Sinking Deep and Going Beyond

Immersing myself into the place where I have never been before is a leap of faith. Still unbelievably amazed, I am on the corridors of power and given a chance to integrate, engage and understand political realities by experiencing it first-hand. 

I called to put my faith into action – this way plunging myself to the ventures of my Church on the global scene. For the next 7-8 weeks I will be working for several advocacies and do community and political engagements that concerns social issues or so. As a preparation herein, we are reminded of our spiritual journeys. While I am taking look back, I reminded of my own “boat-sailing” on the oceans  I come across with. This time, seeing what is beyond my borders and more importantly, delving deeper to the realities at hand.

The book of Isaiah reminds me of this beautiful voyage to call for justice. And so exposing myself to circumstances I didn’t know in the first place but I was called to engage with, several questions come at hand. What I am going to do about it? How will I do right, defend the oppressed, take up the case of fatherless and plead the case for widow (Isiah 1:17)? Having a first week done in my internship exposes me to the realities of what is justice for all, who is imperiled and who is at risk. And so, putting faith into action is my call. I reflected myself into things I needed to do first and remember - which are essential into engaging in. 

• Step back. Before engaging myself onto these battles requires me to know the map. I need to stop and take a step back and see things in perspectives. Before going into issues I come to comprehend, I need to be careful on my leaps and have a moment to go backward and see.
• Listen. As I observe and see things into its dynamics and process, I needed to understand why. It is important for me to listen and picture the context by hearing people’s sides. There is a danger of being one-sided on issues. And so I needed to listen as part of my Christian duty (Philippians 2:3-5).
• Put the shoes on. And as to understanding context and hearing stories untold, I get to engage with these plights and undertakings with common understanding. It is in this way I give love to my neighbors and be with them on their circumstances.

We are called to do justice. I am in! This is a realization as I launch myself to the deep and go beyond my limiting places.  The community is counting to each and everyone of us. We shed lights, we bring hope as God brings to His people through His people. Putting yourself to the front is not just merely going there just as going beyond your borders. Know the map, listen to your neighbor and on each other’s shoes you walk with God’s light and guidance.

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Written by:

Kevin John Maddela
EYA Intern
Summer 2017