Be a voice copyright 2012 – John M. Kingery
On the Bethany Bench – copyright 2012 John M. Kingery
Inspired from last year’s social action summer institute (SASI) conference, I wondered where I was being led, how could I use the gift given me? I prayed. I prayed the rosary.
A bench at a vacant restaurant became my place of prayer during the early mornings in August and September. My awareness of the poor and needy grew, especially the 9% unemployed in the state where I live.
As I stood, kneeled and prostrated, I realized how vulnerable, humble and yet trusting Mary was. The poor are vulnerable, humble and struggle to be trusting. We are called love our neighbor just as Elizabeth showed her love for Mary. Meditating on the Jesus’ birth in a stable, “because there was no room for them in the inn”, I faced the fact of homeless in affluent Washington County. I felt the blows as Roman soldiers “spat on Jesus and kept striking him on the head” before his crucifixion. How often are the poor spat upon and struck down?
In August, politicians shouted at each other and ‘played’ to their chosen news (propaganda) outlet or party base. Scant examples of true governance or statesmanship existed. The voice of the poor and vulnerable was absent; they seemingly had no voice. Meditating upon 1 Corinthians 12:7, I realized the budget super committee members all professed affiliation with the Christian faith. They were all given the spirit and call to work for the common good. The 12 to the 7th campaign grew from that prayer and meditation.
Copyright John M. Kingery 2011
The campaign many faith based gatherings at my parish of St. Juan Diego, the Knights of Columbus, vicariate from October through November. More importantly, I, with my friend Jerry, took the 12 to the 7th campaign to local super markets where the message resonated with those who stopped by. Over 100 letters and postcards were sent. We took the call from our parishes into our community.
In early October with outstretched arms, I cried, “God, help us!” We had just learned Ann’s medical bills would not be paid by insurance. She had lost sight in her left eye after 50 surgeries. I needed to be a voice for the person closest to me. Six months later, I met with a vice president from the insurance company. Prior to the meeting, I saw in their lobby a picture Ann had done for them 23 years ago. God was with me that day. I left with a letter agreeing all bills would be paid.
My work at Outside In brings me in contact with homeless youth and the poor in downtown Portland, Oregon. We help homeless youth and other marginalized people move towards improved health and self-sufficiency through providing innovative health and social services. I administer the databases and applications used in meeting the healthcare and social service needs of our clients. These tools improve our services to our clients and our ability to share their success with our funders and wider community.
You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord required of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
Attending this year’s SASI conference will further strengthen my spirit and voice. Equally important, I will be sharing my technical skills and experience with other attendees. Together we can be an even stronger voice for the poor and vulnerable in our society.
When I return from this yea’s conferernce I will focus the areas of healthcare, homelessness and hunger. Specific goals I have are:
- Continuing work on a Freedom to Love campaign with my local vicariate focusing upon what is the basis for social justice work – love for God and our neighbor,
- Being a spokesman for health care in the faith community for the Jobs with Justice,
- Investigating the intersection of technology, public health, public policy and faith and its impact upon the homeless youth and poor at Outside In.
- Share with my parish of St. Juan Diego what I have learned.
Peace,
John