It was a busy later July and early August experiencing the wonders of God’s creation, learning to be better advocate for others, helping those in need, grieving for the loss of my brother.
4th Avenue United Methodist, Louisville – photo (c) 2012 John M. KIngery
Last summer, I attended the Social Action Summer Institute. This year it was held at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. The state is known for its bluegrass, horse racing and bourbon. Louisville is the birthplace of boxer Muhammad Ali, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louise Brandies. Each fought and in Mohammed’s case continues to struggle for others. Ali’s views on the Vietnam War some consider lead Martin Luther King Jr. to speak out against that conflict. Justice Brandies was referred to as a “militant crusader for social justice whoever his opponent might be” by Chief Justice William O. Douglas. Bellarmine University, a Catholic university founded in 1950 was the first school open to all races in Kentucky. It is also home to the Thomas Merton Studies Center.
Downtown Louisville photo (c) 2012 John M. Kingery
For me, the area is one of good and caring people – the couple who helped me to find a restaurant while I was wondering in the 100 degree heat, and Tony at the restaurant, who gave me directions and a bus ticket so I could go downtown. The good and caring also included the staff at Bellarmine University. I am grateful to have shared time with over two hundred people from the United States and Canada who are committed to bringing God’s message into being through working and living the message of Social Justice. I have created a short presentation about this inspiring conference. Click hear to view it as a pdf version –Called to Transformative Community
After the conference, I had the privilege of working with Br. Steve Hero and others from around in country on rebuilding efforts in Henryville, Indiana. The area was devastated by a tornado in March 2012. We learn and we must also serve.
Next to St. Bellarmine (c) 2012 John M. Kingery
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the following individuals – Janet Donohue, Lisa Stiller, Matt Cato, Richard Coll, Theresa Orozco, John Barrett, Michael Diebold, Jeanine Freeman, Edward Huff, Glenn Leach, Meg Olson, Kirsten Schenk, Meg Olson, Sr, Precilla Takuh, Fran Rojette, Kathy Langer, Adam Brown, Janet Svelik, and Bro. Steven Hero. They helped make this a memorable and life changing experience. I am indebted to my family and friends who provided me encouragement and support.
Finally, thank you to my wife Ann for dealing with my nearly ten day absence from home and her love. Her compassion and concern for others amid her own suffering gives me strength.
In Christ and Peace,
John