SHORES' RESPONSE
As the world continues to shut down and "shelter in place" orders are put forward in various cities throughout the globe. Christians the world over may feel overwhelmed by the thought of how to continue serving and loving the people they have been entrusted to lead. When a significant part of Christianity is built upon the idea of freely giving away that which was freely given, how can we give away when we cannot be in close contact with one another? At Shores of Grace, in particular, our ministry and the way we demonstrate the love of God to people rests on being able to connect face to face with marginalized and disenfranchised people groups both in Brasil and in Philadelphia.
First and foremost, we, as a ministry, are following the directives of local authorities and are paying close attention to what the World Health Organization is releasing to the public. As difficult as it is for some of us, we are avoiding groups and have canceled organized events and regularly scheduled group outreaches. That said, just because we cannot "do ministry as usual" does not mean that we are not tapping into the creative abilities we know God has instilled in every one of us. Ministry may look different for us presently, but that does not mean it has ceased altogether. In Philadelphia, we still have a large group of people that depend on us each week, and their current situations are not going to improve during the current global crisis. Additionally, in Brasil, our rescue home (Villa Bethania) and our transitional home (Hadassah House) continue to remain open, with staff that needs to be paid, bellies that need to be fed, and vital healing that needs to take place in the lives of all the girls for whom we care. While specific measures have been put in place to limit interaction with the girls we care for, we cannot halt that completely.
So, again, what do we do as Christians who are called to heal the sick when we cannot be near the sick (Matt 10:8)? How do we visit those in prison when no visits are allowed (Matt 25)? Some people are sick with anxiety, and some people feel as though they are trapped at home (like a prison), right next door to most of us. So then, what can we do to continue playing an active role in kingdom building during this time? Start with your neighbors. Send texts, emails, phone calls, letters, and for the time being, go next door to knock and check-in. Simple acts of compassion like baking cookies for a neighbor you have never talked to before or leaving notes on doors telling people you are available to help them, form a foundation for people to experience the love of God. Just because church doors are closed around the world does not mean that Christ is no longer alive and that the Spirit is not still active in the body of Christ. I want to encourage you to get creative with the ways you can love people for the sake of Christ, get creative with the ways your neighbors come to know you as a passionate, caring person that did not just stay locked in waiting to see all their church friends in the sanctuary when things open. You can implement safe practices for the safety of the world and still be Jesus in your community.
At times, Acts 1:8 is used as a model for the mission of the church and the church's giving structure. Maybe, as individuals, your Jerusalem just became the three houses closest to you. Perhaps Judea is your block or cul-de-sac. You see the trend here? The important thing is, though our strategies may need to change, we cannot let disease, viruses, or pandemics stop us from doing kingdom works. Both Nic and I have had most of our speaking, teaching, and worship events canceled for the coming months, which puts a significant strain on the ministry on the whole as that is a major source of funding for what God has called us to do. If you have had to stop giving due to the current situation, we understand and want you to know we are here for you. We may be miles away or oceans apart, but we love you and want to support you in prayer during this time. If you can continue supporting what God is doing through Shores of Grace, we, and the people we serve, are incredibly grateful. No matter what your current situation is, do not become sedentary; do not let fear get in the way of love. Let your God-given creativity shine, and find a way to be Jesus in your Jerusalem today!
Luke Billman
