Rick Harris - Thursday Morning Wake-up Call

Thursday’s morning plenary session reminded us of what the Scriptures and our faith proclaim about the poor.

Tony Campolo challenged us with the words of Jesus, not the image of the Christ of our materialistic culture. We are called to radical lives of service on behalf of the poor and marginalized of our society, not to the values of consumerism and money. He shared the story of a bright and gifted student of his who went on to Harvard and could have had any legal job in the corporate world; instead he’s providing “pro bono” legal services for “lifers” in Montgomery, Ala., and leading a fulfilling life in Christ. Campolo also spoke to the churches. The Kingdom of God requires a sacrificial church, not the biggest and finest sanctuary money can buy, because if we are to reach today’s youth, we need to present a Gospel that inspires and demands commitment.

Naw Blooming Night Zan, general secretary of the Karen Women’s Organization of Burma, brought the congregation to its knees with the challenge, “Who are the poor?” She shared images of Karen refugees struggling to survive in camps in Thailand and remaining in Burma at their own peril. The unknown poor around the world cry out to us. Do we hear them? What can we do? Prayer is not enough. Send supplies, support relief efforts, welcome refugees, and learn about the peoples of the world who labor each day just to survive.

Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, brought the plight of the poor to our doorsteps. The United States, the richest and most developed country in the world, ranks far down the list of nations in the treatment and health of its children. The failures of our education, healthcare and employment opportunities, along with our system of justice have led millions of children from the cradle into prison, rather than life as productive and fulfilled children of God. The church needs to be the locomotive of systemic change in our society, not settled in as the caboose. As adults in the faith community, we must take responsibility for this by confronting our own hypocrisy and providing “safe” places for our children to grow, to learn, to love and be cared for. The church must reclaim its prophetic voice.