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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
January 2004 |
Justice program seeks young adults
By Matthew Oates,
North Indiana correspondent,
wmmattoates@hotmail.com
Young adults from across the United States are invited to apply for an annual justice program through the United Methodist mission agency.
The Global Justice Volunteer program of the General Board of Global Ministries is a chance for students such as Cara Newhouse to see the world and be an advocate for justice and change at the grassroots level.
Newhouse, a senior at Indiana University from Gurnee, Ill., and a member of The Living Well United Methodist Church in Gurnee and First UMC in Bloomington, Ind., participated in last year's program.
The program was a perfect fit for Newhouse, who is a sociology major and has been looking at going into full-time mission vocations. "I wanted to do something like the GJV program to get a broader understanding of the opportunities that are out there and the types of work that are being done," says Newhouse.
Her team spent the summer -- after going through a week of training -- in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, working with The United Methodist Church's "Shade and Fresh Water" program, which provides area youth with a safe haven and somewhere to go other than the streets.
"Each group (of youths) is also provided with a snack and a meal -- for some it's the only food they receive each day. Without programs like 'Shade and Fresh Water,' lots of kids turn to the streets, drugs and prostitution to fight for survival," says Newhouse. "The community center
environment gives an outlet to these kids to learn how to express themselves and motivate them for self-improvement while also helping them form a positive community."
In addition to working with the youth at the community center, Newhouse walked away experiencing something different.
"I was searching for a better understanding of what it means to be in mission and how I can fit into that. Personally, aside from learning about particular justice issues, Portuguese, the rich history and culture of Brazil, and how oppressive our country and government are in so many ways, I found some direction for my future, too."
Working in a team setting helped all involved reflect on the experience, ranging from language and cultural issues, exploring personal limits and finding one's calling in life and mission and ministry.
"I think this experience has opened my eyes further to allowing God to work in me and through me. When I finally relinquish control of my life -- even for moments at a time, it's amazing how God can use me and form me!"
As part of the training, Newhouse toured the United Nations in New York City, as well as met several missionaries and organizations that work with justice issues. "I think the coolest thing -- apart from feeling I actually have a grasp on the concept of justice work -- was being able to learn about issues that are going on around the world."
Newhouse believes that it is important to gain an understanding on justice issues in today's world. "I think a vital part of being a Christian is serving your brothers and sisters whether they live next door to you or across the oceans," she says. "It's important that the church has an understanding of the needs of our neighbors and pools its resources to meet the needs of those enduring different struggles."
Last updated on 01/14/2004