October 2010

They come from a variety of backgrounds.  They are well known or hardly known.  They have been here 5 generations or have just arrived.  For some, English is their only language for others their third.  They live in small single rooms or in luxurious mansions.

They come with relational or economic issues including family, marriage, children, money or work.  They have emotional, physical or spiritual struggles.  Their questions are visceral or cerebral.  Some are excruciatingly lonely while others need more time alone.

Each individual I encounter in the city has one thing in common: a unique story.  Something or someone has encouraged them to place a call, send an email or text. The conversations with these wonderful people represent the most important, enjoyable and sacred part of what I do.  The only word that comes to mind is ‘privilege.’ To have someone trust me with their concerns, worries or dreams is a gift.

This past Thanksgiving, I was at home processing an issue that has been causing me on-going anxiety when suddenly my phone rang.  It was Jim calling. I have known Jim for years, living in a small rooming hotel on Vancouver’s East Side. He is a former convict who is now fighting cancer. He has for years been both on welfare and methadone.  He called from a pay phone to wish me Happy Thanksgiving. I asked Jim what he was going to do that day and he said, “Give thanks”. His words quickly restored my perspective.

There is a fabric of relationships and resources that all of us need and lean on.  We all need community. It has always been this way.  Ever since Jesus arrived on the scene, he has modeled to all of us how to love and support one another.  The great irony and mystery of this dance is that everyone benefits – those who care and those who have needs.  Sometimes we are the caregivers and other times we are the recipients of someone’s caring.   

Paul reminds of Jesus’ invitation to be:  “No longer strangers and sojourners…. but fellow citizens…of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19)

By accepting this invitation, we learn new ways of relating to each other.  We are encouraged to make a call or spend unhurried time with someone in need. Sounds like good house rules.


Blessings,

Tom Cooper                                                                                                                                                                  Volume 19 Issue 5

Upcoming Events:
City in Focus’ Monthly Breakfast Series: Friday’s from7:30am - 9am at the Vancouver Club. November 5th, 2010 with Peter Yung and December 10th, 2010 with Archbishop Michael Miller

The Annual Vancouver Lunch is on October 28th, 2010 12noon – 1:15pm at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Speaker: Peter Legge

Project Contempo is on November 13th, 2010 1pm – 5pm at Tenth Avenue Alliance Church. Speakers: Tom and Jonathan Cooper

For more information please call 604-687-7292