Too Messed Up for Church

Below is an excerpt from my latest newsletter.

Too Messed Up for Church

A few weeks ago while on a walk with Shiloh down University Way, I came across a guy who I will call Joel. I used to see him often around Scum, but lately not so much. I said that I missed him and asked how he was doing. When he responded, it was quickly evident from his words and breath that he was a bit intoxicated.

 

In this case, though, it turned out for the better. Alcohol, especially enough of it, seems to lower people’s guard and impair their filters. I’m sure we’ve all seen this take a destructive turn in someone’s life but I was actually thankful for how it gave me a deeper glimpse into the life of a man who is usually more reserved and distant.

 

He shared, “Man, I’m too messed up for church. I try to be good, but I just can’t do it. I also got locked up again, which is why I haven’t been around. And when I was in jail, I lost my scholarship to school, and the place I was living. Can’t go back. So, yeah, it doesn’t really make sense for someone like me to be in a church.”

 

So I told him, “You know, though, from what I know of Jesus, he’d probably prefer to spend his day hanging out with you than me or most of the folks at Scum who are doing ok right now. Jesus compared himself to a doctor, who isn’t there for the healthy people, but the sick. Church isn’t a group of perfect people, but a group of people who understand they need God’s help.” I told him that I loved him, and urged him to come back that night to get some warm food, dry off, maybe take a nap on a couch.

 

And he did come that night. But I was real bothered by that conversation with Joel, and I still am. What a heart-breaking, humbling thing to hear! He helped me to realize 1.) We are not always communicating in our words and life together what we thought and hoped we were. 2.) Even a name like Scum of the Earth isn’t going to communicate on its own that Jesus loves imperfect people. We can’t rely on our name to copout of our responsibility to love one another as Jesus loved us.

 

Pray for us in this. I sincerely believe that Jesus is good news for all people, but especially people who are poor, oppressed, lonely, etc.

 

Subscribe to future Scum of the Earth Church newsletters here.

Can I Have Your Bible?

Do you have a spare Bible or three you are willing to donate to Scum of the Earth Church? In particular, I’m looking for translations that are easy to read (like NIV, NLT, etc), especially small(ish) sized.

It’s not uncommon for us meet people who ask for a Bible, but we’ve run out of Bibles people are willing to take. Either they can’t understand the archaic or wonky translation, they can’t afford the space / weight of the mammoth book in their pack (many of them live outside, entirely out of their back-pack), or they don’t want it because it’s just a New Testament (“Why would I just want part of it?” – good question).

We also use Bibles often in small group discussions on Sunday nights, and sometimes it is a challenge to find a Bible for everyone!

If you have a Bible or two you want to donate, send me an email: scumchurchseattle[at]gmail.com - Thanks!

PS. If you live in the Seattle area, would you consider sharing a link to this post on facebook, twitter, email, whatever?

Something’s wrong

I took this picture a few night’s ago at Safeway in the u-district. If you look through the window, you can see a guy outside sitting on the sidewalk. He was holding a sign asking for food donations.

I’m all into taking care of pets, but not at the expense of my brothers and sisters sleeping outside.