Invitation into Crises
I have had a season of being invited into other people’s crises. These invitations have come out of relationships and being in community, but also the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. These appear to be cyclic, as either I’m in crisis or those around me are—I guess that’s life on planet Earth!
Jesus was constantly being led into other people’s crises. In all four gospels we can read how Jesus ministered to those around him and to his inner circle. For example, as Jesus travelled from one place to another, he invited himself to Zaccheus’s house to set him free from greed (Luke 19), he healed Jarius’s daughter (Matthew 9: 18–26), he also healed Peter’s mother-in-law as he was dining with his friends (Matthew 8:14).
But people also inserted themselves into Jesus’ space, like blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46), or the invitation to come to Lazarus’s sick bed. Whether Jesus was walking, dining, teaching or attending death beds and entombments, he was constantly aware of those around him and responded to people’s crises by bringing life and power into their turmoil.
The intentionality of Jesus’ ministry is our example. He didn’t always wait for the invite; he listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and responded out of his own heart-felt compassion. He went to where the crisis was and then addressed the deeper issues.
In this edition of SALT, you can read the stories of those who have listened to the Holy Spirit and responded to his promptings. On page 18, Terena Goodwin shares with readers her own invitation. Just like the widow in 1 Kings 17:7–16, she used what was familiar to her to then turn around and help those who were struggling, afraid and in need. This came out of her own experience of being in crisis and God leading her to The Salvation Army to be introduced to Jesus and his people—to grow in faith, to be healed. What a wonderful testimony of a young wahine, who listened to God, was obedient to his promptings and now shines the light for others, to lead them out of despair and darkness.
The magazine can be viewed either as an online magazine on Issuu, or the bulk of the articles, leadership links, news, and shorter reflections (Grace Notes) have been added into their various sections.
I welcome your feedback and suggestions, and also your photos, letters, crafts and stories. Please email: [email protected]
Magazine Contents
Articles
Ugly Jumpers with a Purpose: Join Us This July
Leadership Links
Can we agree to disagree and be agreeable
Faith Stories
Grace Notes
Salvationists in History
Origins of the Red Shield Appeal
