It has taken me a few days to appreciate the appropriateness of the name of my little hotel in Koh Samui. "Cocooning" isnt an adjective Ive ever used before (and please, no comments about emerging as a dainty butterfly!), but as its name suggests, this beautiful hotel is the perfect place to escape the world for a few days.
However my "cocoon" was invaded yesterday by the BBC's shocking images of children dying due to the famine in Ethiopia. It was all the more confronting because I will be there in a couple of days (for a few hours, then for 5 days after Sudan). While I am enjoying my moment in paradise, children are dying because they dont have even a handful of food!
At times we construct theological or religious cocoons, hiding away from the overwhelming and often frightening realities of life in the world. Ashley Barker (in "Following Fire", UNOH) challenges us to develop a spirituality that engages the world - especially those suffering poverty and injustice. He writes "We can only have real compassion for those neighbours who are poorer than us when we acknowledge them as actual people - made in God's image - and we only receive the anointing of the Spirit when we risk ourselves in faith to know and love them." This is not just a nice theory for Ashley. I visited Ashley and Anji's home in Klong Toey slum in Bangkok last week. They have built their "cocoon" amongst the most poor and powerless in Bangkok. The neighbourhood is a stark contrast to Koh Samui, but I witnessed a different experience of Paradise there.
If the words expressed at our recent commissioning service are true then we as a Christian community are choosing not to construct the kind of religious cocoon that isolates ourselves from the world. Rather, we need the conviction and Spirit's empowering to embrace those in need.
About Me
- Steve Blacket
- My connection with South Sudan began in 2004 when our church sponsored a refugee family, and my involvement in ministry amongst Sudanese grew rapidly from that time. My partner in this ministry from the beginning has been Rev Joseph Mawien, and it was his request that led to our first trip to Sudan in 2008 from which this mission has grown. The relationship with Bangladesh has also grown out of a friendship. Vana Bawm first contacted me in 2009 and we have worked closely together since. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to provide mission and development in these two beautiful countries. I am thankful to my two dear brothers, Joseph and Vana - wise and visionary Christian leaders. It is through them that I have been received as family even before entering their countries.
1 comment:
Steve you and Joseph are in our prayers as the journey begins. No cocoon now. It is really on! We are with you in spirit and look forard to you updates.
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