Editorial Reflections

Mission connects us with neighbors everywhere

 

Mission is about love, relationships and being human, said Denise Attwood of Ganesh Himal Trading.  Overwhelmed at the outpouring in “our small corner of the world because people love and trust us,” she said people grasp caring for people who are suffering:  “It makes us the human family.”  She’s anxious to provide tents and filtered water, but her commitment, as it has been in fair trade, is for the long haul.

Interview by interview, this issue of The Fig Tree wound up themed on mission:

• A woman whose family members have served in the military now wants to give vets an opportunity to farm.

• Locally, CROP walkers, Ganesh Himal, Partners International, World Relief, Seventh-Day Adventists and people in many other churches and faiths find personal and institutional channels to bring relief Nepal.

• A refugee resettlement director brings diversity and taxpayers to the region, strengthening communities.

• A woman persists to assure there is more affordable housing in Spokane because she considers housing a human right.

• Two leaders of multi-service, faith-based entities collaborate to build two buildings to house and serve chronically homeless people, and to empty shelters.

• A former youth minister oversees a planning process to redirect leaders and parishioners to the essence of faith: love.

 A woman connects and educates people to strengthen the area’s food systems.

• The ministry coordinator of a regional church, known for its disaster response, community ministries and health emphasis, spreads her commitment to live for others.

• A regional food distributor is adding a community kitchen to teach cooking.

We have many ways to engage in the mission loving people and helping them heal when they are without the stability of homes, jobs, family and community.  We have hope as part of local-to-global networks of caring that generate more generosity, loving action and  hope.

Lives have literally been turned upside down in Nepal, shaken by the earth’s realignment.  People of all faiths rally through their personal contacts and organizational connections—including via texting, social media, emails and digital communication—to send funds to provide immediate, tangible relief.

Lives have also been turned upside down by personal disasters, exacerbated by policies and practices that leave too many without affordable housing, just-paying jobs, enough food and health care.  Many in right here bear scars of trauma. 

Volunteering among neighbors, bringing new ideas to entrenched problems and educating to change hearts and minds help people be part of solutions.

As people work together, they find partnerships are enriching and effective.  Partners may differ in beliefs, cultures, politics and world views, but they can work together to make a difference.

Mission is abroad, at home, in neighborhoods and in communities.  Mission is about gathering people to work together. 

It is about love and life.  It can be face-to-face and digital. It’s about persevering, protecting, communicating, creating, risking and trusting.  Together we can do much.

Mission is about caring for those with the least and challenging those with the most. 

As it emerges from diverse values and faith, mission makes every day an adventure.

Mary Stamp - Editor

Copyright © May 2015 - The Fig Tree