In the last three weeks I have gone from the tall buildings of downtown Chicago to the tall firs and spruces of Minnesota forests…from the spiced aroma of Ethiopian cuisine to the fresh air of the Lake Superior shore. And in between, lies the big/small city of Grand Rapids spiced by family and Union Congregation. It’s amazing how different they all are. And yet, they all have something in common…their need for God’s care and our need to provide God’s care to them.
I was able to witness some of God’s care being provided to marginalized people in Chicago – the Nigh Ministry Bus, Refugee 1, St. Pius V Catholic Church, the Center on Halsted, Trinity UCC, Chinatown Community Center, Lakeview Lutheran Church. I was struck all at once by the tremendous needs of the people residing in these various places, the tremendous obstacles that prevent people from improving their situation, and the tremendous courage and fortitude of those saints helping overcome the obstacles. Through the power of the Holy Spirit they help people who are ostracized or living in poverty or both find hope.
I’ve enjoyed the short burst of forests and waters of Lake Superior, but soon I will be back in Grand Rapids. I will miss the tall firs and the Lake Superior air. But the gentle Voice that is heard as the wind brushes the trees sends me back to Grand Rapids, to family and Union Congregation. I think about those, inside and outside the congregation, who are marginalized and without hope. The Voice calls me to help Union Congregation find hope…and to help Union Congregation help others find hope.
