Setting out

As we set out on a new phase of journeying with the poor, I thought I’d start by reflecting a little on my vision for life and ministry in K-town (while knowing that any specifics around these are still a bit like looking through fog).

But one of the things I do know for sure is that over the past few years as I’ve been drawn into wholistic ministry among the poor, coming to grips with a vision of the kingdom (or reign) of God has been so incredibly crucial and helpful.

Vinay Samuel writes that a wholistic ministry based on kingdom theology of mission, centred in the rule of Christ over the whole of life, seeks to impart a community with the values of the kingdom and the spiritual challenges of the kingdom. It recognizes that enabling people to experience Christ’s Lordship is the key to wholistic ministry.

I think he’s onto something pretty profound here. According to Samuel, key to wholistic ministry is enabling people to experience the Lordship (or the reign) of Christ...and I think he’s right. So this gets me dreaming about some ways in which Jesus could wish for us to help give people a taste of his Lordship. A few wonderful aspects of his reign that come to mind are:

* When freedom is secured for those in bondage

* When those who are hurting find healing

* When peace and reconciliation come to broken relationships

* When those considered dispensable by their society are valued and given back their dignity

* When opportunities for land rights are made available to people with no such hope

* When the wisdom, talents, gifts and beauty of the poor are given expression and contribute to the richness of our common human experience

* When dignified work is available to all, and when those who cannot work are lovingly supported by their community

It seems to me that as my neighbours are touched by aspects of the kingdom such as these, then perhaps the good news of a new King who orders his kingdom with love, forgiveness, justice and peace, might make a little more sense.

But what might any of this actually look like in my K-town slum, in the face of seemingly overwhelming needs? I don’t know.


I have so much to learn from my neighbours. I want to see God’s beautiful image in them and how he is already at work in their lives. Where will the Spirit lead? What will the dreams of my neighbours be, and how will we best be able to serve and partner with them?

So many questions and unknowns. How in need of prayer, wisdom and the Spirit’s leading we are.