Date: 11/12/2020
Looking Back—Going Forward
Jeanne Murphy, Glen Carbon, IL, USA
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their refuge in the time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and rescues them;
he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them,
because they take refuge in him. —Psalm 37:39–40
The videos of the death of George Floyd are heart-breaking, as are videos of senseless looting and destruction.
Each of us can try to right the wrongs we see around us. One opportunity came two years after my husband Barry and I moved to Granite City, Illinois, in 1965. Apostle Alan Tyree came to the St. Louis area out of concern for the church’s lack of ministry among the black community. In 1967 there was a call for people to staff a week-long Vacation Bible School in East St. Louis; Barry and I volunteered. The effort was so successful we decided to hold a Bible school-type activity every Sunday afternoon.
A year later the East St. Louis Community Camp (formerly Camp Personality) began. Barry and I were enthusiastic supporters of this new adventure. Until the end of his life in 2012, Barry felt this work was one of the most significant parts of his life’s ministry. In November 1975, the St. Louis church leaders knew that the East St. Louis Congregation needed a pastor who was experienced in leading integrated groups; Barry said, “Yes!” and became the pastor.
Our hearts had always been with our many friends in the East St. Louis Congregation and we continued to take part in the work. For Barry, that work was heavily invested in making East St. Louis Community Camp a place where young people learn to value themselves, grow, and learn peace and mutual respect.
I have heard the East St. Louis Community Camp described as one of the church’s best-kept secrets. We have an opportunity going forward in the coming months to let the St. Louis community learn about the camp as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Right now, our country is in desperate need of good news, and we are Good News!
Prayer Phrase
God, help me seek peace for me, peace for us, peace for everyone, and peace for our planet. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
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