Psalm 82

O Compassionate Teacher,

You are our merciful Counselor;

in the Silence You make yourself known to all who take time to listen.

Would that those in power would heed your Voice:

“How long will you misuse power that oppresses the poor? When will you learn to act justly and with integrity will bring mutual blessing to all? Do you not know that to give succour to the poor and to free people to succeed will bring you more joy than all your bank accounts?”

Arise! Awaken to the new dawn!

Come into the Light; shed darkness like skin on the snake!

For the foundations of the cosmos are shaking with injustice.

I say, “Within you dwells the Beloved, the Breath of your breath;

Open your heart in the Silence and know the One in the many.”

Arise! Join in the new creation!

Let harmony reign among all the nations!

                                    — Paraphrase by Nan Merrill

The rewards of serving as a Summer Communities of Service volunteer? Joy. That’s right! Not an enriched bank account, but joy, as testified by the psalmist. The ancient psalm, paraphrased above, gives witness to what my eyes have seen — our young adult volunteers giving succor to the poor and freeing people to succeed.

It’s happening in…

… Raleigh, N.C., as volunteers staff an urban ministry health clinic, a jobs program and addiction-recovery homes.

…Centreville, Va., as volunteers learn the stories of undocumented day laborers and mediate the tension between business owners, landlords, residents and the workers.

…in New York City  and Toledo, Ohio, as volunteers build character and instill compassion with day camps for inner-city children.

…in Chicago, Ill., as volunteers reinforce life-essential academics for under-served children from the Southside of the city.

…in Biloxi, Miss, volunteers give hope in the form of a home despite hurricanes and oil-infestations that have zapped expectations.

The world is filled with injustice. Our calling and commitment as Christians is to do our part — to side with those who are poor, to create places of refuge and renewal, to take risks and reach out to the marginalized and forgotten.* This summer, 14 young adults engaged in mission fulfillment are changing lives one-at-a-time, and thereby changing the world. Thanks to the support of many and to our partnership with the United Church of Christ, one of the lives being changed is theirs. What will they have to show for the summer? A small stipend and the riches of joy!

*Alliance mission statement and Bridges of Hope Mission Offering guideline