Convictions turned to action
If any of you have moved you know that there are many things that go into the process. Besides the actual physical move, you have the changing of addresses, switching license plates and registration, finding a grocery store, a doctor, a mechanic, just to name a few. This and much more has all been part of my adventure moving to Dorchester. In the midst of it all, I was reminded and convicted that this move is an opportunity to put my urban ministry ideals to the test, which means making intentional decisions as I settle into my everyday life in Dorchester.
Part of my reason for moving to the neighborhood where I work is my firm belief that one really needs to live amongst the people one is serving. The issues that people face daily in the city become your own. This might seem like a bit of a stretch for some people, but if you look at the example of Jesus, He came to the earth to live and breath, face temptations, and encounter life like each one of us. My desire is to really experience what my new neighbors experience. Simple things like, the hassle of changing my license and paying high MA insurance rates, to being a part of the discussions addressing the increase in youth violence in our neighborhood.
As I am making my new life in Dorchester, I have been given the opportunity to put my convictions into action. I talk about racial reconciliation, but am I willing to put myself in a situation where I am in the minority? If I am serious about influencing the economy of the city, am I willing to spend the extra money to go to a local mechanic verses a national chain that might be cheaper? Am I going
to go to a church in my neighborhood were I am practically the only one my age, or take the T into Boston to be with young adults more like me? Am I going to be patient and take the time to build relationships that cross barriers or
am I going totake the easier route and fin others like me?
I truly believe God has given me an amazing opportunity to grow and serve here with The Boston Project. For years I have read and talked about wanting to participate in Christian community development in the inner-city, and now God has opened a door. Pray that I step fully into what the Lord has in store for me.
