Sharing our Story- Greenwood UMC/Mizo

Transcription

1 Sharing our Story- Greenwood UMC/Mizo By Rev. In Suk Hong Peebles Ironically, some of the brightest, most hopeful stories come from people who face multiple challenges in life. The people I am referring to is Mizo (Burmese) Methodist congregation. The Mizo congregation in Greenwood continues to inspire me, Greenwood UMC and the city with their own version of persistent and faithful witness in spite of much challenges- of cultural and economic. Upon arrival at Indianapolis Airport, the leaders ensure all new Mizo refugees have living quarters, a worship community, a job within 3 months of their arrival and learn English to further their opportunity here in Indiana. Be it children or adults, our Mizo members strive to build a better life here in the US, overcoming language difficulties and cultural differences. Their hardships in the past have offered them the precious commodity of time to build and strengthen their faith community through worship and in studying the Word of God. Now, they are in the US, settling into comfortable surroundings near us, continuing to devote themselves to make their lives and communities a better place, and making education for their children their first priority above anything else, the children and youth are thriving here and achieving much- graduating from high school and enrolling in colleges to make a contribution to our society. I will never forget the day when I first met 37 Mizo members (young children included) at Pastor Ralte s apartment off Stop 11 and Madison Avenue, south of Indianapolis. Most were recent refugees flown here from Malaysia and making new homes in Indiana. The following fall, two Mizo children, Linda and Melody, both 5 years old, enrolled in the GUMC preschool. They thrived surrounded by teachers who devoted their time and energy to them. They never missed a day and are now in second grade and achieving great things. Since then we've had 8 Mizo children graduate from our preschool, and I expect another 7-10 more children will be attending our preschool in the fall. Funds from a Metro Ministries grant, UMW mission giving, and generous individuals have helped defray the cost of their tuition. On December 8, 2013 our District Superintendent, Rev. Bert Kite, delivered a powerful message of love and acceptance to the Mizo congregation at their 1 year anniversary celebration. The congregation was blessed by his message of hope and love that none of you will have to experience persecution in this country, but to worship freely, educate your children, work with no harassment, make a decent living and continue to witness the power of Christ to the world. The event included Mizo music, food and fellowship. Together, we have developed working relationship opportunities for mutual benefits and expanding the community for the sake of Christ. Their presence in the community enhances the strength in diversity. Mizo leaders were welcomed by the Mayor of the City of Greenwood, and School Superintendent as well. Meanwhile, both external and internal changes are taking place in the lives of GUMC and the Mizos, and we are all no longer the same. God has a funny way of transforming us and breathing new life into a congregation by sending a group of refugees to our doorsteps. At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we accepted the new invitation from our Lord Jesus Christ to embrace these 1

2 refugees, and a new congregation has emerged a new church. I am very proud of our members who have opened up their hearts to the Mizo community and connected with them in a variety of ways beyond simply sharing space and financial support for preschool tuition. As I read stories of Jesus and the early church apostles, I am both inspired and blessed. In view of Jesus' clear example, GUMC chose to welcome the down and out and be much more than a homogenous middle class suburban congregation. The New Testament early church took root in multi-racial, multi-class, multi-national soil. The poor, the sick, the sinners from all around crowded around Jesus, stirred by his message of healing and forgiveness. The rich and powerful stood on the sidelines, testing him and spying on him, trying to entrap him. The radical core of Jesus' message is that regardless how the world treats the poor, refugees, and the sick, God finds ways to give them assurance and hope, because Jesus knows no limits. I d like to express my sincere gratitude to Bishop Michael Coyner, Central District Superintendent Rev. Bert Kite, Executive Director of Metro Ministries Lisa Morris, and the United Methodist churches in the Indiana Conference for their support and generous gifts for these wonderful people- the Mizo Methodist. By the way, the story never ends when we look around and see how the Risen Christ reveals himself to us both personally and collectively, with gifts of compassion and wisdom. Christ continuously breathes a new spirit into his body of believers, creating a new body, as we bury our old identities and our narrower ways of thinking. As of this writing, the congregation has grown to 154 members (37 members in Dec 2012). Since then, 15+ new babies have been born, and they have baptized 20+ children. In addition, the Mizo Methodists lead the community by hosting national cultural events (called Chuck Chuck Kuk) for more than 500 plus Mizo people as well as inter-denominational conferences for Burmese Christians. Below are some snapshots taken from December April 2015 Mizo Congregation following first Sunday worship Dec 23, 2012 Pastor Ralte

3 Linda & Melody, first Mizo Preschool students Sep 2013 Children receiving their first winter jackets from Bishop s Christmas Offering Nov the best day ever! Ready for worship March 2013 Greeter & Usher team 3

4 Mizo worship May 2014 Lay leader, Peter Lian s Baby, Ruth Vanlal, born March 29, year anniversary celebration, Dec 8, 2013 Rev. Bert Kite & friends in traditional Mizo outfits Dec 8,

5 May 2014 Spring Cleaning 5

6 Dec Youth room cleaning project- for new look Jan Clearing the snow for preschool children 6