I leave early in the morning -- and I find myself becoming part of the Food for the Hungry journey. This organization is actively pursuing a development strategy that integrates the physical and the spiritual. I confess that my own perspective on development, rooted strongly in the action aspect, neglects transformation and freedom found in the discovery of salvation. So is this goal just deficient words? How is physical/spiritual (as inseparable) development practically instated in people's lives? Perhaps some would prefer their development assistance free from spiritual pressure; but then am I called to suppress my identity and abandon any mention of motivation?
As I enter the field, I will return to this concept when it becomes tangible.
The past two days I spent at internship training in Phoenix (the headquarters of FH), learning from wise men and women about development, relief responses, and most importantly about personal journeys. Without a doubt, speaking to Bo and Julie, two of the staff who work with interns, gave me much to think about on my thirty hour travel day. I was challenged to assess my individual response to grace, to recognize the barriers to fully connecting with people and God the way He intended it, and to ponder perhaps the largest barrier of them all: self.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
1 comments:
Soooo exciting Lisa, I'm definitely praying for you through this and I know God is going to work in such powerful ways. I really can't tell you how awesome it is seeing you do this and knowing how it will change you. Also, on this post topic I wholeheartedly agree that you can't separate those two aspects. Traditional conservative Christianity has tried to give the spiritual without the physical and traditional liberal secularism has tried to do the opposite. I think our boy Jesus found the perfect balance and I pray that, in these journeys, you will too. Blessings.
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