God among my neighbours

We are standing at the entrance of a growing movement. Christians are feeling a burden, I believe, moved by the Holy Spirit, to refocus on their community. How would we identify God's presence in the neighbourhood, if we remain alienated from it? When He moves in my barrio, what does it look like?

People I work with in South America and the Caribbean are developing creative ways of integrating Jesus' teachings into their every day life at the market place, the school, with their neighbours and family. It looks quite different from place to place, from home groups to local schools, craft fairs and volunteer associations, the spectrum is wide, the opportunities many.

One challenge I see us facing: Are we going to make the time to give back to our community? My biggest concern is that most of those elaborating a theology of Community Ministry are not ready to pay the price of getting their feet wet in the sea of problems, personalities and short comings of working with people of all backgrounds and not always as receptive as we wish they were.

May we follow clear directions from God as we embark in this exciting venture of seeing His Kingdom come amidst our neighbours!