Faith and Life

The Andes Mountains form the backbone to our South American continent but as it reaches the border of Colombia it splits in to three ranges. Travel is often treacherous; two lane roads connect major cities. Most major cities are also located in one of the three ranges. The roads twist and curve with the whims of the rocky Andean cliffs. Tunnels would make travel far too convenient and guardrails would be far too safe. Travel and prayer become synonymous as you loop in and out, inhaling the exhaust from the diesel truck that putters its way up the incline in front of you. Awe-inspiring landscapes, nothing but the pavement and the sheer drop to your right—these are the Andes of Colombia.

Bogotá is nestled in the eastern range of the mountains, at eight thousand feet. Skyscrapers touch the heavens as they poke through the thin air. Clay roofed colonial houses and narrow cobblestone streets hint at the city that was. These are the reminders of a rich history and a modern potential. Then we see, in the places left un-photographed and often unexplored, the shanty villages that rim the city. Variegated tin, cardboard and mortar are the building essentials. This prods at my soul, the crushing poverty and a disjointed social opportunity. Where is the justice? I believe that Jesus came to bring justice for the oppressed and marginalized. I believe that it is our duty to advocate on behalf of the voiceless.

It seems, all too often, that my faith has mimicked my surroundings. I often find myself overcome and blinded by the fumes that linger from the roads that I have taken. I often wonder if I move through life by chance, only to see pieces of the pavement in my rear-view mirror. I sometimes look out over the sheer drop to my right and realize I am not sure where I am going nor when I will arrive. It is far too easy to focus on the mountains, which seem so treacherous, that I often fail to take in the landscapes. I contemplate the destination when I could gain wisdom and experience from the travel.

Many times, I want to reach to the sky, in spite of the thin air. I want to poke my head above the clouds and achieve, but when I look out on the horizon I cannot ignore the shanty towns, filled with people who want to reach up too, if only they knew how or had an opportunity. Maybe life and ministry should be about reaching together. I, too, should embrace my rich history to strive toward my potential.

Jesus came to reconcile. I do not claim to know many certainties about my faith but I know that Jesus modeled reconciliation. Jesus reconciled the world to God. Jesus reconciled human relationships. The socially out-casted disabled were reconciled with a healing touch. Jesus embraced the socially oppressed women, teaching them, living in community with them and giving them opportunity to lead. Jesus taught us to love the poor and fight for their cause. Jesus taught me to be an advocate for the hurting, marginalized and oppressed.