New Life

“Seeing, then, all things have an end, these two things are simultaneously set before us--death and life; and every one shall go unto his own place. For as there are two kinds of coins, the one of God, the other of the world, and each of these has its special character stamped upon it,[so is it also here.] The unbelieving are of this world; but the believing have, in love, the character of God the Father by Jesus Christ, by whom, if we are not in readiness to die into His passion, His life is not in us.”
– St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Magnesians

Welcome Home! For many of you those words may already bring back memories of joy, love, friendship, tears, service and maybe even outhouses; however, this last week those words have taken a new meaning for some families and for at least two new staff members at the Farm. We just finished our annual family week at the Farm and it could be said that the themes Old/New, Life/Death were very apparent. Family week is a very special time in which many families come together to become one huge family in Christ. At times it may seem like one large family reunion as many of the families have been coming for years. However, the experience is never the same as new families are added into the mix and old families progress in their work, spirituality and age. Some of the kids have been coming to the farm since they were very young children and now are grown teens who are experiencing the reality of Christ for the very first time; even after coming for years.

This last week we also welcomed two new staff members named Jordan and Jessie. They are an engaged couple from California and Michigan who have focused their lives on service to Gods people and with their arrival the Farm Staff is at full strength minus one last addition coming in October. Kelly was able to share during shared prayer that this last week she was able to realize the completion of a transitional period. She is finally able to settle in and fully function as a loving mother of two young kids as well as a hard working friend and family member through Christ at the Farm. A feeling of comfort and peace comes with being able to put transition behind and focus on the reality of HOME.

Transitional periods are often difficult and hectic. Change and newness is easy to reject and the comfort of tradition has its benefits and attachments. However, it is in newness that the old is to be reflected upon and improved where needed. It is in newness that life is most easily recognized. Jesus Christ came into this world by the Holy Spirit to bring new Life into our world. He was speaking of Life to a people oppressed, poor, brutalized and dead spiritually in the law and oral tradition of the Pharisees. Over the years, the laws of Moses had lost some meaning and life. Christ did not come to condemn the law but rather to bring a new life and fulfillment in the law. He was calling people to a reflection of the old and openness to his new wine (New Covenant).

The Farm is experiencing its 30th anniversary this year and in many ways it has kept the traditions, values and focus alive. However, it has also brought in an abundance of new ideas, new transformation and new life which has shaped it to become the way it is over the years. Each new person brought to the farm both staff and volunteer brings a uniquely different spirit and experience which makes an impact on the farm. Like an old pair of shoes each puddle and each step has a lasting effect which tells a story of where they have traveled and what they have done.

This week we invite you to reflect on your life. Where has your life taken you and most importantly how has Christ shaped your being? As Christians we are called to die to ourselves and live with the new spirit and clothing of Christ. What does this mean in our lives and how are we affected by those around us? How do we share our uniqueness and love with those we encounter and how can we impact their lives to bring newness, peace and comfort?

Welcome Home,
Nazareth Farm