The reign of God is at hand. Prepare the way of the Lord!
Christmas greetings to all our partners in justice advocacy who daily try to incarnate in your lives and ministries that which God asks of us: “to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8). We pray that our ministry assists you in doing this.
A special thank you to all of you who have been with us over the years. And a special welcome to those of you who are just now joining us. DJAN is here and will continue its ministry because of your participation, your enthusiasm and your support.
When I look back, I am filled with amazement. I can hardly believe all that we’ve accomplished together. DJAN (Disciples Justice Action Network) began as a prophetic response to what we feared was our denomination’s backing away from controversial social justice issues and its elimination of the Department of Church and Society.
Since that time, DJAN has grown into a widely supported and widely respected network of activists that gives Disciples a strong voice for justice on issues where there might otherwise be silence. We have carried the day with General Assembly resolutions, candlelight vigils, ministerial forums, workshops, diversity in our leadership, and our outreach to young adults.
And now, the leaders of our denomination have welcomed this unique expression of justice ministry, recognizing DJAN’s importance as an independent voice for justice and even turning to our leaders for help and advice. We’ve come a long way together!
As I look ahead, I am filled with hope. Long-time volunteers and supporters are still actively involved. The following generation has taken on responsibilities of leadership and vision. And now a new generation of leaders, thinkers, and activists has caught the vision and is bringing it’s vision, experience, ideals, enthusiasm and leadership skills to the table—a table that it is helping to transform. There will always be challenges and uncertainties, but, from where I sit, both the future of DJAN and the future of justice advocacy in our denomination look very promising.
But that future depends on you and your generous support.
While May was still with us, she and I gave at least $1000 each year to the DJAN coffers and, on two occasions, gave substantially more. I tell you this not to boast, but to assure you that we do not ask you to do something we are not willing to do. We gave, and I continue to give, knowing by faith that you will do the same.
Let me conclude by saying this: I feel privileged to be associated with DJAN and, through DJAN, with you. We have worked together on justice projects. We have shared ideas and strategies at Assemblies. We have drawn strength from our shared commitment to justice and our comradeship with one another.
So many of you from all over the country have given, and continue to give, generously of your time and money in regular gifts to DJAN. We pray that you will continue to do so.
Others of you are just now preparing to join us. Again, we welcome you and thank you in advance for your commitment and generous support. We are extremely pleased to have you with us on this adventure of faith, this journey for justice.
DJAN meant a lot to May and to our good friend, James Demus, III. It means a lot to me. But most of all, it means a lot to all of us who care about the future of our church—and its impact upon our society and our world.
May our God who enables ordinary folks to do extraordinary things rekindle our hopes this Christmas, bless us with a true passion for justice, and strengthen our web of mutual encouragement and support.
In faith and friendship,
Harvey
