We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
This week the International AIDS Conference is taking place here in Washington, D.C.
Sadly, it is not far away from the battlefield of fighting this horrific modern plague. It is on the front lines. I strongly encourage to watch the link attached. It is about 4 minutes long. It describes some of the realities of the community that I have had the honor of serving in for the past several weeks.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18919153
Today, I took my team to a non-profit that serves individuals with life-challenging illnesses. For the first 12 years of their organization, it was solely for victims of HIV/AIDS. Now, it encompasses more but are still dominated by that particular illness.
As I came back from my route, I saw a kid from another group wondering why condoms were in a basket on a desk at the organization. I told him the story about the work that they do and the people that they serve and while he was young, he didn't seem to understand that it is a non-curable disease. Hopefully, as he gets older he will not have to live in a world where it remains an issue. But, until then, We all do. Therefore,
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am an advocate for a healthy and committed relationship between individuals who has committed themselves for life and before God. But, if you are active: use protection. Get tested. Be open. Be honest. And, do not hide from reality. We as brothers and sisters in humanity need each other to lean upon in difficult times. And, as humanity we lean upon the Cross and the sacrifice it represents.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
2 Months.
Today is the 2 month anniversary of me starting my time in Washington, District of Columbia. At first, it seems like it has been a lot longer than that because of the multitude of experiences that I have had the privilege of having while here. But, at the same time it seems like I haven't been here for very long. I think part of that has to do with the pace of the ministry life here, but I'm not quite sure.
There have been moments that have allowed me to be tested in patience, humility, and servanthood. While those moments often came at the most 'inconvenient' time possible for me, I guess that the biggest lesson was to go ahead and never plan anything. Why? Because something is always in store that is unexpected. After reading this morning's headlines, I hate to think that sorrow is often a part of that story.
But, pain is a constant part of the human existence. On a daily basis, I have seen individuals who are struggling with mental instability, homelessness, poverty, injustice, discrimination, lack of hope, and a constant cycle of a world that views them as: a blight on their city, a statistic...if they are viewed at all and not just completely forgotten. And, in a city full of organizations that were built on the idea of individuals having dignity and worth it seems unfathomable that it is so visible to the willing observer.
As a student of politics and a Christian, I am disheartened by much of the discourse that goes on (if any) concerning urban politics and society. While it was one of my favorite courses so far in my discipline, God allowing me to see the problems head on was quite a blessing.
Seeing a man dig out of a trashcan just a few blocks from where I reside, seeing a kid not be able to do problems well below their grade level, and seeing the long lines for social services make me (as a hopeful member of government one day) want to explode in rage. As a Christian, I feel that Jesus in the temple overthrowing tables of money changers is completely appropriate in many instances I have found myself in this summer.
The brokenness of communities however, is not a lost cause. Non-profits and especially, churches are doing valuable work trying to take care of their neighbor. Many have been fighting these problems since the 19th century and emancipation here in Washington. Thank God that they have. No longer is DC the murder capital of the nation as it was in the 1990s. But, the problems go far beyond the headlines. The voices of those who can't get a voice in the halls of the federal government, the voices of the immigrant trying to begin life on a fresh start, and the voices of men and women trying to do the will of God by reconciling race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, and political affiliation to see that what unites us is Love.
I have a few weeks left and I can't wait to see what is in store.
-Tim
There have been moments that have allowed me to be tested in patience, humility, and servanthood. While those moments often came at the most 'inconvenient' time possible for me, I guess that the biggest lesson was to go ahead and never plan anything. Why? Because something is always in store that is unexpected. After reading this morning's headlines, I hate to think that sorrow is often a part of that story.
But, pain is a constant part of the human existence. On a daily basis, I have seen individuals who are struggling with mental instability, homelessness, poverty, injustice, discrimination, lack of hope, and a constant cycle of a world that views them as: a blight on their city, a statistic...if they are viewed at all and not just completely forgotten. And, in a city full of organizations that were built on the idea of individuals having dignity and worth it seems unfathomable that it is so visible to the willing observer.
As a student of politics and a Christian, I am disheartened by much of the discourse that goes on (if any) concerning urban politics and society. While it was one of my favorite courses so far in my discipline, God allowing me to see the problems head on was quite a blessing.
Seeing a man dig out of a trashcan just a few blocks from where I reside, seeing a kid not be able to do problems well below their grade level, and seeing the long lines for social services make me (as a hopeful member of government one day) want to explode in rage. As a Christian, I feel that Jesus in the temple overthrowing tables of money changers is completely appropriate in many instances I have found myself in this summer.
The brokenness of communities however, is not a lost cause. Non-profits and especially, churches are doing valuable work trying to take care of their neighbor. Many have been fighting these problems since the 19th century and emancipation here in Washington. Thank God that they have. No longer is DC the murder capital of the nation as it was in the 1990s. But, the problems go far beyond the headlines. The voices of those who can't get a voice in the halls of the federal government, the voices of the immigrant trying to begin life on a fresh start, and the voices of men and women trying to do the will of God by reconciling race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, and political affiliation to see that what unites us is Love.
I have a few weeks left and I can't wait to see what is in store.
-Tim
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Nails and Nonsense
So, I stepped on a nail at one of our ministry sites today. And, man. It hurt. But, I was able to do something that I'm going to brag about: When it happened, I didn't say one word. Not one. But, as I was putting my bandage on, I started thinking about the building I was in (a church) and the pain that our Savior went through in order to provide a mechanism for it to exist....and it struck me as truly unimaginable. I can barely begin to fathom knowing that one could avoid pain, but submissively endures excruciating pain for the greater good of humanity. It is truly a gift, the gift from God.
On a less theological note, I have just under a month left here in Washington. While it feels like I have lived a lifetime in many respects here, I also feel like it has just been a huge whirlwind. A wonderful one at that, too.
Getting to see students wrestle with social justice, the struggles of street life, and the saving grace of the Kingdom has truly been extraordinary. I have a wonderful job, and nothing is going to nail me down.
On a less theological note, I have just under a month left here in Washington. While it feels like I have lived a lifetime in many respects here, I also feel like it has just been a huge whirlwind. A wonderful one at that, too.
Getting to see students wrestle with social justice, the struggles of street life, and the saving grace of the Kingdom has truly been extraordinary. I have a wonderful job, and nothing is going to nail me down.
Friday, July 13, 2012
What's love got to do with it? ...Everything
"What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love." Martin Luther King, Jr.
As I'm writing this post, I am reflecting on the current affairs in Washington D.C. Unsurprisingly, the local government is under fire and the mayor is being called on to resign due to alleged corrupt election practices in 2010. You can read more here about it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/gray-donor-admits-to-scheme-to-funnel-illegal-campaign-contributions/2012/07/10/gJQA0b5DbW_story.html
But, I think this is just one example of how our society is getting things wrong. These things happen because we as humans try to have a focus on us when really it isn't. It is about others (for those of faith, God by loving one another). The group I helped lead this week had a neat them of "It's not about you" and I found it very fitting at this juncture in my time in the District of Columbia.
It's been an enlightening summer of trying to see the interconnectedness of government, non-profit, and religious organizations working to try and solve problems of social justice in our communities. Unfortunately, it looks very jumbled because of the disconnect between the different sides. Those that can and can't or won't talk about God, the solutions that each side believe would be most effective, and the problems that seem to be the 'most important'. For me, it has been fascinating to see. I've gotten the privilege to work with amazing people and organizations that are truly making an impact. I've gotten to see the aftershocks of bad decisions made by organizations in the past.
All in all, I am lucky for the opportunity that I have had. It's crazy to think it's mid-July, but I guess time flies when you are busy.
Best,
Tim
As I'm writing this post, I am reflecting on the current affairs in Washington D.C. Unsurprisingly, the local government is under fire and the mayor is being called on to resign due to alleged corrupt election practices in 2010. You can read more here about it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/gray-donor-admits-to-scheme-to-funnel-illegal-campaign-contributions/2012/07/10/gJQA0b5DbW_story.html
But, I think this is just one example of how our society is getting things wrong. These things happen because we as humans try to have a focus on us when really it isn't. It is about others (for those of faith, God by loving one another). The group I helped lead this week had a neat them of "It's not about you" and I found it very fitting at this juncture in my time in the District of Columbia.
It's been an enlightening summer of trying to see the interconnectedness of government, non-profit, and religious organizations working to try and solve problems of social justice in our communities. Unfortunately, it looks very jumbled because of the disconnect between the different sides. Those that can and can't or won't talk about God, the solutions that each side believe would be most effective, and the problems that seem to be the 'most important'. For me, it has been fascinating to see. I've gotten the privilege to work with amazing people and organizations that are truly making an impact. I've gotten to see the aftershocks of bad decisions made by organizations in the past.
All in all, I am lucky for the opportunity that I have had. It's crazy to think it's mid-July, but I guess time flies when you are busy.
Best,
Tim
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Man, I love fireworks
So, the fireworks in Washington D.C. are absolutely spectacular. I got to hear John Williams conduct, here the 1812 Overture (one of my favorite classical pieces of music) and watch incredible works of art above the Washington Monument.
But, even this week I got to see the Washington National Cathedral which is a grandiose place worthy of being a home to the funerals of many of our dignitaries and the last place Martin Luther King, Jr. preached.
This week was full of lots of great things. On the same note, it was also the most challenging I have had by far. With many things happening not according to plan, I felt discouraged. But, the book of Job was able to come to my rescue and teach me even more of the amazing life that we are allowed to live, enjoy, relish in, and appreciate. Even though I feel that often there are insurmountable challenges that face our world, and our individual lives, I know that they can be overcome by the incredible spirit of mankind in unity, love, and kindness. Have a fantastic weekend everyone. -Tim
"Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. 21 He said,“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God." Job 1:20-21
But, even this week I got to see the Washington National Cathedral which is a grandiose place worthy of being a home to the funerals of many of our dignitaries and the last place Martin Luther King, Jr. preached.
This week was full of lots of great things. On the same note, it was also the most challenging I have had by far. With many things happening not according to plan, I felt discouraged. But, the book of Job was able to come to my rescue and teach me even more of the amazing life that we are allowed to live, enjoy, relish in, and appreciate. Even though I feel that often there are insurmountable challenges that face our world, and our individual lives, I know that they can be overcome by the incredible spirit of mankind in unity, love, and kindness. Have a fantastic weekend everyone. -Tim
"Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. 21 He said,“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God." Job 1:20-21
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
The Fourth of July
Hello Everyone, I seriously have no idea who is reading this blog...but thanks to you diligent scavengers of the internet!
Today is the celebration of Independence Day by the United States of America. Being in Washington D.C. is an exciting opportunity as I get to see many of the products, history, and grandeur of the years of the nation. However, for every memorial their is a broken city or neighborhood. For every missed parking spot on the street there is a child who sees little hope in their own future. For every tourist booth, there is a broken school. While today is a day of celebration for the freedoms and rights that we have and enjoy, let us remember that for many it is simply another day of struggle. The light of our nation may shine bright. But in order to do so, we must all see what is and what we want it to be.
God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America
Today is the celebration of Independence Day by the United States of America. Being in Washington D.C. is an exciting opportunity as I get to see many of the products, history, and grandeur of the years of the nation. However, for every memorial their is a broken city or neighborhood. For every missed parking spot on the street there is a child who sees little hope in their own future. For every tourist booth, there is a broken school. While today is a day of celebration for the freedoms and rights that we have and enjoy, let us remember that for many it is simply another day of struggle. The light of our nation may shine bright. But in order to do so, we must all see what is and what we want it to be.
God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America
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