What our program participants are saying

The focus in this class is a little different from all the other JustFaith offerings. Instead of looking outward into the world, this class took me inward to a deeper look at my language and the effect it has on all my relationships. It offered an opportunity to take a deep look at how language shapes our relationships as well as bring about the more just world our hearts know is possible. It helped me shift away from dualistic thinking--to move from a language of judgment to a language of invitation, to become aware of the needs of others and how those shape every conversation, how to create a safe space for all conversations, and it gave me an opportunity to practice listening for the whole story, to include all the lenses. As we continue to look for the way through all that separates us in these times, this class helped me notice my language, and offered strategies for finding a third way. It reminds me of Rumi’s poem. Here is a part of it, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.” This class opens us to the field—the possible thread running through all the other classes, through all our relationships and, indeed, through our lives. I am grateful for this experience.

JustFaith’s new "Youth for Justice: Our Faith in Action” curriculum provides youth leaders with the resources they need to take on the hard questions and work of justice in their unique ministry locations. With probing questions, eye-opening videos, and a variety of topics to choose from, youth are able to explore and discover the connection between their faith and justice—and that these two are inextricably intertwined. Youth will connect to the contemporary music offered in the curriculum and discover that there is no choice but to live out the things they are learning. We are very grateful for this youth-centered curriculum that lighting a fire in youth at our church!

The Global Poverty program is a conversion experience that deeply moved me, and will continue to do so as I work through the wealth of additional resources, suggested readings, videos and re-reading the two main texts.