"As they were on their way they were cleansed." Luke 17:14
I will be leaving S. Texas at the end of March. Every going out has created cleansing opportunities in my soul. Again, during this mission service, I am
converted and reconverted in areas where I did not realize my need.
My daily
prayer includes, “God, show me my blind spots. I am now adding to that prayer, “God, I need
your Holy Spirit’s empowerment so that I live into the lessons you are teaching
me.”
It was my joy on March 10, 2018 to be a part of the
Spiritual Retreat of the United Methodist Women of the El Valle District of the
Rio Texas Conference.
I was privileged to tell how United Methodist Women
shaped my faith journey.
 My involvement with United Methodist Women started with a
2012 United Methodist Women’s Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone.
As I read some background for this journey, I
read the story of Beatrice Gbanga. My heart
was strangely drawn with a longing to meet Beatrice Gbanga while in Sierra
Leone because of my reading of her story.”
She had fled
Sierra Leone's civil war to settle
in Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, despite
her Master’s degree from England and her decades of service as a nurse in
Sierra Leone, she had to take a low-paying job as a night parking lot attendant
in down town Atlanta. With children to
support, both financially and emotionally she did what any of us UMW would do. She worked double shifts to raise enough
money to sponsor her three youngest children's entry into the United
States.
I felt
outrage at how she was treated here. Our
immigration system gives no credit to the college education elsewhere, even
education in Great Britain. After the
war, through an offer of our General Board of Global ministries, Beatrice
Gbanga answered God's call and took her skills back home to Sierra Leone, (http://www.umcmission.org/Learn-About-Us/News-and-Stories/2011/August/Answering-God-s-Call-in-Sierra-Leone)
 It was a joy to meet Beatrice Gbanga and Bishop Yambasu
while in Sierra Leone in 2012.
As I prepared to talk on March 10, 2018, I realized for the
first time that God’s Prevenient Grace was at work in my heart because of Beatrice’s
story. That story starting my awareness
of the injustices in our immigration system.
 Prevenient Grace is a theological concept I first heard
about on my Emmaus Walk.
It is Divine grace that precedes human decision.
Over 9,000 people from 80+ different countries have experienced God's Prevenient Grace moment by moment at La Posada.
All shelter residents are in the legal
process of refuge in this country. Tears
and hope are the living reality!
As United Methodist Women, we know our call is to ACT FOR
JUSTICE.
WE PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOR.
WE PROCLAIM JESUS, JUSTICE AND JOY.
 
We continue actions of Resisting Evil!
Pictured with me is Cindy Johnson a UMW
Deacon from Brownsville, TX. Cindy is
the person who connected me with La Posada in 2017.
UMW Immigrant/Civil Rights Initiative Facebook page is a
resource for learning about the US broken immigration system, https://www.facebook.com/groups/UMWimmigration/?ref=bookmarks
.
The Holy Spirit is active in our world. UMW helps us realize where and we join
in. Are we ready to keep step
with this bishop, Bishop Minerva Carcaño, and others acting for justice?
Hear the Urgent Call,
Join the Holy Spirit's Action.
|
Saturday, March 17, 2018
As They Were on Their Way They Were Cleansed.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Classroom Repurposed
|
|
|
Monday, February 26, 2018
Now- La Posada, San Benito, Texas
Serving At La
Posada Is a Grace Gift from God.
Praise God with me for the privilege of serving immigrants
and asylum seekers at La Posada, https://lppshelter.org. If you want to read a personal
story from one of the 9000 previous resident, see https://lppshelter.org/la-posada-welcomes-our-9000th-client.
From their web
site, you can sign up for their Tuesday in Texas Newsletter.
If God stirs your heart, the La Posada web site offers an
option for donating.
I
have been at La Posada for over one month. I
left home on December 23 spent Christmas with my Son and Daughter-in Law, Ed
& Gale, in Howell Mi. Praise God
with me that I was able to leave so that I drove to Texas between snowstorms, I
had 1889 miles of clear highways Michigan to Texas! On my way here, it was a welcome site to see
flowers blooming at my motel in Houston.
Methodist
teaching includes the concept of Prevenient Grace, the divine Grace that
precedes human decision. Believers,
through the things they say and do as God’s children, are privileged by the
Holy Spirit to be part of God’s Prevenient Grace in the lives of others.
Daily
I see God’s grace expressed at La Posada.
Sometimes in words.
God
is with the immigrants and asylum seekers in their struggles, are we?. Are we, with undivided resolve, ministering
to the needs of immigrants and asylum seekers in our cities, and country?
Every
weekday I am in the classroom teaching English.
My small group consists of students from many different countries. All are working hard to learn English. For most immigrants and asylum seekers here,
English is a second language. For
others, English is their third, fourth or more language.
The classroom and the variety of other
activities make my service at La Posada a daily joy!
Being here often brings to mind the title of
a United Methodist Women’s National Seminar I attended in 2015 titled, Interrupt
Indifference Jesus, Justice and Joy.
Joy
is mine as I learn from and with all here. 
Let’s let Grace interrupt us into fervent action!
Please Pray for Immigrants, Asylum Seekers and
Those Who Serve Them.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Then and Now Pondering-Realizing
REALIZE
I chose “Realize” as my pondering word this year. I continue praying, asking God to show me my
blind spots.
REALIZE CHRISTIAN TRADITION ON FEEDING THE POOR
I did not realize the Tradition of Christianity on feeding
the poor. Thomas Aquinas, “in case of
need all things are common property. The
implication is that there would seem to be no sin in tanking another’s
property, for need has made it common… since… there are many who are in need. While it is impossible for all to be succored
by means of the same thing, each one is entrusted with the stewardship of his
own things, so that out of them he may come to aid of those who are in
need. He stated, “It is morally
permissible for the extremely impoverished person to take what he or she needs
for the substance from the person with plenty.
His main point is about the rights, the claim-rights, of the poor. Going back in our Christian Tradition,
Ambrose (340-397): “Not from your own do
you bestow upon the poor man, but you make return from what is his”
Also Basil of Caesarea (330-379):
Will not one be called a thief who steals the garment of one
already clothed, and is one deserving of any other title who will not clothe
the naked if he is able to do so ?
The bread that you keep belongs to the hungry; that coat
which you preserve in your wardrobe, to the naked; those shoes that are rotting
in your possession, to the shoeless; that gold which you have hidden in the
ground, to the needy. Wherefore as often
as you were able to help others, and refused, so often did you do them
wrong.
John Chrysostom stated, “This also is theft, not to share
one’s possessions. Perhaps this statement
seems surprising to you, but do not be surprised. Scriptures say that not only the theft of
other’s goods but also the failure to share one’s own goods with others is theft,
swindle, and degradation.
The rich man is a kind of steward of the money that is owned
for distribution to the poor. He is
directed to distribute it to his fellow servants who are in want. Therefore, if he spends more on himself than
his needs require, he will pay the harshest penalty hereafter. For his own goods are not his own, but belong
to his fellow servants.
I beg you remember this without fail, that not to share our
own wealth with the poor is theft from the poor and deprivation of their means
of life; we do not possess our own wealth but theirs.
It is not about the moral failure of the rich, but about the
moral injury to the poor who do not enjoy that to which they have a right.
What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for Justice?
An article asks this question on the United Methodist Women's
Web site. HTTPS://WWW.UNITEDMETHODISTWOMEN.ORG/NEWS/MLK2015,
What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for
Justice? by Janis Rosheuvel and the
Rev. Dionne P. Boissière
REALIZE NOW
The statistics are provided on their web site.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Returning, Pondering, Still Returning
Returning from The Valley March 2017
Home
The month of March is too early to return to Michigan for San Benito, However, as always home has some perks that even cold weather does not diminish.
I live in a relative new subdivision, The Meadows. There are no trees to block the beauty of the sky.
When my son, Ed, went for kindergarten registration they asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up. He said, "I want to help God paint the sky!" Ed and his wife, Gale, are still paining happy colors into my life.
God is doing a great job on the sky!
Garden Pondering
It is a two year tradition to have a garden. I call it my jungle garden because it does not need attention. When my brother Jim and his wife Janet come, they identify which plants are weeds and we pull them out then,
I had no idea how much joy I would get from the jungle gardens on four small parts of my yard.
From dirt to Beauty! Is that true of our transformation as God created humanity from the dust of the earth. God continues to care for us and we return to the beauty of God's original intent for each of us, "very good".
We are creatures that can know God and love each other.
Did you find the butterfly?
 |
The Fun of Summer
In July I attended a conference of Christians for Biblical Equality, https://www.cbeinternational.org with my sister Donna in Orlando. Inspirational messages and workshops.
Of course some Disney shopping.
I related to this sign at Mammoth Cave. I am on a self guided DISCOVERY TOUR. I am thankful for the Methodist tradition that teaches that God is within us and providing insights.
This trip driving back from Orlando was filled with Social Justice pondering.
Seeing the historic reality at Mission San Luis set me to wondering what the God of reconciliation have for me to do in the return of flourishing to all.
Spending time at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute caused a lamenting heart. I was alive then when this was happening. I asked myself why I was not there to struggle with the oppressed. That is what Jesus said he come to do, set the oppressed free. Realizing anew that we are called to be salt and light so that our society does not continue to repeat the injustice of our historic past.
We have a lot of work to do!
More Fun
What fun, thousands of people had at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore coming together to watch eclipse?
Sisters, sister-in-law and Chocolate Cake.
Wish we lived closer, S. W MI, WA and FL.
Wish we lived closer, S. W MI, WA and FL.
Spiritual Formation Methodist Tradition
This beautiful window in the Chapel of Central United Methodist Church has special significance to me. I shared it with my four siblings. The purple iris was my mother's favorite flower. We have not identified which of us is represented in the four sheep. Glad none of them were black!It is in a room just off the Chapel where I attend an accountability group. This type of group was started by John Wesley.
The spiritual growth in sharing life and thoughts with others in this group has been a huge help. If you want to know more, search accountability groups at https://www.umcdiscipleship.org .
My personal reading is a large part of my personal spiritual formation. If you want to see what I am reading, send me an email: randie.clawson@gmail,com or a Facebook message.
Grand Traverse District of United Methodist Church
I am a member at Grawn United Methodist Church. It is part of the Grand Traverse District of the United Methodist Church. Last year and again in June 2018 the Michigan United Methodists will be meeting for our annual conference at the Grand Traverse Resort. There will be over on Thousand participants.
I am praising God for an opportunity to study for and become a Certified Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church. A process of change!
One of the joy's is that Rev. Anita Hahn, District Superintendent, in September, extended a call to me to be the Peace with Justice Coordinator for the district.
It is my joy to be able to talk to district members. I met many at the Main Event Meeting in November.
Surprise Party
My Balance and Core Gym group, at Centre Ice Fitness, gave me a surprise party on my 75th birthday. Am I really 3/4 of a century old?
It was a few days early and just a few days before I returned January 2018 to La Posada, https://lppshelter.org, in San Benito TX,.
I am spending three months serving immigrants and asylum seekers. I am teaching English, doing some office work and enjoying being a "Winter Texan."
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
From This Valley
CALL TO WORSHIP
Part of the worship service that I enjoy is the call to
worship. I attended the Wesley United
Methodist Church in Harlingen TX on March 19, 2017.
Pastor Jeana Leann Martin provided this call
to worship based on John 4. La Posada
Providencia is part of this congregation’s ministry.
Leader: Jesus
Christ encountered an outsider at a well and did not turn away!
People: He met her where she was!
Leader: God,
encased in human flesh, saw a need and offered living water!
People: Jesus met her where she was!
Leader: He
offered her living water, freedom from al that bound her!
People: Jesus met her where she was!
Leader: Jesus,
God poured out, sees us, hears us…Jesus does not turn away!
People: Jesus meets us where we are!
All: Thanks be to God! Amen!
The Valley
I have met Jesus here!
As a “Winter Texan”, I did many things.
I enjoyed the warm weather.
However, serving immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers was the reason
for my coming and remains my focus. I am
discerning next winter’s mission ministry
A Lenten Reflection speaks to these issues.
Leaving La Posada Providencia
Bittersweet
“Parting is such sweet sorrow” is
a line from the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare; Juliet is saying
good night to Romeo. Their sorrowful parting is also “sweet” because it
makes them think about the next time they will see each other.
Leaving La Posada is also a sweet sorrow. My soul is filled with pleasant memories of
everyone here.
The “sweet” part of the reality here is that although we may
never see each other again we go in the loving providence of God. Everyone experiences God’s love in tangible
ways as La Posada “welcomes the strangers: in accordance with Matthew 25.
God Loves each of us and is on
our side
Layers
I first posted this poem to my blog in 2013 as I departed
from my service with World Council of Churches in Jerusalem. Now, another layer is added
United Methodists in the Valley
During my time in “The Valley,” it was my joy to visit fourteen
different United Methodist Churches. This
was a connection with a purpose, bringing information about La Posada to the
congregation members. Much work is being
done on behalf of refugees.
How fun it was to see congregation members come to La Posada
for tours and to hear of their plans to volunteer. Congregations took up special offerings for
La Posada. It is inspiring to see these United
Methodist congregations answering God’s Matthew 25 call to welcome the
stranger.
Women United Methodist Women Deaconess, Cindy Johnson,
attended churches with me as her schedule allowed. She also volunteers at La Posada each
week. Her language skills are an
advantage. I had the joy of speaking at
one of the UMW unit meetings. Seeing
good being done for La Posada through women’s groups was an added blessing.
Going Home
I have the option of going
home. This option is not the reality of
the asylum seekers at La Posada.
When I served in
Harrisonburg, VA last winter, this poem was recited at one of the events. In my
opinion, it should be required reading. It
was written by Warsan Shire she is a Kenyan-born Somali poet,
writer and educator based in London.
Returning Is a Process
I am thankful for my daughter-in law’s help. She is my go to GPS guide. On the way, I stopped in at the offices of
the Rio Texas Conference Mission Vitality Center in San Antonio. I learned a lot. Perhaps you can join me in considering some
possible future mission ministry as a “winter Texan.”
I am finishing this paragraph in Oklahoma City, OK. My GPS did not find the hotel. Gale, from home used street view and led me
here via a long phone conversation.
I am here to take a course offered by UM Path 1. The course is training to understand ethnic
diversity and reach multiethnic populations.
Developing cultural competence will help me as I serve people for around
the world.
Trusting God and the prayers of many people, I will drive in
from somewhere in Indiana to attend the 2017 Keep Making Peace event in Lansing,
MI on April 1. Lansing is only an hour
from my son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Gale’s home. They have invited me to spend time with them
after the event.
Finally back in Traverse City April 2. Then
I really get busy!
Thoughts to ponder:-
"Even in the moments when our very being is shouting
out that we must rest, hide, or quit, we are called to be like Mary….to rise
up, to commit to the long work of justice and healing, even in the face of our
own insecurities, fears, and fatigue.”
From An Ignatian
Solidarity Network Series: I Come To Do Your Will
From the Valley
“Now, to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within
us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:21-22
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
The Serving Community at La Posada Providencia
Services Provided for Asylum Seekers
Sisters of Divine Providence founded La Posada in 1989. Since then, over 8000 individuals from 81 countries have been served.
La Posada’s mission is to provide shelter in a residential setting with dormitories. Many additional services are offered as needed.
·
Communal meals: both meal preparation and dining
are done together with the La Posada staff and other residents of the shelter.
·
Communication resources: access to phone, fax,
email, Facebook, and postal services
·
Case Management: involves access to legal aid, health
care, social services and relocation assistance.
·
Language instruction: lessons with an instructor
or CD/video, plus individual and group conversation practice.
·
Cultural integration: includes assistance with
shopping, travel and communications, filling out paperwork, dealing with
government agencies, medical offices and businesses.
·
Life skills: involves computer literacy,
financial basics, health and nutrition, employment readiness and property
maintenance.
·
Experience in a sustainable lifestyle: organic
gardening, recycling, residential energy-efficiency measures, and well water
application.
·
Emotional Support: compassionate listening,
guidance and mentoring; access to faith groups (religion/denomination of
choice)
·
Local transportation is offered to health, legal
and social services offices, learning centers, shopping, bus station and
airport.
·
Clients also benefit from extensive community
collaborations, including legal, medical, dental, pharmacy and counseling
services.
As you read this list, I hope you are able to identify some
places where you think you might help!
Please contact La Posada if you want to be a part of welcoming and
serving the “stranger cdplaposada@lppshelter.org.”
Hospitality
In January 2017, not only was I welcomed to
La Posada, I received hospitality in the home of the Sisters of Divine Providence. I stayed in the third bedroom of a mobile
home on the property of La Posada. Each
of the sisters has many different responsibilities. They willing do all that needs to be done.
The sisters are amazing women of God! They make themselves available 24/7 as circumstances require. I learned a lot from their
conformity to Christ’s image. Christ
gave up heaven, and gave his all for the good of others, for our good! Conformity to Christ’s image is how the
sisters live. They give themselves for
the “strangers” who come to them at La Posada.
Sister Zita
Sister Zita is the director.
She is also the residents go to person in their dorm. She chooses to have her room in the women’s
dorm so she will be sure to be available if needed.
Sister Zita is thankful for the inspiration she gains from the hope displayed in the people. She states, "I am blessed by the people. They have left everything. All they have are the clothes on their backs, stripped of everything except their hope.
Sister Zita is thankful for the inspiration she gains from the hope displayed in the people. She states, "I am blessed by the people. They have left everything. All they have are the clothes on their backs, stripped of everything except their hope.
When she came in 2008, she brought a plaque that now hangs at the door of Casa Belin. It is a reminder from Hebrews 13:3, “... Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Sister Zita does special things, like creating this Pinapple Upside Cake, so other can feel the special love that Divine Providence creates at La Posada.
Overseeing a wonderful lunch for a group of student volunteers
Sister Zita’s energy, executive and administrative skills are keeping this whole enterprise functioning and heading it a successful direction. Sister Zita’s collaboration with community groups is an asset to the causes of justice in The Valley.
Sister Margaret
Sister Margaret has many responsibilities. She came in 1995 and for some time was the
only Sister in residence here. She now is
responsible for the facilities and grounds.
The yard and garden are part of her teaching opportunity for the
residents. The organic garden supplies many
of the vegetables for our meals. This first picture was taken in January, a lot has been harvested, but there is more to come.
Sister Margaret identifies one of her most joyful experiences here at La Posada as, “Seeing the changes in the faces of the residents as they realize someone cares for them and loves them."
Sister Margaret does a lot of the transporting and most of the grocery shopping.
Sister Therese
Sister Therese is part of the Holy Spirit Convent. The foundress of the Holy Spirit Covenant stated
the following. “Why should we fear? Our treasury is Divine Providence which
supplies the universe and is never exhausted.”
These Sisters are called to be women of faith and trust. To reach out to the marginalized, especially
for those denied respect for their human dignity.
Sister Therese has been at La Posada ten and a half
years. She also has many responsibilities. She guides the students and volunteers in the
classroom. She is careful to keep each client
at the appropriate level in English Class. Sometimes just watching the children while the mother's study.
She acts as a client mentor.
She listens to their stories and is a presence in their lives. She is the only sister fluent in
Spanish. While seeing that chores are completed
in the dorms, she is successful yet compassionate.
Sister Therese states, “God blesses me every day through the
people I meet and the faith they exhibit; good, amazing and challenging. Their presence enriches my life. They challenge me to trust in the providence
of God who continuously guides our lives and provides for all of us.”
Sister Therese is an immigrant from Ireland. Sister Therese’s Irish roots made St. Patrick’s
Day celebration especially fun. She
taught about the life of St. Patrick and we watched a video in English about
the St. Patrick’s life. Everyone enjoyed
the celebration in the afternoon after English class.
Earth Care and Concern
Sister Therese teaches the composting. The garden benefits from emphasis on creation care here at La Posada.
Other Volunteers
Marlene has been coming to La Posada for four years. She stays for six months when she comes. She serves many hours each day, always
willing to do what needs to be done. Her motor-home is parked on the grounds.Blanca comes every day. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Her language skills are a big help in the classroom.
Periodically Sisters of Divine Providence come and serve. Sister Janet recently spent two weeks here. Her friendship was a joy for all. The sisters and volunteers appreciated her teaching and help.
Marlene, Blanca, Sister Janet and many more volunteers were a joy for me to serve with during the last three months.
Everyone Is Special
Celebrate, Celebrate Celebrate!
Making joyful memories for all involved is what La Posada
does very well. Clients, Staff and volunteer
birthdays, departures, and special holidays are celebrated.
Sister Zita serving at the parties, making sure everyone feels special at La Posada.
Celebrations recognize God’s image in each, celebrating the dignity to every client.
Office
Office work is my comfort zone. I was glad to get to help at times in the
office, filing. This is an example of
one of the kinds of services needed at La Posada Providencia. If you know your ABC’s, there is service in
the office waiting for you!
The office at La Posada plays a VERY important role. Monica, asylum seekers main contact, has been
at La Posada 16 years. She is the “go
to” person for asylum seekers in their efforts to stay current with the
government requirements in their important process. Although not an attorney, Monica helps keep
clients informed of the processes agencies with whom they will need to
interact.
We recently celebrated Monica’s birthday.
A feast goes with many celebrations.
We recently celebrated Monica’s birthday.
A feast goes with many celebrations.
A VOLUNTEER OR GOD’S SERVANT?
A thought from a Facebook entry was a challenging question
to me. (However, when I saved it I did
not realize I had cut off part of the “address.” I cannot get back to the post; sorry I cannot
give credit to the author.) The idea of the post was to think about the difference
between a volunteer for God and a servant of God.
The suggestion was to ask ourselves which label applies.
The suggestion was to ask ourselves which label applies.
A volunteer does things they like to do; a servant does what
God calls them to do.
A volunteer asks if a task will fit into their schedule; a
servant adjusts their schedule to fit.
A volunteer does things their way; a servant does things
God's way.
A volunteer may say, "I've put in my time
already;" a servant has no time limit.
Romans 6:19, “so now, offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)