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INTRODUCTION
TO DEEPENING
FATIH THROUGH COMPASSION,
SERVICE, AND JUSTICE “What
does the Lord require? That you
seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
“But
let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing
stream” Amos 5:24 “…I
was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to
drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me
clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited
me. Then the righteous will answer
him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty
and gave you something to drink? And
when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you
clothing? And when was it that we
saw you sick or in prison and visited you?
And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to
one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:35-40
In my experience, one of the most profound ways for young people to
deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with our God who created
us, with Jesus who lived with us as our teacher, and with the Holy Spirit who
fills us and strengthens us, is to learn justice through a process of
preparation, action, and reflection. Most
kids don’t need to be entertained in a youth program.
They can and do find much slicker entertainment on TV, at the mall, or on
their computer. As adults who work
with youth, entertainment is the last thing they need from us.
What they generally don’t get from TV the mall or their computer is an
opportunity to bring forth the gifts and talents God hardwired into each person
and to use those gifts to work for social and ecological justice and compassion.
The Holy Spirit can move through any experience and bring out amazing
things. All we need to do is set
the stage, and God’s Spirit will blow through and bring miracles small and
large into being. The following
activities are ways of setting the stage, ways of involving kids in that cycle
of preparation – action – reflection
that can profoundly change lives and touch the wider world.
Each topic has preparation – action – reflection components that can
be done as part of several regular youth group meetings, or as a retreat or
mission trip, or as part of an intergenerational program, or divided up into any
way that will work in your setting. While
experiencing just a piece of this whole process can be beneficial, it is best if
all the participants move through the whole process.
The “action” piece without either preparation or reflection can
actually turn into a bad experience for youth, particularly if they are doing
something outside their “comfort zone” or normal routine. Deepening Faith: Youth Ministry Resources and Some Miscellaneous Advice Rev. Lizann Bassham, Front Porch Spirit Press Copyright © 2001
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