Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Not For Sale


This past week at Rhythm (our Friday night creative worship/prayer time), two of our apprentices showed a documentary about human trafficking, the sex industry and modern-day slavery. Most of the people affected by these horrendous injustices are women and children. It's hard to believe that such things still take place in our day and age. Although I was aware of many of these things, I was shocked by how widespread the problem is (including the U.S.).


This is one of the great blessings of community - we are able to learn from one another's passions. The heart of two of our apprentices has now informed the rest of our community. They have made us aware of issues that burden the heart of God. Actually, issues isn't the right word. These are people we are talking about, who are used and abused in the worst ways. And the "least of these" always seem to be on the heart of God.


This week in NieuCommunities South Africa we are talking about justice, spiritual warfare and our Contending God. God-of-the-Angel-Armies, as the Message puts it. We'll be using Isaiah 58 as a source of "alternative" spiritual disciplines in our spiritual practices time this week. The chapter is full of references to the kind of people, who are on the heart of God (see verses 6-9). How do we fight on behalf of the poor, oppressed, homeless, hungry, ill-clad (naked), etc.? Are any of these on your heart? If so, we'd love to hear your stories of mercy and how you are contending for those who suffer.

Related websites:
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/ (Not For Sale)
http://tradeasone.com/ (Trade As One)

Friday, July 18, 2008

Happy 90th Birthday Nelson Mandela

Today we celebrate a man, who helped unify a nation that could have torn apart at the seams. In honor of Nelson Mandela I'd like to share some of his quotes:

If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.

There is no such thing as part freedom.

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.

There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.

In my country we go to prison first and then become president.

Selah