Seth Barnes - Life in a garbage dump

Jeannette Wheeler is in Nicaragua and just posted this great blog. We need to identify with the poor . We need to put ourselves in their shoes (if they have any) and walk around a bit. This blog helps you do that for a moment. For a wonderful series on this place, read Stephanie Fisk's blogs from last year. Or watch her video.

We may be wealthy in America, but we need to see our own poverty of spirit. Identifying with the poor is not only part of the faith that Jesus gave to us; it is a sacramental part of our sanctification. In other words, walking with Jesus requires walking with the poor. So, walk with me today through a dump in Diriamba...

Imagine...

This is your backyard

Your home

Your child's playground

Your work environment

Your livelihood

In order to get food, clothing, or money for the day you have to search among acres of garbage

working in trash, alongside cows...

...Working from dawn till dusk, rain or shine

The smells and toxic elements inhaled

Reality Is...

This is the neighborhood for over 300 people: men, woman, and children

This is the home and backyard of our friend Michelle, her husband and twin daughters

...Precious, beautiful princesses do not belong here...where is the castle and pink dresses?

There is no vacation; young boys work to help their families

The widows and elderly don't retire

A"day on the job" is a treasure hunt to search for things of "worth"

At the end of the day, the scales determine your wage...did you find enough?

A downpour doesn't stop the progress... you need to eat today

Your surroundings are dangerous: gangs and thieves, and what is hiding in the haystack today?

i have been blown away, changed, convicted and blessed by those who are said to have "nothing"

TRUTH Is...

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon us

...Because he has appointed us to bring good news to the poor. He has sent us to comfort the broken hearted

He has sent us to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come

To all who mourn, He will give beauty for ashes

Joy instead of mourning

Praise instead of despair ... For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks

For His glory!

Henri Nouwen says:

Communities as well as individuals suffer. All over the world there are large groups of people who are persecuted, mistreated, abused, and made victims of horrendous crimes. There are suffering families, suffering circles of friends, suffering religious communities, suffering ethnic groups, and suffering nations. In these suffering bodies of people we must be able to recognize the suffering Christ. They too are chosen, blessed, broken and given to the world.

As we call one another to respond to the cries of these people and work together for justice and peace, we are caring for Christ, who suffered and died for the salvation of our world.

Comments