Let the Journey Begin

A number of months ago Isaac Hunter, Senior Pastor of Summit Church, issued a clear and bold challenge to his congregation. He had just returned from the Global Summit on AIDS, hosted by Saddleback Community Church.

If you've heard Isaac preach you know that he's "got it". He consistenly brings a message from the mind and heart of God. On this particular Sunday he was at it again as he shared about the plight of those suffering from the AIDS pandemic in Africa. God had clearly moved him personally. It was time for us to be touched as well.

Isaac asked us all to DO 3 things:

1. Get educated
2. Pray
3. GO

In our wired-world of cell phones, Internet, and 24-hour news it is easy to get what some refer to as "compassion fatigue". Being plugged-in, we are exposed to a relentless stream of stories about suffering, needs, and tragedy. This world can be a brutal place. Voices call for our attention and our response almost daily. Over time this constant exposure can easily overwhelm us. News of tragic realities become noise. It's not that we don't care; it's just that we sense that it's too big, too daunting, too overwhelming...so we do nothing.

I see the wisdom behind Isaac's "get educated" and "pray" parts of the challenge. He's asked us to slow down and focus our attention on a mind-boggling problem. For me that means fighting through the "compassion fatigue", to apply myself a little bit, and to stay open to what God wants to show me.

So let the journey begin. Over the next few weeks, I will be doing the "get educated" and "pray" part of the challenge. I'll keep you posted on the my reflections along the way.

Comments

[pavi]

"Compassion fatigue" resonates with me...

Have been reading "AIDS in the 21st Century" by Tony Barnett & Alan Whiteside, and have found it very helpful so far.

[Jeff]

pavi, good to hear from you! thanks for the tip on Barnett's book. i'll check it out.

[JR Woodward]

Jeff,

Welcome to the blogosphere! It is good to hear that Isaac is feeling it. It is cool to see your posts on the topic. This has been an issue that God has touched me with a while back. Since then, God has enabled me to co-found of the Solis Foundation, which gives micro-grants to people in Kenya. The other way I have been putting stuff into practice is by building sister church relationships with churches in developing countries. I'd love to catch you up sometime on these ventures.

I look forward to checking our your blog in the future. Peace.

[Jeff]

Thanks JR! I've recently got familiar with your site and got inspired! I love what you do woth your blog. I will check out Solis. Last year I was in Dominican Republic--our company supports Hope International (they also set up micro loans in various places around the world) What a powerful tool. I am eager to learn more about your sister church partnerships as well. I am planning to go to Africa with some others in October. It'd be great to learn all I can in advance. Let's be in touch.

[Jeff]

Thanks for the book reference Pavi. I've ordered the book.