This morning I had a meeting with Jonathon Byrd and a group of like-minded people concerned about social justice issues from a Christian perspective in the Lower Mainland. Jonathon who also works with City In Focus, pulled us together to discuss the formation of this group and how it might network to facilitate the ministries of local churches as they fulfill their call to advance the Kingdom of God in their community.
Here is an excerpt of the proposed mission:
Shalom Seekers is a multidisciplinary association of Christians whose mission is to transform Greater Vancouver by facilitating local churches to integrate spiritual renewal with social justice through strategic, collaborative, and holistic treatments of the root causes of poverty. Empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ and relying on the reconciling counsel of the Holy Spirit, we reflect upon the character of God as revealed in scripture and creation as well as upon our urban con5text, so that we may enact the Kingdom values of the gospel.
Our goal is shalom: the comprehensive well-being of everyone and everything in a given place, which emerges from restored relationships that rely on our Creator and Sustainer.
The first issue being explored by the group is the need for affordable housing and the related needs experienced by both those receiving the service and those giving the service. This is a timely discussion as the City of Vancouver readies itself for the 2010 Olympics. The transformation of the downtown eastside is not without controversy. However I think that God may be answering the many prayers made for change. My concern though is that the downtown diaspora of people with tremendous needs–housing, medical, social, relational, spiritual–must be received by our communities with thoughtful and cooperative efforts. I believe, the Triage proposal and project just off Fraser at 41st was met with incredible hostility in my community because of the failure to engage minds, hearts, and hands in the development of a plan to integrate and relate its residents to the community. No cooperative effort was made ( If it was, I missed it.) Though the project seems to be moving forward I am hopeful that cooperative efforts will be sought for the well being of us all. I’m talking about engaging people on the sidewalk, the coffee shop, the backyard, the grocery, the medical clinic, and the living room. BEING KNOWN is essential for healthy community.
These are “our sons and daughters.” This is my concern. I am “that” man or woman’s neighbour. So I am interested. I believe our churches are filled with people who are also interested; perhaps fearful, perhaps bewildered as to where to start, but nonetheless concerned. I hope that Shalom Seekers will be able to network practitioners, local churches, and the concerned into the prophetic conversation and action that is needed in our communities. I am excited by the possibility of creating a forum for sharing best practices and applying them cooperativly in local neighbourhoods.
I will post more on Shalom Seekers as it is available. As well I will issue an invitation to the Shalom Seekers 2006 Conference, in October. The major topic will deal with housing issues.
