Reflections from a new alumn...

At the Arch, in front the Modern Day Slavery booth:

AAIV Student: Can we get your opinion on something?
Me: Sure!
AAIV Student: Do you believe God cares about injustice?
Me: Of course!
AAIV Student: Do you believe there is hope?
Me: ...
Me: I don't know.

As a former member & leader in InterVaristy, how could I not know? It's like I've never been asked the question before. I have the utmost faith that God can miraculously bring hope to this world. But when I think about the people in charge (i.e. Christians), I see little hope for this coming to pass. I put my sticker on the wall, snap a few photos, and head towards my car.


My thoughts continue: "Is there hope, with Christian's being who they are? I expect the world to not love, but it feels like the body of Christ does not know how to love either". I pass the prayer warriors at the rock shouting: "Come pray with us!", "Would you like some candy?", "Free prayer!". Their boldness, their persistence, they amaze me.


Sitting in my car the Spirit of God hits me: These are not the Christians from my youth group, who say they want more of you Jesus, but sacrifice nothing. These are not the Christians of my old Church, looking to modernize the worship hall, while the community around them falls apart. These are not the Christians of my Childhood, on the television yelling "No Tears For Queers".

Without realizing it, "Where is the Love?" has been the question I had been asking of Christians my whole life. Today, I saw Christians pouring out love by praying for those who do not, and speaking out on behalf of those with no voice.

• Students doing their share in the mission? Check.
• Compelled by the spirit? Check.
• Fear driven out? Check.

It's only day one, and I've only seen two booths. Tomorrow, I expect mountains to move.