A group of 23 Access members went to Toronto to find Jesus. He is exactly what we found- in the person, conversations, and experiences. We saw Jesus in the people we met and we were Jesus to those who needed him. And because I could probably write a novel about everything that I saw and experienced, this post will be in bullet point. :-)
- Brian was a homeless man who got to eat a hotdog and fries finally after a long day. All he wanted in the world was a bed.
- Sindiswa had been in prison with Nelson Mandella (yup, that's right). She was one of the smartest, intelligent, and hospitable women I have ever met. I deeply appreciate and respect her view of life and politics. And she gave me a free mug. :-)
- Gary was a man who struggled with language, drugs, and alcohol, but loved Jesus the best he knew how. He knew the Bible better than most people I know, but I have never heard Jesus talked about correctly while still using the F bomb every 2 words.
- There's something freeing when caucasions are dancing with others at an African festival.
- Community dinners are by far better than having food all to yourself.
- Loneliness kills. Community revives.
- Which is more broken: a prostitute who must give away her body to survive? Or the girl at the club who freely gives it away?
- All people should be loved, respected, and shown dignity. Even if their bedroom is outside.
- Everyone has a story. Everyone wants to share their story. Not everyone gets to share it.
- Jesus is everywhere, no matter how broken the world seems. Hope rises.
- If you want to learn about joy and purity, hang out with a child.
- If you want to have the ultimate time of your life, play with a pool with many children.
- Sometimes loving someone means helping them rob a bag a chips for their hummus. :-)
- People are attracted to those who can stay pure and have a good time- like playing duck duck goose in the middle of a city, crawling through a cardboard sign, or climbing on construction poles.
- Which do we want: someone to say "the prayer" or a changed heart?
- When it comes to communion, I want a whole lot of Jesus.
- Death is the worst and ultimate evil. The good news is that Jesus has conquered death!
- Life is good. Life should be celebrated. It's good to be alive!
- Jesus keeps us safe. Simple, yet so true.
- Wisdom comes from hard and difficult trials.
- There is beauty in painting next to a homeless homosexual man.
- If the church isn't caring, loving, and hospitable to someone, they will find that community somewhere else.
- The church should be accepting of any new believer, no matter where they are in life. But it shouldn't be satisfied in keeping them there.
- Peace is found in the simplest of interactions.
- We are all beggars. Some of us just know where to find the bread.
No comments:
Post a Comment