Listening to the World's Poor
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
I have just returned from a life changing 8 weeks in Cape Town, South Africa, working primarily with a pioneering Christian charity, Ambassadors in Sport.
It was a privilege to spend such a length of time in this incredibly beautiful city. I remarked to one friend that when I get to heaven I would recognise it, because it would look a lot like Cape Town! There aren't many cities in the world that enjoy one of the world's nicest climates, and contain within it's boundaries mountain, forest, vineyards, and oceans, all within 20 minutes drive!
Sadly however, its experience of extreme poverty is not so unusual. Sprawling townships and 'informal settlements' are a cruel reminder of the cruel legacy of Apartheid and centuries of Western Imperialism. Despite some progress in poverty eradication, for a large proportion of the 'black' population the daily grind of extreme, inhuman poverty remains.
To make matters worse, the poor continue to have 'solutions' to their plight imposed upon them by the rich and powerful. The voices of the poor are too often ignored. Rev. Mpho Tutu (Daughter of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Rev. Desmond Tutu) tells the not untypical story of a township in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape.
"In the middle of this sad place sits a gleaming community hall. The building is constructed of expensive yellow brick with a sturdy tile roof. Inside, oceans of linoleum cover the floor and beautiful curlicues of wrought iron protect the doors and windows from thieves. A wonderful party celebrated the opening of this facility. Local and provincial dignitaries came and made speeches; singers and dancers leant excitement to the day. It was a day to remember.It was a day to remember not only because of the party but also because it was the last day that the facility was used. (The Township) was the creation of the apartheid government... The community hall was the creation of the new government: "Now you need not 'give up' for your call has been heard". But the people responded, "You may have heard our call, but you gave us what we did not ask for and you remained deaf to our need."Throughout the world this type of story could be repeated. Government agencies prescribe plans for ending the problems that plague the poor without actually asking those trapped in poverty what their actual problems are. The poor are rarely invited to participate in the planning, but regularly have 'solutions' imposed upon them.
This is a far cry from the way Jesus interacted with hurting people. In Mark's Gospel we can read the story of a blind guy called Bartimaeus (Mark 10: 46-52). Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for help. The crowd, irritated and annoyed, not by his poverty but his shouting, try to get him to stop bothering Jesus. He though, just raises his voice in protest even more loudly - he wants, he needs to be heard!
Jesus calls Bartimeaus over, and then demonstrates the kind of compassionate, listening leadership that was a mark of Jesus' ministry among the poor. He asks the impoverished blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?"
Reading this story, you might think, "What a dumb question for Jesus to ask! It's obvious what the man needs, he's blind. He needs healing!" However, in asking the question Jesus is allowing for the possibility that what seems obvious may not be the blind mans most pressing concern. The man asks Jesus to heal his blindness. Bartimeaus leaves Jesus' presence, his sight restored and his dignity intact.
Jesus listens to the voice of the poor and the needy. Jesus doesn't impose a solution on this man's life, rather he is invites him to speak his need, and to participate in the solution.
It was my privilege in South Africa to witness examples of this type of ministry amongst the poor. In Khayelitsha, the second largest township in South Africa, I was privileged to worship at 'The Way of Life Church'. Here was a church that modeled the compassionate, listening leadership of Jesus; a church committed to listening to their Father in heaven; a church committed to listening to the voice of the poor; a church that desired to bring the whole Gospel to the whole person; and a church whose vision was to see both personal and social transformation.
This, I believe is the kind of Church that God desires. It is also the kind of church that the world requires.
2 Comments:
It's amazing what you have seen and been taught by the Lord in South Africa, I Believe the lord has been teaching us similar things over, but maybe not with such a sunny climate, whilst you have been away Reality youth Project (whom I work for and the church Partners with) have got involved with two God centred nation wide initiatives one is soul action which is the social action wing of soul survivor and Soul Actions vision statement is this:
Soul Action will connect with people across the world who want intimacy with Jesus, equipping them to serve their world so that the last, the least and the lost know the love and the presence of God. It is about the wholehearted pursuit of God across the whole of our lives for the whole world. We want to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8) throughout all of our lives:(taken from the soul action web site) and this is part of hope 08 mission statement 'Hope' proposes to support this on-going work, by facilitating intensified, united, focused prayer and a year of activities, communicating the Gospel through words and actions, creating a lasting legacy of both physical and spiritual change in the lives of communities and individuals.
Both of these missions agree wholeheartedly with what your saying and ultimately its the heart of God plaster all over scripture so what are we waiting for lets go and do what he wants us to and lets Be what the church should be and is called to be the hope for world.
Yours in him
Reality Trainee Team Leader
Bex Murgatroyd
Bex - I love that phrase about the church's mission being primarily to 'the last, the least, and the lost'. It's so disheartening when you look at how far many UK Christians and Churches are from the heart of God as revealed in Jesus and Scripture. So sad when Christians lose sight of what really matters and make big issues out of minor issues. Take God's heart for social justice and His love of the last, least and lost, and you don't have much Bible left do you!!
In Christ
Bruce
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A CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT
Sunday, December 10, 2006
It was Christmas Eve at 4.45 p.m. and a husband was rushing to get a last minute present for his wife (Apparently 33% of men purchase their partner's present at the last minute!). He walked over to the perfume counter and told the shop assistant that he'd like a bottle of Chanel No. 5 for his wife.
"A little present, eh?" smiled the assistant.
"You bet it is!", replied the man, "She's expecting a cruise."
No doubt we've all had experience of receiving gifts that have disappointed. I remember when I was 15 years old being absolutely mortified when I unwrapped a present from a well meaning relative, only to discover that it contained a Noddy Annual. I no doubt would have recovered from the trauma and humiliation had my 13-year-old sister not gleefully taken it upon herself to inform all my mates!!
At Christmas we celebrate the greatest gift in history - the birth of God's Son Jesus Christ. He's the greatest gift ever because He is a gift that will never disappoint.
The good news of Christmas is that God moved into the human neighbourhood, as a flesh and blood baby. The even better news is that He wants to move into the neighbourhood of your life today - and His presence in your life won't disappoint.
- He wants to move into the neighbourhood of your pain to give you the strength and courage to go on.
- He wants to move into the neighbourhood of your stress. Maybe your one of the 60% of the population who find Christmas over-stressful. Even if you don't, we all face times when stress overwhelms us. Jesus wants to move into the neighbourhood of your stress and fill you with His peace.
- He wants to move into the neighbourhood of your guilt and fill your life with forgiveness from the past.
- He wants to move into the neighbourhood of your fear and give you hope for the future.
The best present you can receive this Christmas? Jesus, don't you think? Why not invite Him into the neighbourhood of your life? He won't disappoint!!
For details of Christmas Events at Sutton Elms Baptist Church, click on the LATEST EVENTS Icon on this page.
1 Comments:
Thats funny Bruce because my grandaughter loves Noddy and would have been Happy to receive your gift.
I though keep reminding myself that its Jesus birthday .
Yet he gives me the best Gift of all,Hope for our World.
rod
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Sometimes you can't make it on your own
Monday, September 25, 2006
Hollywood actress, Julia Roberts once said, "I've felt incredible loneliness in life. I've known great despair. What is the point of having a great job or something spectacular happening if you have no one to share it with? Unless you have someone, it's pointless. It's vapour."
Here is somone who has everything that our culture teaches us to crave; things like wealth, health, beauty, talent, popularity, success, and of course, celebrity. Yet, despite all this she experiences tremendous loneliness in life.
And it's not just Julia Roberts, is it? At the root of the problems afflicting many people I meet and counsel, is a lack of real, loving, supportive relationships. I know people who are married, have succesful careers, even many friendships at a superficial level, yet suffer from deep seated feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
In the first book of the Bible, God is quoted as saying, "It's not good for man to be alone." Why? Because God hates lonelienss. He didn't create us to be alone - he created us for relationships.
You see money, success, celebrity are not the answer to loneliness - community is. As a human being you were made for relationship with God. You were put on this planet to know God and to love God. But you were also put on this planet to live in relationship with others. God never intended for you to go through life alone.
Community is God's answer to defeat in life. Take Ray. 3 1/2 years ago he attended our church for the first time. He was overwhelmed by lonliness and was a recovering alchoholic. That day he met Jesus and gave his life to Him. He says this, "Meeting Jesus was just the beginning. I still battle to stay off the drink. It's a battle I can't win on my own, and won't win on my own. I beleive though, that through the Lord Jesus I have been given a family that is helping me win my battle. There are people in the church who loved me enough to offer me friendship; and who have loved me enough to keep me on the straight and narrow. God has given me people who are watching my back to make sure I don't fall into my old ways."
Community is God's answer to despair in life. Take Linda. Nearly 3 years ago her husband died unexpectedly, leaving her without a husband, and her two young children without their Dad. On her own admission she could easily have gone under - but she hasn't. Why? Because she had invested her life prior to the tragedy in meaningful relationships with others. When the tragedy hit, she had a support network in place. As she says of herexperiencee, "I know that God has provided me and my children with people who were comforters, organisers, providers and good listeners... They have helped me and my two children to rebuild our lives and our faith."
That's the power of community. That's why God wants every person to belong to a church family. You see God doesn't just want us to be believers; he wants us to be belongers. God's family or community here on earth is the Church. The Church of Jesus Christ is not a building, not an institution, not a club - it's God's family. Given its power to overcome loneliness, defeat and despair in life, isn't it worth joining one?
3 Comments:
I am a believer and am now learing to be a loving belonger.
Thanks
I am constantly learing .I am a believer and am now learning to be a loving belonger
Wow this is a real challenge for me i thought it was too difficult for me and i felt a bit down.
However at this weeks service Bruce reminded me through his sermon that if i surrender to God and ask him to help me then I can do whatever God wants me to.
I must also learn to ask our small group for help and support.
Rod
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Are Christians calm about the Da Vinci Code?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
That was the headline in my local newspaper a few days ago. For some reason the headline placed the bizarre image in my mind of Vicars, Pastors and other church leaders running frantically around their churches - in the style of Harry Enfield's Scouse Brothers - shouting "Calm down, Calm Down" at enraged members of their congregation.
Apparently, as a Christian I am supposed to be alarmed and outraged by the popularity of Da Brown's work, and should be heading for a multi-screen near you with a placard and a face red with rage! In fact, I think my local rag would be a tad disappointed to discover that I am actually very calm and will heading to said multiscreen to watch said movie. Indeed, I'm quite excited about the prospect. Maybe, I should get out a little more!!
The Da Vinci Code is an exciting and compelling piece of fiction. The book (yes, I have read it!) is a classic page turner. It's easy to see why millions have been drawn to it, with its claims about a sinister conspiracy by the Catholic Church to hide the real truth about Jesus. But it is just a work of FICTION. As the film's Director, Ron Howard recently told the Independent on Sunday, "This is a work of fiction that presents a set of characters that are affected by these conspiracy theories and ideas. Those characters in this work of fiction act and react on that premise. It's not theology. It's not history."
Well, he's certainly correct to assert that it is not theology or history. Indeed, its central claims are so far-fetched that no serious historian or theologian (Christian or atheist) would have any problem in disproving them.
So, why am I so calm? Why am I so excited? Well, it's simple really. The book raises questions about the central person of human history - Jesus Christ. I'm excited because I want to engage with the questions the author raises. I'm excited because it provides a great opportunity for myself and other Christians to re-introduce our culture to this incredible person, who turned the world upside down 2000 years ago, and who continues to transform and change lives today. I'm excited because it has the potential to lead to wider questions - is there a God? Was Jesus God? Can the New Testament witness be trusted? and what difference can this Jesus can make to each of our lives?
Most of all I'm excited because I know that the Jesus presented in the Gospels is more compelling than anything contained in Dan Brown's novel. This Jesus invites us all into a life full of the power and love of God. He invites us all into an adventure of faith that gives meaning and purpose to life. He invites us into the greastest conspiracy of all - the conspiracy of God's love. As Albert Einstein once said, "I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene... No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."
No myth can bring you into the presence of God - only Jesus can do that. By all means go and see the film and read the book. And then seek the truth for yourself. Stay calm!
Sutton Elms Baptist Church will be running a number of events to coincide with the release of the film.
'Discussing the Da Vinci Code'
A number of our mid-week small groups will be offering the opportunity to meet with others to discuss the Da Vinic Code. These discussion groups will last for 4 weeks.
Sunday 18th June
Cracking the Da Vinci Code Part 1
Can the Bible be trusted or has it been corrupted?
Sunday 25th June
Cracking the Da Vinci Code Part 2
Jesus: Man, Myth or Son of God?
Both events start at 10.30 a.m. and are repeated at 6.00 p.m.
Please note that a creche and Kids Clubs are run at 10.30 a.m.
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The World's Greatest Comeback
Monday, March 27, 2006
There are few things more thrilling or exhilarating than a dramatic comeback. Football Fans especially will recall Liverpool's incredible Champions League comeback last season. Similarly, Man. Utd fans won't need reminding of two very late goals that turned certain defeat against Bayern Munich into Champions league triumph in 1999. In fact so certain of defeat was the late George Best, that he left the ground a few minutes early, only to arrive at his car to discover that the Red Devils had grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat! My own team, Leicester City took part in one of the most memorable comebacks in Premier League history in 1997. Trailing 2-0 to champions in waiting Arsenal, with just 6 minutes left. They came back to 2-2, only to go behind again in the 5th minute of injury time. There was just time though for 'The Foxes' to restart, win a corner, and for Steve Walsh to rise above the Arsenal defence and send the old Filbert Street stadium into raptures!!
As human beings we love great comebacks, especially when they involve real-life stories of people overcoming adversity to pull through and become life's winners.
At Easter we celebrate the greatest comeback in history. 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was brutally tortured and then suffered a bloody execution on a Roman cross. His body was buried in a borrowed tomb, and opponents and friends thought that was the last Him. Yet, amazingly, three days later he was alive and kicking, a reality witnessed by over 500 witnesses on a variety of different occasions over a 40 days period.
The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is compelling. (If you want to explore the issue why not get a copy of 'The Case for Easter' or 'The Case for Christ' by Lee Stroebel. Please contact the church office on 01455 283874 if you would like a copies). The most compelling evidence is the fresh start, the new meaning and purpose Jesus continues to give to people today.
This Easter, you can celebrate the greatest comeback of all time - and discover how you can have a totally fresh start yourself. Why not join us at one or more of our Easter 2006 events:
Tuesday 11th April 6.00-7.30 p.m.
Kids Easter Praise
Join us and over 120 kids for the biggest children's celebration in town! Sing crazy songs, take part in daft games, see Mrs Y on her latest adventure, win prizes, and celebrate the best news in the world! Big Kids can come too! (And many do!!)
PLUS Get Priority Booking Forms for Kids Summer Fun Week
Friday 14th April 10.30-11.15 a.m.
Good Friday All-Age Service
"Take a look at the Cross"
An opportunity for all-ages to remember why Jesus died.
Friday 14th April 7.30-8.30 p.m.
Good Friday Reflection
"The Cross: Some piercings cost more than others"
A multi-media presentation that explores the meaning, power and relevance of the cross for our lives.
The cross is more than history! It's a life-changing event!!
Easter Sunday
All-Age Communion 9.15-9.45 a.m.
A special communion for all-ages
Easter Celebration 10.30 a.m.- 12 noon
"The World's Greatest Comeback"
Celebrate the greatest event in history - the Resurrection Of Jesus. Music, video, and personal stories from people whose lives have been changed by Jesus.
Kids Clubs and Creche will be run as usual
For further details please contact us on
01455 283874
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If it goes wrong - let's all blame God!!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
A few years ago Billy Connolly starred in the movie 'The man who sued God'. Connolly plays Steve Myers, a former lawyer turned full-time fisherman whose boat is destroyed by lightening. His insurers are refusing to pay for the damage citing the loss as an Act of God. Steve decides that if an Act of God destroyed his boat, then God should be held responsible. He duly takes God and his earthly representatives to court. A classic case of 'If it goes wrong - blame God'.
But now, real life is following reel life. A Romanian prisoner is suing God for failing to save him from the devil. His complaint reads, 'I, the undersigned Pavel M, currently jailed at Timisoara Penitentiary serving a 20 year sentence for murder, request legal action against God, resident in heaven, and represented here by the Romanian Orthodox Church, for committing the following crimes: cheating, concealment, abuse against people's interests, taking bribes and traffic of influence.' The inmate argues that his baptism was a contract between him and God, who was supposed to keep the devil away. In other words it was God's responsibility to stop him from murdering. A classic case of 'If it goes wrong - blame God'.
Both stories raise interesting spiritual questions. If God is so good, why do bad things happen? Who's responsible for all the pain and suffering in the world? If God is so good, why are the people He made often so bad? Indeed, the biggest one of all - Can I really be sure that there is a God, and if there is, what difference can He make to my life?
These are important and pertinent questions. Indeed they are so important we have committed ourselves as a church to provide people with the opportunity to explore them, and discover some answers that make sense of life.
Starting in January 2006 we will be running a Y Course -
'Where life's big questions are open to question'. It's a place where people of different beliefs and backgrounds can come to explore life from a God perspective. It's loads of fun too. A top-notch meal is followed by an introductory talk, and then the opportunity to explore the issues in a safe, friendly, non-judgmental environment.
Why not join us. Not only will you save yourself the expense and inconvenience of suing God, you might actually discover that He can provide you with some answers that will make a difference to your life today!!
More details about the Y Course can be found by clicking on the 'Our Message' link.
Alternatively contact us by phone: 01455 283874 or by email:
bruce@nrevpig.wanadoo.co.uk
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FREDDIE FLINTOFF SHOWS US JESUS!!
Friday, September 16, 2005
What a great summer of cricket!! 1968 was the summer of love and 2005 will be remembered as the summer of Freddie!
We live in an age of hype where even the most mundane of events or mediocre of talents is built up into something monumental. But there can be little argument that these shores have witnessed one of the greatest sporting contests of our lifetime - the Ashes Series.
It had everything. Two great teams immersed in a fierce gladiatorial battle - yet played out with true sportsmanship and genuine respect for the ability and skill of the opponent.Many things will live long in the memory. One of the high points for me came at the end of the fourth test at Trent Bridge. Going into the match Geraint Jones (England's Wicket-keeper/ Batsman) had faced a barrage of criticism for his performances. During England's first innings, Jones proved to be the perfect foil that enabled Freddie to score the runs that provided the platform for an eventual and decisive England victory!
At the post-match presentations, Freddie was asked about the doubts that had been expressed about Jones' ability. His reply was to the point - "Not in our dressing room they haven't!" His reply must have been music to the beleaguered Jones's ears.
In that moment Freddie revealed the attitude of Jesus. It says in the Bible, "Do not let any unwholesome talk to come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4: 29 - NIV)That doesn't mean that there isn't a place for criticism. We all need people who love us enough to tell us when we might be in the wrong or point out things that might need changing in our lives. But we all find it easier when it comes in the context of love and encouragement.
I'm a great advocate of the 9 out of 10 rule. That is, make sure 9/10 things you say about someone are genuine words of encouragement. It's a great rule to have in a cricket team; it's a great rule to have in a church family; it's a great rule to have in your home life; and it's a great rule to have in your work life. If 9/10 things you said were words of encouragement - if you become a cheerleader for others, just like Freddie - I guarantee it will multiply the joy in your relationships!
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