Our Vision for the Global Urban Trek
When Jesus sent out the disciples in Luke 9 he said some interesting things.
He commanded them not to take basic things they would need like extra clothes
and money. Apparently he wanted them to be desperately dependent upon God
and the kindness of the people whom they were called to serve. Jesus also
said not to move around from house to house but to stay in one home and eat
whatever was set before them. He seems to have wanted them to connect as deeply
as possible to one family. Finally, Jesus said to cure the sick people in
the household and tell them that the Kingdom of God had come near to them
-- the Kingdom had come near to them -- what an interesting phrase. It is
my conviction that the Kingdom of God came near to the people to whom Jesus
sent the disciples because the disciples had come near to them. The Kingdom
was present in her citizens.
The Global Urban Trek was borne out of one overriding conviction - to raise up flesh and blood followers of Jesus to incarnate the gospel to the urban poor. The problems of poverty are not essentially economic ones though wealth and business and banking are aspects that need careful attention. The problems of poverty are not essentially educational although creating learning opportunities may be vitally important. The central problem isn't even the government or multi-national corporations although the misuse of power is something the Church ought to be addressing vigorously. The primary issue is one of despair. Despair is an unmerciful tyrant, and I am convinced that Jesus Christ is the only satisfying answer to the question of despair. The arrival of God's Kingdom is good news. It is full of hope, and that kind of hope is not conveyed very well through a program, it is conveyed through living creatures. People to take up residence alongside the despairing.
The Trek is essentially about opening up an opportunity for God to call some of us to go and spend our lives among the poor as his couriers of hope. This summer we may simply be able to offer a cup of cold water to those in need. We may also have the privilege of solidarity with the poor. But most importantly, we can lean into Christ as he speaks to us on how he wants us to spend the remainder of our lives. Each summer about 30 - 40% of the participants respond by pledging at least two years to serve the urban poor. Many will go on to spend their lives among them. As you check out this website, pray for the mobilization of 1000 Mother Teresas. Perhaps you are one of them!
Scott Bessenecker,
Global Urban Trek Director
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