VOX Issue 7

VOX FAITH LIFE REALITY

Issue 7 July - September 2010

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Worship and Justice

The Tangible Kingdom American fad or inspirational model?

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

The shocking truth about human trafficking in Ireland

www.voxmagazine.ie

Bluetree stands out from the crowd

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 1

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editorial Warning: sitting comfortably

Get VOX first

is not an option

Chatting with a friend, I am impressed by his concern for our local community, his passion for justice and his desire to serve others. He reminds me (again) that he is an atheist. Hearing of his encounters with religion, I can understand why.

He wrestles with the lifestyle choices of people who call themselves ‘Christian’ and yet seem unmoved by poverty and pain; people who don’t seem to live what they believe. Why do they drive fancy cars and live in big houses? Why do they ignore world issues?

“Jesus told his disciples not to store up treasures on earth,” I tell my friend.

He smiles, impressed, “Then He was a revolutionary!”

“Yes, He is,” I reply. Hmmm…

It seems as if issues of justice can be difficult for people of faith. A church can be a (relatively) comfortable place where we encounter ‘nice’ people and enjoy worshipping our loving God. Once we step outside, things get messy.

"It would certainly be a lot easier to close our eyes."

If we really open our eyes to what is happening around us, whether it is prostitution and human trafficking (page 15), the exploitation of children (page 12) or the reality of extreme poverty (page 22), sitting comfortably is no longer an option.

It would certainly be a lot easier to close our eyes.

But if we do that, we have stopped walking in the footsteps of a Saviour whose mandate was good news for the poor and freedom for the oppressed (Luke 4).

Do I want to be comfortable? Or is my desire to be more like the revolutionary Jesus we meet in the pages of Scripture?

If your answer is yes to the first, you might want to stop reading now.

As for me? If I’m totally honest, I’d prefer to be comfortable, but with God’s help, I’m hoping my friend will see in me someone who lives what she believes.

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VOX MAGAZINE

contents

FAITH LIFE REALITY

July - September 2010, Issue 7 ISSN: 2009-2253 Publisher Solas Publishing Editor Ruth Garvey-Williams editor@voxmagazine.ie Advertising Sheila Lindsay advertising@voxmagazine.ie Layout and Operations Jonny Lindsay Directors Tom Slattery (Evangeical Alliance Ireland) Mike Mullins (OM Ireland) Dr. Abimbola Afolabi (Oasis of Love) Subscriptions Ireland (32 counties): €10 for four issues / €16 for eight issues Overseas: €15 for four issues / €24 for eight issues All cheques should be made payable to Solas Publishing.

Solas Publishing Ulysses House 22 - 24 Foley Street Dublin 1 Tel: 01 443 4789 info@voxmagazine.ie www.voxmagazine.ie Disclaimer The views expressed in letters and articles are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Solas Publishing, Evangelical Alliance, OM Ireland or Oasis of Love. The acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement.

Print Beulah Print, Drogheda VOX magazine is a quarterly publication, brought to you by Solas Publishing, a joint project of Evangelical Alliance Ireland, OM Ireland and Oasis of Love.

Jan -- Mar 4 | VOX | July Sep 2010

12 15 26 9 20 22 25 28 10 11 05 06 07 08 14

COVER STORIES Worship and Justice – Bluetree stands out from the crowd Behind closed doors – the shocking truth about human trafficking in Ireland The Tangible Kingdom – American fad or inspirational model?

FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS iPhone apps - the ones you can't live without VOX Sport: The meaning of life with Eric Miller Fields of Life – transformation among the Killing Fields of Uganda Belfast births voice of protest – singer/songwriter Brian Houston Faith in Action – attitudes to social justice

VOX VIEWS 20/20 Vision Searching for a response

REGULAR FEATURES Your VOX: Letters VOX: Shorts It’s all Greek to me VOX: World News Web Watch

21 24 29 30

VOX: Gaelige VOX: Reviews Classifieds and Event Listings VOX: P.S.

YOUR VOX letters to the editor

Ed: You heard right! We love giving churches the opportunity to raise funds for a good cause. If you want to join in, order your copies of VOX (as many as you can sell). We make a small charge to cover the cost of delivery but the magazines are FREE and you can keep all the proceeds from selling the magazines. You choose which charity or cause will benefit from the money you raise. Write to us at info@voxmagazine.ie Where is all the joy?

The article entitled “K(no)w Heaven (No)w” in VOX (April-June 2010) brings to mind this question: where has all the joy of being a Christian gone? Sure, God demands and deserves the reverence and respect that is due Him, but He does not desire Christians to live in fear. What kind of a loving Father would that be?

It’s not a new misconception about God; Paul had to continually remind the Christians of his day not to be strangled by religion, because Christ has made us free sons and daughters of God. We can read Paul’s words in Romans 8:15 with joy! “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father.”

Just as Jesus would not turn away the little children from coming to Him (Luke 18:16), so God does not turn away His children (Hebrews 4:16). This offer ought to cause constant rejoicing, not fear of being suppressed! Religion should never be allowed to drain the joy out of this intimate relationship with God. Caleb Parrow Naas, Co. Kildare Don’t miss the opportunity In response to news reports, I feel we should take time out for others. Heartfelt prayer, listening and obedience should make a big difference to our communities. A step further is called for.

We shouldn’t miss the moment. Jesus has compassion; have we?

Y FAITH LIFE REALIT

Helping Haiti nse An Irish respo to disaster

It may mean setting up clinics or helping in private homes, whatever.

With some headshops closed, drugs scarcer, maybe dearer…

Christians all over Ireland should, as a priority, intercede for drug users until directed to help in various ways. I feel this is a vital opportunity; let’s not lose it.

Bob Mc Coy Drimoleague, Co. Cork

Faith in the e Fast Lanthe with Christian Motorcyclists Association

Exploring Creativity

Making the most God-given ideas

of

www.voxmagazine.ie

VOX helps the persecuted church We were amazed that the VOX crew came up with the idea of giving FREE VOX magazines to churches to sell and use the funds for a good cause. The magazine is an excellent production, Irish and full of encouraging and interesting articles and perspectives.

Therefore we took up the opportunity to sell it to those we knew would be interested.

Abundant Life has three members who champion the persecuted church – two locals and Peter, who is from Eritrea and well aware of the brothers and sisters being persecuted for their faith in that country. So, they took on the task of using VOX to raise money for persecuted Christians in Eritrea. We have raised about €125 but it’s early days yet.

We sold VOX to people at church on Sundays, took some home and sold them to friends when they visited and also promoted it at other local Christian events. We really appreciate VOX’s generosity and would highly recommend other churches taking up this innovative opportunity to bless some worthwhile cause.

Kevin Fitzgibbon Pastor, Abundant Life Christian Church, Limerick

VOX

2010 Issue 6 April - June

VOX | Apr - Jun 2010

An ‘a maize n’ weekend Angus Bucan was a name that meant nothing to me, until someone told me about a down-to-earth evangelist who was planning to come to Ireland. On Saturday 12 June we joined at least 2500 other people at the Ecclesville Equestrian Centre in Fintona, Co. Tyrone.

The organisers, “Maize n Grace”, had gone to some trouble to emphasise that this was a community-wide event where everyone was welcome. A cross section of people from all over Ireland and further afield were there.

Angus was indeed down to earth, quite literally, a farmer turned preacher who tells people that they need to give their lives to God and trust Him for salvation. It was refreshing to hear people being exhorted to trust God in a manner that was sincere, passionate and practical.

Angus concluded with a reminder that, if we want to hear from God, we need to spend time reading the Bible, speaking to Him and listening to what He is saying to us. A simple message but one all to easily overlooked.

Stephen Wilson Mullingar

VOX magazine welcomes “Letters to the Editor” (ideal length 150200 words) in response to articles and features or relevant issues facing Ireland in the 21st century. Send your contribution to Your VOX, editor@voxmagazine.ie or mail to The Editor, VOX magazine, Solas Publishing, Ulysses House, 22-24 Foley St, Dublin 1

Awards w ith a dif fe re nc e October edition Watch out for a special feature in our ministries across Ireland. celebrating inspirational people and your church or community.

Tell us about the unsung heroes in telling us why you are Write NOW with your nominations or the work of a particular moved or inspired by an individual ministry or charity. to VOX Awards, Email editor@voxmagazine or write 4 Foley St, Dublin 1 Solas Publishing, Ulysses House, 22-2

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 5

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VOX:SHORTS Choose your crisps wisely...

Saville offers chance for healing Relief and gratitude greeted the findings of the Saville report into the events of “Bloody Sunday” (January 30, 1972) in which 14 people were killed by British soldiers. Senior church leaders welcomed the report and the subsequent apology from British Prime Minister David Cameron describing the killings as “unjustified and unjustifiable”.

“It is a good day for Derry and I hope a good day for the North. It’s a good day for truth and justice. There will be healing out of this.” – Bishop Edward Daly (the Catholic priest photographed above on Bloody Sunday as he carried victims from the scene).

“We can now move forward together as a community. The cloud, which has hung over us for almost 40 years has now been lifted and there is a fresh opportunity to shape the future.” – Rev Ken Good, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe.

“As a society we should welcome truth because… truth sets us free. For me a major lesson to learn is the failure to take issues of injustice as seriously as the Bible does.” - Dr Norman Hamilton, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland.

Sex sells Sales of Hunky Dory crisps have soared since a controversial advertising campaign was launched in April. Large Food Exports reported a 17% increase since images of scantily clad female rugby players were plastered on billboards across Ireland. The adverts were eventually banned after more than 300 calls to the advertising standards agency, but mass publicity has resulted in increased sales for the crisps brand.

New “Remix” event for young men The popular men’s conference, The Mandate, has launched a spin-off event for autumn 2010. Designed for men in their 20s and 30s, The Mandate Remix takes place on November 14 (evening) at Carnmoney Church, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.

American pastor Mark Driscoll – whose streetwise style has scooped coverage on YouTube and in the New York Times – will speak on Clash Of Kingdoms: Becoming An Agent Of Transformation. To find out more visit www.themandate.net

Harnessing Hollywood A new website is offering “movie Bible studies”. Available to buy online, the studies open with a familiar film clip to set the stage for a discussion about biblical truth. “What is your obligation toward the weak and oppressed?” asks the study on “Robin Hood”, while “Shrek Forever After” can lead to a discussion about discontentment. Check it out on MovieBibleStudy.com

THE EARLIEST CHRISTIAN GOSPEL

6 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

The Irish Bible Institute’s annual summer school was led by Prof. Scot McKnight, an internationally esteemed New Testament scholar and founder of the evangelical Christian blog “Jesus Creed”.

Addressing Irish church leaders, a public lecture and the IBI summer classes, McKnight demonstrated a passion for reading the Biblical text with close attention and care while engaging effectively with culture.

His theme - “The Earliest Christian Gospel” - was based on 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul outlines God’s Good News as Christ dying for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures, before being raised from the dead. Prof. McKnight concludes

that the earliest Christian Gospel is “… the saving narrative story of Jesus that completes the story of Israel.”

Or, to put it simply, the Gospel encapsulates the whole Bible, and we cannot skip from Genesis 3 straight to Romans 3.

Prof. McKnight challenged his audiences to think about the implications of this broad “Gospel culture” as against the “salvation culture” that can, he argues, diminish God’s big story in favour of something more easily packaged and communicated.

Check out www.faithinireland.wordpress. com for further articles on Scott McKnight's visit.

MAD 2010 is a ‘taste of heaven’ “Something for everyone.” “An amazing day out.” “The best MAD yet.” “MAD has truly established itself as a top event.” These were just some of the comments following Ireland’s Christian music festival set to the stunning background of the Wicklow mountains on a cloudless June day.

Featuring music from “LZ7”, “Shell Perris”, “Rend Collective Experiment” and the last ever appearance of “YFriday” on Irish soil, MAD 2010 attracted 2,000 people from across the nation and from a wide range of different ages, backgrounds, denominations and cultures. Throughout the day, worship music from Emmaus, Dublin Gospel Choir and Worship Central engaged young and old alike.

Enjoying the combination of music, sunshine, family and friends, Pastor Tunde Adebayo-Oke, National Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ireland summed up MAD as a “taste of heaven”.

MAD (Make a Difference) was originally the vision of Tim Phillips, whose death earlier this year was a sad loss to Ireland. Taking over the reins of the event, Tim’s daughter Scarlett Tice shared how family and friends had rallied round to help at a this “tough time”. “We have an incredible group of volunteers,” she said.

Make a date for MAD 2011 for the chance to see Switchfoot live!

An end to “legal highs”?

A new law is set to clamp down on so called legal highs once and for all.

The sale or supply of substances with psychoactive effects for human consumption will become a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill.

In May, Minister for Health Mary Harney made 200 legal highs controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. These included mephedrone, synthetic cannabinoids and BZP derivatives.

However, new substances were quickly produced to replace the banned items. The aim is for a ‘catch-all’ piece of legislation that would put head shops out of business for good. While 102 head shops were open before the ban came into force, about 36 were still trading in June.

1 in 3

Latest Statistics

babies in Ireland are born outside of marriage, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office.

44%

of births to first-time mothers were outside wedlock

22%

28%

of second children are born outside marriage

of women having their third child are unmarried.

The overall percentage of births outside marriage is 33 per cent compared with 1.97 per cent in the 1950s. Regionally, Limerick city had the highest percentage of children born outside marriage, at 54.4 per cent followed by Cork with Galway county showing the lowest percentage.

It’s all ελληνικά to me :: Lessons from a Greek Teacher YES TO THIS… NO TO THAT The Letter of James in the New Testament is a handbook of practical Christianity and Justice. Read him on pride, loose talk, the poor, wages and speculation.

But he also keeps our balance by anchoring concerned activity in Christian holiness. All this comes together in Chapter 1 verse 27 (a good verse on which to consult different English translations).

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27) In Greek, verse 26 ends and verse 27 begins with the same word, ‘religion’ (a little reminder that our verse divisions are not always helpful) as if James is saying “ I’ll tell you what real religion is”.

He gives an example of faith working through love using a

somewhat rare word, also used by Jesus (Matthew 25:36) . . . which used to be translated ‘to visit’ but means much more and can cover every type of care, help and support we can give.

But then he also warns of the ever-present danger of being so focused on the need and the needy as to get ourselves corrupted or to try to catch his meaning, ‘to be dirtied with the mud of immorality’.

James is an advocate of real hands-on love for others and for holiness before God. It cannot be one without the other.

Warren Nelson, originally from Drogheda, Co. Louth, taught at the Irish Bible School in Co. Tipperary. He now enjoys active retirement and DIY near Tullamore.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 7| 7 VOX | Jul - Sep 2010

VOX:WORLD NEWS

Toward greater unity?

A meeting between 300 ecumenical and evangelical church leaders in Edinburgh was urged to “build bridges rather than create chasms” as they discussed the theme of “Witnessing to Christ Today”.

Edinburgh 2010 (commemorating the 100th anniversary of the World Missionary Conference) included representatives of all mainline churches and traditions from all parts of the world.

Challenging delegates to greater unity, World Evangelical Alliance leader Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe said, “God’s calling to the whole church is to take the whole gospel to the whole world.”

Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, added: “Mission and unity belong together.

To be one in Christ is to witness together to Christ.”

In his closing address, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said too much of what the church does amounts to “re-arranging the furniture” or “arguing over words and phrases while humanity… plunges suicidally into meaninglessness and despair.”

For the sake of 30c* A new report by aid agency World Vision says simple life-saving measures like hand washing with soap, oral rehydration solutions and mosquito nets could save the lives of 6 million children every year.

Speaking at the launch of the Child Health Now report, World Vision Ireland CEO Helen Keogh said, “When hundreds die in a disaster, it is considered an emergency. But when 24,000 children die every day from largely preventable causes, it is not considered one.

This is the biggest human rights violation of all time and we need to do more to address it.”

When twin brothers were admitted to a clinic in Zambia after three days with severe diarrhoea, a chronic shortage of drugs meant only one boy could be treated. Richard received a life-saving syrup of oral rehydration salts. His brother Roderick died. *30 US cents is the cost of an oral rehydration sachet made up of salt, sugar and essential nutrients that can prevent a child from dying from diarrhoea.

Images: Gary Doak / WCC

Eat up or don’t come back A Japanese restaurant in Australia is combating food waste by charging an extra 30% to customers who don’t clean their plates. People who fail to finish their meal are asked to choose another restaurant in future.

“Celibacy is fine” Campaigning for ‘safe sex’ to raise awareness about AIDS / HIV, controversial pop star Lady Gaga told fans, “You have to protect yourself or don’t have sex. It’s ok not to have sex.

I’m celibate; celibacy’s fine.” Speaking to the UK’s Daily Mail, the singer added, “You don’t have to have sex to feel good about yourself, and if you’re not ready, don’t do it. I remember… when I was growing up. Everyone started to have sex. But it’s not really cool any more to have sex all the time. It’s cooler to be strong and independent.”

8 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

God heard your prayers Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh, who were arrested in Iran in March 2009 and imprisoned because of their faith, have been acquitted of all charges. However, they were warned that any future Christian activity would be dealt with seriously. Therefore, they left Iran on 22 May 2010 and arrived safely in another country, where they were met at the airport by their ‘spiritual parents’, Sam and Lin Yeghnazar, founders of Elam Ministries.

During their time in prison, Maryam and Marzieh were repeatedly interrogated and pressurised to recant. They spent weeks in solitary confinement, and their health suffered badly. After their conditional release in November 2009, they had to wait six months for their case to be heard.

"We have seen the Lord do miracles over and over again. He kept us and gave us favour in prison, and sustained us during a very difficult period of waiting for our final trial," said Marzieh. "We are most grateful to everyone who prayed for us," Maryam added, "I have no doubt that God heard the prayers of His people. I believe our arrest, imprisonment and subsequent release were in the timing and plan of God, and it was all for His glory. But the prayers of people encouraged and sustained us throughout this ordeal."

Church in Chains has sought a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland to discuss the issue of religious freedom in Iran (Church in Chains/Elam Ministries).

10

iPhone Apps you can’t (or can) live without

The iPhone has taken the world by storm. There are over 225,000 apps (small software applications) available. Here’s a selection of iPhone and iPod Touch apps we think VOX readers will enjoy: Holy Bible (Free) There are a host of Bible apps out there, each with a different variety of translations and add-ons. We like this one because it works offline, comes free with some good translations and gives the option of notes, highlighting and a full Bible search.

(Tip: If you want the NIV but don’t want to fork out cash, bookmark www.iphone.3onesix. com in your browser for a free online iPhone-specific version.)

The Imitation of Christ (Free) There are countless books available but this one caught our attention. The Christian classic by Thomas à Kempis has been laid out and illustrated beautifully as bite-sized inspirational thoughts to keep in your pocket.

NOOMA (€3.99 each) A series of 24 short films featuring Rob Bell, NOOMA aims to give spiritual perspectives on life experiences. The beautifully shot films attempt to answer questions like "Why is silence so hard to deal with?" or "What do we do when there aren't nice, neat answers?"

Skype (Free) Wanting to trim down your phone bill? Skype has an excellent iPhone version, with the added ability to make calls over the 3G network, not just via wifi.

Making calls takes a little more effort but can save you a bundle!

Bible Memory Verses (Free) What do you do while waiting for that elusive bus? Why not memorise scripture verses? This is a great app for committing verses to memory, using good old flash cards and word removal.

Irish Weather (Free) Organising a youth weekend or summer barbecue? Ireland’s unpredictable weather makes this app an invaluable tool to find the latest forecast from Met Éireann.

Popular Christian Classic Hymns (Free) And you thought the iPhone was only for the young and trendy? This app brings together the lyrics of over 140 classic hymns. Search by author or simply any line that comes to mind. (BTW: The young and trendy might enjoy it too.)

The Quirky Ones iTithe (€2.39) Struggling to do the maths and figure out how much to give as your tithe in your local church? An app to calculate and record your giving – you’ll wonder how you ever tithed without it!

Bible Blocks (€0.79) A puzzle game with a biblical twist. Play hard to win and be rewarded with a new Bible verse after each level! Interesting…

Biblical Encouragement – Weight Loss (€1.59) Needing some encouragement while dropping those pounds? With Bible verses for the myriad of emotions and physical symptoms associated with trying to lose weight, this app might just keep you on the right track!

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 9

EVERY PENNY COUNTS EVERY CHILD COUNTS EVERY DAY COUNTS

Help us Build Ireland's First Children's Hospice - LauraLynn House (opening 2011)

DONATE NOW 1800 315 315 or online www.sunshinehome.ie

20/20 Vision?!

Annmarie Miles comes from Tallaght in Dublin and is married to Richard, from Wales. She works for Focus on the Family and loves to cook, sing, read, talk and eat!

10 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

Making the most of short and precious lives

Respite  Home Support Transitional  End of Life Care

(Illustration: Olly Blake - www.ollyblake.com)

I recently had an eye operation. For a while the sight in my eye will be worse before it gets better and it is a slow but steady recovery.

A couple of days after the op I felt it was time to stop allowing people to pamper me. So when the staff brought me my tea on Day 3, I very firmly assured them that I was fine and needed no help. I could see the tray and everything on it.

I got my cup and saucer in front of me, picked up the teapot and promptly poured the tea into the saucer! I quickly grabbed what I thought was a white folded napkin and was mopping up the tea before I realised I was using the bread!!!

Whatever I did next (and I’m not sure what that was), I sent the knife and fork flying off my tray and crashing to the floor.

I sat in the bed like a bold child who’d been caught doing something she shouldn’t have while a girl came back into the ward, took one look at the tray, one look at me, and without a word took the tray away returning with a new one; the tea already poured!

Although I could see all the things on the tray, I didn’t realise that I couldn’t really see them properly. I’m so looking forward to being able to see! My eyesight has been deteriorating for years. This op and the eventual op on the other eye will change my life and I’ll be able to see... clearly!

I’ve been reflecting on verse 12 in 1 Corinthians 13. The verse says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (ESV) And I realise that after all my ops and recovery I STILL won’t have 20/20 vision. That won’t come until much later.

In the meantime, I’ll probably keep spilling the tea of imperfection into the saucer of life, mopping it up with the bread of blindness!

But one day...I’ll get there. Just you wait and see!

The Children's Sunshine Home & LauraLynn House Leopardstown Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18 T: 01-2893151 F: 01-2899972 CHY2633

www.sunshinehome.ie

Searching for a response The script is already written. The day will come. The King will say to those on His left, 'Depart from me, for I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink” (Matthew 25). “I didn’t know” will not be an acceptable answer.

The nakedness, hunger, loneliness and imprisonment Jesus spoke of are representative of human suffering, but not an exhaustive list. Much of Jesus’ teachings revolve around liberty for the oppressed and justice for the weak. When Jesus launched His ministry, He explicitly demonstrated these concerns: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the

the “problem.” It’s the government’s job anyway, right?

As Christians, we already have the template. While we were still slaves: slaves to sin, corruption, and our own carnal nature, Jesus heard our cry, giving Himself as a sacrifice to free us. He paid the ultimate price. He set the example.

We might say we didn’t learn, but we can’t say we didn’t know. We might say we were fascinated by the virtual world and the ease with which we kept abreast of our friends’ every fleeting moments and social contacts.

But it’s just as easy to invest that time learning to do right. We were created to love each other. If we just start somewhere, we can someday say, we learned about injustice

“I DIDN’T KNOW” WILL NOT BE AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER. LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” (Luke 4: 18-19).

Justice and liberty seem like sore points with God. Over and over in the Old Testament we read about God’s demands to defend the weak and set captives free. In the New Testament, it was one of Jesus’ primary focuses. Why? Because all humankind is made in God’s image and wherever mankind suffers, Christ suffers.

As always, Christ chooses His words carefully. The King won’t say, “You knew I was hungry and gave me nothing.”

No, it’s lack of action, not lack of knowledge that is condemned. On that day, Christ’s people, the Church, will not be able to claim ignorance.

Before we protest and scream, “That’s not fair, I wasn’t aware” we’ll find the warning was given centuries before Christ. God, speaking to His people through Isaiah the

and we learned to do right. Yes, that’s uncomfortable. We’ll have to gaze at human suffering, but these are lives we can change. Jesus calls us out of our complacency. He demands that we serve.

Last month I encountered Anik from Africa. She had been a prostitute. Before you condemn her, consider this. Her passport had been taken and her children were being held captive. Every sexual encounter was an exercise in hope: a hope that her captors would release her children unharmed.

They had no such notion. Freedom was denied her, until Christ’s people intervened.

Jesus launched His ministry quoting Isaiah the prophet: “…proclaim freedom for the captives.” In our modern-day world, His servants, fighting for justice, made this a reality for Anik and her children. That’s what His people are supposed to do.

The script is already written. The actors are being chosen.

Which part for you? Which part for me? Which part for the

WE’RE NOT OVERTLY BAD PEOPLE, WE JUST TURN A BLIND EYE TO HUMAN SUFFERING, ASSUMING SOMEONE ELSE IS TAKING CARE OF THE “PROBLEM.” prophet, commanded them to “learn to do right, seek justice, encourage the oppressed”(Isaiah 1:17).

In this command alone, never mind the full volume of scripture, we see that God places the onus on us to learn - to educate ourselves - in promoting justice. God is even more explicit through the prophet Hosea when He says, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

Our generation has access to a volume of information that is historically unparalleled. We’re never more than a click away from a vast world of statistics, figures and facts.

There’s no excuse for not knowing anything! The real issue is our desire, or lack of desire, to know.

Experiment now. Open any search engine. Type in “Human Trafficking”. I’ve just done it. In 0.6 seconds it located 3.57 million entries. That’s certainly more than entry-level knowledge. Narrow it down by adding “Ireland” in your search bar. Still overwhelmed? Add “Christian response”. I hate to say it, but now there remains no excuse.

We’re not overtly bad people, we just turn a blind eye to human suffering, assuming someone else is taking care of

Church in Ireland? Ultimately, there are only two supporting characters: Those on the left who depart from the King for doing nothing and those on the right, who enter His courts for serving the oppressed.

Today you choose which character you will be.

Ken Gibson is CEO of The Leprosy Mission Ireland, serves on the boards of Christian organisations dedicated to fighting injustice and acts as development consultant to organisations across Europe. Watch out for his book on Overseas Aid being published this autumn!

 JOIN THE CONVERSATION… What can you do to avoid the apathy trap? Is cutting down on things like social networking the answer? How should we invest in doing right? Visit www.voxmagazine.ie, click on “The Conversation” and post your comments and questions beneath this article online.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 11

WorshipandJustice Bluetree stands out from the crowd

Dove-award nominated Northern Irish worship band ‘Bluetree’ took the US by storm in 2009 with their best-selling album “God of this City”. Unexpectedly catapulted into the limelight, Bluetree remains a group of friends who are passionate about worship music and justice. VOX editor Ruth Garvey-Williams caught up with lead singer Aaron Boyd in the middle of visa applications for their summer tour.

Tell us a bit about yourself and band?

What is your passion?

I’m 29 years old, married with two kids. There are four of us in the band. Pete Comfort is on drums, Connor McCrory on lead guitar and Ernie Nickell on bass. Pete Kernoghan left the band to launch Stand Out International – raising money and awareness to help children exploited within the sex industry.

Bluetree was born out of a sense of frustration. In churches, [I feel] worship is the only thing where it is okay to be awful because it is ‘all down to your heart’. God is more interested in your character than anything you can bring to the table. But if we can marry heart with ability then something special can come out of that.

We just want to get into churches and lead worship. We feel like we are fish out of water whenever we have to do concerts; our music is not about entertainment. We want to bridge the gap between what we do in church and what’s happening in the world. Worship should lead to justice – for us that is saving kids who are being exploited in the sex industry.

“

WE WANT TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN WHAT WE DO IN CHURCH AND WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD.

12 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

Why Bluetree?

If you were in a forest full of green trees and you saw a blue tree it would stand out. We want to be different but in the context of love. Northern Ireland is an example of how if you are different without love, you end up shooting each other. If we can love God and love our neighbour, we can be the hands and feet of Christ and make a difference.

When did you get your break?

I was a window cleaner in Belfast. Then Chris Tomlin did a cover of “God of this City”. We did not know anything about the music industry. We bought a book and went online to try to find out more.

Suddenly record companies were taking us out for steaks. We didn’t have a clue. When I read the record deals they were offering us, I thought, “I don’t want to do this”.

I wanted to put my money where my mouth is in terms of worship music and justice with money to be donated to the kids at point of sale. When we told the record companies what we wanted to do, their response was, “That is never going to work”.

I felt I had burnt every bridge. During Summer Madness 2007 I heard God speak to me, “Do you trust me or do you trust men?”

We ended up producing the record ourselves and God opened every door. “God of this City” was the top selling Christian album in the US for four weeks running. And the song itself was one of the biggest selling singles.

STANDING UP, STANDING OUT

So how do you combine worship music and justice?

I want to fight as hard for them as I would fight for Poppy.

“

We set off on this journey of understanding that what we do in church and in worship should always move you to a response in your own life.

The song “God of this city” was born as a result of a visit to Thailand in November 2006. We had the opportunity to play in a bar underneath a brothel for two hours. We had so many questions – Is God here in the midst of this poverty and abuse?

Is God sovereign? Do we just need to pray or is there something else we should be doing?

Pete Kernoghan and I used to walk into Belfast city centre on a Wednesday morning, have a coffee in Starbucks and then walk back, talking about life and everything.

We felt we had to do something. We were getting emails from people all over the world who were using “God of this city” to pray over their cities. We could not just take royalties from the song. We needed to use it as a platform to try and save more children.

How can I reach out and help children who are being abused?

Walking down an alleyway, we had the idea to start the charity Stand Out International. We now call that place “inspiration alleyway”.

Former Bluetree band member Pete Kernoghan now focuses on running the charity that was born out of the band’s passionate concern for children exploited in the sex industry. Working closely with Viva Network, Stand Out International supports 26 projects in Cambodia ranging from rehabilitation to prevention. Pete shares: The trip to Thailand was the turning point for me. I only saw a small glimpse of the exploitation of children but on the flight home, I read a book called “Sex Slaves” by Louise Brown.

I had such an amazing childhood with loving parents who supported me. It was shocking to see that there were kids who never got that opportunity and, worse than that, who experienced all the things I read about.

I have an 11-month-old daughter. As her Dad, I want to make sure that no harm ever comes to Poppy and that she would never, ever get trapped in the child sex industry. God put it on my heart to make these children my own. I want to fight as hard for them as I would fight for Poppy.

We want to end exploitation for the 1.8 million children trapped in the sex industry. The number is mind-blowing, but each one is an individual. People can make a difference in the lives of individual kids.

Stand Out helps to bridge the gap between the western church and the children. As Christians we are called to bring justice wherever we go. This is not something you opt in or opt out of.

We need people to give, but my call is not just for money. We need people with passion, with a heart for prayer, with a willingness to give their lives, people who will say, "I’m not going to stand idly by while children are abuse and destroyed."

What comes next?

This summer we’re touring in the US for six weeks (I’m off to the embassy today to get our visas).

We have just released our Live Album (order it online from www.exchangechurchbelfast.com). While the band has had success in the States, we would love to do more here in Ireland. Our heart is to continue developing worship in Ireland.

Why not join the 10/10/10 initiative – using the 10 October 2010 to stand together against Child Sex Exploitation? Find out more online at www.standoutinternational.co.uk or search for Stand Out International on Facebook.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 13

Racist Incidents Support and Referral Service

Have you witnessed or My top five...

Web Highlights from VOX readers www.cleanupfashion.co.uk This is a handy website for finding out how well (or not) various highstreet retailers are doing to make their practices more ethical. The information is based on questionnaires and reports done by NGOs, including Tearfund UK.

experienced racism

in Ireland?

Call the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) for information and support ranging from counselling referrals to advice on making complaints to the authorities. All calls will be dealt with confidentially.

As well as helping those who are affected by racism, this new ICI service will gather data on racist incidents to ensure there is a more accurate record of the extent of racism in Ireland.

Contact the ICI Racist Incidents Support and Referral Service on 01 645 8058 (Call line open on Fridays between 10am and 12.30pm)

www.wordle.net I like trying to display information in a creative and visually stimulating way. Wordle generates a “word cloud” from the text you provide, giving prominence to the most frequently used words. www.activelink.ie A community noticeboard, helpful for keeping up to date with what’s happening in the not-for-profit sector – events, vacancies, training etc. www.youthdeved.ie I use this site a lot in my work with the YMCA. There are loads of free, downloadable development education resources, including activities addressing themes like climate change, health, child labour and racism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-_mUAhzhkg STOMP! is a travelling percussion extravaganza. They play anything that can be hit, bounced or beaten or even swept as this scene, "Brooms" demonstrates!

Helen Lane completed an MA in 2009 in Globalisation and Development and is currently working for Tearfund Ireland and Ballincollig YMCA. She likes cycling, hiking, a little veg gardening, drumming and all things percussion!

Metro Éireann Special Offer The Red P by Roddy Doyle To ensure that you get an opportunity to read The Red P, the new exclusive story series from Roddy Doyle, take out a special subscription and have Metro Éireann delivered to straight to you.

A one-year subscription is only €52 euro!

Please fill in below and return to Metro Éireann or log on to metroeireann.com/subscription Please I want a one-year/two-year subscription to Metro Éireann (delete as applicable) I enclose a cheque/postal order for € ___________ made payable to: Metro Éireann, 34 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1.

E-mail: info@metroeireann.com Tel: 01 8783441 NAME __________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________ E-MAIL ____________________________________________________________ TEL _________________________________ SIGNATURE __________________________________________________________ DATE _____________________________________________________________ For bulk, corporate, group or bulk (more than 5) subscriptions contact info@metroeireann.com

14 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

VOX | Oct - Dec 2009 | 14

Behind closed doors Imagine if it was your sister or your daughter.

At any one time 800 to 1000 women are involved in prostitution in Ireland, according to a report published by the Immigrant Council of Ireland in 2009. Of this number, evidence shows that around 20% or more are the victims of human trafficking – women and children who have been forced into prostitution against their will and are unable to escape.

Every day, in Irish apartment blocks, houses and hotels, women and young girls are suffering horrific abuse in Dublin, Cork, Galway and every major town across the country.

A recent lawsuit identified brothels in Cavan, Drogheda, Athlone, Sligo, Mullingar, Carlow, Kilkenny, Enniscorthy, Newbridge, Waterford, Newry, Omagh, Lurgan, Armagh and Belfast.

VOX editor Ruth Garvey-Williams investigates the shocking reality of human trafficking and prostitution in Ireland and asks how we should respond.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 15

SABRIANA’S STORY* Sabriana was introduced to a man called Yani as someone who would help her to a better life in Western Europe.

She would earn good money and be able to send money home to her elderly mother and father. She agreed to pretend to be married to the man and went with him using false documents. But her journey of hope soon became a living hell.

In London she was abused, locked up and told she would be put in jail if caught by police. Yani forced her to sell sex.

Yani sold her to another man and she had to work in brothels and clubs. Without documents, escape seemed impossible; she was controlled through a combination of promises, lies, threats and violence. She was told that her parents would be killed if she tried to escape.

Months later she was sold on again and was moved to Dublin, from where she was regularly sent to “visit” provincial towns. After a severe beating Sabriana escaped and arrived in a Garda Station afraid, bruised, with broken ribs and teeth.

Sabriana’s saga is not yet over. She is now in the asylum process. She lives in fear that the “owner” who beat her will find her again. She fears being deported and also that her parents will suffer because of her escape. *From www.coistine.ie

A HEART FOR VULNERABLE WOMEN Joan Adams lives in the centre of Dublin and volunteers a few nights each month with Ruhama, an Irish charity working with women affected by prostitution.

“I have always known and seen God’s heart for vulnerable women and since my late teens I was praying for God to open up some doors for me to respond,” Joan shared.

Inspired by the film “Amazing Grace” about the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and hearing the story of a woman in Mexico who set up a home for girls from the streets, Joan looked for ways to help.

Ruhama’s outreach work involves driv-

HER JOURNEY OF HOPE SOON BECAME A LIVING HELL.

ing a van into Dublin’s Red Light District.

Equipped with sofas and a tea station, the van provides a “safe place” for women.

Volunteers like Joan serve cups of tea or warm snacks (Pot Noodle). Some simply enjoy the tea, while others stop to chat for longer.

“It is a privilege to be allowed the opportunity to get to know these women and to be involved in their lives,” Joan said.

Amid the tragic stories of pain and abuse, Joan sees little glimpses of “God showing up” as the women are treated with dignity and compassion.

Ruhama (Hebrew for ‘renewed life’) offers women both care and practical support including education and training, job skills and therapies, enabling many to escape from prostitution.

"IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE ALLOWED THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW THESE WOMEN" The charity also raises awareness of the exploitation of women in the Irish sex trade and the growing problem of human trafficking in Ireland.

Over the past decade Ireland has become both a transit route and a destination point for sex trafficking. Ruhama made its first contact with a woman who was a victim of trafficking in 2000.

TRAPPED “There are so many myths surrounding prostitution,” Joan explained. “Most of the women are vulnerable, yet display tremendous strength of character amid their difficult life circumstances. Even those who have not been trafficked can be coerced or trapped through fear of violence, intimidation and emotional manipulation. Most want to leave prostitution, but feel trapped in some way.”

While the Ruhama van provides support in the Red Light District, in recent years, the charity has highlighted a significant shift away from street-based to indoor prostitution.

The ‘industry’ is worth an estimated €180 million a year to pimps, traffickers and criminal gangs.

Advertised on the Internet, so-called escort agencies have effectively hidden prostitution from the public gaze and made it more difficult to provide care or 16 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

Key findings of the Immigrant Council of Ireland Report

“Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution” Over a 21-month period (2007 – 2008) 102 women were identified as being trafficked into or through Ireland. The women were aware of a further 64 women who were trafficked, bringing the total to a possible 166. This is an underestimation; many women who are trafficked remain invisible.

11 per cent of the 102 women were children at the time they were trafficked to Ireland.

Most are illegally in the country and without any documents.

Deceptive recruitment was common. Women were promised an education and work, or recruited through the pledge of marriage or a long-term relationship. None of the 102 women knew they were being recruited for the sex industry.

The women experienced captivity, isolation, shame and betrayal combined with the trauma of systematic sexual exploitation and rape.

In Ireland, women who are trafficked can be criminalised and treated as illegal immigrants. Some women end up in prison or are deported.

One in 15 men in Ireland reported that they buy sex.

Outside of Dublin and Cork, there are no specialist services for women in prostitution or for those who are trafficked into prostitution.

Download the full report from: www.immigrantcouncil.ie

"TRAFFICKING IS AN IRISH PROBLEM"

help, especially for trafficking victims who are held prisoner.

Women are moved around the country to give ‘variety’ to the buyers. Investigations have shown that prostitution is a problem in every county in Ireland, including the more rural areas.

Trafficking victims are often tricked into coming to Europe with false promises of work, education and a better life.

Once in the country, their traffickers demand huge payment (up to €60,000) and force the women into prostitution to pay their ‘debt’.

“Jesus did not sit in a church and fill a pew; He was out there,” Joan added. “I think these women really need to know that Jesus loves them. They are not going to find that out in church because church is not accessible for them. God is interested in every area of their lives. He wants them to see their value and worth."

TOWARDS A VICTIM-CENTRED RESPONSE Campaigning for the right legislation and government action needs to be part of the strategy, in addition to providing support and care for women.

"TRAFFICKING VICTIMS ARE OFTEN TRICKED INTO COMING TO EUROPE WITH FALSE PROMISES OF WORK, EDUCATION AND A BETTER LIFE. " Passports and papers are taken away and the women are kept under close watch. Some are locked up; others are controlled using threats of violence.

Without being able to understand English, some trafficked victims do not even know which country they are in, let alone which town or city.

TIME TO TAKE ACTION “Trafficking is an Irish problem,” Joan said. “It is not in-your-face. This is not Amsterdam or Bangkok. People think because it is hidden it can’t be happening, but it is.

“There needs to be a discussion about this in our churches. Christians need to pray, to be aware of what is happening in their towns and to find ways to respond.

“The response needs to be victim centred,” Joan shared. “All too often trafficking is treated as an immigration problem because the women are dealt with as illegal immigrants instead of as the victims of crime. If they are simply deported, they are at great risk of being trafficked again.”

Ruhama is campaigning for a change in Irish law to focus on ‘demand’ and calls on the Irish government to consider the Swedish model. In 1999, Sweden brought in legislation that criminalizes the purchase of sexual services.

After studying the Swedish system for her thesis, Joan said, “[In Sweden] … prostitution is seen as a form of violence against women. They have shifted the focus from criminalising those soliciting to VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 17

"I CRIED AND PRAYED TO GOD TO HELP ME." those who purchase sexual services. They take a holistic approach, offering opportunities for women to exit prostitution.

“The hazy line between prostitution and trafficking is outlined. The Swedish model acts as a deterrent to traffickers considering Sweden as a destination country.”

What is human trafficking?

The official definition of human traf-

ficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.

Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.

OBIOMA’S STORY (IN HER OWN WORDS)* I came to Ireland for a better life trusting my helper. A few days later I became a prisoner; I was locked in a room. I was forced to have sex with different men.

After sleeping with the men they paid money and my organisers would come and collect it from me.

I became useless, meaningless, helpless and hopeless. No person to speak to, my world was turned upside down, no freedom. I have to do what they say to do not what I want to do; it was like hell. I was dying in silence.

The place was new to me I don’t know what to do, I don’t know police station not to talk of running away. I began to cry. I was left with one person, which was my God. I was always with my Bible, which was my last hope. I cried and prayed to God to help me out of this problem.

Next day the Garda came to my room and brought me to Ruhama in the middle of the night. I was taken to a safe house where I met two women who worked for Ruhama. They showed me love and care in the house. I was hungry and they gave me food to eat. They showed me to a room.

I was crying and the woman encouraged me and advised me that I will be okay.

On my birthday I moved into my new apartment. Ruhama workers help me every week, they make me realise that I can make it again. They organize classes for me, which bring me back to my education!

I trust Ruhama; they gave me hope and courage. I have also learned to trust people again. I am free like a bird with Ruhama at my side. Thank you. *Ruhama Biennial Report (2009) available from www.ruhama.ie

Evangelical Alliance Ireland Invite You to the Launch of

TIRZAH

Helping Victims of Human Trafficking The slavery Patrick suffered in 4th century Ireland is happening here today.

18 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

What can I do?

The scale of the problem in Ireland can seem overwhelming, but every person can make a difference. Here are some ways you can respond:

1

Pray for the victims of trafficking to be set free and for their captors to be brought to justice. Why not make this issue part of your church or small group prayer times?

2

Address negative attitudes.

Reject stereotypes, prejudice or derogatory comments about women involved in prostitution.

Educate others about the problem.

3

Support Ruhama through donations, using your professional skills or by becoming a volunteer.

Don’t close your eyes. See the government’s Blue Blindfold Campaign for more information (www.blueblindfold.gov.ie).

4 5

Support campaigns to change the law by writing to your TD or signing petitions.

6

Support Tirzah – the Evangelical Alliance Ireland’s initiative against human trafficking in Ireland. Email office@evangelical.ie to find out more.

7

Find out more. Visit www.ruhama. ie or www.immigrantcouncil.ie for further information.

Monday 20th of September 7:30P.M. – 9:30P.M. The Exchange 55 Gardener St Lower EAI: office@evangelical.ie Ph: 01 8881111

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Irish Government's Response to Human Trafficking Legislative

The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 was enacted in June 2008. Under this legislation, trafficking of human beings for the purposes of sexual exploitation, labour exploitation or removal of organs is a crime with penalties of up to life imprisonment.

Administrative arrangements of 60 days' permission to remain lawfully in the State (recovery & reflection period) for alleged victims of trafficking and 6-month periods of residence, renewable, where the person wishes to assist the Gardaí or other relevant authorities in any investigation or prosecution related to the alleged trafficking have been put in place since June 2008.

Administrative

The Minister for Justice and Law Reform set up the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) to co-ordinate the government response to human trafficking. The Unit interacts with Government Departments, public sector agencies (including the Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive), non-governmental organisations and international organisations in its efforts to put in place the most effective systems to combat the trafficking of human beings and to protect victims.

The National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking of Human Beings in Ireland 2009-2012 was published in June 2008 and can be viewed at www. blueblindfold.gov.ie The State and the Garda Síochána are committed to ensuring that no person who is potentially a victim of human trafficking will be removed from the State while the investigation into the circumstances of the person’s arrival into the State, including the identification of the person as a victim, is ongoing.

Services provided to victims of trafficking include the provision of accommodation and material assistance; counselling; medical treatment; access to translation and interpretation services; access to legal aid and advice; access to the labour market and vocational training (or education), as appropriate.

Since its establishment, the AHTU has undertaken a number of awareness raising and training initiatives including the placing of advertisements and articles in various publications, distributing leaflets and bookmarks, training representatives from a number of State organisations and the development of a Facebook page on the popular social networking website. For more information on these and other initiatives, visit: www.blueblindfold.gov.ie.

The AHTU developed a data collection strategy in January 2009, based on systems being developed at EU level. In 2009, a total of 66 alleged victims of trafficking (including 17 minors) were referred to the Garda Síochána for investigation, 35 of whom were referred by NGOs.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 19

VOX:SPORTS THE MEANING OF LIFE Eric Miller grew up playing Gaelic football. He played for St. Endas in Ballybodden. Unlike many in Irleand Eric’s parents were from a mixed religious background – his mum Catholic and his dad Protestant. Eric was raised Catholic.

At the age of 13 he went to Wesley College, where his sporting landscape shifted. Eric put down the Gaelic ball and picked up a rugby ball. The game felt like a perfect fit. He was soon suiting up and playing U18’s for both Leinster and Ireland.

His next season brought him to Waterford for one year before his arrival in England for the professional game with Leicester from 1995-1998.

It was while with Leicester that Eric received the invitation to play for the Lions on their last winning tour (1997). From January 1997 until June 2005 Eric wore the no. 8 and no. 6 for Ireland – proudly capped 48 times for the country he loves.

Today Eric is still involved in rugby, as head coach of St. Gerards in Bray, as well as being an assistant with both Leinster under 18’s and Old Wesley. Eric also runs www.ericmillergolfsolution.com, a golf fitness business – with Irish Open champion Shane Lowry as his prize pupil.

Following the footsteps of Gay Byrne’s recent TV series, VOX Sport’s Dan Tabb sat down to ask Eric some questions about “The meaning of life".

through the disapointments – not being picked in the starting 15 for Ireland in the World Cup of 2003, niggling injuries and my breakup with Jenny before later marrying her. In the face of these disapointments, my coping skills weren’t the best and I wanted to do something about that.

In my mid-20s I lived next to a Presbytarian Church. I found myself going there searching for a connection to God. In 2004, at the age of 28, I wanted to go even deeper with God. I decided to search out a Bible study group and jumped on the computer. I found a great site www.bibleanswers.ie. The guy (Tony Cofey) was local and we met for Bible study and then I later began attending weekly service at the church where he was the leader (Ranelagh Christian).

I began to find that deeper connection to God I was searching for as well as answers to the deeper questions of life. The difference now was that the daily awareness and relationship with God were real, as was the existence of the Holy Spirit in my life.

It was no longer some great mystery or unknown deity.

What was your background growing up?

I would ask: “Why did you make it so hard and where did you come from?”

I was spiritually minded with conscious attitude towards Mass.

I was a consistent mass goer but it was more of a ritual thing.

Did you pray?

I prayed when I wanted something. It was more hoping for something and was void of any kind of connection or relationship with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.

Were you attracted to other religions?

Wesley College had both Catholics and Protestants. I was okay with going into either a Catholic or Protestant Church.

When and what made you investigate your faith?

What do you think happens to us when we die?

I believe people who put their trust in Jesus and remain faithful will go to a place called heaven.

If and when you meet God, what would you ask Him?

What are some of your favorite people and Bible verses?

Job, Esther and 1Peter 1:3-9. They remind us to remain faithful in our situations. Job and Jesus were both innocent, but both suffered severely. As for Esther and Jesus, they were people who both took action at the right time, in the right place and saved their people.

VOX:SPORTS is written by Daniel Tabb. Born in the U.S., Daniel moved to Dublin in 2002. He is the founder and director of “Sports Across Ireland”.

Looking back I can see how God was working in my life, even Meet Eric Miller as he hosts the Tearfund Charity Golf Day on 19 July. Find out more at www.tearfund.ie 20 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

VOX:GAEILGE Reiligiún Atá Cóir Tá cónaí orainn i gcuid den domhan a bhfuil an méid sin againn! Déanaimid beag de go mbíonn trí bhéile le n-ithe againn gach uile lá, agus ithimid ní hamháin bia folláin, ach freisin sóláistí cosúil le seacláid agus caife. Tá várdrúis againn lán go doras d’éadaí agus bímid ag tnúth le teas an tsamhraidh, ionas gur féidir linn léinte gearrmhuinchilleacha cadáis a chaitheamh arís.

Déanamid dearmad de nach mbíonn trí bhéile le n-ithe ag gach duine ar domhan. Tamall ó shin chuala me fear (a d’oibrigh mar mhisinéir i gceann de thíortha na hAifrice) ag rá go mbeadh mórchuid de na daoine a d’oibrigh sé leo go maith as dá bhfaighidís béile folláin gach tríú lá. Ní gach duine ar an saol seo a fhaigheann an seans sásamh a bhaint as cappuccinos, trufail, barraí nó brioscaí seacláide; tá na mílte ann a fhaigheann an beagán as a gcuid saothair ag soláthair na bpónairí caife agus cocoa do na táirgí a dhéanann a mbealach mar shólaistí go dtí seilfeanna na hollmhargaí seo ’gainne. Is iomaí duine a chaitheann allas le linn laethanta fada oibre ar bheagán pá ag cur léinte cadáis ar fail dúinne, léinte a dhéanamid a phacáil inár gcásanna roimh dúinn eitilt ar saoire go codanna eile den domhan.

Fágtar na hoibrithe ag impí sna páirceanna, fad is a roinneann a bhfostaitheoirí go héagóireach leo.

Uaireanta beireann briathra Dé sólás dá mhuintir (Is. 40:1); uaireanta cáineann sé iad (Is. 58:1-12). Iarrtar ar Isaiah a ghlór a ardú mar bhleaist de throimpéad le muintir Dé a cháineadh mar gheall ar

d’s o G

Gearóid Flynn: Múinteoir bunscoile, pósta le beirt iníon, agus ina chónaí sna Déise.

Is your Irish a bit rusty? See www.voxagazine.ie for the English translation.

YOUR MOVE

Word to

th

e Wo

rld

Ta k i ng

Resourcing World Mission Together

an éagóir agus an easpa trua a bhaineann leo. Cé go lorgóidís Dia go laethúil, go bhfiafróidís faoi shlite Dé agus go ndruididís gar do Dhia go lúcháireach, bhí easpa ar an reiligiún a chleachtaigh siad. Bhí béasa seachtracha na diagachta acu, troscadh san áireamh, ach ’sé rud a bhí in easnamh ná an splanc laistigh a athródh a saol.

Is féidir an dallamullóg agus an bhréagchráifeacht a bheith ar mhuintir Dé, fiú. Feicimid é seo iontu toisc go raibh siad dian orthu siúd a bhí thíos leis an saol, agus go raibh siad gan trua dóibh siúd a bhí i ngá. Ní fheadar an raibh siad mall as íocaíocht a thabhairt dá gcuid oibritheoirí; nó b’fhéidir gur thug siad pá íseal éagóireach dóibh?

Dírítear an fíorreiligiún ní hamháin i dtreo Dé, ach i dtreo daoine chomh maith. Feictear é seo sa tslí gur fhreagair Íosa an scríobhaí a chuir ceist air faoin bpríomhaithne: Seo í an chéad cheann: Gráóidh tú do Thiarna Dia ó do chroí go hiomlán, agus ó d’anam go hiomlán agus ó d’aigne go hiomlán agus ó do neart go hiomlán. Seo í an dara ceann: Gráóidh tú do chomharsa mar thú féin (Marcus 12:28-34).

Please check www.imap.ie for more conference and location details.

DROGHEDA SEPT 4TH 1.30 pm & 6.30 pm SOLID ROCK CHURCH Ballymackenny Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth

LIMERICK SEPT 25TH

7.30 pm LIMERICK CHRISTIAN CENTRE Mungret College, Limerick

GALWAY NOV 6TH

7.30 pm GALWAY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP New Life Centre, Monivea Road, Galway

Irish Mission Agencies Partnership

Tel: +353 (0) 87 294 9518 • Email: info@imap.ie • Web: www.imap.ie • 86 The Fairways, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 21

IMAP Vox Advert v3.indd 1

01/06/2010 12:47:12

22 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

FIELDS OF LIFE

When a team of six visited Uganda's 'Killing Fields' to take footage of the Fields of Life trust at work, Ron Barrington saw for himself the transformation taking place in people's lives.

VOX reporter Roberta von Meding spoke with Ron about his experiences.

Photos: Joseph von Meding

The Fields of Life Trust has been working in Uganda since 1995. Founder and CEO Rev. Trevor Stevenson bought and set up a 100-acre training farm in Kasangati, close to the capital city of Kampala.

This area, once known as the Killing Fields, was the site of the Atiak massacre (April 1995) in which over 200 people died and many more were taken captive by child soldiers in the 'Lord's Resistance Army'.

Today, God has turned a place of terrible evil into something good. "To see children going to school for the first time, having better facilities in health care, fresh water and seeing new businesses established, brings joy to my heart," Trevor Stevenson shared.

HUNGRY TO LEARN Ron Barrington, from Greystones, and his video team visited 12 schools built by Fields of Life. Amazed at the 'the extent and impact of the work', Ron shared, "Kids come from miles around to attend school. We were greeted by welcome songs in every school... never once seeing an unhappy child who didn't want to be there."

Ron says, "Their desire to learn was phenomenal. Each one has ambitions to become a teacher or a doctor or any number of other professions."

•

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•

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94 schools have been built and were fully functional by the end of 2009.

41,000 children are currently being educated.

3,300 children are currently being sponsored.

An Education Programme for monitoring educational standards has been implemented.

Staff houses have been built at 31 of the schools.

A sexual health programme runs in over 80% of schools.

THE MIRACLE OF CLEAN WATER Ron and his crew filmed the drilling of a new Fields of Life well in northern Uganda.

Following some locals to the nearest water source, Ron was horrified to see that the water was full of animal faeces.

"The women were collecting twenty litres of dirty water into bottles, which they carry five kilometres on their heads twice a day... that's hardship."

"We went ahead of the team who would be drilling the new well to film their arrival. At least 400 people from the community had been waiting for hours. There was such excitement."

"We were able to film fresh water coming for the first time and the huge celebration that erupted afterwards," Ron says excitedly. "This new source of water will supply around 1,000 people."

It seems so simple, but clean water literally "changes their whole lives".

•

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6-8 wells per month are being drilled, providing communities with clean, safe drinking water (a total of 68 wells to date).

Fields of Life runs and manages its own drilling rig, reducing the cost of a well by approximately 50%.

The 100th well will be built this year.

GIFTS OF LIFE Most people living in the rural areas Ron visited have some land, so Fields of Life provides practical gifts including livestock, fruit trees and seeds, helping people in the village to help themselves.

These gifts enable families to boost their incomes.

An elderly lady they met was living with her five grandchildren in a tiny mud hut, struggling to provide for them. She told the team how she was given nine chickens, which she bred. She soon had over a hundred chickens.

She then sold most of them and bought a cow, and so the cycle continues.

She now has enough to provide for her grandchildren and herself, even giving back to the community.

"Four hundred people from the community had been waiting for hours. There was such excitement."

•

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720 families are being assisted by the Gifts of Life programme.

340 families have received loans to fund new income generating projects.

Check out http://www.fieldsoflife.com/ The prices of the Gifts of Life are listed in the ‘Gift Shop' and start from as little as €3/£2.

Roberta von Meding graduated in 2007 with a B.A. (Hons.) in English, Media and Cultural Studies from IADT and has since worked in the media business.

She lives in Greystones with her husband Joseph and baby daughter Juliet.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 23

VOX:REVIEWS

THE ME I WANT TO BE JOHN ORTBERG

Although the title might suggest a self-help book, John Ortberg’s latest offering is packed full of biblical advice.

Divided into seven parts with easy-toread mini chapters, the book covers topics such as ‘finding my identity’, ‘renewing my mind’ and ‘deepening my relationships’. A must-read for anyone looking to grow deeper spiritually while letting go of the past and embracing a future full of grace.

FORGOTTEN GOD FRANCIS CHAN

BOOKS

The Holy Spirit should guide our everyday living but is an often neglected and misunderstood aspect of the Trinity. Using personal stories and a concise look at what the Spirit is and isn’t, Chan challenges the church to embrace the Spirit as it is described in the Bible. He also encourages Christians to reverse the trend of trying to make God fit around our lives and instead surrender to Him, allowing His spirit to have complete control. This is a book for those who want to be challenged and to think deeper about their personal relationship with God, not for those who are content with comfortable Christianity!

STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE JONATHAN ACUFF

Never throwing away a Bible, fake sermon illustrations, side hugs, clapping during worship, thinking that you should go into full-time ministry: all just some of the ‘stuff’ that Acuff likes to poke fun at in his first blog-turned-book. Sarcasm and honesty are plentiful in this witty book that reads like a field manual of Christian subculture. A lighthearted read that should come with a warning as it might make you laugh out loud. It’s also a gentle reminder never to take ourselves too seriously.

MUSIC THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL MERCYME

From the Brilliant opener, "This Life", to the short but suitable closer, "This So Called Love," MercyMe's sixth studio album, "The Generous Mr. Lovewell," is a beautifully executed set that celebrates how the power of love can change the world. Mr. Lovewell is a fictitious character (inspired by the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album) who "wakes up every day the same/Believing he's gonna make a change/Never wonders if but when."

Musically, the title track is a breezy Fab Four-esque number, and it lyrically anchors the album's central theme of making a difference through acts of love and kindness. The edgy "Move" acknowledges life's obstacles but looks ahead to brighter days. And the anthemic lead single, "All of Creation," is a hit at Christian radio and hopefully all radio stations.

MercyMe has been spearheading promotions that reward listeners who demonstrate the album's theme. Music with a message has never sounded lovelier……visit http://mrlovewell.com/ for more.

24 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

SONGS OF FELLOWSHIP 100 VARIOUS

Songs Of Fellowship has been providing the latest worship resources to thousands of churches in Ireland and around the world for nearly two decades and is considered the finest and most comprehensive collection of songs and hymns in the world.

Songs Of Fellowship 100 continues this tradition and is a superb collection from writers and worship leaders old and new. 100 songs including ‘Lord Reign In Me’, ‘Shout To The Lord’, ‘Here I Am To Worship’ and ‘How Deep The Father’s Love’ give a depth and range of worship that will enrich any listener. It is also available in words and music formats.

Get 10% off all titles on this page in all three Footprints Stores: Bachelors Quay, Cork, Talbot Street, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire (Reviews by Padraig O'Caoimh & Naomi Faris of Footprints Cork)

BELFAST BIRTHS VOICE OF PROTEST

There’s passion and protest on the first ever acoustic album from Irish singersongwriter Brian Houston. Clive Price reports.

Belfast has birthed a voice of protest – as Irish singersongwriter Brian Houston records some anti-war songs for his first ever acoustic album.

Released on June 21, The Raw Sessions features the man, his voice and guitar – performing ten new tracks such as Medals and Memories and Little Joe.

‘A few tunes sound like protest songs,’ said Brian, ‘so while I’ve not been conscious of it, it seems global and local events have been pressing on my mind.’

Faced with a gap between performances, Brian took the opportunity to record some material he’d been writing over the last few months. ‘I realised there were two records with different needs,’ he pointed out.

‘So I divided the songs into two groups – ones that had groove and would sound better with drums and so on – and songs that stood best as solo performances. As it turned out, I had enough for two records. So I’ve been juggling the two.

‘On the days when musicians couldn’t make it, I worked on the solo record.

I’d park that while I worked on the band record. It’s a challenge to do both, but also liberating. I get to express creativity in totally different ways. It’s like having twins. You love them both – but for different reasons.’

The Raw Sessions is number 16 in a long line of recordings that Brian has written and released in the 15 years he’s worked as a full-time musician and composer. ‘But this is the first stripped-back acoustic and vocal record I’ve done,’ he pointed out.

His writing, recording and performing have taken him across the globe and back again to his home in Northern Ireland. He’s often been compared to fellow countryman Van Morrison and has opened shows for him on several occasions.

Like any other musician, his work has been affected by recession. But he is upbeat. ‘I think we should be aware in times of great challenge there’s also a rise in great art – which gives birth to even better art once the crisis has passed,’ he said. ‘So I believe the future looks bright for music and art in general.’

But would he have formed a government with David Cameron? ‘The man has obviously had suffering in his life,’ Brian reflected. ‘So I believe he’s got his feet on the ground. I don’t know if I’d form a government with him – but I’d buy him an Ulster Fry and a Guinness if he called in.’ Spoken like a true Irishman (www.brianhouston.com).

TRAFFICKED

In the opening scene of "Trafficked", Taiwo, a young Nigerian girl trafficked into Ireland, makes a desperate bid to escape her captors by jumping from the back of a van in a Dublin alleyway. Alone, frightened, vulnerable, with no English and no money in her pocket, Taiwo makes her way through the strange, cold and unwelcoming streets of Dublin.

It's not long before Taiwo meets up with Mr. Keeley, a small-time criminal. He gives her a bed to sleep in and food to eat and organises a job for her collecting glasses in a lap-dancing club. It is not long before Taiwo is coerced into becoming a dancer at this club.

When Keeley falls in love with Taiwo, their unlikely relationship brings a welcome warmth and at times lighthearted feel to an otherwise very dark and heavy film. Things take a turn for the worse, however, when Taiwo's "rightful owners" hear of her whereabouts and come to claim their "property".

Taiwo find herself in the hands of extremely dangerous men and women. With no passport, no money and no one she can trust, Taiwo is trapped into a life of prostitution. The film captures the sense of desperation and reality of life at the bottom. There are extensive scenes of violence showing the worst of human nature.

Directed by Ciaran O'Connor, this low budget movie gives insight into an underworld that exists not only in Dublin but throughout Ireland.

The film shows Taiwo walking alone on the Dublin streets, an ordinary face in a crowd.

Her chains are invisible, but they are very real.

It made me wonder how many times I have passed such victims without knowing it.

Reviewed by Jeanne Whelan, a member of the Evangelical Alliance Ireland’s new working group, “Tirzah” which aims to help the victims of human trafficking.

Clive Price is an award-winning writer serving newspapers and magazines in Ireland, the UK and USA.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 25

Newest American fad or inspirational model?

Irish church leaders and mission workers from Greater Europe Mission came together in Dublin for a two-day seminar with American authors Hugh Halter and Matt Smay in April. Exploring principles from “The Tangible Kingdom” and their newest title “AND – the gathered and scattered church”, they challenged people to create incarnational communities.

Despite an unexpectedly extended visit to Ireland thanks to a certain volcano in Iceland, Hugh and Matt appeared unfazed as they took time out to share their thoughts with VOX readers:

“

We are trying to express that the culture has changed so that the past focus of church does not fit the new context.

We are not saying "let’s not do church". We believe that the church is still God’s primary means of reaching culture. Most existing churches want to be missional but they simply don’t know how. The church [as a whole] is not connecting with the culture and we are not representing Jesus well.

If people think the church is working, they do not want to look at new ways of doing it. We need honest critique of the church. The goal is not de-constructing church but re-constructing church. For us, that is loving the church.

Our story is how our church formed by not ‘doing’ traditional church. We lived as a missional community and people were coming to faith, so eventually we had to form a church.

We believe the Kingdom of God becomes tangible to those around us when we integrate three essentials: 

Inclusive community – living among and building deep and lasting relationships with those around us (whether or not they know God).



Communion with God – helping people connect with God through worship, prayer and scripture.



"We believe that the church is still God’s primary means of reaching culture."

Mission – blessing our community, the maginalised and those in need.

Jesus could have become king and changed the whole Jewish nation but instead he chose 12 men and changed history.

Our intent isn’t to try to figure everything out for you, because we don’t have all the answers. We don’t care if your context is mega-church, house church or whateverchurch. We don’t think it matters.

In the Irish context you might want to ask questions like: • Why are we not good news?

• What would be good news to the Irish?

• How can we set Jesus apart from religion? How do you help people to make the kingdom tangible in a religious context?

The VOX verdict?

Hugh Halter and Matt Smay come across with refreshing humility despite their excitement and passion about the model they are ‘living out’ in Colorado. They are deeply rooted in American culture and some of what they say needs to be filtered through that reality; you may laugh at the idea that four years is considered ‘long term’ ministry.

However, there is still much of relevance, inspiration and challenge for us in Ireland.

Check out “The Tangible Kingdom” and its sequel for yourself and let us know what you think!  JOIN THE CONVERSATION… Write to editor@voxmagazine.ie or join The Conversation online at www.voxmagazine.ie (add your comments underneath this article in our Conversation blog).

26 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

"Jesus could have become king and changed the whole Jewish nation but instead he chose 12 men and changed history."

THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO HAITI Irish supporters raised more than â‚Ź160,000.

More than 32,000 people were helped with emergency healthcare, food, clean water & shelter.

View a short film on our work in Haiti on Facebook or at www.tearfund.ie/emergencies

RESPONDING RAPIDLY IN EMERGENCIES

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 27

Faith in Action

Research carried out by Tearfund Ireland and the Evangelical Alliance Ireland during 2008-2009 investigated the attitudes of Christians in Ireland to issues of charity, poverty and social justice.

Focusing particularly on Protestant and Evangelical Christians, the survey investigated perceptions within a range of different churches and church leaders through interviews, focus groups and an online questionnaire. In this edition, VOX brings you a summary of the key findings of the “Faith in Action” report.

THE FINDINGS

There was a limited understanding among church-goers of the links between faith and social justice and development issues. Church leaders and other leaders had a more developed understanding than church-goers.

Over half of respondents only occasionally pray about or hear 

preaching on poverty and injustice at church.

 There appears to be relatively little knowledge among ordinary

churchgoers of the biblical foundation for social justice and development.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHURCHES AND INDIVIDUALS ENGAGE WITH THEOLOGY

- to encourage a deeper understanding of the theology of social justice and the role of the church.

ENGAGE BEYOND CHARITY

- to address underlying causes of poverty through sustainable development and social justice.

EXTEND THE BOUNDARIES

The response of most church leaders and churchgoers was related to charity. There was little understanding or engagement in the areas of sustainable development or social justice.

- to be intentional and strategic about extending activities to those outside their own membership and with those on the margins of Irish society.

 Most churches and individuals respond primarily through

CREATE POINTS OF CONNECTION

Local involvement at a church level with marginalised people in Ireland was less evident than overseas involvement. African majority- led churches appeared to be more involved than Irishled churches.

- use information to pray with better understanding and insight.

financial giving or one-off events. None of the churches are particularly active in campaigning.

 Youth groups and their leaders are most active in fundraising

and awareness-raising. Youth groups also provide an opportunity to engage in activities, such as holding an awareness-raising event on HIV/AIDS , cleaning up graffiti or going on a short-term mission trip.

Feelings of disconnect from issues of poverty and injustice were widespread. People often felt overwhelmed or apathetic by the scale of poverty and there was mistrust in the accountability and effectiveness of development organisations.

 All those interviewed said world poverty was a relevant issue

for them as a Christian, or at least should be. However, many individuals felt overwhelmed by the scale of need, which sometimes led to them withdrawing from the problem.

There is limited engagement between African majority-led churches and Irish-led churches. Churches were often doing similar social activities in parallel. Both sides expressed a willingness to engage, but there is a lack of understanding about each other.

 Many Irish churches remain very homogenous and have limited

interaction with those of different ethnicity.

28 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

- to partner with churches overseas and build stronger relationships between Irish and migrant-led churches.

ENSURE THE CENTRALITY OF PRAYER

EMPOWER YOUTH

- to raise money but also to raise awareness and take action, such as creative campaigning and involvement in local community needs.

SEEK INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

- to expect development organisations to communicate how they are using donations through annual reports and audited accounts.

Download the full report from www.evangelical.ie

nity?

How can we serve our commu challenge

g with the Discovery Church, Galway, is grapplin ds and action; wor with of demonstrating God’s love sing estates and hou and ches cleaning up rubbish on bea shoppers. They rday Satu to er giving out free bottles of wat ets of Galway. also offer prayer for people on the stre something for the g doin us Pastor Paul shares, “It’s not we are able to e grac ’s God poor – we are the poor. By n shown love. ” bee have we demonstrate love because an Trafficking Hum inst Aga Together with the group don and held Lon from rs they brought fashion designe show to ion fash ising ss-ra a fundraising and awarene ery. slav of s highlight modern-day form

VOX:ADS&EVENTS Events Calendar What’s happening, where and when?

JULY

SEPTEMBER

Urban Soul 6 - 9 July Dublin

Your Move 4 September, 1:30 & 6:30pm Solid Rock Church, Drogheda www.imap.ie

Unstoppable (New Wine) 11 - 16 July Sligo www.new-wineireland.co.uk

Your Move 25 September, 7:30pm Limerick Christian Centre www.imap.ie

The Leadership Team in Mullingar Christian Fellowship (MCF) invites applications from Mature Spirit Filled Christians for the salaried post of:

Ministry Coordinator

See for

yourself

…transformation in the lives of India’s broken people – the Dalits – as God works through the Indian Church.

Join OM Ireland staff to visit a Dalit school, community projects and churches in India.

Dates: 22-30 October, 2010 Interested? Email info@ie.om.org or phone 0906623964

who will be required to work with the Leadership team to develop, manage and coordinate a wide variety of activities within the church. Proven experience and training in a broad range of church ministries is essential. Full details and Job Description are available from the MCF office: Mullingar Christian Fellowship Unit 15C, Zone C, Mullingar Business Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath.

353 (0) 44 934 5062/353 (0) 86 176 5893 Email: Web:

mcfposts@gmail.com www.mullingarcf.ie

• Completed applications will be accepted up to 5.00pm on Fri 30 July 2010.

• Interviews planned for Aug/Sep 2010.

• Planned commencement date Oct/Nov 2010.

• Short listing may apply.

OM Ireland is proud to offer “The Way of the Master” evangelism training courses to equip you to share your faith with family, friends, and even strangers.

Learn to overcome your fears by using these simple, powerful, effective and Biblical principles and to confidently share the Gospel in a way that will make sense to those you care about.

Contact Ludie Creech (ludie.creech@ie.om.org) for more details.

VOX | Jul - Sep 2010 | 29

VOX:P.S.

A

Songs of Justice

“A lot of gospel music for me is lies – people pretending everything is great and it doesn’t ring true - I relate more to the blues – the blues is more like the Psalms.” Maybe the rock star was “having a go” but I could see where he was coming from. A few songs that reflect the reality of the incredibly unjust world we live in might not go astray in churches.

This month an e-mail on Christians facing persecution tells of two women, arrested for evangelising, being set free and allowed to leave the country where they had been arrested.

We sing “Thank you Lord.” In the same report a young woman detained in a different country has died from abuse and neglect while under arrest for attending a bible study. She had been offered freedom if she would renounce her Christian faith. How about a song like “Lord, what is going on?”

In a news magazine I read of tremendous work done with critically ill children in a Western hospital – cutting-edge stuff; desperately ill children healed. The same magazine tells of an epidemic of child rape in a different country. That government’s response? Close the nation’s Child Protection and Family Unit for budget reasons. Hundreds of thousands of healthy children permanently damaged beyond repair. Could we sing hymn No. 53 – “Lord, they’re raping the children.”

Frederick Beuchner says: “The good die young and the wicked prosper, and in any one town, anywhere, there is grief

Peacehaven Trust Limited is celebrating 30 years of residential care for adults with a learning disability and the acquisition of a third home in Greystones which will soon be ready for occupation.

30 | VOX | Jul - Sep 2010

enough to freeze the blood.” Maybe someone could put that to music.

Now you’re shocked – and rightly so.

Songs are not an approprite response.

Deeds are. Doing justice must be part of the response.

At the heart of the Christian faith lies an act of injustice and justice. Jesus died because people acted unjustly. They lied, they betrayed, they ignored the law, they tortured and they murdered. Yet while those people did injustice, God did justice, making that unjust death an act of “justification.” In that death, St Paul says, God “justifies the wicked”, pardons the guilty. He creates justice out of injustice.

In the West, preaching justification and doing justice somehow got separated. Only Christians living in a world of relative prosperity and safety could consider such a separation acceptable. In places where people suffer, proclaiming God’s act of justice at the cross and doing deeds of justice go together.

Preaching justification and doing justice. We need a few songs about that.

Sean Mullan has been working in church leadership for many years. He is developing a new project in Dublin City Centre called "Third Space".

The success of the work depends on the prayers and financial donations of our supporters. If you would like more information please contact admin@peacehaventrust.com

Order online today!

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WHY SHOULD WE DO THE ‘JUST PEOPLE’ COURSE? For many people, doing the course is a chance to grapple with issues that can seem out of reach, like poverty and social justice. For participants in Carrigrohane Union, County Cork, it was also an opportunity to think about mission and how the church relates to its local community and to its global brothers and sisters, and to take steps in living that out. One participant said: “As a group we really enjoyed the course. It presented sound Biblical teaching in an attractive way. We enjoyed the segments on what other churches and groups are doing. We benefited from the session where someone from the community comes and talks to “helps the group and hopefully we participants to can work with take small steps them in the future.”

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Just People? is action” not just about discussing the issues; it also helps participants to take small steps towards practical action, as another participant describes: “Each week we had a “take away” challenge, something to do or check out that took us a little outside of our comfort zones.

I found these practical tasks to be one of the most helpful parts of the course.”

R TOP QU FULL COLOURUPRODUCT RANGE MENU

PRACTICAL DAY OF ACTION: SOME INSPIRING EXAMPLES One group decided to join in with an event already happening in Cork, to mark the 60th Anniversary for the Declaration of Human Rights. “We made giant footprint-shaped posters depicting some of these rights and laid them out on the pavement in Patrick’s Street where passersby could look at them and discuss them.”

Another group wanted to support people in the local community so they organised a Parent and Toddler morning at their parish hall. By holding it on a Saturday Mums and Dads, who might normally be working, were able to come along to see what their tots get up to and get an opportunity to know their neighbours.

The Just People? course has helped the church to re-focus on mission and outreach. The church is beginning to listen to the needs of its local community and to explore how the gifts and skills of church members could help to meet some of those needs.

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VOX | Apr - Jun 2010 | 31

Engage MA in Applied Theology Post Graduate Cerificate/Dilpoma in Applied Theology

32 | VOX | July - Sep 2010

Find out more www.ibi.ie Tel 01- 8069060