¡Pura Vida!

What if...? A call to Urban Ministry

Hopewell Baptist Team

This is the team from Hopewell Baptist Church of Davidson, NC who came to El Carmen and remodeled the bathroom in the men's dormitory.  From L to R:  Marshall, Greg, Davis, Elaine and Ed.  Before and after:

2007 Missions Expo

Well tomorrow is the 2007 Missions Expo at Concord Christian.  This is the reason I (Greg) came for a visit to N.C.  Here's a report on some of my goings on:

I've been able to re-connect with lots of old friends, former students, and family members.  I've eaten lots of good food, enjoyed a wonderful climate, watched the leaves begin to change color over the span of the last ten days, meet and be impressed with the children of some of my friends (here's a shout-out to Bailey, Graham, Grayson, Jordan and Caleb), and, most importantly to RELAX!

The American Suburbs...

Ah, the American suburbs.  From time to time I need to be reminded why I don't live that kind of life and yesterday was as good a day as any.  All apologies to my brother Mark (in photo) and others who are happily blossoming in that context!  But it's just not my calling.  I did, however, find an interesting book by an online acquaintance of mine, Will Samson (co-written with his wife Lisa), called:  Justice in the Burbs.  In it he seeks to challenge the Christians of suburbia to re-think their lifestyles and to make some healthy changes.

This is from Will's blog and echoes the sentiments in his book:

Ten Ways to be the People of God in Suburbia
by Chris Smith

1) Live with others from your church community

Whether you share your home with another person or family, or whether you have several families that have homes in close proximity or both, sharing life together is perhaps the most powerful (i.e., going against the grain of suburban culture) way to be the body of Christ in suburbia. If you can't live together, at least find a way to share resources (power tools, lawn mowers, children's clothes/toys, etc).

2) Work Less!

One of the major powers that enslaves suburbia is the idolization of the career. There are many ways to pay the bills that do not involve a 9-5 job, and even within a 9-5 job, there are ways to work less (turning down promotions, taking unpaid leave, etc.) Working less will free you to serve your church community, your family, your neighbors, etc. It will also spur creativity: finding a solution for working less, finding a way to "make ends meet" financially, etc.

3) Throw out the television

Another (and perhaps larger power) that enslaves suburbia is consumerism. You'll be amazed at how your desire for things ebbs as you take the TV out of the picture. If you can't bring yourself to kill the television, at least take steps to lessen its influence (get rid of cable, only use it for movies, put it on a cart that can be wheeled in and out of a closet, etc.) Throwing out the television will also stimulate your creativity.

4) Drive less

Suburban culture is also enslaved to the automobile. Find ways to loosen those bonds (much more difficult in suburbia than in urban areas). Share a vehicle with others in your church community (much easier if you are doing #1 above). Invest in a good bicycle. Walk. There was a segment on "60 minutes" a few weeks ago about how much we miss when we zip around in automobiles. Walking and/or biking will help you be more attentive to your surroundings

5) Have a garden / grow food

Suburban life is often very shut off from the food cycle (Food comes from the grocery store, of course!). Homegrown food is more healthy, it gives you a good excuse to be outside (see #7 below), and it provides you with a resource to share generously with your church community and your neighbors. Phil Kenneson outlines a number of horticultural lessons for the people of God in his intro to LIFE ON THE VINE that are additional benefits of this practice.

6) Get to know your neighbors / listen for their needs

To be human is to be poor. Or in other words, everyone has needs. The challenge of suburbia is that there are many more ways to conceal that poverty, and similarly that it will take more effort to get into a position where a neighbor can reveal their needs. Be intentional about building relationships. Share meals, play poker, have block parties, whatever it takes.

7) Be outside as much as possible.

Another temptation of suburbia - fueled by individualism - is that of the house as an impenetrable fortress. Dissolve this temptation by eating, playing, relaxing outside. This practice is also one avenue to interact with your neighbors.

8) Do not fence in your yard

All apologies to Robert Frost, but fences do not make good neighbors, and in fact they often keep us from making good human neighbors. This is a corollary to #7, the fence is a major component of the impenetrable fortress syndrome; it protects our privacy and keeps out our "evil" neighbors. It often is a statement of distrust. If you must have a fence (to corral a dog for instance) make it as low and as permeable (i.e., not blocking off the view) as you can get away with.

9) Take a stand against the greed of mega-corporations

Whenever possible, resist buying from domineering mega-corporations (e.g., Wal-mart, McDonalds, Starbucks, and others). These corporations destroy local economies and have little or no concern for the environment. Buy as much as you can from businesses that are as local as possible (family-owned businesses are preferable to local chains, local chains are preferable to regional chains, and regional chains are preferable to global corporations.)

10) Utilize and support non-commercial public spaces (parks, libraries, colleges, etc.)

This point is another corollary of #7 above. We must utilize and show our support for these public spaces, lest they be conquered by the powers of individualism (by becoming private property) or by consumerism (by becoming commercial or industrial property). This is also a wonderful way to foster relationships with our neighbors.

Happy Birthday, Joseph Tate Millsaps!

Being Good Soldiers of Christ Jesus

Last night I (Greg) preached at our weekly chapel service.  My message was about being "A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 2:3,4).  To emphasize the point I had everyone dress up in military style. 

Some my question my use of the whole military theme (I know who you are!) but in Mexico we are not divided over a war and aren't all sensitive about such things.  It's all good.