Setting Prisoners Free

Hospitality; it's a strange word, a misunderstood word, a word that often seems old-fashioned. Yet, when I delve into scripture, I see how  hospitality is a radical concept, an essential part of following and honouring God. I use the word "radical" because God's hospitality goes well beyond being the perfect host by making a scrumptious meal in a tidy house for our friends, family, and worthy guests. It goes far beyond the order, cleanliness, and good manners that seem to be equated with hospitality.   Radical hospitality welcomes strangers, foreigners, and those judged and seen as unworthy. It has this messy, ugly, and chaotic quality about it. It asks us to be "all things to all people". It embraces those cast aside and oppressed, those living in squalor, and those who wreck our plans. Radical hospitality says to our neighbours, even the most annoying and aggravating neighbours, "you are always welcome here". Radical hospitality goes well beyond ...

I came across a highly intelligent sick man today who lives in an overgrown and crowded yard in a rundown caravan. It ain’t his fault, he’s just trying to survive. He lives in squalor, he’s been neglected, his body is suffering, and he needs assistance from the ground on up, but despite all this, he’s a trooper and a picture of resiliency. The journey has begun to help him move from homelessness into a safe healthy home.  I came across a pleasant old man today who sleeps on a mattress under a bridge in an affluent part of town. It ain’t his fault, he’s just doing his best to survive. His anxiety causes him to freak out and have outbursts of anger, making it difficult for him to navigate beyond the next minute, but despite all this, he greets me with a smile. The journey has begun to help him move from homelessness into a warm dry home. I came across a shy young couple today who must quickly move out of a sibling’s house. It ain’t their fault, they’re just attempting to start their ...