Right to Light

 

As he prepares to leave Preston after many years at the Foxton Centre Tim Keightley reflects on what he has learned, and is learning still.

Apparently everyone has a Right to Light. There is a set of regulations and guidelines that governs how this Right to Light has to be protected. Buildings have to be constructed in such a way that minimises any impact they might have on inhabitants of neighbouring buildings who must have access to an acceptable degree of natural light. This is one of the many nuggets of learning I have picked up from my first contacts with people working on the Project Lighthouse for Holy Trinity Church, Swiss Cottage, as I prepare to leave The Foxton Centre. www.thefoxtoncentre.co.uk/

The phrase strikes me as an apt title for this blog as I reflect on my time as Chief Executive Officer of The Foxton Centre since 1998. Everyone has a Right to Light.

Now I am not one to over spiritualise things. So, here I use the concept of Light in a very broad sense. Light understood as being to do with what makes for health and well-being, belonging, right relationship, inclusion and purpose; that is, all that leads to human flourishing.

I understand these interpretations to be somewhere along the same spectrum that includes encounter with 'The Light of the World.' Personally, I think all such Light has the same source.

I start from a basis of believing that this Light shines on, in and through all people. In my experience, this is true of many people; those of a faith different to my own and those who profess no faith.

The Christian's task is to be among those who ensure everyone has access to that Light.

In founding the Centre in 1969, Bryan Foxton was inspired by stories of Jesus Christ drawn from the Christian Gospels. These show Jesus spending time with and offering hope and inclusion to those deemed by the society of the time to be outcast.

The Foxton Centre of the 21st Century is a kind of dynamic equivalent of that approach. The word 'outcast' is rarely heard in modern parlance. But similar sentiments seem to underlie much rhetoric and practice associated with "poverty," "benefits scroungers," "welfare reform" and even "youth." The Centre contradicts this Zeitgeist. In even the most entrenched adult or disaffected young person, we see beauty and the potential for human flourishing. In other words, we see Light. My personal experience confirms this position.

In my time at The Foxton Centre, I have seen inspiring examples of loving care, of 'going the extra mile' of putting the other first and of sacrificial service, from professionals, volunteers, homeless people, those who misuse substances and young people from deprived backgrounds. Sadly, I have also encountered, from the same sources, prejudice, manipulation, aggression and deceitfulness, but, I am glad to say, not in anything like equal measure.

Every person I have met has contributed to my learning, growth and development. Some people have been kind enough to say that I have 'done a good job' at The Foxton Centre. If I have, it is because of the help I have received and the learning I have taken from that along the way. Help has come from countless professionals willing to share their expertise. Help has also come from the countless marginalised individuals or community members willing to pass the time of day or share their stories of survival in the face of adversity.

I have learned that Pastoral Care is an action, not merely an attitude. Jesus encourages the paralysed man to get up and walk. Feeding homeless people is only part of the job. Enabling them to develop the skills and emotional intelligence to live successfully is another part. Challenging and changing systems that create inequality and social injustice is the rest.

What seems to be true is that Governments, systems, ideologies, and even frightened, prejudiced and damaged people (that's you and me) can conspire, knowingly and unknowingly, to deny people access to that light, or even to make it that 'people walk in darkness', as the Bible puts it.

The Christian's task is to be among those who ensure everyone has access to that Light.

I came to Preston with very little experience of working in and with deprived communities. I was, however, willing to step outside my sense of what I knew and therefore, what was safe. I was driven (called) by the conviction that an authentic expression of Christianity is to be in the middle of the mess. And Avenham, at the time, was a mess; people inhabited boarded up houses with mould growing on walls and sewage seeping through floors after heavy rain.

I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that there was also a sense of constant underlying danger and an air of hostility when walking the streets. The rebuild of much of the 'Avenham Estate' and the refurbishment of the high rise flats has combined with concerted efforts at community development from many agencies and authorities and has, in my opinion, contributed to Avenham being a success story. Let there be Light.

My first year at The Foxton was marked by a sense of having to swim very hard to avoid sinking as I felt I was very much out of my depth. Or to use another picture, at times I just hung on in there. I would like to be able to say that I prayed and received words of assurance. Actually, I hung on, believing that this was the right place for me. My faith, such as it was, was that I had to do what it took to develop the Centre's presence, potential and practice.

What I have learned is that true growth comes from true risk taking, from what is called stepping outside one's 'comfort zone.' There has to be training, preparation, support and risk assessment! But this is what it takes.

There are remarkable examples of Christians and churches doing this – but not nearly enough. When I read the Gospels, I read of world changing sayings, events and values. When I read about the acts of Jesus' followers post resurrection I see risk takers, with a radical, dynamic faith, out to challenge oppressive systems and ideologies.

Despite the increasing efforts of churches to be at the forefront of the response to austerity and welfare reform, I am still disappointed, frustrated and dissatisfied by the apparent failure of too many Christians to take risks for the sake of the Gospel.

I am aware that it is easy to appear to be preaching from the safety of having 'been there, done that.' It is easy to advocate Christians going beyond their comfort zone from the position of having done so in such a way that I am now within my comfort zone. If you get what I mean?

This brings me to my next step; which is to become the Executive Director of the Lighthouse Project at Holy Trinity, Swiss Cottage. (If you are interested, see relevant pages on www.htsc.org.)

This will involve me in working very closely with, and within, an open Charismatic church planted in 2006 from the church at Holy Trinity, Brompton.

Those readers who know me, know I am not a Charismatic!

I have truly enjoyed the freedom of developing The Foxton Centre beyond what I see as the confines of being a minister of a church. For seventeen years I have happily held a supporting world view in which I have interpreted the activity of The Spirit as being to do with prophetic action and kingdom building. In that world view my spirituality has been shaped and fed by reflective music (Choral, Taize) and by liberal/radical Christian values. My God has been very passive, non-invasive, in the sense that God is the one who equips us to get on with it. This God uses us as hands and feet. This is how God intervenes.

Now I am going to be with and within a Christian community that puts huge store in a regular, personal encounter with a life-changing, immanent Spirit; a supernatural, intervening God. This Spirit is out of human control (and therefore out of my comfort zone). As one colleague has remarked "God has a sense of humour."

I am also apparently going to work with very talented and possibly very rich people. It is they who (we hope) will provide much of the funding needed to develop the proposed six storeys high Lighthouse church and community facility as a beacon of hope for Camden. They too, so the theory goes, have the Right to Light.

The Church in Society - some thoughts following the general election.

 

by Ken Wales … Chair of Together Lancashire and Methodist Action North West

 

My birthday is May 8 but this year the country seemed more taken aback by the outcome of the general election than the fact I had survived for another twelve months. And perhaps with some justification, for in spite of all the predictions the people had decisively shown their hand. How long their commitment will last will need to be seen, but there is no denying that the government is moving swiftly to implement the mandate it has been given.

 

This article tries to avoid commenting upon the outcome, either in pleasure or with concern, but rather reflects upon two events I have recently attended where the general election provided the context. Both were ecumenical events with an emphasis on social justice. The first was led by Professor Chris Baker (The University of Chester and The William Temple Foundation), and the second by Lord Maurice Glasman (a Labour peer with a strong interest and background in social cohesion and justice) and Rev. Paul Hackwood (Church Urban Fund). The changing nature of the Welfare State, growing inequality in western countries, and especially our own, and what options might arise following the election for the Church in general and Christians in particular were the focus of these discussions.

 

In these individuals, and others, at the present time we have some outstanding people helping Church leaders to understand what is happening in our society. There is a growing appreciation of the importance of what social scientists can tell us about our communities and our economy amongst the leaders of the churches. That is not to say that the Church knows little – indeed, in practical terms both now and in the past the churches have been at the forefront of social justice thinking, advocacy and action. Arguably, and to a greater and lesser extent, much of our education, health and social care services have their roots in Christian service. But sometimes it needs people outside the box or outside the moment to help us to understand what is happening. When we allow them to share their thoughts with us then progress might be made.

 

Of course, education, health, social care, community involvement and politics are all ways in which Christians show their love for God and their neighbour. But many of us now are less sure of how we should respond in an effective way in the places in which we find ourselves. For example, we see increasing need as the policies of austerity bite. We have fears for the well-being of our families and indeed ourselves. We discern ever increasing complexity and an inter-relationship of the needs we encounter in individuals and communities. We hear strident voices telling us that austerity is the road to prosperity and that we need to distinguish between the deserving poor and the rest. Yet we see and read about ever-increasing inequality and little or no evidence that prosperity for some leads to wider wellbeing. We are drawn between serving our neighbours, here and in other countries, or raising the drawbridges to protect our country, our towns and neighbourhoods, our homes and even our churches. Yes, we are confused.

 

And yet we must be confident and even enervated. For if we are not, we who have the gospel to proclaim, who is there to raise the hope of our communities? So what are some of the characteristics of our society that we might discern in the light of the general election result. Well, we might want to consider these:

 

-     We have as a society become less trustful of the state – the state has forgotten how to treat us as human beings. We are involved in transactions, we are consumers of services and no longer people, individuals, with needs of our own which in in many cases are seen merely as an economic burden to the public purse.

-     Partly as a result, a belief in the power of transformative relationships has disappeared. We are at the mercy of forces we cannot understand or even locate

-     We have forgotten the power which resides in people and groups – for example even the Church has forgotten the power it has to confront collectively and individually the power of drugs, alcohol, gambling and other destructive forces

-     As a society, or as individuals within it, we long for attractive places where we can gather and reclaim our identity in ways and at times which are relevant to our current needs and not just to satisfy our traditions

-     We have replaced love, patience and faithfulness with new concepts of welfare, equality, inclusivity and individual rights, entitlements and responsibilities

-     We have created two new idols – the state and capitalism – and allowed both to drift out of our control.

 

I want to suggest four principles which should be amongst those which guide our Christian discipleship in the current age. There may be others, I make no claim to exclusivity.

 

 1.  We should be open to all for business and increasingly so. People (every person) should be welcome, comfortable and encouraged when they visit or meet us

 2.  We should recognise everyone's need for dignity, agency and identity. All we do should be for them and not for us.

 3.  We should be generous. The amazing generosity shown in support for church ministries and projects, for initiatives such as food-banks, community cafes and job clubs  is just the start. We have been richly blessed – let us share those blessings with others.

 4.  We should be confident in action, thought and prayer. The gospel we have been charged to share is the gospel which overrides all political creeds and principalities. We express it in different ways and at different times but there can be no greater prosperity than helping others to live their lives abundantly.

 

The Church is an amazing institution. Arguably it is the one institution in the west which has best resisted globalisation and the power of the state. The challenge is ours – don't let love fail.

 

 

A day of mixed emotions.

Annette Smith of Morecambe Bay food bank writes.

 

I wish to share a day of mixed emotions.

Lancaster had a Royal visit this morning, the atmosphere was exciting, the crowds spirits were high. Lots of people worked hard with all the preparation, setting out all the security, bringing in barriers and the reward was seeing the smiles of all those who came to watch, dispite it being very wet and soggy.

This afternoon at the foodbank, echoed this morning. Cheerful volunteers worked hard preparing food parcels. Shoppers at Asda had donated 300 kg of food today at a store collection ( thank you) to be distributed over the next few weeks. We get to see smiles when people leave, feeling better for having someone to talk to and the ability to put a meal on the table when they get home.

This morning brought tears of joy and pride by onlookers.

This afternoon at the foodbank was full of tears but not for the same reasons as this morning.
We hear so many stories that we cannot repeat and sometimes all you can do is sit down and cry along with those who share them with us.

Today will be a day to remember, not so much for the Royal Visit to Lancaster but for what we heard. Today we cried.

If you want to find out more what we do and how we feel please like our "page" see below and share from that link. You will be able to ind out what we need with regular updates so that you know how You CAN make a difference too.

Https://www.facebook.com/MorecambeFoodbank/posts/819704594786731

 

Also relevant to the work of the Morecambe Bay Food Bank

www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/local/morecambe-mp-says-i-m-not-everybody-s-cup-of-tea-but-i-get-things-done-1-7267799

and Mike Peatman's blog

http://mikepeat.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/an-open-letter-to-david-morris-mp.html

 

The Burnley Pioneer Project

The Burnley Pioneer Project is a Christian charity working in the heart of the community in Burnley. The project began four years ago when the Burnley Methodist Circuit employed a Youth Worker to work alongside a group of committed staff and volunteers to provide relevant activities to provide opportunities for people to explore the Christian faith.

The project is based in two locations – Central Methodist Church and Parkside Methodist Church. One being in the town centre and the other on the Stoops Estate. The work has developed with many exciting projects such as Reach Out kids club, Encounters youth club, cooking skills sessions, bible studies, schools work, family nights, town centre ministry, detached youth work projects, summer activities, job club and much more… Over the four years the team has developed the project with volunteers from across Burnley coming together with the same heart and vision for people to know Jesus Christ and become the best version of themselves through the work of the Holy Spirit.

We have seen people commit their lives to Jesus and be the positive change in their community. The project has invested time to develop and equip young people to serve Jesus in ministry and it is exciting to see them on fire for Jesus and mature in their relationship with Him. In the summer of 2014 two young people were baptised in Burnley town centre and the fire brigade helped by filling the tank with water!!! This was a great witness as people from the local pubs watched the young people take this step of faith.

As the project grew and developed members of the team felt called to move house and live on the Stoops Estate to be part of the community. The reason for this was Jesus ministry was incarnational. Christ become one of us to save us and for the ministry to be truly authentic we felt the way forward was to step out our comfort zone and live amongst the people to serve them, pray for them and show the love of Christ. A verse that I love from the Bible wraps this up perfectly. The word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood (John 1:14 The Message) this has helped build positive relationships with families and we have seen Jesus work in amazing ways.

A story that comes to mind is that we took our young people on a Christian youth weekend and one of the young teens made a commitment to Jesus. Since then she has committed to weekly events and now stands up in front of her peers and reads scripture and encourages them to live for Jesus. It is amazing to see such a young person strive to know Jesus more; through this her Mum has also became a Christian!

The Stoops Estate in Burnley has high unemployment, anti social behavior and many people suffering with addictions to drugs and alcohol. It is a privilege to tell people Jesus has a plan for their lives; He is for them and not against them. We are excited for the future as we work together to reach people with the Gospel.

If you would like to know more about the Burnley Pioneer Project please view our website http://www.burnleypioneerproject.org.uk/

or e-mail jemmburnleycircuit@gmail.com.

A post election reflection; what are we going to do?

This reflection based on experiences in "The Comfort Zone" in Blackpool was first published by Rev. Sally Coleman on her personal blog

 

This is a letter, but I am not sure who I am writing to! I thought about writing to David Cameron, as I have done in the past, but I have decided that I am not sure that will do much good! There are so many well written letters and articles circulating following the election results last week that my meagre offering will simply end up in a sea of many, and I will probably simply repeat what many others are saying!

I have also thought about writing to the church, but again, many many people have written good and thought provoking articles and letters concerning what our response should be, and how God works through our weaknesses to reveal his love, and invite us into another way of living. I agree with these whole heartedly, and have been challenged to think about my own life as a disciple of Jesus Christ as a result, but I want to say something more.

I think I want to speak to anybody who will listen, I want to speak to those who would call themselves spiritual, and to those who would not. Perhaps more than anything I want to write to anyone who voted Conservative, not because I want to bash you, I am sure you had good reasons for voting as you did, but please, please just pause to hear our story.

I want to speak to the rich and the poor alike because we all need the basics of life to survive, food, water, shelter, warmth and most of all friendship/ companionship. We need to know that we are not alone.

We are of course not alone, but sometimes circumstances, and maybe particularly when hope is gone and despair enters into our lives in a big way we feel alone, vulnerable, desparate and afraid. I meet people who feel like this on a regular basis, many come to our drop in "The Comfort Zone" in Blackpool. Some of these folk are homeless, others are simply struggling, really genuinely struggling to make ends meet. Through the winter folk are faced with the choice between heating or eating, we regularly give out candles and tea-lights to people with no money left on their meters.

It is easy to say that the people we see week by week should pull their socks up and get on with it, get out there and find a job, I have heard people say that, and if you reading this happen to be one of those people I would like to ask you, just for a little while to place yourslef into the shoes of someone who is scared and hungry. Imagine you have woken for breakfast, but there is nothing to eat, you do have a tea bag and some sugar, but very little milk, so you make do on that. You need to get to the library to log on to the Job Centres system, and you are going to have to walk the mile and a half because you do not have the bus fare. If you don't get there and log on as required you will be sanctioned AGAIN, for not doing enough to find work. On the way home you call in at a local church who provide you with a bag of food, while you are grateful for this you long for something other than soup, beans and corned beef! Luckily today they had some bread to give out, at least you can have toast tomorrow!

Imagine then that this is your daily routine, imagine the feared Job Centre appointments where everything you have done is scrutinised, and you dread the outcome. Imagine applying for job after job and hearing nothing. You are doing all that you can but it is NEVER enough it seems.

Now imagine that your last pair of shoes has worn out, or that your neighbours bath overflows and floods your flat, or you need to get to the next town for an appointment, or to travel to see a sick relative or go to a funeral. Life suddenly becomes overwhelmingly impossible, and a hard slog along a steep path suddenly becomes an impassable mountain, oh and please don't think I am exaggerating because these are stories, true stories that I have heard over the last few months as many people come to us on the edge of despair, and over the edge.

I have asked you to imagine this because I am fed up of hearing about the undeserving poor, and I want to point out our shared humanity, yet I find that difficult in a country where 16 members of the Governments new Cabinet are millionaires! I wonder if they can even imagine the living conditions of some of the folk we serve here in Blackpool, people who are living in tents, people who sleep in carparks, people who have difficult (rich) landlords who fail to care for their tennants.

I am also fed up with watching our wonderful volunteers struggle, ths week our food stocks hit an all time low, we gave away our last sleeping bag, and while food and more sleeping bags have arrived we operate on the edge. Our wonderful and hardworking Chaplain, Lynn greeted me this week with the words "what on earth are we going to do?" our manager Paul reported 103 people had used our service that morning, with 12 sleeping rough.  We gave out over 70 food bags and provided tea and breakfast for everyone. We are overwhelmed and fear that things are ony going to get worse, especially with the projected benefit cuts, and no sight to the ending of the benefit sanctions system.

What are we going to do?

Well we are going to carry on, but we need help and support, we and so many other groups like us need ordinary people to come along side us, to see the need, the real need, that people in this land are facing on a daily basis, and anyone can do this, no matter what your religious or spiritual belief, no matter what your politics or ideology, you can reach out in some way to help another human being, because at the end of the day that is what this is about, for these folk are our neighbours, and could be our friends, they certainly have the same needs and wants and desires as the rest of us. Grinding poverty and fear are disabling, and even crippling in peoples lives, having damaging results to mental health and self esteem.

So I leave you with a plea, please look beyond the statistics to the person, and just maybe you can join us in saying, there but for the grace of God go I….

… and echo our cry

"What are we going to do?"

…and just maybe we will come up with some real answers together…

 

CEDAR HOUSE COUNSELLING CENTRE; PRESTON

Hazel Sewell, one of the founders and moving spirits of Cedar House, writes about their ministry of binding up the broken hearted and of God's faithfulness in providing the resources they need.

Poverty isn't only about money.  In our demanding, stressful and often disjointed 21st Century society, many suffer emotionally and psychologically as well as physically. Here at Cedar House we work with people who lack peace of mind, self-worth and hope, leading to depression, post traumatic symptoms, isolation, fear, haunting memories, anger, guilt and a whole lot more.

And it's not surprising that many of these also lack the finance or the influence to get the help they need. Getting effective counselling help in situations like these is a bit of a lottery. Private counselling, at perhaps £40 per hour is out of reach of most people, while NHS provision can be of insufficient duration and often means a long wait.

God called Cedar House into being in 1997, when a small group of Christians got together to embark on a journey which led to the opening of a centre in the middle of Preston in 1998. We were guided and sustained by prayer and felt God's leading through some special passages of the Bible. Such as:

' Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9

'The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted and set the captives free.' Isaiah 61:1

At first we majored on help for women and girls with crisis pregnancy but over the years have developed and grown into a well-respected counselling centre dealing with a full range of issues and at present staffed by 70+ volunteers and staff. Last year we worked with over 300 clients and offered 4,000+ appointments. While we encourage those who can to make a donation towards costs, we will never turn anyone away from our homely if slightly shabby little house on Mount St.

From the start we have been quietly but unashamedly Christian in ethos and practice, which engendered a bit of suspicion in the early days. But we seem to have got over that now as agencies around the city have grown to know us and trust us. Sticking to professional ethics means that we don't speak about faith issues unless invited to by our clients and never use the situation to push our views. But the love of Jesus is on offer at Cedar House and there is no doubt that it is felt and appreciated, if not always understood.

Over the years we have built up plenty of good relationships. A number of local Churches support us and our team is drawn from folk from all denominations or none. We offer placement experience to students from a number of local Universities and Colleges, helping to train the counsellors of the future. And many local GPs, Health Centres and Hospitals refer clients to us. Not that the NHS ever gives us any money for what we do – but that's another story!

We have now come under the umbrella of Methodist Action NW, which has provided us with help in the areas where we were getting out of our depth – finance, employment and the like. Like many really valuable community initiatives, there have been some serious funding challenges and without help from MANW we would probably have gone bust by now!

And the future is by no means secure financially. But we have a God who is faithful and has always provided just what we have needed at the right time and our faith in him has been strengthened as we have seen him at work, helping us to 'bind up the broken hearted and set the captives free.'

For more information on Cedar House see http://www.cedar-house.eu/

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Valuing the Treasure in Urban Communities

 

By Marijke Hoek

 

Text of a talk given at Preston Christian Action Network January 20^th 2015

 

My dad was a GP in the countryside. During his first years, various kids drowned in the water-rich polder where we lived. So, he and the local reverend called the villagers together to fund and build a swimming pool in which all children could learn to swim. He himself spent many an evening and weekend with a trowel to see the project through. It's one of a range of initiatives that characterised the way my father worked in, and cared for, the community. The projects survived long after he'd retired and passed away. It's a holistic understanding of his profession, addressing systemic change and increasing the wellbeing of the community. The talents to network the right people, to spark imagination, and to provide new arenas for people to use their talents.

 

"When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices" (Proverbs 11:10). When we steward our time, gifting and influence for the common good, and employ our talents lovingly and strategically, it does the community good. It is a relational view of prospering.

The theme 'Valuing the treasure in urban communities' obviously resonates Paul's reference to "a treasure in vulnerable vessels': 'For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us' (2 Cor 4:6-7).

Paul's choice of metaphors tends to be in keeping with the emphasis of his message at a particular point. In this respect, the imagery of "clay jars" represents human weakness. It echoes something of the creation story where God uses dust and breathes life (1 Cor. 15:47). Clay vessels were earthenware used in the temple as well as in daily life. 'Clay jars' were a common metaphor for human weakness in the ancient world.

 

The clay jar metaphor serves a few points:

1. The everydayness: God chose the weak things of this world and our every day lives.

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are" (1 Cor.1:26-27)

 

2. Vulnerability: human weakness is the showcase of God's power

'Weakness' can be understood numerical, socio-political, economic; being human.

The first century world dominated by Roman empire, stretched as far as North Africa, Middle East, Europe. Religious, philosophical and political trends were taking its course. Imperial cult in which emperor was Lord who created peace, to his rule would come no end. Rome affected day to day life. First century believers looking for Messiah, who would redeem them from oppression, new throne, new rule, new peace. While people are looking to God, God is looking to Mary. Young, no reputation other than 'servant', yet expectant….Seed. When God does want to do something revolutionary, world changing, he starts with a seed and a teenager. The vulnerability of the exercise.  

 

While we are not the critical mass, we can be the 'critical yeast'. Using our talents diligently, creatively and risky is key to the wellbeing God has in mind. In Matthew's parable of the talents, the trustworthy servants who have been investing their talents and multiplying them receive a commendation and an invitation share their master's happiness. They receive a greater responsibility and are invited into God's shalom economy (Matthew 25:14-30).

 

'Shalom' is used in the scriptures to refer to God's creational intention. It includes peace, soundness, wholeness, security and fullness of life, in which our relationships with God, each other and nonhuman creation are thriving. Faithful stewardship entails love, work, risk, and imagination. Matthew places our vocation in an eternal light, the rays of which already illuminate our lives. In the bible we see God's people being commissioned to build houses and settle down; plant gardens, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.' Jer. 29:1-14.

 

This small community was to hold out a vision of wellbeing for the wider society and bring shalom in the place of brokenness and hopelessness. Their destiny is woven together with the city's. Every place has treasures, in terms of people and gifting:

-          Trailblazers

-          Connectors

-          Amplifiers

 

 

Trailblazers

Significantly, in a culture of captured imaginations and narrow horizons, we need a Christian imagination in the arts business, environmental protection and politics etc

In that we look for the mean of peace – shalom – whom we can work with. Together we can drill down in the soul and spirit of what shalom looks like and how that shapes our household, whether that household is personal or organisational.

 

Connectors

People who make connections, help people to think and relate outside of their silos. People who can be involved in strategic thinking in terms systemic change. For example, food banks in a land-rich area like this should be an anomaly. Besides food banks, Christians should be lamenting and looking for systemic change: food growing, employment, living wage, mentoring, giving a hope and a future.

 

Amplifiers

The Christian community is a story-formed community. It is rich in stories, and thus, our cities, towns, hamlets and villages can be filled with the story of Christ as it is lived out faithfully and told creatively. Jesus' challenge to raise our light on a stand so that people may see our good deeds motivates us to tell the tales publicly.

While local media is an excellent platform for the good news message, the Christian community not necessarily makes the most of this opportunity. In several cities local journalists have further developed the church's media coverage. Such a media savvy catalyst person can generate multiple opportunities for the Christian community in the local and regional press.

Jesus' reference to salt challenges us to provide a Christian witness in the public debate. When the local paper features youth crime, we respond with our hope. When they discus asylum, we talk about the need to recover a compassion for the persecuted. Thus, we consistently mix and mingle with the discussion in the market place. By taking part we communicate a Christian worldview, offer an alternative reality embodied in the church and exercise our advocacy, speaking up for those who wouldn't be heard otherwise.

 

Constructive change and effective mission require strategy. Developing a local media hub needs some joint-up creative thinking. It takes a catalyst with an ear to the ground, listening out for good stories. Make the most of every opportunity, always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us of the hope that we have. A wide range of such hope-filled stories can be found on the various citywide Media Hub websites.

 

The gospel is surely good news. The active engagement of the Christian community in the local media can undoubtedly bring change from the bottom up as we seek the wellbeing of society, fill our society with the testimony of Christ and give an ongoing account of the hope we have.

 

While we are aware of our vulnerability and weakness, God's promises divine power in human weakness in view of His redemptive purposes (Romans 8:19-29).

 

May you prosper-

 

Marijke Hoek  m.hoek@btinternet.com