Resources for Good Practice
Eastern Orthodox painting of Jesus Christ
as the Pantocrator (The Almighty)
We have been exploring member care by using brief quotes from the book, Global Member Care: The Pearls and Perils of Good Practice (published February 2011). Drawing on the metaphor from Rev. 21:21, each quote (12 total) is like a huge pearl--a pearl gateway--that allows us to enter more fully into the global field of member care. This twelfth and final entry is from Part Three in the book, “Developing Guidelines in Mission/Aid.” https://sites.google.com/site/globalmca/
Pearl Twelve
Christian hope produces life-givers, not life-takers. The crucified Christ calls his people to live and die for their enemies, as he did. The only risks permitted by Christ are the perils of love. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27-28). (page 208, excerpt from John Piper, A Call for Christian Risk)
The air was filled with phantoms, wandering hither and thither in restless haste, and moaning as they went. Every one of them wore chains like Marley’s Ghost; some few (they might be guilty governments) were linked together; none were free. Many had been personally known to Scrooge in their lives. He had been quite familiar with one old ghost, in a white waistcoat, with a monstrous iron safe attached to its ankle, who cried piteously at being unable to assist a wretched woman with an infant, whom it saw below, upon a door-step. The misery with them all was, clearly, that they sought to interfere, for good, in human matters, and had lost the power for ever. (pages 217-218, excerpt from Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)
Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.
You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends!
The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
Luke 12:31-32, The Message
Reflection and Discussion
**Recall one aspect of your life/work that relates to the quote above.
**Have a go at connecting the above quote with a current international area that interests/concerns you.
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