tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179134574567486764.post7265318962687324132..comments2023-05-09T03:41:15.709-07:00Comments on Emerging Desert: Wrestling With the 'BurbsAdamBamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13037604355086541088noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179134574567486764.post-9041881200862589172008-04-08T21:45:00.000-07:002008-04-08T21:45:00.000-07:00This is the first thing that came to mind. So, goo...This is the first thing that came to mind. So, good idea or not, here goes...<BR/><BR/>I have met quite a few interesting people that are involved with a group called North West Neighbors here in Pasadena. To make a long story short, the NW area of Pasadena is pretty 'tough'. Gangs, drugs, crime, etc. These Christian folks go out of their way to live in geographic proximity and to serve their neighbors in NW Pasadena. This incarnational (a word?) stuff is pretty inspiring and very Jesus-ish.<BR/><BR/>However, there are a few people involved with NW Neighbors that don't live in NW Pasadena. They serve and live in more of an urban setting. These people also inspire me. I met one a few months back that lives on the average national income, which is pretty difficult to do in CA, and gives the rest away to charities that he is involved with. I also know a couple that make a lot of money, but also chose an extremely modest lifestyle, giving what I guess to be over 50% of their income away. <BR/><BR/>It is important to remember that all of this post was prefaced by the fact that these people are involved in a powerful and self sacrificing ministry, and that they live among the poor and at a distance. The key is that their hearts are always with the poor and marginalized. <BR/><BR/>Being practical, therefore, I suggest that we challenge our idea of sacrificial giving. I've been re-reading 'Rich Christians in an age of Hunger' and some of the giving practices in that book will seriously challenge the soul. Perhaps that is what we need.<BR/><BR/>BTW - I'm writing this tired, late (for me), and without editing, so don't hold it against me! <BR/><BR/>Much love - The NardNardrodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04794169208219388370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179134574567486764.post-38077747420877412822008-04-01T06:32:00.000-07:002008-04-01T06:32:00.000-07:00here's what we do:We lead the way OUT. We've obse...here's what we do:<BR/>We lead the way OUT. We've obsessed about getting the church IN; now it's half past time to go OUT. Join what's already happening in the community. I've never lived in any city that didn't have something goin on with the poor, under-resourced, disenfranchised population...even the wealthy beautiful La Jolla, CA. There we got homeless guys leading the worship team because they'd been fed and healed and touched by the Spirit of the Living Jesus.<BR/>So, here I am in Walmart exec. country, NWA, where shopping is primary entertainment for the wealthy bankrupt. I look for a way into the emptiness that is glossed over by the buzzing veneer of too much activity. AND, I have my eye on the other side of the tracks...the enormous immigrant population. How do I get in there? Aha! A crisis pregnancy center is looking for volunteer counselors. Right into the heart of the family that barely speaks English, lives on beans and rice, and cries out for some sign of hope in a foreign land. "Here we go, Jesus; I can't wait to see what you'll do!"Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01723288126443155022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179134574567486764.post-91018402237619658592008-03-28T23:02:00.000-07:002008-03-28T23:02:00.000-07:00I love the quote about the need to know the poor. ...I love the quote about the need to know the poor. That really challenged me to go out and get to know people who are in my community yet struggling. I think every Christian should know at least one homeless person.maventheavenger aka jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08581785862551437315noreply@blogger.com