These are challenging times for all of us. For those facing urban poverty, however, they are particularly tough. Whether it’s the difficulties of living in high density slums, the precariousness of those from migrant and refugee backgrounds or in immigration detention, or the uncertainty with which those on low incomes face their next rent payment, those on the margins are most vulnerable.
One of our core commitments in Urban Neighbours of Hope is that of Incarnational Presence. We seek to live out God’s love in the midst of those doing it tough, and in this unprecedented time we find ourselves in neighbourhoods that need, perhaps more than ever, an alternative to fear, selfishness, and disconnection.
UNOH workers in Thailand, Australia, and Aotearoa/New Zealand remain living and serving in the neighbourhoods in which they are based. The decision for workers to remain in their neighbourhoods has been a particularly poignant one for Thailand workers, all of whom are outside of their home countries of Australia, the UK, and the US. This has been a decision made by each individual worker and family group in close consultation with the wider UNOH community, and not decisions made lightly. We recognise that there are significant costs and uncertainties involved, yet each worker has come to the conclusion, through both a sense of call and a pragmatic examination of the facts, that it is the right one.
While our programmed activities in our neighbourhoods are unable to happen at the moment, this is a time to imagine new and creative ways to be present to our neighbours and partner with them toward transformation. For more information on UNOH’s response to COVID-19, see here.
We value your prayers and support immensely in this time, and we recognise that many of you who journey with us are also facing challenges. We welcome your thoughts, words of encouragement, feedback, and prayer requests. It’s a time to strengthen our connectedness and collaboration. And please continue to pray for us, as we join together to pray that God’s shalom may be take deeper root, on earth as it is in heaven.
Urban Neighbours of Hope.