Green November and Unmarked Graves

Posted on 13. Nov, 2007 by in Uncategorized



After touring a bit last night, and confirmed this morning from my eighth floor hotel window, Bogota seems to bustle like any major North American city, with the usual amenities and extremities that mark modern life. And everything looks so green and vibrant. Yet, as my colleague Michael Watt warns, this modernity and health is planted onto a poverty and political conflict festering just beneath the surface. Today I link up to learn from grassroots LWR partners, peacemakers who will help me to understand some of the complexities and opportunities in our mission here. Tomorrow we actually launch out to see some of those projects. But to my ears so far, what gets in the way of human flourishing, what obstructs poor people working toward their own viability, I mean the sort of slaughter and reckless disregard for life, I’ve already heard about, just makes no sense. My question is Job’s, (28:12): “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” Then verse 23, “God understands the way to it, and he knows its place.” I wake this morning asking the Spirit to enlighten and lead this day on the path to understand more.

I’ll keep you posted.

John

is a nonprofit organization that works with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering.

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  • Paul Miles

    John -
    We’re praying for your safe return but so too for an even greater understanding of the conflicts that face our partner organizations and the people they serve. Similarities exist in what you see outside your window and what I am currently looking at – changing colors and the beauty of transitional seasons. However, the poverty in Columbia is so much more severe than here in Chicago. We have so much – and so much to give!! We’re with you in spirit and anxiously await your return.
    Peace,
    Paul Miles

  • Monique Nunes

    I can’t wait to hear an update. Take care and God bless! We are praying!
    ~Monique Nunes

  • Eberhard Hitzler

    Dear John, what a wonderful way to keep in contact and to share your experiences! And congratulation for your grandson!
    I wish you a safe journey, good fellowship with your partners and among them our Lutheran World Federation, department for World service staff in Bogota who share office with your staff. As one of my trips this year was also to Colombia I am curious to learn about your impressions and hope to find time to compare notes with you.
    Yours in Christ and in the service for the poor
    Eberhard Hitzler, LWF/DWS

  • Anonymous

    Welcome to Southamerica John!
    God bledd you on your journey!
    I am glad to read your blog.

    Greetings Joanna Lindén
    communications volunteer
    ARO Lima

  • Joanna Lindén

    God bless you on your journey.