Global Partners Journal

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GLOBAL MINISTRIES s eeing the face of Christ in our global partners M I S S I O N P I L G R I M A G E J O U R N A L

description

Seeing the Face of Christ in our Global Partners

Transcript of Global Partners Journal

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GLOBAL MINISTRIES

seeing the face of Christ in our global partners

M I S S I O N P I L G R I M A G E J O U R N A L

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Name:

Destination:

“ Our individual

as well as communal lives

are so deeply molded by

our worries about tomorrow

that today hardly can be

experienced.”

– H e n r i N o u w e n

GLOBAL MINISTRIESA common witness of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ

F r o m o u t d o o r s t e p s “ t o t h e e n d s o f t h e e a r t h . ” ( A c t s 1 : 8 ) My mission trip journal

Experience Today!

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David Vargas, President of the Division of Overseas Ministriesand Co-Executive of Global Ministries shared with a gatheringof mission interpreters that “the most difficult challenge weface these days is the indifference, negative attitudes,misunderstandings, lack of information, frustrations, barriers,and other realities we encounter as we try to interpret amongour congregations and constituencygroups what is our understanding ofGod’s call to ‘share life in Christ’ to theends of the earth; what we mean by‘global sharing of resources’; and whatwe believe is a true ‘prophetic vision ofa just, sustainable, and peaceful worldorder, joining with God’s concern forthe poor and the oppressed.”

A People-to-People Pilgrimage is a very important way ofaddressing these challenges because it often times results inthe breaking down of barriers as individuals cross cultures. It provides a new understanding of what it means to be amember of a global community.

WWhhyy aa PPeeooppllee--ttoo--PPeeooppllee PPiillggrriimmaaggee??A People-to-People Pilgrimage is an exciting adventure, notonly for those who participate in the pilgrimage, but for theentire congregation! The experience is contagious and mayresult in a revitalization of your congregation. Global Ministrieshas as its priority an emphasis on “Critical Presence”, which isunderstood as meeting God’s people andcreation at the point of deepest need:spiritually, physically, emotionally, and/oreconomically. A People-to-People Pilgrimageprovides opportunities for individuals toparticipate in a ministry of critical presence byvisiting with and accompanying our overseaspartner churches in a particular project.

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Meditations

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2Watch for God at Work

Matthew tells us in his gospel (Matthew 2:2):

“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, .and have come to pay him homage.”

If we could look through a mighty telescope or listen to electronicsoundings, we could hear and see the metallic stars that many countries,including the United States, have shot into space in the past few years. Noneof these synthetic stars have brought peace to the world. But God’s starpromised peace to the world, if man would believe and trust. There is still astar in the sky. There is still a song in the air. And Jesus Christ is alive. He iswith us, a living Presence, to conquer anxiety, to impart hope and take awayour loneliness, anxiety and reconcile us to God.

Prayer:

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Praise God for Bringing Us Here!

Today you begin your mission trip. Reflect on these thoughts from AlbertSchweitzer as you go from your doorstep to ______________________.

Christ Comes as One UnknownChrist comes to us as one unknown, without a name, as of old by thelakeside he came to those who knew him not. He speaks to us the sameword: “Follow thou me,” and sets us to the tasks which he has to fulfill forour time. He commands. And to those who obey him, whether they be wiseor simple, he will reveal himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferingswhich they shall pass through in his fellowship, and as an ineffable mysterythey shall learn in their own experience who he is.

Prayer:

Lord, open our hearts so that we recognize you among these people and in thisplace to which we have been called.

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3 Loving One Another

Philippians 2:1-4“1If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, anysharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,

2Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being infull accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, butin humility regard others as better than yourselves.

4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”

Observe, Ask why, Listen

- Observe in a spirit of openness;suspend judgment

- Ask why; be a learner- Listen - really really listen

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4Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord

Philipians 2:5-7“5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born inhuman likeness.”

James 4:10“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Micah 6:8“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require ofyou but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Examples of a humble spirit seen in our hosts:

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Prayer:

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6Prayer Power

Note: Before this session, ask your host (Global Ministriespartners/missionaries) how you can pray for them.

Devotional - keep on praying

My reflections on the Scripture passages:

Matthew 7:7 __________________________________________________

Luke 18:1-8 __________________________________________________

Ephisians 6:18 ________________________________________________

I Thess. 5:16-18 _______________________________________________

James 5:13-16 ________________________________________________

God’s Message to me personally from these passages:

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I thank God for:

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Served and Serving

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated. On her pedestal was inscribed “The New Colossus”, a sonnet by America poetEmma Lazarus, that welcomed immigrants to the United States with the declaration:

“Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

As I read these words, I am reminded of similarwords from our Lord: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty andyou gave me something to drink, I was a strangerand you invited me in,I needed clothes and youclothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,I was in prison and you came to visit me.”(Matthew 25: 35-36). And finally, I am remindedof our Lord’s command that we love one anotheras He has loved us. (John 15:12)

Prayer:

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Meditations

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8Future with Hope

Jeremiah 29:11 “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for yourwelfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

Taking God’s word and applying it in a way that gives a future of hope toothers is a blessing for all of us. Tired and weary on this journey, we areexcited with what God is doing here.

Prayer:

O Lord, your blessings to us this day and each and every day are too many forus to count. This trip has been another blessing, an opportunity to serve youand your people. THANKS BE TO GOD!

Amen.

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God is Our Refuge and Strength

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Perhaps you woke up this morning wondering, “What am I doing here?”Perhaps your body aches from using muscles in ways to which they areunaccustomed. Perhaps you are challenged by language and culturaldifferences. Perhaps you are tired of our brothers and sisters cooking, andlong for a good ol’ spaghetti dinner! Remember that whatever challengesyou have encountered, or may yet lie ahead of you, you are there to doChrist’s work, and He will surely give you the strength to see it through.

Prayer:

Our Father God, Please be with us this day,as you have been each day, and help us tocarry out your work. Give our bodies thestrength to do the physical labor, and ourhearts and minds the strength to do theemotional labor of ministering to the needs of our brothers and sisters community. Wethank you for the opportunity that you haveput before us, and ask your blessing on each of us as we go throughout the day.

Amen.

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10... in the Power of the Spirit

Devotional - The Power of God

Reflect on Luke 4:14-19; and Acts1:8

In Luke, what did the Holy Spirit do through Jesus?

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What did Jesus promise to his followers in Acts 1:8?

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Evidence I have seen of the Holy Spirit during this pilgrimage experience:

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Prayer:

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I Thank My God Every Time I Remember You

Mark 12: 28-31 “28One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another,and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandmentis the first of all?” 29Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord ourGod, the Lord is one; 30you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’31The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no othercommandment greater than these.”

This scripture well describes where your hearts have been andyour energy given these past several days, demonstrating yourlove for God and for your neighbor. Those who have helpedmake your mission trip possible have expressed that love also.Being with your brothers and sisters, you have lived andworked on hallowed ground where saints have strived forjustice and given their lives that the suffering of many of theirpeople might end. What a sobering thought – to have donethat! Perhaps you are one of the saints.

Prayer:

O God, thank you for this opportunity to walk where the saints have walked,for the opportunity to know, a little better, our brothers and sisters here, and tobe able to make a difference for some of them. Bless those saints who have giventheir lives for justice, and those who continue to struggle for human rights, bothhere and around the world. Give us the faith and spirit to continue to servewherever your spirit calls us.

Amen

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Meditations d a y

11 Extra MMeditations:________________________________________________________________________

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It’s All About God

Praise and Reflection

I praise God for ____________________________

God has used this experience to teach me/remind me that:

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The thing I will no longer complain about at home is:

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These are some specific ways I can help my teammates adjust to life back home:

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JournalingHere We Go!

I am excited about…

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What are you concerned about?

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“Travel gives rise to its own kind of spirituality: to a grand appreciation forcommunity, to a passionate love of this earth, to an urgent longing fortranscendence, and even to a sweet foretaste of death.”- Thomas Moore

What are you looking forward to?

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“Fasting is a reminder that there are other values besides self-gratification andmeeting our own needs.” It is about traveling light on the road with Jesus. It isabout leaving behind those things that will become a hindrance or that will beentirely inappropriate for the path we are taking.”- Justo Gonzalez

What are you leaving behind?

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Prayer:

Loving God, prepare me to serve you well in this venture. Ease my anxiety andfears and grant me courage to face the unknown. Help me sense your presencewith me here and now, as well as ahead of me at our destination, makingready for our arrival. In the name of Jesus, who showed us how to trust you.

Amen.

Where am I?

What are the colors, sights, smells, and animals you see?

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What is the weather like?

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Where are you staying?

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Where are you feeling discomfort or inconvenience?

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How are you responding to this?

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What do the buildings and streets look like?

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What are the best views?

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What are the worst views?

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What spirit do you see in this land?

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JournalingWhat Time Is It?

“Each bit of creation is sustained by the life of God, is sacrament, and isengaged with the whole of creation. Each moment of life can be, and if we arecommitted to the humility of Christ, must be Eucharist.”– Maggie Ross

What are you doing with your free time?

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How do attitudes towards time differ here from those of your experience at home?

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How is time measured in moments rather than minutes?

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How are you observing Sabbath time during this trip?

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Who are the People?

People I have met…

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People that brightened my day…and why…

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What do people seem happy about?

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What do people look like?

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What kind of work do people do?

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How are you communicating?

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What hand gestures have you learned are helpful?

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JournalingWhat are you hiding from others?

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Where have you seen enthusiasm?

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Where have you seen sadness?

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Memorable things people say…

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Questions you have for people…

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What stereotypes are you seeing being eroded away?

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How’s the Work?

“That’s what we’re here for: to make the world new. We know what to do: seekjustice, love mercy, walk humbly, treat every person as though she were yourself. These are not complicated instructions. It’s much harder to decipher thedirections for putting together a child’s tricycle than it is to understand these.”– Nancy Mairs

What have you accomplished?

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What is left unfinished?

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What frustrates you?

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What energizes you?

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What compels you to finish the project?

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What does it mean for you to present yourself “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” in the context of your work project?

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Acts 10:34-35

Then Peter began to

speak to them: “I Truly

understand that God

shows no partiality,35but in every nation

anyone who fears him

and does what is right

is acceptable to him.”

“ In our era, the road to

holiness necessarily passes

through the world of action.”

– Dag Hammarskjold

continued

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Journaling

Where do you feel yourself putting love into the doing?

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What is the hardest part of the work?

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How is your offering something beautiful?

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During a difficult stretch of material shortage on one work trip in Africa a woman wrote – “A dramatic change came over us when we began tounderstand our real purpose in being here. Peace and fulfillment envelopedus, and we went out to be with the children every spare minute, praying forJesus to work through us to bring them joy. We were not there just to workon the room – the materials might never come. We were there to be withthe children.”

How does what you are doing here differ fromwhat you expected to be doing?

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How are you dealing with this?

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Where do you see God in all of this?

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“ It is how much love we put in the doing that

makes our offering something beautiful for God.”

– Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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JournalingLooking Deeper

What conflict have you sensed as the “tip of the iceberg?”

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Where do you feel you need to look deeper?

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Where are you uncomfortable?

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Why do you think this is so?

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What underlying beliefs are bubbling to the surface?

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Prayer:

Dear Lord and creator of all humankind, help me see beyond surface differencesto the essential core, the spark of the divine in everyone I meet today. In thename and love of Jesus, Amen.

Seeking God’s Presence

Name some aspects of ordinary life for a person in the country you are working in.

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How might these aspects of life be sanctified?

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What suffering have you seen?

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How are you concerned for it?

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What does it usually take for you to be aware of the suffering of others in your daily life?

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How might you become more aware of this?

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Where is God in all of this?

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“Holiness is the

sanctification of

ordinary life.”

“In the contemplative life every

conflict, inner and outer, small or

large, can be seen as the tip of an

iceberg the expressive part of

something deeper or larger. It is

worthwhile, even necessary to

explore that which is underneath

the surface of our daily actions,

thoughts, and feelings.”

– Henri Nouwen

“ You will have found Christ when you are concerned

with other people’s suffering and not your own.”

–Flannery O’Connor

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“When Christ said: “I was hungry and you fed me,” he didn’t mean only the

hunger for bread and for food; he also meant the hunger to be loved.”

- Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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JournalingLoving One Another

Galatains 5:14 – For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment,“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Pray for your team members by name.

What concerns do you have about the mission team?

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How do those concerns affect your participation?

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Colossians 3:12-17

“12As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion,kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and, ifanyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lordhas forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together inperfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to whichindeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one anotherin all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, andspiritual songs to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everythingin the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

What specific behaviors reflect “compassion, kindness,humility, meekness, and patience?”

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Where do you or another in the group need helpexpressing one or more element here?

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Where do you see harmony? Discord?

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How can you reach out to offer “the Peace of Christ?”

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What behaviors do you see strengthening the relationships among your group?

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How can you “speak the truth in love?”

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Prayer:

Lord, bless your children gathered here, hoping to do your will and to serveothers in your name. Unite us by your love and in your love that we may upliftand bring out the best in each other. Empower us to work through differencesand conflict so we may better understand and help one another. In the name ofJesus, who gave his life for all, Amen.

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JournalingWho’s the Stranger?

Deuteronomy 10:17-19“17For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God,mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, 18who executesjustice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providingthem with food and clothing. 19You shall also love the stranger, for you werestrangers in the land of Egypt.”

How does this scripture portray God?

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According to this passage, what does God expect of us?

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How do you think the Hebrew people felt when they were strangers in the land of Egypt?

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How does it feel to be a stranger in a foreign land?

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What aspects of hospitality have you received?

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What feeling have you experienced in response?

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What makes it difficult to accept hospitality from others?

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When you pass strangers on the street, look at them, make eye contact and acknowledge the divine spark within each person.

Psalm 137:4“How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?”

Concern for the Poor

If we affirm God’s presence in everyhuman event, we might wonder why suffering persists.

Why are these people poor?

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How are you poor in comparison to them?

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How are they oppressed?

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Do you feel oppressed?

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What has afflicted them?

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What has afflicted you?

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Deuteronomy 31:6“Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them,because it is the Lord your God who goes with you;he will not fail you or the Lord your God who goeswith you; he will not fail you or forsake you.”

“ We cannot love God unless

we love each other, and to

love we must know each

other. We know Him in the

breaking of bread, and we

know each other in the

breaking of the bread and

we are not alone any more.”

– Dorothy Day

“ Poor and afflicted and oppressed people

have faces, and we are required to look

squarely into them. We can’t love what

we won’t experience.”

– Nancy Mairs

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JournalingThere is Hope

Where do you see despair?

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Where do you see hope?

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Where do the people of this nation seem to feel hope?

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Where do you see the hope of Jesus Christ in this land and its people?

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How can you be a part of the fostering of hope?

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Remembering

When they ask you how your trip was, what will you say about…

the people?

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the work?

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the worship?

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the accommodations?

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the country?

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God?

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how you are different?

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What are the key feelings you want to get across? How are you doing this?

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“ Hope is a dimension of the Spirit. It is not outside us, but within us. When

you lose it, you must seek it again within yourself and in people around you –

not in objects or events.”

–Vaclav Havel

“For those who walk the way of the cross, behind Jesus, one kind of hope stands out.

It is the hope in knowing Jesus as the risen one who promises never to desert us,

even beyond physical death… that we do not have to be content with the limits

we now experience, but that we shall be “like him,” like this risen Christ.”

– Martin Marty

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JournalingRemembering

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Reflecting back . . .

Where did you feel closest to God in your mission project?

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Where do you feel closest to God now?

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Where did you see the face of Christ in the people there?

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How have your worship experiences changed since your mission trip?

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Where did you feel God smile?

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Where did you feel God cry?

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How is it with your soul?

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JournalingWhat, change?

What adjustments have you made upon return?

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What changes in yourself, in your attitudes and perceptions please you most?

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What changes have been most difficult?

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How has your experience of time changed?

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What things and activities would you like to spend more time on?

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What things and activities interfere most with whatyou really believe God wants you to do?

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How could you reduce these barriers?

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What do you see now?

What ongoing needs encountered in your mission project site can you see,now that you have returned home?

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What forces currently work together in your community for the good of all people?

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What service or economic projects already underway in your church and community can you support? How?

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Who are the people you encounter in you work or community that are in need?

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What concrete ways can you get to know them and their needs?

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Organize

Prepare

After we return (within the first month)

a debriefing session for the group to guide them in processing theexperience and incorporating it into their lives, and that of thecongregation, conference or region.

a presentation for your congregation, conference or region and any others who may have assisted you in the planning process.

copies of stories, reflections, photos (preferably email documents and photos) and evaluation forms to the People-to-People PilgrimageProgram office. Your group’s documented experience is a record of themission of the whole church. The People-to-People PilgrimageProgram will share your group’s mission experience throughnewsletters and Global Ministries web site (www.globalministries.org).

Submit

Keep praying

Discuss

You may direct your giftsor inquiries to:

for the people you met and tell your story to anyone who will listen. Startplanning for another visit. Be creative about ways to stay in touch with yourcommunityhost. Invite your new friends to visit your country and advocateon their behalf.

any pending financial issues, including any special giving opportunities thatyou wish to explore as a follow-up to your visit and a continuing link to theministries you visited. The Global Ministries Office of ResourceDevelopment is happy to work with you about these possibilities. If yourgroup has funds remaining from your shares travel expense, you may wishto consider contributing them to the program(s) you visited.

Office of Resource Development,Global Ministries P.O. Box 1986Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

phone: (317) 713-2555email: [email protected]

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Growth

In what ways do you hope to continue to grow?

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What do you think can help facilitate that growth?

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How might you persuade others to participate in this kind of growth as well?

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“ The Spiritual life is

ordinary, everyday life lived

in an ever-deepening and

loving relationship to God

and therefore to one’s true

or healthy self, all people,

and the whole of creation.”

– John Westerhoff

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Journaling Pages: GrowthJournalingIn This Very Room

In this very room there’s quite enough love for one like me (v.2.: all of us; v.3: all the world),

And in this very room there’s quite enough joy for one like me (v.2: all of us; v.3: all the world),

And there’s quite enough hope, and quite enough pow’r, to chase away any gloom,

For Jesus, Lord Jesus, is in this very room.

Day by DayDay by day, O dear Lord, three things I pray:To see Thee more clearly,Love Thee more dearly,Follow Thee more nearly,Day by day.

Santo, Santo, Santo (Holy, Holy, Holy)Santo, santo, santo.¡Mi corazón te adora!Mi corazón te sabe decir:¡Santo eres Señor!

Holy, holy, holy.My heart, my heart adores you!My heart knows how to say to you:Holy are you, Lord!

Songs

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Songs SongsPass It On

It only takes a spark to get a fire goingAnd soon all those around can warm up to its glowingThat’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced itYou spread God’s love to everyone; you want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are buddingThe birds begin to sing, the flowers start their bloomingThat’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced itYou want to sing, it’s fresh like spring; you want to pass it on.

I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I’ve foundOn God you can depend, it matters not where you’re boundI’ll shout it from the mountaintops: (Praise God!/Hey World!)

They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the LordWe are one in the Spirit, we are one in the LordAnd we pray that all unity may one day be restored:

Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand (repeat 2x)And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land:

(Chorus)

We will work with each other, we will work side by side (repeat 2x)And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride:

(Chorus)

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5

In the Bulb There Is a FlowerIn the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;in cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free!In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

Seek Ye FirstSeek ye first the kingdom of God, and God’s righteousnessAnd all these things shall be added unto you. Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu-ia.

Ask and it shall be given unto you. Seek and ye shall find.Knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu-ia.

We do not live by bread alone, but by every wordThat proceeds from the mouth of God. Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu-ia.

Spirit of the Living GodSpirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.Melt me, Mold me, Fill me, Use meSpirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

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SongsHere I Am, Lord

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cryAll who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save.I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Chorus: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?I have heard you calling in the night.I will go, Lord, if you lead me.I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.I have wept for love of them, they turn away.I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? (Chorus)

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? (Chorus)

Siyahamba (We are Walking)Si-ya-hamb’ e-ku-kha-nyen’ kwen-khos’,Si-ya-hamb’ e-ku-kha-nyen’ kwen-khos’. (repeat)Si-ya hamba, hamba, si-ya-ham-ba, hamba,si-ya-hamb’ e-ku-kha-nyen’ kwen-khos. (repeat)

Caminando en la luz de Dios, caminando en la luz de Dios.Caminando en la luz de Dios, caminando en la luz de Dios.(repeat)Caminando vamos, caminando vamos,Caminando en la luz de Dios. (repeat)

We are walking in the light of God, we are walking in the light of God.We are walking in the light of God, we are walking in the light of God.(repeat)We are walking, walking, we are walking, walking,We are walking in the light of God. (repeat)

We are singing...We are dancing...We are praying...

9Songs

Have You Seen Jesus My LordChorus: Have you seen Jesus my Lord? He’s here in plain view

Take a look, open your eyes He’ll show it to you.

Have you ever stood at the ocean, with the white foam at your feetFelt the endless thundering motion?Then I say: you’ve seen Jesus my Lord. (Chorus)

Have you ever stood at the sunset, with the sky mellowin’ redSeen the clouds suspended like feathers?Then I say: you’ve seen Jesus my Lord. (Chorus)

Have you ever stood at the cross, with the man hanging in painSeen the look of love in his eyes?Then I say: you’ve seen Jesus my Lord. (Chorus)

Have you ever stood in the family, with the Lord there in your midstSeen the face of Christ on each other?Then I say: you’ve seen Jesus my Lord. (Chorus)

SanctuaryLord prepare me, to be a sanctuaryPure and holy, tried and trueWith thanksgiving, I’ll be a livingSanctuary, for you.

Awesome GodOur God is an awesome GodWho reigns from heaven aboveWith wisdom, power, and loveOur God is an awesome God!

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SongsWhat Does the Lord Require of You?

1: What does the Lord require of you?What does the Lord require of you?

2: Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.

3: To seek justice and love kindnessand walk humbly with your God.

Surely the Presence of the LordSurely the presence of the Lord is in this placeI can feel His mighty power and His graceI can hear the brush of angels’ wingsI see glory on each faceSurely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

Amazing GraceAmazing grace, how sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me.I once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.

‘Tis grace that taught my heart to fearAnd grace my fears relievedHow precious did that grace appearThe hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snaresI have already come‘Twas grace that brought me safe thus farAnd grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand yearsBright shining as the sunWe’ve no less days to sing God’s praiseThan when we’d first begun.

SongsSpirit

Chorus: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,Blow through the wilderness, calling and free,Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,Stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep,and over the eons you called to each thing,“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.” (Chorus)

You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,and you gifted your people with a law and a land,when they were confounded with idols and lies,then you spoke through your prophetsto open their eyes. (Chorus)

You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,and down in the city you called once againwhen you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. (Chorus)

You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams;our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.With bold new decisions, your people arise. (Chorus)

Cuando el Pobre (When the Poor Ones)Cuando el pobre nada tiene y aun repartee,Cuando el hombre pasa sed y agua nos da,Cuando el débil a su hermano fortalice,Va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar,Va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.

When the poor ones who have nothing share with strangers,When the thirsty water give unto us all,When the wounded in their weakness strengthen others,Then we know that God still goes that road with us,Then we know that God still goes that road with us.

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SongsGod of the Sparrow, God of the Whale

God of the sparrow, God of the whale,God of the swirling stars,How does the creature say Awe?How does the creature say Praise?

God of the earthquake, God of the storm,God of the trumpet blast,How does the creature cry Woe?How does the creature cry Save?

God of the rainbow, God of the cross,God of the empty grave,How does the creature say Grace?How does the creature say Thanks?

God of the hungry, God of the sick,God of the prodigal,How does the creature say Care?How does the creature say Life?

God of the neighbor, God of the foe,God of the pruning hook,How does the creature say Love?How does the creature say Peace?

God of the ages, God near at hand,God of the loving heart,How do your children say Joy?How do your children say Home?

SongsLet Us Talents and Tongues Employ

Let us talents and tongues employ.Reaching out with a shout of joy:Bread is broken the wine is poured,Christ is spoken and seen and heard.

Chorus: Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,Pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one.At the table he sets the tone,Teaching people to live and bless,Love in word and in deed express.

Chorus

Jesus calls us in, sends us outBearing fruit in a world of doubt,Gives us love to tell, bread to share,God (Immanuel) everywhere!

Chorus

I See the Morning Breakin’I see the morning breakin’ through the valleys and the hills.I see the morning breakin’ as I go, as I go.I see the morning breakin’ through the valleys and the hills,And I’m goin’ home to Jesus, bless my soul, bless my soul.

I feel the fresh wind blowin’ through the valleys and the hills.I feel the fresh wind blowin’ as I go, as I go.I feel the fresh wind blowin’ through the valleys and the hills,And I’m goin’ home to Jesus, bless my soul, bless my soul.

I hear the people stirrin’ through the valleys and the hills,I hear the people stirrin’ as I go, as I go,I hear the people stirrin’ through the valleys and the hills,And I’m goin’ home to Jesus, bless my soul, bless my soul.God (Immanuel) everywhere!

2019

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Permissions Policy The [New] Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up toand inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of thepublisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bibleor account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Notice of copyright must appear on the title or copyright page of the work as follows:

“Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by theDivision of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ inthe United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

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SongsMorning Has Broken

Morning has broken like the first morning;Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,Like the first dewfall on the first grass.Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morningBorn of the one light Eden saw play!Praise with elation, praise every morning,God’s recreation of the new day!

Somos UnoSomos uno en Christo, somos unoSomos uno, uno solo.Somos uno en Christo, somos unoSomos uno, uno solo.

Un solo Dios, un solo SenorUna solo fe, un solo amorUn solo bautismo, un solo Espirituy ese es el Consolador.

We’re united in Jesus, we’re unitedLike a family, we’re united.We’re united in Jesus, we’re united

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GLOBAL MINISTRIESA common witness of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ