What does it really mean?
I would offer that an on the ground definition would be;
"MESSY!"
Holistic ministry is to get invited into every area of someone's life. The good, the bad and the messy!
Mission is Messy!
The issues that families with very limited means have can be complicated, heartbreaking, confusing and untidy.
Loving people without expecting anything in return is messy and we are called as the church to jump into that mess.
We must.
We are called to keep loving and keep helping when people do not appreciate it.
We are called to keep caring for those that hurt our hearts and throw it all back at us intentionally or unintentionally.
We are called to keep blessing those who might try to use us. After you have given your time, your help, your resources they may disappoint.
Many may come back to say thank you. Some may not. It really doesn't matter. We often tell the people "salamat sa Dios lang po" ( just say thanks to God please)
In mission, in Christian charities we should always be pointing people to God, not our organizations or ourselves. We are commissioned to build for the Kingdom- not build a name for our selves. We should be making people dependent on God and empowering them to do what they can.
We are called to jump into their mess to walk along side them- no strings attached.
In the Mess there are MOMENTS
Moment we get to see the most personal parts of lives- new babies, weddings. Often people become part of your family.
Moments we get the privilege to help save lives sometimes.
Moments we watch Jesus completely turn a life around, change from the inside out.
Moments we see God move, God heal, God fill up and light up.
Moments we get to play a part of whole families being transformed.
MESS and MOMENTS
Through the hard times and through the amazing times we must continue to;
Love God. Love people
.
Make wrong things right.
Be a voice for those who have none.
Empower. Give Dignity. Bring Hope.
One of the passages we have got for the slums and one we cling on to and speak out.
Isaiah 61:
(3)
"To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
(4)
And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
They shall raise up former desolations,
And they shall repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations
(7)
Instead of your shame you shall have double honor
Instead of confusion you shall rejoice
(8)
For I , the Lord love justice.....I will direct their work in truth"
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| a brave little girl dancing her way over trash after kids church |
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