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)