I have been contemplating a lot lately. We are currently 4 weeks into the School of Social Justice and it has been an amazing time. The past few weeks have been focusing on several areas relating to injustices in the world. Several of the speakers have helped provide a foundation for the teachings to come.
The first week we had Michael Zahniser share on God & Creation. The second week was Doug Toller teaching on World View. This week helped to provide understanding of how the world holds basically 4 main views of the world: Secular Humanism, Liberal Theology, New Age Thinking, or Biblical Christianity. We looked at each of these areas in the scope of theology, philosophy, ethics, biology, psychology, sociology, law, politics, economics & history. There was a lot of information, but quite amazing to see how each of these areas are influenced by a types of "world view". How we think often influences how we approach life, our beliefs, our actions, etc.
The third week was with Rob Morris (founder of Love146). This week focused on God's heart for and perspective on justice. This was challenging as he shared many stories from his experiences with those who are victims of injustice. Yet, he challenged us all to keep anchored in God to help us to confront these problems. Also, this week I was able to meet with others from our YWAM base with David Batstone (from Not For Sale). I am looking to see if there is a way we can possibly incorporate some investigative training that they do into the SSJ. This is a big prayer request for wisdom in seeing if this is a possibility.
And last week, we had Phil Gazley share on Human Trafficking (or the trafficking of human beings.) He shared some of the problems that exist globally, but focused a lot of attention on what was happening domestically (in the United States.) The problem is staggering and goes mostly unnoticed. It is the second largest illegal activity in the world today ($32 billion per year) next to drugs. I could go on with more statistics, but you get the idea... Phil also shared the importance of the "one". When looking at the issues of injustice and the vast scale of the problem it can seem overwhelming. If we focus on the needs of the one person, we can make a difference in their lives. It is about the person that God cares. If we can transform, bring freedom and healing to that one person, it is all worth it.
Well, that is just a fraction of all that God has been doing this past month. It is a lot to absorb and the students, staff & myself have been challenged so much. It is exciting to see a dream come to fruition. This has been on my heart for the last 1 1/2 years to start this school. It came a a small whisper in my heart. As, I pursued that whisper and spent SEVERAL hours working to make it a reality, it has been exciting to see all that God is doing. If I can encourage any of you, it would be with this: "Pursue the whispers that God speaks to you." They are exciting and though you may not see the results quickly. They are well worth it. I am excited for all that God has done and is yet to do. I believe that lives will be freed (physically, emotionally, & spiritually) through this dream I have been chasing. Not that I am Martin Luther King, Jr. or anything, but I believe I have a dream too. I believe that it is possible to eliminate injustice. I am just being faithful to pursue this dream with the tools that I have in my hands. Hopefully, in time, I will see the results of this effort.
Blessings! Cary
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