Mar. 2002

"- there are many in this city who are my people."

The headline is a quotation from Acts 18:10. Paul has been visiting the city of Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. This was the hometown of Aquila and Priscilla. They were tentmakers and because Paul was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they worked together. The good coworkers of Paul, Silas and Timothy also arrived from Macedonia. But every Sabbath Paul argued in the synagogues and preached the Gospel of Christ to Jews and Greeks. Many of the Corinthians opposed and reviled him, but many that heard Paul became believers and were baptized. One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people."

Thinking of Minneapolis/St. Paul I have learned how well these cities are organized in terms of social and health care and education and faith communities. The Twin Cities are based on great values of human rights, individual freedom, human dignity and equal opportunities. The big population represents a variety and diversity that creates a dynamic society instantly moving forward. In the Phillips Neighborhood we have seen a big, positive change over the recent years and so many promising programs going on. Many different types of care organizations and voluntary groups and church programs are involved.

But I think the leadership on different levels in the City realizes that there is still a long walk to go. Pastors and Church Leaders are concerned about it. The work is not fulfilled. There is a great need of networking and bridging, reconciliation and building good relationships.

I have learned about the crime, homeless children and workless people and many youth do not complete their education.

The churches have a call to provide help for the needed and to proclaim the Gospel. It is a great task to bring people together and to bring people to Christ in this City.

Our faith in God as the Creator of all and as a caring God is a common ground for joint action and service. The Gospel pictures a compassionate Jesus Christ and our call to follow the same path. On the individual level we all have the opportunity to love and care for others.

"Faith in the City" is an inspiring and uplifting vision. We are challenged to strengthen the Christian Faith and to share from different Faith traditions and present the Faith to all people in a proper way.

God has many people in this city!

The many churches and faith communities should take the opportunity and continue to pray and work for God’s kingdom among the people.

Ole Amund Gillebo

Pastor

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716