Every Table An Altar ...

Last week I shared an experience of spending a week in Amsterdam, learning about their social ministries and mission model. I wanted to continue to share some observations that I think are incredibly important as we fight forward towards a changing missional landscape. I would say that much adaptation will be necessary due to widening intercultural gaps. These gaps mean that the values, beliefs, and practices of the emergent generation are wildly out of sync with current missional practices. That is not to say that the message changes! Absolutely not; the issue is centrally around the methods. The way of repentance, confession, and regeneration is not up for debate. *Disclaimer over.

So remember Majoor Bosshardt, from last week? Talk about an impact. Would you believe me if I told you her hand is cast in bronze at Madame Tussaud's Amsterdam museum, next to Stevie Wonder and Jon Bon Jovi? It is! 

Millions touch her hand every year as they pass by.

Talk about Salvation Army famous!

So what can we learn from her today? As she integrated The Salvation Army's mission into the red light district of Amsterdam, she utilized The Goodwill Centers or 'Centras' in Dutch. These became the living rooms of the neighborhoods, and as people gathered they found both physical refuge and spiritual refuge as well. 

See my last post here if you want to learn more.  

https://outreachinghope.blogspot.com/2020/07/grote-hoop-en-doel.html