holy Spirit of God who gave speech to Moses, the disciples and the apostle Paul, also gives speech to Christians of all generations.  As it is with all our gifts and talents, we must learn to use them and be sure in our abilities.  Just as George VI had to work hard in overcoming a speech impediment, Christians must practice the art of speaking the faith.  Sunday worship, Bible study and fellowship gatherings are all opportunities for us to practice using our King’s speech.

Can you remember the last time someone asked you to speak about matters of faith?  If not it is only a matter of time.  God has something to say to a world that is hurting and wanting.  He has given this word to the church so that we may confidently and boldly share it with others.  Do you know what to say?  Do you know how to say it?  Are you confident in your ability?  Chances are you have some doubts.  Perhaps, but it is God’s word Christians are called to share, and God will not fail you.  If you need to gain confidence, gather with God’s people, listen and learn while deepening your faith.  Become comfortable speaking about your faith with the folks in your congregation, then go out into the world as ambassadors for Christ.  Soon you will realize that it is God who speaks through you, and you can take delight in using the King’s speech.

Decorating churches while sharing good news

This week, many congregations took time to decorate their churches for the coming Christmas celebration.  These symbols of Christmas bring us joy and delight as the Church waits in hopefulness, and prepares to receive the good news yet again.  Through the birth of the Christ child, God fulfilled his promise of the long awaited Messiah.  Evergreens, poinsettias, wreaths in the windows and even a tree filled with Christian symbols help us to proclaim this good news.  Their symbolism reminds us of God’s long ago promise, and opens our eyes and our hearts to God’s perfect and unconditional love.  When connected to God’s Word in Holy Scripture, these symbols, in their own way, share the good news of Christ Jesus with us.  Yet, these decorations are not holy things; they are not the object of our focus.  However pleasing it may be, the beauty of our churches during Advent and at Christmas, the music of beloved songs and the joy that tradition brings, are not the good news.  For Christian joy and celebration is not rooted in decoration, rather, it is rooted in the gospel.  The word gospel literally means, “good news.”

In the first chapter of Luke, the evangelist tells us of a young girl receiving good news from the angel Gabriel.  The good news of Christ is first brought to Mary, and upon receiving it, her heart’s desire becomes doing as the Lord commands.  Later in Luke’s gospel, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth who is also expecting a child and shares this good news with her.  The sharing of good news leads to even greater joy and celebration.  As Mary sings her “Magnificat,” this humble young woman from Nazareth sings praises to God as the promise for salvation begins to unfold.  Mary’s song speaks of how God’s grace and mercy will bring joy and celebration to even the most lowly on earth.

Mary sings, “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.”  Luke 1: 50-53

Mary sings as if God has already done these things, because in her heart, she knows God will keep his promise.  So she celebrates this good and wonderful news.  So too the Church celebrates with joy and thanksgiving.  But is doesn’t stop there.   As the good news is to be shared and celebrated, it is also to be lived out in the mission of the Church.

The good news of Christ comes with blessing and the promise that wrong will be made right and oppression will give way to compassion.  The outcast will be made welcome, and the hungry will be fed.  The joy of Mary and her beautiful Magnificat is a joy meant for all people; the joy of a young unwed mother to be, whose heart’s desire is to do as God wills.

Mary’s journey began in earnest when she embraced the promise of God as brought to her by Gabriel, the promise that says  “…nothing is impossible with God.”  In joyous refrain Mary answers, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Luke 1: 37-38.

Throughout our Advent journey, let our hearts also be drawn to the day God came with blessing unto Mary and shared with her the good news of Christ Jesus.  An angel brought the good news to Mary, who in turn shared it with the Church for all time.  Today this good news comes to us once again; the good news of a young woman suddenly expecting a child, who is Christ the Lord.  As Mary heard the good news from Gabriele, her heart was drawn to God’s message of hope, and she gave of herself according to God’s call.

I pray that during this season of Advent, as our churches are beautifully decorated and we take delight in the long standing traditions of our congregations, we do not lose our focus on what God wills us to do.  May our hearts be drawn to give something of ourselves according to God’s call.  May we continue to serve our neighbors and welcome the strangers among us.  Good news is news to be celebrated with great joy.  Yet it is also to be lived out through the lives of God’s faithful people.  As we welcome others into our churches, I pray that the beauty of these decorations is pleasing in their sight, and that their symbolism of God’s love and grace for all people is proclaimed, so that all may experience the joy and celebration at Christmas.

Redemption Turkeys

When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”  Matthew 14: 15-16

It was very short notice, but the call went out just about week ago, “The local super-market is redeeming Greenbax for turkeys.  Let us all take our stamps that we have been saving and feed the hungry in our neighborhood for Thanksgiving.”  Once a month, our little church supplies groceries for approximately thirty families, so in order to pull this off we would need to collect enough Greenbax for thirty turkeys, that’s one hundred fifty books, and not all of us shop where they give stamps.  Yet the call had been issued and the response was given; “We will do this.”  Yet, there were only two days to make it happen.

Emails were sent and received at a frantic rate.  One family pledged two turkeys, then came another pledge, and another and so on.  One woman sent a message wondering, “Will the store redeem stamps from 1980?  I just found enough for three turkeys.”  Yes they will, and yes they did.  Soon we were up to eleven; one third of the way there, then fourteen, sixteen, nineteen.  By mid-afternoon on Thursday the project had reached the point of no return.  No matter how many turkeys were pledged, the church and pastor would see to it that all thirty families would have turkey this Thanksgiving.

The church office was closed on Friday and with this the emails and text messages seemed to evaporate.  I am always amazed at what our congregation can do, especially when it comes to reaching out to our community, but this time it seemed as though we bit off a little more than we could chew.  At last count before the lull in messaging we appeared to be stuck on twenty-one turkeys.

When the phone rang the woman on the other end had an idea.  She had been out shopping and the store manager agreed to make a donation.  All she would need is a request on church letterhead.  I sent it, and the donation was made.  Anticipating the answer to our call for at least ten more turkeys, the store gave one.  Now, being fair, it was short notice and the assistant manager made an on the spot decision.  With more notice he would have done more and we are grateful for the donation.  With this turkey, another family would have a feast at Thanksgiving.

Saturday morning brought much anticipation, more anxiousness, and even more concern that we would have enough turkeys to supply our thirty families.  When I got to the church I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Somehow, word got out and there were forty-two families in line an hour before we would begin our distribution.  Not wanting to hear the news of a shortfall, I stayed outside and visited with some of the folks waiting in line.  Once inside I asked if the people on the sidewalk knew about the turkeys.  They did, but God had something in store for all of us.  Going over the totals of messages received and turkeys pledged, we had exactly forty-two turkeys and one ham.  In addition to the turkey, one family brought along over thirty-five pounds of fresh sweet potatoes and another brought boxes filled with loaves of bread in several varieties.

One by one folks came into our parish hall to receive their usual monthly bag of groceries.  Each also received a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner, along with at least two large sweet potatoes and a loaf of fresh bread.  One by one they entered.  One by one their carts and arms were filled with good food in order to help feed their families.  Most who come month after month have very little, so they are grateful for the gift and blessing.  This morning there are forty –seven families savoring the aroma of turkeys roasting in their ovens.  Yes, I said forty-seven, more folks showed up at the last minute so we purchased five more turkeys.

I am ever thankful for the people of my congregation.  They care so much for those whom God puts in their midst.  They sense God’s call to be as Christ for the needy in our community, and they are so willing to share that which God has so graciously provided.  As we continue in our ministry together, we can’t help but look to the most needful in our neighborhood and hear the voice of Jesus as he says to us, “You give them something to eat.”  Indeed, with God’s help we shall.

Give Us this Bread Always

Being that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I like most people, can recall many fond memories from Thanksgivings past.  They play in my mind like film loops running in succession, over and over again.  And on a quiet morning such as this one, the best part is they are presented without commercial interruption.  One of my fondest memories is watching my grandma as she went about the task of making her famous biscuits.  Here in the South they would be better known as dinner rolls, but we didn’t live in the South back then, and in Michigan they were called biscuits, so biscuits it shall be.

For every gathering of the extended family, my grandma’s biscuits would be the highlight of the meal.  She would begin making them early in the morning when she could enjoy peace and quiet, having the kitchen all to herself.  Sometimes I would sneak into the kitchen and just take up a place next to her without saying a word.  Grandma would give me a nod and then continue with her work.  Taking a fist full of dough, she would squeeze it just right and “pop” just enough through her thumb and forefinger to produce a perfectly sized ball that would later be my biscuit, or my brother’s, or someone else’s.

Every now and then she would let me give it a try. I’d snatch up some dough, give it a squeeze, but try as I might I just couldn’t get the hang of it.  Grandma was a pro, she could pop out those dough balls faster than I could count them and soon enough she would attract a crowd, all of her grandchildren assembled around the table, watching the dough “pop” through her fingers.  The more she would do it, the more we would say, “Go slower so we can see how it is done.”  We never quite got the hang of it, but we always looked forward to Grandma’s biscuits.  As the family grew over the years, so too would the number of biscuits, each year leaving us wanting more and more.  But I’m not sure what we wanted more of, the delicious biscuits, or the wonderful experience of watching Grandma as she “popped” them out.

Reading the gospel according to St. John, I see Jesus also had a situation concerning having enough bread.  Jesus had been seen performing great miracles of healing, and the more such signs and wonders were witnessed, the larger the crowds following him became.  Then, while in the wilderness, crowds of people who were gathered around Jesus grew hungry.  Having compassion for, them, Jesus provided the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes, feeding more than 5000 people.  The people were fed and satisfied, and amazingly, twelve baskets full of bread were left over.  The bread seemed to “pop” out of nowhere and the people were amazed.

When Jesus had crossed the sea and returned to Capernaum, the crowds of people that were fed previously on the other side had made across the sea first and stood by greeting him as he arrived.  They wanted more, question is, what did they want more of?  They asked to see the miracle again.  Perhaps they were still hungry, but I can’t imagine that free bread would be enough cause for so many people to travel such a distance, especially so quickly.  They wanted more; they wanted to believe Jesus was God’s long awaited Messiah, and they wanted him to prove it by producing more bread.  Jesus’ answer?  “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

The people wanted a sign so that they might believe, yet with the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus had already done so.  The crowds wanted to see the miracle again, they wanted to be sure.  What they failed to realize is that, it isn’t bread that satisfies the hunger they were experiencing, it goes much deeper than that.  Earthly bread satisfies hunger for a little while, Jesus satisfies the hunger that goes much deeper; Jesus satisfies the hunger of our souls.  Jesus gives food for life, food for forgiveness, food for our salvation.  Jesus satisfies our hunger for God’s love and grace by giving his body and blood as ransom for our sin.  Jesus satisfies our hunger to live in the peace of Christ, knowing that no matter what trials we face on earth, we will never be separated from God’s love and we will become inheritors of his kingdom forever.

This is the food that leaves Christians wanting more, but not wanting more signs and wonders so that we may believe.  No, Christ has already provided enough for us to believe.  Yet as our thankful response to God’s mercy and grace through Christ Jesus, we want God to further equip and empower us to share this wonderful gift with all whom God places in our midst.  We want to experience the joy of being as Christ for others who are in need, especially during times of thanksgiving.  It is the mission of each and every Christian to share this gift of God’s love, so that all may come to his table and receive the Bread of Life which satisfies the deepest hunger of humanity, the hunger and longing for God’s eternal grace.  So because of this, we say to Christ, “Give us this bread always, that we may share the good news with others.”  Thanks be to God.

Falling Through the Crack

‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”  Matthew 25:40

Jesus came to the door of our church today looking for some help.  He came with a friend who has this problem with substance abuse and it seems no one is willing to help him.  This isn’t the first time Jesus showed up like this, unexpected and with a friend, it happens quite often these days.  You see, I meet Jesus all over the city.  Most times he is by himself, waiting for the bus, or looking for some spare change to get a bite to eat.  Our Lord is quite a humble fellow.  Much of the time he makes little noise and if folks aren’t careful, they will completely overlook him as he blends into the faceless crowds downtown. 

Today Jesus and his friend were waiting for me on the steps at the side entrance of our church.  I have to say, his friend looked awful, especially for someone who has the pleasure of walking the streets with Christ the Lord.  As I sat next to him he kept muttering something about being sick and tired of being sick and tired.  You see, for as long as this gentleman can remember, he has been addicted to alcohol and crack cocaine.  His family has turned against him, sons and daughters, cousins and other relatives have no need for his foolishness.  That’s what happens you know, when your next high becomes your god.  Your world comes crashing in and you need God’s compassion and mercy more than ever.  I suppose that’s why Jesus brought him here.

I recognized him right off, both of them, Jesus and his friend.  His nickname is Red and he is a resident of our surrounding streets.  Believe it or not, his late wife was actually a member of our congregation years ago, until she went on to glory.  Maybe that’s why Red is so hard on himself.  Even though she died of natural causes, he assumes most of the blame for his wife’s passing.  To be honest, it wasn’t his fault, but I’m sure the booze and the drugs didn’t help matters much.  He’s told me at least that much before.

But today was different.  “Pastor”, he said, “I’m done. If I can’t get someone to help me today I’m just going to say goodbye.”  “You going away” I asked him?  “Yeah, going away, for good, dirt nap, I’m done, ending it.”  I wish I could say his comments caught me off guard, but I have seen this coming for some time now.  Red is a frequent flyer in the emergency rooms around town, and he might even have a jail cell or two with a welcome mat at the door in his honor.  He gets high, they pick him up, he dries out, they let him go.  It’s seems to be a never ending cycle.

I brought Red up to the office, Jesus came up too, and we made a few phone calls.  “Does he have insurance?  We don’t accept Medicaid”  “We don’t have a program for crack cocaine abuse.  Try so-and-so.”  …also a never ending cycle.  I wonder, if I had told the folks on the line that it was Jesus with the addiction problem, would they listen?  Would they help?

Finally, one of God’s people answered our call.  I could tell it was one of God’s people because they only asked questions about Jesus’ friend.  No mention of insurance, no questions about money.  No arm twisting, leg pulling or one single, minute little word about money of any kind.  (God’s people know that God will provide.)  “Bring him here.” They said, “We’ll get him in to see a doctor and also have a psych evaluation waiting.”

When I had hung up the phone I asked Red if this is what he really wanted.  He looked at me with empty eyes and nodded.  Finally, choking back a few tears he told me, “All I wanted was someone to take me serious.  Thank you.”  I drove Red to the doctor’s office in my pick-up, Jesus went along for the ride.  Thirty minutes later he was in the office of the person he needed to see.  Climbing back into my truck, I turned the key and headed off alone.  Jesus didn’t wait around; I suppose he had other pressing matters.  He is the Christ you know.

I had a few moments to think about what had just happened.  “All I wanted was someone to take me serious.”  The words stuck with me the entire ride back to the church.  Questions also came rushing in.  Who cares for those no one cares about?  Why is it that people with money can get help, but the helpless can’t because they have no money?  Like I said, questions…no answers.

Rounding the corner to my office I saw one more familiar sight.  Jesus was at the bus stop with a sign displaying but one word; “Hungry.”  Five dollars later our Lord had a meal, and my questions had answers.

I am a Christain but…

“I am a Christian, but I don’t have to go to church to have a relationship with God.”  This is the phrase that all too often changes the course of conversation once people find out that I am a pastor.  Each time I hear this phrase I cringe and wonder if such folks really believe they can be faithful Christians on their own.  Usually it means that this person does not feel the necessity to attend worship services on Sunday morning.  Other times it serves as an indicator of a past or present issue a person has within his/her congregation.  In either case, the statement cannot be anymore false.  To be a Christian means living within a relationship, not simply with God, but with other faithful Christians as well.

The Communion of Saints

Just as families grow larger with the birth of each new child, so too does God’s family of faith grow with the baptism of each new Christian.  Through baptism, God gathers people into community with one another, living together as members of the body of Christ.  This is not simply a relationship we share with members of our congregation.  It isn’t just a relationship we have with Christians of our time.  This relationship is one that is shared with all of God’s people for all time.  As we express in our liturgy, “God has made us his people through our baptism into Christ.”  Through water and the Word, God frees us from sin and unites us in relationship with the Christian family.  As Christian people, therefore, God calls us to live together in faithfulness.  Through times of prosperity and through times of great difficulty, Christians enjoy a kinship unlike any other in this world, one filled with God’s unfailing love.  Being a Christian is also a way of life.  Following our baptismal vows, Christians worship together, pray together, study God’s Word together and share fellowship together.  When church family members fall short (and we all do), others come to their aid and support them with the love and compassion of Christ.  God does not intend for his people to live in isolation; the Christian life cannot be lived out alone.  Each member of the body depends on the others to live and thrive as God’s people of faith.  Denying this relationship means denying the One who calls and institutes the relationship also.

Keeping the Sabbath Holy

We often read in the gospels that Jesus had the custom of reading and teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath day.  Jesus did not set this pattern for worship, and he did not set this pattern for people to learn of the ways of God.  This pattern was established for us by the very hand of God with the third commandment.  God said, “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.”   Notice that Jesus’ Sabbath custom did not include spending the day alone.  He went to the synagogue and joined God’s gathered family for worship and immersed himself in the community of God.  In worship God speaks to his people through liturgy, song and sermon.  We share stories of our faith with one another, share the peace of Christ, and strengthen one another in love just as God strengthens us with his love through the feast of the bread of life.  For Christians, keeping the Sabbath holy; therefore, also means immersing one’s self in the community gathered by God for worship, publically offering thanks and praise to God and participating in the banquet of bread and wine that is a foretaste of the feast to come.

Christ at the Center of Life

Finally, to be a Christian, that is a follower of Jesus Christ, one must always keep Christ at the center of his/her life.  To do this one must strive to live as Jesus lived and obey his two great commandments.  Jesus teaches that we are to love God with all our heart, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves.  God gathers us, God feeds us, and God sends us in mission to the world; not to live in isolation, but to be living examples of faithful people living in the community of Christ Jesus.  Dismissing God’s call to gather with other Christians and be a fellow worker for the sake of the gospel replaces Christ and puts the self at the center of life.  Those with the false notion of being Christian on their own do so with an unrealized intention of being in control of the relationship.  They end up serving their interests before God’s interest, and eventually fall even farther away from the church and their relationship with God and his people.  Living for the sake of the world and its empty promises brings false hope.  Those who seek only to live as Christians on their terms live in denial of the promises of God and the fellowship of God’s people.

So why this article now?  Well, as I look around and see those vacant seats in our church each week, and hear other pastors tell of the same emptiness, I pray for those who are not with us, especially those who profess to be Christians on their own.  And what about those of us who attend worship each week and participate regularly in the life of the church, are we inviting friends and neighbors to join us in this relationship?  We all know people who say they are Christian, but don’t feel the need to go to church.  Such a statement is our invitation to be inviting.  The next time someone tells you they don’t need to attend worship in order to express their love for God, invite them anyway.  Worship is not hardship; it is a Christian’s pleasure, a right and good thing to do.  Invite them to come and see what they are missing.

Shades of Haiti

Years ago, when I was in the navy, I looked forward to visiting different countries and experiencing other cultures.  The first ship I was assigned to, U.S.S. Davis DD937, was just completing an extended overhaul and the crew was preparing for refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  REF-TRA, as it is known, is an intensive exercise for ships that have been through extended lay off.  It is a chance for the crew to indoctrinate new members to the way of living aboard a warship, while learning how to adapt to situations with short notice.  Needless to say, upon completion of REF-TRA our crew was ready for a break, and a port visit was in order.

I looked forward to my first visit to a foreign land.  Growing up in Michigan, the only place I had been that was away from American soil was across the Detroit River to Windsor, Ontario.  It wasn’t much of a jaunt, and every one there looked and sounded just like us. I have to say though, that I was less than enthused when I heard we were going to Port Au Prince, Haiti.  I had hoped for Jamaica, Cancun, or some exotic Caribbean resort island.  But Haiti it was to be.

Nothing could have prepared me for experiencing such poverty.  As our ship drew closer to the pier, young boys swam out, ignoring the danger of the ship’s propellers, and shouted out “Throw me a nickel Joe!”  By the time we were pier side there must have been three dozen boys in the water around us begging for spare change.  As each coin hit the water, one of the boys would swim down and scoop it into his cheeks and come back for another.  Soon, each boy was swimming with cheeks that resembled stuffed pouches filled with nickels, dimes and quarters.

Passing through the gate at the end of the pier was another experience entirely.  As my friends and I made our way to the city streets, we were instantly swarmed by people tugging at us to go with them.  “I’ll show you around all day Joe…$1.00!”  Suddenly a heavey set man grabbed me by the arm and took me aside.  He said his name was Leroy Brown (really, he said that!) and that he had a car.  For five dollars each, he would be guide for me and four friends for 24 hours.  We took him up on the bargain. And all of us hopped into Leroy’s late 70’s Ford station wagon.

Leroy took us souvenir hunting, he took us to the rum factory, and he took us to some great places to eat.  As we went from place to place, the poor conditions the people lived in were so evident it sometimes hurt to look.  The streets all seemed to be dirt roads, but upon closer inspection you could tell that the pavement lay under six inches or so of compressed garbage.  Each time we exited Leroy’s car, people would come to us begging for money.  “Reagan is our friend!  Give me $1.00 Joe!”

Towards the end of the day, Leroy secured a hotel room for each of us on the outskirts of Port Au Prince away from the crowds.  We enjoyed swimming in the pool and considering where we were, there was also a nice club as well.  Hector, our host for the night saw to it that we had everything we needed or wanted.  Other guests in the hotel included mostly American contractors working in Haiti building government office buildings.  We all had a great time, and it was nice to be away from the people begging money at every step.

When morning had come, Leroy was waiting bright and early to take us to breakfast and then to our ship.  It was Sunday, and for the first time since our arrival the island was quiet.  It didn’t last long; however, and soon we were again in the midst of a crowded city filled with impoverished people begging for a bit of relief.  We all paid Leroy $10.00, double his asking price, and thanked him for a wonderful visit.  As I walked back through the gate to the pier, I handed out dollar bills as if they were candy.  I probably only passed out $25 or so, but I gave most of what I had left in my pockets.  Back onboard ship, I took my place at the rail and flipped coins into the water for the boys to dive and scoop up in their mouths.

We spent two days in Port Au Prince, the place where we were supposed to get our R&R after two months of stressful training.  This visit ranks among the best of my memories of traveling the world while serving the navy.  Yet, my remarks here do little to tell you about what I experienced in those 48 hours.  I can assure you, our trip to Haiti was an eye opener.  I wanted to visit other countries, experience diverse cultures, and learn more about our world.  In Haiti, I did just that, but not to the breadth and scope that I had first imagined.  Instead, I experienced something that most Americans only see on television.

Before the earthquake, perhaps few in the world even knew where Haiti is, and fewer still might not have cared.  Yet now, in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, the world is finally seeing Haiti for what it is; an island nation, poorest of the poor, filled with people in great need.  This was the sad reality of Haiti even before the quake.  With its beautiful landscapes and mountain peaks, Haiti can be a tropical paradise.  Yet, as we have seen in the images of this week, Haiti is most certainly something else.  On the evening news I saw the very pier where our ship moored, and recognized a few of the now crumbled buildings of the city.  But for people too many to count, the images of Port au Prince, Haiti, as I mentioned above, seem to no longer exist.

Please do what you can for those in need.

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Brrrr! It’s Cold!

In reply [John the Baptist] said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Luke 3:11

Brrrr!  It’s cold!

Just looking out my office window it is easy to see there is great need.  With most of the nation caught in an icy grip, many who have little are struggling to keep warm.  As temperatures plunge throughout most of our nation, the ones who feel it most are the homeless, the poor and hungry.  Please remember those who have little warm clothing.  Look into your closets and see what you can give.  Look into your hearts and share the warmth of Christian love with those in need.

Come Holy Spirit; kindle in us the fire of your love!

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The Poor Ones

When the poor ones who have nothing are still giving;
When the thirsty pass the cup, water to share;
When the wounded offer others strength and healing;
We see God, here by our side, walking our way.
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship – 725)

Today’s exercise:  define what it means to be poor.

I know a woman who does not have much to live on. Actually, that is an understatement, but she would be offended if I said she was poor.  Eleanor does not consider herself to be one of the poor ones.  Sure, she has to decide which bill gets paid this month and which one can “slide.”  She rarely has choice cuts of meat to prepare for her family at supper time.  The family car is not necessarily in good running order, but in Eleanor’s words, “it beats walkin’ for sure.”  Yet, according to Eleanor, she is by no means poor.

According to the U.S. government, Eleanor is poor.  Her family relies on food stamps, reduced cost school lunches, and they live in government subsidized housing.  I’m not really sure about her husband’s income, but I know she is out of work; has been for some time.  To be honest, I’m pretty sure Eleanor is disabled; her back is a source of constant pain.  She is too proud; however, to admit that she cannot function in the workplace, but even house work puts her down.  Yeah, by government standards, Eleanor and her family are poor.  But don’t tell her that.  Eleanor considers herself to be rich.

It wasn’t too long ago when the text of our gospel lesson included Jesus saying it was difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:17-31).   According to the text, camels stand a better chance of passing through the eye of a needle.  The rich person in this story had a difficult time accepting the fact that his worldly wealth could not serve him in matters of salvation.  It is better to sell everything, give the money to Eleanor, then follow Christ than to rely on one’s wealth for security.  Our treasure is best stored in heaven, and we are better to consider the needs of others first, before we consider our own.  For in heaven, the least will become greatest of all.

Eleanor believes this, and what’s better, she lives it.  This humble woman is always the one who always helps the children cross the street as they head off to school.  She volunteers her time visiting those who would otherwise be left alone, and she is sure to contribute more than what she can afford when it comes to collecting money or other goods for a family in need.  Why does she do this?  How is she able?  Well, because it’s like she says, Eleanor is rich.

Living out the gospel message of Christ, to love God and her neighbor, Eleanor redefines what it means to be rich or poor; for me at least.  No, she is not wealthy and she is grateful for any assistance she receives.  She might enjoy an easier life filled with a few more conveniences, but then she would simply use those conveniences for the benefit of others.  I believe as Eleanor does, that God has blessed her beyond measure, giving her a life of abundance where she can dwell in the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Living according to such richness, she is happy to give of herself for the sake of the poor.  Amen Eleanor.

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