Today's post is written by a special guest: Reverend Ronald Benjamin, my very dear friend and brother in the Lord. These are his reflections written in response to "Service 'Interruption': Children's Crusade".
Community. What does that word mean? This is a word that has been used to describe gatherings, groups, neighborhoods, locations, and places where we live. (My list is not exhaustive.) The sociologists have crafted their own definition of the term. Definitions are what we create about something. I'd rather have a description any day over a definition. One of the realities we must face in urban America (Corporate America has its own realities) is that it is an alien community.
Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene has been trying to create community within this alienated urban Bronx culture through the ministry of Care Groups. Those persons who have embraced the concept continue to experience community. The individuals who have not (and some may think they have justifiable causes) are the ones who continue to have major challenges when the needs arise for assistance.
Community is not selective or discriminatory. It is all embracing. I have seen the spirit of community demonstrated in Bronx Bethany oven and over. How many times individuals have helped others who were moving; gave rides to children going to school or college; took others to hospital or medical appointments and much more. Community is not experienced outside of relationships.
When individuals are prepared to enter the world of others, then others will be prepared to enter their world.
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