My local is your global and your local is my global which means global mission and local
mission is interrelated. They are different sides of the same coin. It is being God’s
ambassador on earth.
This past year has been very fulfilling for me personally and in ministry. I am so pleased
and encouraged to be part and parcel of St. John’s outreach ministry. Since my return to
St. John’s, I have intentionally spent every Monday at Hope House with Wake Forest
Community Table. I call this ministry a ‘church without walls.’ This motto of my local is
global and your local is global has been so true. In November, a friend from South Africa
visited me and I invited him to see Wake Forest Community Table. He was so
impressed with the relationships and dignified way in which people were treated and
served. He was touched by this ministry and asked about how that is possible in his
context. I told him you do not need to duplicate this ministry. You are a lecturer in a
seminary. What you need is to develop future leaders who want to be in proximity to
those who are poor and suffering. The building of authentic relationships and dignified
interaction is done daily in your interaction with the people you meet. When people
come visit you they will see you are doing God’s work in your local context. This, in
turn, becomes a way of being in your global relationships. Respect, dignity, and listening
are fundamental to showing God’s love. I am forever grateful to those who have worked
tirelessly in our community outreach over the years, so that today and this year, I can
proudly serve the community in the northeast of Wake Forest. I can introduce myself as
a priest without excusing the mess that was created before me by those I am
associated with.
In my recent visit to Costa Rica, it was apparent that the forerunners of pilgrimage to
this country have been treating people with dignity and respect. Costa Rica, especially
the Diocese of Costa Rica receives us with beautiful hospitality. I am humbled by the
friendliness of the people of Costa Rica, whether in shopping or during an early morning
run. As the Global Mission Advocate for the Diocese of North Carolina, I have learned
that the way our forerunners enter a place makes a difference for those who follow. The
Diocese of North Carolina and the Diocese of Costa Rica have been in a relationship for
almost thirty years. The church leaders and parishioners received our inaugural Sacred
Stories pilgrimage. The reason for our visit was to see and hear how our fellow
Afro-descented people are doing in a country where they are a minority. We had several
informative sessions that were relevant to the global virus of racism and segregation
that can be ever-present. Hospitality and humility were the medicines prescribed. These
were recommended spiritual disciplines required for both near and far. It is hard to be
hospitable to outsiders if you are not kind and humble at home. Charity begins at home.
The way we treat our locals shapes our global interactions.
Grateful for St John’s and the Diocese of North Carolina and proud to serve as a priest.
Peace,
Mawethu