Previous Post – Weekend Linkage #2

When we started Little Flowers Community we hoped it would, like the other aspects of our 7 years of ministry here, help build bridges between the world of the urban poor and the suburban/rural church.  However, we also knew that in doing so, we were going to set up both sides for the kinds of lessons only learned the difficult way.  This Sunday was one such occasion.

After our weekly meal together before our time of worship together, a few of our smokers were in the front yard getting their fix.  While there, a native gentleman cycled past, to which Amy (one of the most natural evangelists I know) called out a greetings.  In a matter of minutes, she had invited him into the house for a plate of food and, if he wanted, to join our service.  Somewhat intoxicated, he wobbled in, introducing himself as “Hector”.  While Amy & Sean prepared a plate for him, our service got underway.  Near the end of the sermon/study, Hector kept interrupting to share his thoughts on the Scripture.  Most of us who were regulars thought little of it, as this is not an atypical experience for us, but we did have a couple of guests from out of town who were not used to these situations.  After the service, Hector joined the smokers outside for a drag or two, then promptly gave everyone a group hug, hopped on his bike and rode away.

It was just about that time, standing on the deck waving goodbye to Hector, that heard the shouts from inside.  I went in to discover that one of our guests was missing her digital camera, which had been sitting in the living where we had met.  I really feel for her, as it was her boyfriends camera and she was not used to having things go missing.  She immediately wanted us to get Hector before he left and ask to search his bag, which we said we would not do.  No one had seen him take it. I’m not shy to confront people when it is clear someone has stolen something, but this was not that simple.  Besides, he was gone.

Thankfully the event ended without too much drama or conflict.  It could have become a really messy situation.  And while I don’t try to avoid every situation, in this case we wanted Hector’s experience with us to be untainted.  Even if he did steal the camera (which is a very likely scenario), it was worth the price of a camera.  Now, I know it is easier for me to say that, since I didn’t lose my camera, but keep in mind that I have had many things stolen from me in my years in this community, including my car.  Despite what cynics might say, even though we may have been taken advantage of, the impact of Hector was real and we continue to pray the Spirit will work in his heart.

This whole situation brings to mind again why the issues of poverty and affluence are paired principalities facing the church.  It highlights the need to careful, intentional and genuinely mutual partnership with Christian communities in the urban core and the suburban/rural neighbourhoods.  It is also why we are intentionally careful about how we bring in people from outside of our community into this unique context.  We want the diversity, but it has to be introduced, nurtured and developed very carefully.

If you are in a suburban or rural church and want to better connect with the urban poor of your city or region, take the time to get to know the locals.  Trust those people who have been doing ministry AND life in the community.  Even if it goes against your “better judgment” or sense of efficiency.  It might feel pride-wounding.  However, if you take that time and be humble, you will begin to truly connect to people in whom you will discover Christ.