Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Psalm 82:3
“A servant church must have as its priority solidarity with the poor. The faith must express itself in charity and in solidarity, which is the civil form of charity. Today more than ever, the church faces this challenge. In fact, effective solidarity with the poor, both individual persons and entire nations, is indispensable for the construction of peace. Solidarity corrects injustices, reestablishes the fundamental rights of persons and of nations, overcomes poverty and even resists the revolt that injustice provokes, eliminating the violence that is born with revolt and constructing peace.”
Cláudio Hummes (1934-2022) as cited in “Education in Solidarity with the Poor” by William F. Horan Jr. on 9 September 2011.
I am safely in Brazil. Long trip. Storms delayed my arrival 12+ hours.
“Cristo Redentor” greeted me at sunrise (photo above from my hotel room). Seeing this view gives me confidence that Christ will be with me and strengthen me for the service before me.
The biggest thing I notice about bringing stewardship instruction and standards to influential stewards and grass roots workers in places like Brazil is that it reflects charity and effective solidarity with the poor.
By charity, I mean that it shows love.
People appreciate that GTP comes not bringing a handout that creates dependency but a hand up that builds fruitful disciples. And this comes not wanting anything from them, but rather with love, desiring flourishing for them.
By effective, I mean that it makes a real difference.
Peer accountability, that is, ministries holding each other accountable to following standards of governance, administration, and resource development together turns corruption to credibility in entire nations. Since formation in 1979, ECFA has had this impact in USA.
And this global service embodies solidarity with the poor.
That requires showing up in the posture of a loving servant in places riddled with brokenness. By empowering national workers to shape a new future envisioned by Brazilian saint, Cláudio Hummes, we bring justice and peace. And it starts with prayer.
That’s my focus the next 2 days with fellow stewards in Petrópolis.
GTP collaborates globally with GenerousChurch. They are hosting the prayer time. Then I have GTP program work in Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, and São Paulo with GTP staff members, Rafael Bandiera (São Paulo, Brazil) and Paula Mendoza (Guatemala City, Guatemala).
Pray with me for a new future for Brazil, possible with God’s help and effective solidarity.