Redemption, reconciliation, and transformation are words that connote a strong sense of hope, of possibility. These words also characterize the work of God in the world and in the lives of anyone who opens their heart to his love and grace. Amazingly, God calls those he redeems to become agents of transformation themselves.
I can think of no better example of heeding the call and taking on the work of reconciliation, redemption, and transformation than that seen in Agape Development and Restoration Community Church in Houston’s Third Ward. Agape Development was founded by St. John the Divine parishioners Kirk and Amanda Craig in 2005. The primary work of Agape Development is to prepare people to become Christ-following, independent community leaders who will in turn foster and further the work of transformation among their family, friends, and neighbors.
As part of their strategic vision, Agape leadership saw the need for a church partner in the neighborhood. David Hill, then on the Agape staff, began working as the pastor of the Restoration Community Church (RCC) in 2010, and just this year transitioned to the role of full-time pastor for that congregation. Together these two ministries constitute a holistic and effective team that addresses the practical and spiritual needs of individuals and families in the Third Ward of Houston.
It is noteworthy that Kirk and Amanda, as well as David and Melissa Hill, and their families, along with Agape staff members live in the neighborhood they serve. In other words, they are all in. Their commitment and shared vision is for the total transformation of the community surrounding their geographic location within the Third Ward; individuals, families, housing options, new recreational opportunities and facilities, proximate wholesome food options, safe streets, and playgrounds. To achieve the scope and depth of transformation alluded to above Agape employs a wide range of programs addressing the needs of children, teens, and adults that include recreation, education, preparation for employment and guidance in improving life skills to name just a few.
In addition to our prayers, the parish supports Agape financially through grants administered by the St. John’s outreach committee. Yet the assets that are always in short supply are volunteers to help support and staff the many programs and activities of Agape Development.
A number of St. John the Divine parishioners are or have been involved with Agape Development over the years either as board members (Ann Cochran and Lori Gobillot), as volunteers assisting in one of a wide variety of youth and adult programs or as participants in short-term projects. Only recently, a St. John the Divine team led by Brett Hamilton completed a substantive home improvement project at one of the Gateway houses for women. In addition, Men’s Life has worked on several Saturday work projects at Agape over the last few years. Others have been involved in assisting with after school programs, providing transportation, assisting with neighborhood-focused projects and mentoring youth and adults. These volunteer opportunities may seem to be something you or I can do for others, a kindness if you will. But in fact, the act of serving others results in our own spiritual growth as well as fulfilling our own calling to carry God’s love and grace into the world.
When we who've known the love of God in Christ Jesus begin to turn our attention outward, when we begin to listen, to perceive and empathize with the needs of those around us - the struggle and pain, the hurt and senseless loss, the desperation of so many - it is, I believe, evidence of the Holy Spirit pressing us to continue our journey into wholeness. In serving, we become participants in both the transformation of the world around us and, interestingly enough, in our own ongoing transformation. There is no waste in God's economy.
I believe the parish of St. John the Divine has sensed the Holy Spirit pressing on it to move along on our journey toward wholeness and transformation in the image of Christ Jesus by engaging the community around us and throughout Houston. I believe the Spirit of God is pressing us to live into the love we've known in such a way that others can see and experience that same love, caring, and compassion for themselves. We as members of the Body of Christ are called into the world for the sake of others, and yet even as we go we are healed.
We have an open invitation to join with and support Agape and Restoration Community Church in the work of transformation to heal and restore the lives of individuals, families and the community in the Third Ward. We go as disciples of Jesus Christ. We go as an incarnation of God’s love seeking to form relationships with and to serve the people of the Third Ward. The physical and spiritual ground is broken; the work is ongoing in the Third Ward. Pray for and seek to discern how we, how you, may be called to come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus to further aid and support the work of transformation, and just as importantly, to cooperate with God in our own transformation.
Comentarios