Trail Blazing – Word Made Flesh –
The organization Word Made Flesh is definitely blazing the trail when it comes to loving and ministering to the worlds poorest and at risk people groups. A TRAILBLAZER- is a noun used to describe a person, company, or organization that is breaking new ground in particular area. In old times pathfinders or trailblazers would put marks on new paths so others could follow them into unsettled wilderness areas. WMF goes to place that most of us would rather not go, even when we dare we often avert our eyes as we can’t usually stomach the tragedy of this earths poorest places. They have some amazing blog posts about a variety of countries that will inspire others to go and do likewise. Take a risk and check it out- God is stirring.
You can check em out at http://www.wordmadeflesh.org or follow them on twitter http://twitter.com/wordmadeflesh
History of WMF[1]
Word Made Flesh was founded in 1991, as a non-profit organization existing to serve among the most vulnerable of the world’s poor. In 1994, Word Made Flesh opened its first children’s home in Chennai, India focusing primarily on pediatric AIDS care. Word Made Flesh has since established communities in Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa.
Vision Statement
Word Made Flesh is called and committed to serve Jesus among the most vulnerable of the world’s poor. This calling is realized as a prophetic ministry for, and an incarnational, holistic mission among the poor. We focus our energy to make Jesus known among the poor while reconciling the church with the poor.
Philosophy
Word Made Flesh is united in philosophical commitments, which are expressed in seven missional starting points.
▪ Jesus and the Kingdom of God Hebrews 12:28, 13:8. We are an ecumenical community of Christians united in obedience to Jesus for service among the poor. Our service flows from intimacy with Jesus and is guided by the values of the Kingdom of God.
▪ The Most Vulnerable of the World’s Poor Matthew 25:40, James 2:5. We respond to the needs of the world by building community among those who lack sustainable access to resources and availability to opportunity.
▪ Community Genesis 1:27, Mark 6:7, John 13:35, I Corinthians 12, Acts 4:32, Philippians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Community, a tangible sign of the Kingdom of God, is our starting point for theological, ecclesiological and missiological activity. Solidarity with the most vulnerable of the world’s poor fulfills our community.
▪ Incarnational, Holistic Mission John 1:14, 20:21, II Corinthians 5:18-20, 8:9, Luke 4:18-19, Matthew 25:35-46, James 2:15-16, I John 3:16-18. We do not minister to the poor; we are in mission among the poor, identifying with them rather than integrating the poor into our reality. Identification is central in the ministry of reconciliation. Our purpose is for the redemption of the whole person toward the redemption of society. We participate in holistic transformation, desiring to facilitate regeneration and restoration.
▪ Simplicity Matthew 10:7-10, I John 3:16-18. We posture ourselves in simplicity with open hands, dependent on God.
▪ Partnership in Mission Revelation 5:9-10, Galatians 3:28. In our praxis of mutual submission, mission is dependent on partnership with local Christians and churches. Mission unifies us.
▪ The Urban Context Isaiah 60, Matthew 9:35-36, 21:10, Luke 13:34-35, Revelation 20-22. Our eschatological hope for the renewed city calls us to give ourselves to the redemption of urban settings.
If you have any suggestions on people or organizations that should be highlighted on this blog topic please let me know info@thefreedomproject.com
Grace and Peace,
CJ
[1] Info on History, Vision, and Philosophy taken directly form the WMF website.
