Jackie Pullinger....Faith in Action

This weekend I had the chance to listen to Jackie Pullinger. The Vine hosted a teaching series with Jackie speaking on "God's Heart for the Poor". Many of you at home may not be familiar with the story of Jackie Pullinger. As a 19 year-old, Jackie moved to Hong Kong from England in the late 60's. She lived in an area (I can see it from my balcony) called The Walled City. Her book, Chasing the Dragon, describes it:

"Until it was pulled down the Walled City was Hong Kong's most foreboding territory. It was a lawless place, dominated by the Triads, and which the police hesitated to enter. Strangers were unwelcome. Drug smuggling and heroin addiction flourished. A place of prostitution and pornography, extortion and fear".

Jackie (she speaks fluent Cantonese), gave her life to those in the Walled City and continues to serve the poor in Hong Kong today. The stories are incredible. As I listened, I thought about what has been said about who Jesus was- crazy, a liar, or, the truth. I wondered something similar with this woman- either she is nuts, or she is someone who is experiencing (and spreading) the power of God in a way I have rarely known. I know it's the latter. You can read more about her life story and impact in Hong Kong by sifting through the St. Stephen's Society website.

Her thoughts challenged me in a number of ways. Here are a few I'll share as thought-provoking:

-We have often replaced the giving of ourselves, our heart, with aid. For this reason, people may receive food, but their hearts and lives are left unchanged. She used the story of the good Samaritan as an example. He gave his own blanket. He gave his own donkey. We need to do the same to make a lasting difference with people.

-We don't see miracles unless we've given all we have. There's no need for a miracle when we've stored up secret stashes that could be used instead. She shared stories of multiplication miracles- Jesus and 5000 men, as well as her own experiences with the multiplying of food when there was not enough.

-Don't pray about things you know you must do; pray about how to do them.

-The important thing about giving is giving. Jesus gave without guarantee of our acceptance, a thank you, or a decision to change our lives. Give because you have the heart of Christ, not because you can be assured that it will be used responsibly.

-Be free inside- enough to give it all away.

There was a lot more, but this is enough for me today! She prayed for us- those of us with much- that we could be freed from the fear of poverty. I need that prayer, and I'm continuing to pray that, or try to. Any thoughts from you?