Over the weekend I spoke at the Word Made Flesh Staff gathering in Oregon. It was wonderful to finally get to meet people that I have respected and corresponded with from afar for many years.
Sarah Lance, works with Sari Bari in Kolkata. This is a small business that offers freedom to women who are trapped in the sex trade by providing employment in a safe, loving environment, where women are trained as artisans. The women create beautiful, sustainable, handmade products, while making their lives new. I first “met” her when we highlighted small entrepreneurial endeavours in our MSA monthly newsletter several years ago. And have admired her and the work she is involved in from a distance ever since.
David Bayne works in Argentina where Word Made Flesh is called to serve and discover Jesus among vulnerable children and young adults living in poverty. Through mutual friendships based on love and trust, he and his co workers accompany these excluded young people in experiencing and knowing Jesus and a fuller life in God. Intentional hospitality is essential to their ministry creating a space for intimacy with God and neighbor.
What really humbled me was find out how many of the Word Made Flesh staff use my liturgies and prayers on a regular basis. Sarah told me – sometimes your prayers say exactly what I want to but have not words for. David has translated several of my liturgies into Spanish and often contributes to the blog series I host.
Meeting people like this and sharing their lives even for a few brief moments reminds me of why I do what I do. I sometimes struggle because of my own lack of involvement with impoverished communities but know that God has called me to something different for this season of my life. It is a privilege to help provide resources for those who are on the front lines, God’s good and faith servants who struggle daily to live out the extremely challenging life that God has called them to.
I came home with a set of beads made in Sierra Leone by Nallah and Sammy. They are made from recycled paper – beautiful, colourful and intricately put together, a wonderful reminder for me to pray for my friends and the important work they do.
I heartily endorse the important work of Word Made Flesh and ask that you also consider praying for them and if possible becoming part of their support team.