Timotheose - A son in the Faith

We had two dinner guests last night. David brought them back to us and we had an awesome time. They were both First Nations, Harry is from a band on Vancouver Island's west coast and Eli was from a village called Bella Bella on Campbell Island. They have been staying at First United just down the street.

In speaking to them I found myself getting in touch with some of the major struggles and tragedies that are facing our countries First Nations people. Eli shared how he has learned some of his native language but he is seeing his 'elders' passing off without transmitting their language and culture to future generations. He most likely struggles with alcohol addiction and is unable to return to stay as he is nearing the age of 'eldership' himself. Harry has been here in the Lower Eastside for 30+ years !!! He says he only gets back to his home when he attends funerals, which he says are happening more often.

These men were true gentlemen throughout the evening and although I left at 7:15 to get to an NA meeting and did not get to see them leave I really enjoyed spending time with them. It strikes me that one of the HUGE benefits of practicing radical hospitality is that once you really get to know someone you begin to empathize and personalize their struggles. As in the case of Harry and Eli I am now studying more bout the First Nations struggles and challenges in our modern culture. Through the Spirit's urgings that I think are heightened through close, communal contact I begin to desire to 'champion' their cause.

This, I believe is one reason why we have a homeless and/or poverty 'problem'. Our culture today is splintered, fragmented and fundamentally divorced from the sufferings of its poor and downtrodden. Most Christians do not have an opportunity, or do not make the opportunity to get to 'know' as Christ knows those who are less fortunate in our culture and so it is easy to distance oneself from their suffering. This distancing or objectifying is IMO a type of 'quenching' of the Holy Spirit in his attempts to mold us into a people who champion justice, mercy and grace and as such is completely out of step with the Christian faith.


Maranatha