Congressional Visit
May 3, 2009
I have experienced Cincinnati’s political process much more than I desired over the last year, so I was not at all anxious about visiting our Senator on Capital Hill. Cincinnati has worked feverishly over the last five years to displace the poor and rid itself of its homeless population. Recently they have taken steps to remove Social Services from within the Downtown, the West End and Over-The-Rhine areas by claiming that the concentration of these services increases crime and reduces property values, amongst other complaints.
We were asked to represent Cincinnati as a coalition from this week’s “Mobilization to End Poverty Conference.” I was not prepared, nor did I pack clothing for visiting dignitaries. So imagine my wonder when it was announced that we would not only visit Capitol Hill, but our Senators as well. The group of forty Ohioans began to choose who should speak when we arrive. Naturally, I was volunteered! Though I am never really at a loss for words I had no intention of volunteering myself. Since my boss was one of those offering my name, I did not dare decline. A true Toastmaster never turns down an opportunity for an impromptu speech!
We chose four representatives to visit Senator George Voinovich and four to see Senator Sherrod Brown. I was chosen to share real life experiences of individuals from poverty in Cincinnati. I put on my game face and became excited about the challenge. My enthusiasm was dampened by the absence of the Senators upon arriving at their office. They were replaced by their aids. It was not surprising, just disappointing, and there wasn’t room to fit our entire delegation in one room.
The aids were pretty well informed, especially Senator Sherrod Brown’s, as they enlightened us to the Senator’s views after listening intently to our concerns. It was an experience we will remember and now we are prepared if the need arises again. It is pretty easy to get into your representative’s office, although you may not get to meet with them face to face. It is said that persistence wrecks the resistance; which is what we will need if we are to fulfill President Obama’s agenda on reducing domestic and global poverty.
Miracles
May 1, 2009
I felt prompted a while ago to write about miracles…I’m not exactly sure why. Perhaps it’s because we don’t see many in this day and age. Or maybe it’s because in this time of crisis we need to experience miracles!
A miracle is defined as a surprising and welcome event that is not explainable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a Divine agency. From Latin miraculum ‘object of wonder.
‘The first time the word ‘miracle’ is mentioned in Scripture is when God commissions Moses to tell Pharaoh that He will deliver Israel out of his hand. God commands Moses, “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh and it will become a snake.” Ex. 7:9 (NIV)
God explained to Moses in Exodus 4:8 that this miracle would for the purpose of giving a sign, or evidence of God’s power to Pharaoh; who did not believe or respond to the LORD. Unfortunately, the heathen are not the only ones who seek signs because they do not believe in God’s power.In Mark 8:11-12, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for tempting Him by asking for signs. ‘Religious leaders’ should be the ones who believe; but they wanted proof that Jesus Christ really was who He said He was, and could do what He said He could do! Jesus told them, “I’m not giving you a sign.” Sometimes He says that to us. He wants us to BELIEVE and show the world signs of His power!
When God decides to perform a miracle through us or for us, it is meant to be a sign that challenges and hopefully changes unbelief!
An End to Poverty
May 1, 2009
This week was spirit filled and intense as I traveled to Washington DC for Jim Wallis’ Sojourners “Mobilizations to End Poverty Conference” with Tom Baxter, the Missions Pastor from our church, First Christian Assembly. Both traveling with Tom Baxter and heading to a Sojourners Conference were a first. We would both find out we had a lot to learn and a lot of work ahead of us in Ohio if we are going to see change in this arena in our lifetime.
In case you didn’t know, 2005-2007 Ohio poverty rate in comparison to the US was:
- Overall: Ohio 13.2% US 13.3%
- Children: Ohio 18.5% US 18.3%
- Seniors 65+: Ohio 8.4% US 9.9%
Ohio ranks 30th in US States in terms of it’s poverty rate with 1st having the lowest rate of poverty, and 51st having the highest. Other statistics about Ohio:
- Health Care: 10.7% of Ohio’s population does not have health insurance.
- Education: 10.3% of Ohio’s population between ages 25 and 34 have not graduated from high school.
- Food Security: 1,287,349 people received food stamps in Ohio in January, 2008
- Unemployment: Ohio’s unemployment rate was 9.7% in March, 2009, compared to the US rate of 8.5%
This doesn’t have to be so, but changes are required of each and every community member if it is going to improve. In the words of President Obama who spoke to us via satellite, “…We’re going to have to mobilize our society, not just to cut poverty, but to prevent more people from slipping into poverty…we’ve got a lot of work to do economically in this country to bring about a more just and fair economy.”
Each day we discussed the need to tackle the issues of poverty as a primary initiative. We focused on our congressional leaders and the people of our country taking a stand for the rights of the poor.
Many panels discussions emphasized our biblical mandate as Christians to be at the forefront fighting for the rights of the poor. In President Obama’s first session of the 111th Congress he proposed H. CON. RES. 102 (House Concurrent Resolution 102)“ Expressing that the United States has a moral responsibility to meet the needs of those persons groups, and communities that are impoverished, disadvantaged, or otherwise in poverty.” Declaring a reduction of poverty to half of what it is today by 2020. Yes, 10 years to reduce poverty by 50% with tangible metrics and measures to bring it to pass. In order to do so we have to tackle health care, race, immigration, peace, the environment, the economy, social justice, and organize communities to name a few of the pieces to the puzzle.
Those present from various denominations all agreed that more must be done by ‘people of faith.’ Several highlights of the conference included messages by Dr. John Perkins, Dr. Vincent Hardin, Rich Sterns President of World Vision, Dr. Freddie Haynes III, Dr. Vashti McKenzie, Rep. John Lewis to name a few.
