For every Justice Project volunteer, serving the marginalized residents of Reid Park doesn’t start with swinging hammers, but it 1^st starts with swinging open the doors of our own hearts. The Bible & human experience has made it stunningly clear that there's nothing scarier than charity without love. This is one reason why we seek to serve in relationally driven ways. For we justice-novices this means a willingness to weather the initial awkwardness that goes with stepping outside our comfort zones to really connect with those seemingly different from us. The actual projects we’ll do in Reid Park throughout 09 will often cost little to nothing in finances. The real investment however will be in heart equity.  “If I give all my goods to the poor, but have not love…”. In the new covenant, God consistently presented & defined himself not merely as “problem solver”, but as Love. Love defined his motives & shaped his methods. Follow that model, & you’ll give God great leeway to do extraordinary things both in the lives of those you are serving…  & in your own.  

Crossing the great divides of race, socio-economic status, & culture, in order to “be” God’s message of mercy & justice among the needy… that’s our calling. We may do it awkwardly at first, & at times we may even do it badly, but we will, nevertheless, do it. Because a lifestyle that lovingly & consistently includes serving the needy & working for justice...this is our calling.