Even more, I looked over the group and saw how many of our people, a year ago, would have judged this family. How many of them by ignoring the homeless would have never known how their friends and community have supported them. How many of them would have cared less about the loss we all face–and that we use the word “we” to describe our feelings. I was moved by the heart of all at Agape. You might say I was blown away by their love and how many people have become people of agape.

Marc, our campus minister, preached and I got to sing with the praise team. Yet, I heard veery few (if any) comments about either. I heard comments about “what happened that morning,” or “the worship,” but they had little to do with what we normal consider as “the worship.” I believe that they had more to do with the community and the feeling of support and love we all felt.

It’s nice to be blown away by our churches–especially when they show the love that is missing in our world today. Especially when they show love to the people our communities neglect every day of the week.

In April 2007, the Saturday before we launched I met Maria. She was spanging at Pioneer square. Caleb and I bought her some juice. Over time and meetings with her she eventually showed up at Agape. She got a place to live, had two babies, and was in treatment center for heroin. She came to Agape for 1 1/2 years–more regular than people we saw who were “brought up in church.” 8 weeks ago she brought Crystal, her friend in the treatment center. Crystal also hasn’t missed a Sunday. She has visitation of her kids now, is doing well, and was baptized by Lori today. Crystal is bringing her kids and a friend with her.

Evangelism is about networking.
Its also about obedience.

The Better Way: The Church of Agape in Emerging Corinth

Today the church emerges in a culture of power, humiliation, and fear. Paul’s challenge for the church is to be mature and practice unconditional love. This love is permanent. This love develops and empowers others. This love causes us to be in relationship with God and others. Through this love God’s people see face to face. The church can emerge to radiate love, peace, and empowerment.”

I signed a contract in January to author 3 books. Freeing the Oppressed was published in September. The Better Way will be available next week. The final book in the series Am I Sleeping With the Enemy is now being edited and proofed for publishing. All three are available from http://www.wipfandstock.com/

I am taking a break! A long break from writing!
Thanks for everyone’s support in this.

the-better-way-flyer

This month Freeing the Oppressed was released as I put the finishing touches on my second manuscript and began editing my third. While I actually hate writing I have found that it seems to be the best way to communicate with a larger audience concerning God’s will and work in this world. I signed three contracts with a publisher in January to publish these books by the end of the year (what in the world was I thinking?) and published three separate articles in journals. While this is difficult for me something has been driving me to speak out both verbally and on paper. I am reminded of Jeremiah’s haunting words that he cannot hold God’s word inside, it is a “fire in my bones” (Jer. 20:9). I have also found something productive to do during those occasional nights of insomnia that come with middle age. I hear that old people don’t need much sleep. I wonder what I will write if I make it to 90!

Freeing the Oppressed is my second book on domestic violence. My first was published in 2005 and since then 1 in 4 women continue to be physically assaulted each year, 1 in 6 males have been molested each year, and 3 million children per year witness a traumatic event each year. 1 in 5 women become victims of dating violence each year, and an equal number are sexually assaulted each year. Even worse, the church still continues to turn their heads to domestic violence and abuse—each year. I continue to hear stories from victims of abuse concerning how their churches rally around the perpetrator and, in many cases, believe the oppressor rather than the victims. The past few months we have also become aware of a shocking statistic that Portland has one of the highest underage prostitution rates and highest amount of strip clubs per capita as compared to other US cities. Even more Pimp is seen in a positive light (Positive Individual Making a Profit) or as a funny term such as “Pimp my ride” or “Playing the Pimp.” I know that this Halloween the “Pimp and Ho” costumes will be a favorite among kids and adults.

September has been a month to prepare for October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month). Already we have done trainings in Portland, spoken in Memphis, and are working with the public schools to address sex trafficking. More talks will be given in October in Atlanta and Portland State University, abuse groups will grow and reach out in our recovery ministry, people will be trained to address trafficking, and many will heal from their pain and abuse.

In addition to this Lori and I will rejoice that we have a staff that is fully committed to addressing abuse in all of its forms and giving their lives to Freeing the Oppressed. We are also excited to be leading a church that is equally as passionate about confronting abuse and validating those who have been hurt.

God bless you all
Ron Clark