Acting 4 England Midwinter Newsletter - Kristin in the UK

Breaking Down the Barriers
"Well, I don't think he's a converted Christian," she said as she poured me a cup of tea.
The statement took me by surprise, especially since it was made by someone who considers herself a Christian leader in our community. It was also hurtful because the person she was talking about is someone who is very dear to me, and has shown me great kindness and hospitality. I really couldn't think of anything to say but "Oh-right," and simply nod my head.
I walked away from that evening puzzled and very upset. How can we really say who is and who is not a Christian? Is it because one has not given a particular kind of public testimony? Is it because one has not claimed to have 'accepted Jesus as one's personal Lord and Savior,' as others have?
The 'unconverted Christian' is one of the kindest people I have met in England. He may not be particularly vocal about his faith but he attends worship every Sunday and is a strong financial contributor to the church.
The word 'Christian' is a very popular word for those who associate with the church and declare themselves Christians in the UK. I have heard numerous people use this word in their vocabulary, "He's not a Christian," "When I became a Christian…," "I don't think we should go because it's not Christian" Every time I hear these comments, I want to say "SO? Why does it matter if they are Christian or not?"
When I first arrived in England, many people asked me "When did you become a Christian?" and my common response has always been "22 years ago when I was baptized as a Child of God."
After living here for six months, I have realized that the use of the word "Christian" is sometimes used as much to divide and condemn, as it is to proclaim good news and bring healing. While much of England's history is associated with the Church, it is not surprising, given this judgmental version of Christianity, that a great majority of people in the UK have no connection with any religion or the Church.
This term, Act 4 is going into schools teaching children the importance of breaking down barriers and communicating with those who are different than you. Working with an organization called Through the Roof, which works with disabled people; we tell the story of the two friends who take the paralyzed man to see Jesus. Our message during the assembly is to make sure that we do not build walls to condemn others or divide ourselves from them, and if those barriers arise that we do all we can to knock them down.
As I read the Gospel, Jesus often had words of judgment for people who were pious and ready to condemn others, and, more often than not, He built bridges of love and acceptance to people perceived as sinners and the unconverted.
I have a diverse group of friends whom I love and absolutely adore. Some of them are affiliated with a church or religion and many of them do not associate themselves with any sort of religion.
It seems that some Christians who talk the talk, don't always walk the walk, even as those who are not particularly vocal about their faith or claim any faith sometimes act more Godly and Christ-like. Maybe St. Francis said it best, "Preach Good News all the time. When you need to, use words.
Love, Peace & Cheers!
Kristin
Meet Luisa Gorry: Act 4 Administrator
How did you get involved with Act 4?
I knew Sam from my last job with Hertsmere CVS which Act 4 is a member of and was interested when I heard they were looking to grow their team.
What do you do for the charity?
I am responsible for the day to day running of the office. From booking all the assemblies and keeping track of events in the diary, to getting in touch with church representatives and other supporters of Act 4. I also help the Act 4 team and Sam with any projects or upcoming events. Basically, I am the first point of contact for any general questions regarding Act 4.
What do you enjoy best about working with Act 4?
Act 4 is doing something that I feel really strongly about and it seems to fit in well with my lifestyle. I love the role I play in the charity and the people I come in contact with each day.
My Sense of England
I saw the green countryside of Wales in January. During the cold and wet weather, 150 Time for God volunteers gathered for a mid winter conference to reflect on our journey here in the UK. This event was a great opportunity to catch up with other YAGM volunteers and meet other international volunteers who are also serving in the UK.
I heard the screams and fireworks on New Years Eve in downtown London. I have never had a New Years quite like this one! After a fun dinner party, five YAGM volunteers and I traveled downtown to be with a crowd of 400,000 people to welcome in the New Year. It was a very memorable New Years celebration!
I smelled the farm when my friend Anna and I went to visit fellow YAGM volunteer Kelly in Weald, Kent. She lives on a dairy farm in a beautiful house that is 400 years old! We went on lots of country walks and even visited the milking parlor. It was wonderful to see a different part of England and to see a good friend!
I tasted hot cross buns, my new favorite pastry. I love hot cross buns and every time I eat them I always sing the nursery rhyme. Trisha, my host mum, has been buying lots of them recently and they are very tasty.
I touched daffodils in February! I went into London one Sunday to hang out with Maren, Anthony, Amy and her family and there were beautiful daffodils in St. James Park. The weather was gorgeous and it really felt like spring!
~Kristin