Falling Down

While there is no scriptural basis for suggesting that Jesus fell down while carrying the cross en route to being crucified, I found myself transfixed a few weeks ago at the St. Andrew's Abbey mountainside stations of the cross.  The Dwellers and I went on a solitude retreat in late January, and the image of the fallen Jesus has stayed with me.  Perhaps it's the suggestion of his being "fully human," (and it being repeated 3 times); maybe it's because I'm hearing countless tales of friends and family members losing jobs and beginning to slip into despair and anxiety; maybe it's just because I know how much it hurts to fall down in front of people, with everyone watching.However, this week I was struck more powerf

ully by the idea that, regardless of whether Jesus actually fell or not, he kept going on.  He made his way up that hill, he did what needed to be done, he laid down his life for all of us.  It's the getting back up that's divine, the spirit of moving towards a purpose, for others, for more than ourselves.  I have seen the light of that divine motivation in this job, and it humbles me.

In these turbulent and difficult times, people are giving money and time to help others, even when they themselves are on shaky ground.  With our Discover groups, I have learned that some leaders are without jobs, and yet, still agree to shepherd their students in learning the importance of service and walking alongside those less financially fortunate.  Local agencies that are hurting for funding are finding ways to partner and work collaboratively, instead of competitively, to make sure their programs can still assist those in greatest need.  Falling down, getting up, moving forward for the greater good.  This is the power of God.

Shifting back to Dwell, Mary, Sara, Stephanie, and Alison are incredibly busy.  While their lives are not without conflict, they are working hard to find ways to come together as a house, within their community, and within their churches and agencies.  In the midst of all the gardening, tutoring, case management, and figuring out how to manage meals on a tight budget, these 4 are striving to find ways to achieve balance and even some fun.  Family members and friends are visiting soon, and we will also be hosting a large group of high school kids from Roseville, California early in April.  Spring Break is upon us, with all it's nicer weather, traveling opportunities, and chances to serve others in love and community.

Blessings to you all, and thanks for reading,

Matthew

6 Months In....

6 months in, and I finally have figured out how to become a blogger. :) Where to start?

Diving into Dwell, our 4 interns are truly making an impact upon our Los Angeles community. Working at PATH , My Friend's Place , The Oasis of Hollywood , and Door of Hope , these young women are gaining perspectives on the complicated mosaic that is our homelessness and street-life culture. Through building relationships with both their coworkers and their clients, I also believe they are actively playing a role in expanding God's kingdom.

Plans are being made to build a garden in the front of La Casa de la Comunidad, and the prayer and hope is that it may serve as a tool of fellowship and ministry for years to come, as well as provide food for future Dwellers and the neighborhood. Community members and congregants from Hollywood Presbyterian Church are playing a huge role in the start-up!

As for me, I am thrilled to be witnessing the growth, both within the house and within the neighborhood. The Dwellers are challenging themselves to live simply on reduced budgets and reduced use of natural resources and automobiles. They are working hard to live intentionally, and though it is not easy and often turbulent, these four are finding ways to streamline their cooking, cleaning, and communication. Along with prayer mentors, weekly book studies and worship, and regular church attendance, the Dwellers are working hard to remain in prayer, both with each other and independently, over discerning God's will in their lives over the course of this year and beyond.

In fact, one specific prayer was that more men might be interested in serving in Hollywood, given the large population of young men living in the community. In response, I began receiving calls and emails from men around the country (and the world!) who felt a calling towards LA. At this point, we have two Dwellers confirmed for next year and they are both men: one from Mississippi, and one coming to us after serving a year in Peru! Amen.

In preparation for the summer, we have groups contacting us from Arizona, Northern California, Massachusetts, Colorado, and the calls keep coming in. Last month, we hosted a group from Montana, and were blessed by their willingness to reconsider homelessness and really seek to establish dialogue and communication with people that, most admitted, they may have previously tried to ignore. We all learned from each other that week through service and discussion.

I aim to maintain this blog every week or so, so come back often! -Matthew