Jordan Cunnings

Jordan Cunnings - Service Trip Participant, 2008

My time in the Gulf Coast with the Beatitudes Society affected me deeply. It was so encouraging and inspiring to spend time in fellowship with people from all walks of life who have a passion for justice, in whatever form that may have manifested itself to me throughout the week. I loved spending time with the seminary students and having the privilege of hearing the varied journeys they had each taken to eventually arrive at seminary. The Beatitudes Society staff and supporters were amazing, and I was so impressed with all of the hard work and dedication they put in to make the trip possible. And I was blown away by the (mostly) retired folks from all over who were at Camp Coast Care the same week we were- so much energy and compassion were poured out from their hands and hearts into the community, and into my own life, that week.

It was hard to see the continual devastation and all of the work that remains to be done in this region. I had been very ignorant about the situation prior to this trip, and now feel a huge call on my heart to continue to work for change in the Gulf Coast.

This world is unfortunately full of disasters and pain, and it is our duty as people of faith to come forward not only in current situations, but in past injustices that remain unremedied. The people of the Gulf Coast do not deserve to be forgotten as they continue to struggle with a lack of housing and resources. Not everyone may be able to travel to do physical labor in the Gulf Coast, but I hope that I can bring more information to my community about the situation so that more prayers and resources can flow from the Pacific Northwest to this hurting region. I am so grateful that the Beatitudes Society made this opportunity available to me and other students; it truly was a week that affected me deeply.

Strengthening the progressive Christian network for justice, compassion, & peace