IMPACT - Justice Ministry

My limited experiences with PACEM* have been life changing. On the one hand, I wish that PACEM did not have to exist, but we live in a world that includes poverty, addiction, neglect, abuse and social injustice. On the other hand, I am so glad that I've had the opportunity to hear and see the voices of homelessness up close and personal. It blew away many of the stereotypes I had bought into about the poor.

It was after my first experience with PACEM that I became interested in social justice issues, in particular, the affordable housing crisis in our community. At first, I was at a loss as where to direct this passion, but soon IMPACT** came along and I was introduced the concept of grassroots, congregation-based justice ministry.

What, you wonder, does any of this have to do with our Wilderness Training theme? Throughout our lives we walk different paths, sometimes we're heading up to a mountaintop and other times we stumble into a valley. We often find ourselves on the long and winding road and sometimes we may find ourselves in the barren wilderness. I think this wilderness is a place that many living in poverty can relate to, not as some metaphor for a particularly trying time in one's life, but as a very concrete reality. I overheard one of the homeless women say that she sometimes wished her faith walk with God didn't have to involve so much faith.

Faith is really the only thing that can get you through the wilderness. Faith that God will put people and resources in your path to help you survive and maybe even help you out of the wilderness. Our involvement with PACEM and other direct service organizations are examples of helping someone survive in the wilderness. I think our involvement with IMPACT could help someone out of the wilderness. Participating in these ministries provides us the opportunity to become the hands and feet of God out in the world, especially in the wilderness.

This year at IMPACT we are focused on 2 issues:

• more affordable housing opportunites for those families earning 0-30% AMI
• increased access to adult dental care for those without insurance

The upcoming Nehemiah Action on March 10, is the culmination of much time spent researching the issues, identifying specific solutions and engaging with community leaders and public officials. It is important that this large gathering come together to seek public commitment to implement the identified changes. Bring your friends and family. Children are welcome & child care is provided.
When: March 10, 6:15pm
Where: University Hall
Intensity: Easy

More information can be found at impactcville.blogspot.com or contact me, Kim Wilkens @ .

* PACEM (People And Congregations Engaged in Ministry)
** IMPACT (Interfaith Ministry Promoting Action by Congregations Together)