For my next two blogs I want to share with you two of the more powerful experiences I had during my time in El Salvador.
Before we got to work on the construction site, our contacts in El Salvador wanted to share with us a little bit about their identity and their history. This took us to "La Divina Providencia," a hospital for hospice patients. At this exact place, in the chapel, on March 24, 1980, while leading mass, Romero was assassinated. Romero was associated with the "Liberation Theology" movement and this did not sit well with the government. Romero argued that the way the government was treating the poor was unjust and conflicted with the teachings of Jesus. Romero went so far as to ask Salvadoran soldiers to obey God's calling, a higher calling, and not the government's orders to further violate the citizen's basic human rights.
As I reflected on this powerful site (so powerful they still have the clothes that Romero was wearing when he was shot in the chest, (bullet hole included) I was left asking the question, "when are we called to advocate for change?" Thankfully we don't experience the same evil that plagued Romero's land, but are we as Christians called to speak up for what is right and condemn what is evil? Think of Bonhoeffer who felt so compelled by the evils of Hitler that he, as a pacifist even, plotted Hitler's assassination. Do we have a mandate, instilled by our faith, to live up to a similar calling even if it might cost us our lives?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
P3--The Ultimate Mat Carriers
On Sunday, we focused on the story in Mark 2 where four buddies carried their friend lying on a mat to a house where Jesus was teaching. Since they couldn't get to him because of the crowd, they made a whole in the roof to lower him down, mat and all.
So we talked about the importance of having mat carriers during those times in which we find ourselves in need of help. We all need mat carriers. Don't be so proud or stupid or private or stubborn to try to carry that mat of yours all by yourself.
But some truly don't have mat carriers. Not for lack of want. They would love a mat carrier. But for some reason, they find themselves alone with their mat and now where to turn.
Is that you?
We have a ministry that majors in carring mats. It's called P3. It is a group of about 30 volunteers who will bring over a meal, play cards, pick up groceries, look after children or drive you to the doctor. Whatever you need. Please call me if you need a mat carrier. That's what they love to do.
Or, maybe you are willing to take up a corner and carry someone else's mat. P3 could always use more. Let me know if you want to serve as a mat carrier for someone else.
We all need mat carriers. And I have found God does his best healing through the gift of these mat carriers who step up and say, "I'll take a corner of that!"
Peace,
Pastor Scott
So we talked about the importance of having mat carriers during those times in which we find ourselves in need of help. We all need mat carriers. Don't be so proud or stupid or private or stubborn to try to carry that mat of yours all by yourself.
But some truly don't have mat carriers. Not for lack of want. They would love a mat carrier. But for some reason, they find themselves alone with their mat and now where to turn.
Is that you?
We have a ministry that majors in carring mats. It's called P3. It is a group of about 30 volunteers who will bring over a meal, play cards, pick up groceries, look after children or drive you to the doctor. Whatever you need. Please call me if you need a mat carrier. That's what they love to do.
Or, maybe you are willing to take up a corner and carry someone else's mat. P3 could always use more. Let me know if you want to serve as a mat carrier for someone else.
We all need mat carriers. And I have found God does his best healing through the gift of these mat carriers who step up and say, "I'll take a corner of that!"
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Greetings from El Salvador.
I am sitting in the closet where they keep the computer trying to understand a computer that speaks Spanish. We had our first day of work today, and it was hard work. I thought I would be using hammer and nails on this project but due to the lack of trees, a hammer and nails aren't really needed. The houses down here are constructed mostly of concrete and rebar and without much in the way of mechanical supplies you certainly get a workout.
El Salvador is a beautiful country that reminds me a little bit of Tucson. The country is full of volcanos and experiences earthquakes on a regular basis. This increases the need for homes in this country.
Christ Lutheran has a good reputation down here. We have worked with Habitat on many homes and they appreciate our relationship. Consider yourself invited for the next trip. We return Sunday night and I cant wait to share more of the trip with you.
Peace
Chris
I am sitting in the closet where they keep the computer trying to understand a computer that speaks Spanish. We had our first day of work today, and it was hard work. I thought I would be using hammer and nails on this project but due to the lack of trees, a hammer and nails aren't really needed. The houses down here are constructed mostly of concrete and rebar and without much in the way of mechanical supplies you certainly get a workout.
El Salvador is a beautiful country that reminds me a little bit of Tucson. The country is full of volcanos and experiences earthquakes on a regular basis. This increases the need for homes in this country.
Christ Lutheran has a good reputation down here. We have worked with Habitat on many homes and they appreciate our relationship. Consider yourself invited for the next trip. We return Sunday night and I cant wait to share more of the trip with you.
Peace
Chris
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Islam on Wednesday Night
Do you know the difference between Shia, Sunni and Sufism? Do you know the tenets of The Muslim Brotherhood? Can you separate the facts about Islam from those characterized by terrorism?
I can't answer all those questions.
As many of you know, the class I am "teaching" on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:30 is understanding our neighbors' faith. Each week, we have a different person from various faith traditions share the history of their faith, worship practices and theological foundations. This coming Wednesday, February 16, we have someone coming in from the Islamic community. Even if you have not been coming to this class, this would be one not to miss.
Come with your questions. Come with an open mind to learn. Come and learn about this growing, world religion that impacts our news everyday.
We meet in the Forum,
Pastor Scott
I can't answer all those questions.
As many of you know, the class I am "teaching" on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:30 is understanding our neighbors' faith. Each week, we have a different person from various faith traditions share the history of their faith, worship practices and theological foundations. This coming Wednesday, February 16, we have someone coming in from the Islamic community. Even if you have not been coming to this class, this would be one not to miss.
Come with your questions. Come with an open mind to learn. Come and learn about this growing, world religion that impacts our news everyday.
We meet in the Forum,
Pastor Scott
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Pastor Chris Heads to El Salvador!
Tomorrow morning, at the very early hour of 6:00 am, I will board a plane to El Salvador as a member of a Habitat For Humanity mission trip. For a while now I have encouraged our members to be part of an overseas mission trip and now, for the first time, I will take my own advice. As excited as I am I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious. This will be a tremendous experience, and I will have the opportunity to be part of a great mission. But 9 days is a long time. It's a long time to be away from my family, and it will put an extra burden on my wife (pray for Gina). I assume I wont be able to check email, and I don't plan to take a cell phone, iPod, Kindle, etc. with me. I was told not to run my tooth brush under the faucet or open my mouth in the shower. But as much as I will miss these usual conveniences it doesn't take away from the opportunity.
To do God's work do we need to occasionally be taken out of our comfort zones? This doesn't mean that we cant do God's work here in Charlotte (or where ever you call home) or that we have to take a break from our work to do God's work. But with an experience like this there certainly wont be many distractions, my focus will certainly be on the work that we have been sent to do.
As excited as I am to make a difference in the lives of others I am equally excited to see how this experience impacts me. Faith is rooted in community and as I engage with a community that is different from my own they will change me as much as I will change them. I believe we benefit greatly from these types of exposures.
My thanks to Christ Lutheran Church for making this possible and I look forward to sharing with you my experiences when we return next Sunday. Your prayers are appreciated.
Peace,
Chris
To do God's work do we need to occasionally be taken out of our comfort zones? This doesn't mean that we cant do God's work here in Charlotte (or where ever you call home) or that we have to take a break from our work to do God's work. But with an experience like this there certainly wont be many distractions, my focus will certainly be on the work that we have been sent to do.
As excited as I am to make a difference in the lives of others I am equally excited to see how this experience impacts me. Faith is rooted in community and as I engage with a community that is different from my own they will change me as much as I will change them. I believe we benefit greatly from these types of exposures.
My thanks to Christ Lutheran Church for making this possible and I look forward to sharing with you my experiences when we return next Sunday. Your prayers are appreciated.
Peace,
Chris
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Ton of Food!
Literally!
The Boy Scouts gathered up all the food that we collected for Loaves and Fishes for the past two weeks and the total came out to 2,210 pounds! With the demand higher than ever from families struggling with finances, Loaves and Fishes found their food pantry teetering on empty. Fortunately, with your generosity, families will have something to eat. Thank you for sharing your bread with the hungry.
And speaking of food, did you hear that at McClintock every Tuesday night we are feeding 325 people! Wow. We are drowning in our success over there. But with dedicated volunteers and a very organized staff, we continue to reach out to that community to provide basic needs that we often take for granted.
Last Wednesday I stopped over after Wednesdays Together to the Youth House (The Crossings) where every Wednesday during the cold months we provide Room in the Inn. This is a wonderful program in Charlotte where churches open up their facilities once a week for about 12-15 homeless individuals. We pick them up downtown after they've been screened, bring them to CLC, feed them and provide showers and a bed for the evening. Volunteers can drive or prepare meals or spend the night. Consider doing this. It will do your heart well.
Jesus said, "As you have done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me."
I'm thinking Jesus was well served this past week by your generous gifts of time, groceries and services.
Thank you!
Pastor Scott
The Boy Scouts gathered up all the food that we collected for Loaves and Fishes for the past two weeks and the total came out to 2,210 pounds! With the demand higher than ever from families struggling with finances, Loaves and Fishes found their food pantry teetering on empty. Fortunately, with your generosity, families will have something to eat. Thank you for sharing your bread with the hungry.
And speaking of food, did you hear that at McClintock every Tuesday night we are feeding 325 people! Wow. We are drowning in our success over there. But with dedicated volunteers and a very organized staff, we continue to reach out to that community to provide basic needs that we often take for granted.
Last Wednesday I stopped over after Wednesdays Together to the Youth House (The Crossings) where every Wednesday during the cold months we provide Room in the Inn. This is a wonderful program in Charlotte where churches open up their facilities once a week for about 12-15 homeless individuals. We pick them up downtown after they've been screened, bring them to CLC, feed them and provide showers and a bed for the evening. Volunteers can drive or prepare meals or spend the night. Consider doing this. It will do your heart well.
Jesus said, "As you have done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me."
I'm thinking Jesus was well served this past week by your generous gifts of time, groceries and services.
Thank you!
Pastor Scott
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