Standing at the Edge of the Wilderness...

By Jessica Vazquez

I have reflected much on the words from Exodus 13: 17-22 since learning of our financial reality at the end of January. In this passage, the Israelites have left Egypt to begin their journey to the land God has promised. The Exodus passage tells us that the people are camping at the edge of the wilderness, at the edge of a place that is largely unknown to them. At this point the people have no way of knowing the journey will be long and challenging. They have no way of knowing that the journey will reshape their character and identity.

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. When I stood before the Administrative Committee a couple of weeks ago to propose that my position be phased out in order to ensure that the ministry of Reconciliation Mission could continue, many looked at me with puzzled eyes. Many argued that a ministry needs leadership. This proposal made no sense. I however believe that God is leading us this way for a reason. I have confidence that regardless of what happens at the end of this journey, God will raise leaders from the people. It has happened over and over throughout history.

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. Much like the Israelites I have no way of knowing what this journey will bring. I can only intuit that the journey ahead will require that we move with fluidity and creativity. All of us will have to lead in ways we haven't led before. New models of leadership will have to be identified and embraced. We will be challenged by this new terrain to step out of our boxes and we may have to find new ways to engage in ministry. Transparency, honesty and a clear sense of the vision will have to guide our decision making and communication.

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. We will not be taking familiar paths. God is leading us a different way. God is leading us into a time of reshaping and refining. The struggles that lie ahead, I pray, will push us all into a deeper commitment to this ministry and will cause us to reclaim a compelling vision: "to be a place where all of God's children regardless of their social reality will have a place at the table and none shall be turned away."

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. In the past we have had differences about the directions this ministry is going. We have differed on the appropriateness of the model chosen by our leadership. We have differed on the ways we reach congregations. The time to lay aside those differences has come. This journey will require us to focus not on the ways we have differed but on our commitment to the transformation of our church. Leadership for the way is needed.

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. On February 6, 2006, members of the Executive Committee of the Administrative Committee gathered via conference call to address the financial challenges facing Reconciliation Mission. The task of the Executive Committee is to bring back to the Administrative Committee a road map for how Reconciliation Mission is to move forward through this season. The Administrative Committee delegated this task to the Executive Committee through business item AC-06-1898 which reads:

"Authorize the Executive Committee to bring a proposal to the Administrative Committee by March 31st regarding the future of Reconciliation Mission that includes fundraising and evaluation as a bridge toward its future."

During the call the Executive Committee agreed on the following timeline:

February-March 2006

An intense process of fundraising will take place in order to secure firm pledges that will help bridge Reconciliation's $87,000 budget shortfall. All pledges must be fulfilled by June 30, 2006. The following strategy will be utilized to move through this period:

The Administrative Committee members will take the lead in fund-raising among its membership and individuals within their congregations. Fundraising will happen only among individuals as required by denominational fundraising agreements.

Reconciliation Mission staff will provide Administrative Committee members with updates on funds received and pledged.

The Reconciliation Mission Commission will take the lead in fund-raising among members of Transformation Teams. Again, fund-raising agreements will be observed and respected.

The General Minister and President and the Moderator will brief both the General Board and the TLC (Team Leadership Conference consisting of College of Regional Ministers, Council of General Ministries, Theological Educators) Reconciliation's financial challenges and the actions of the Administrative Committee.

Reconciliation Mission Commission along with staff will update the whole church on the financial reality of the ministry and efforts to ensure the viability of the ministry.

By February 28

Moderator and GMP name two Reconciliation Mission working groups (WG's). The WG's will focus on Evaluation and Development respectively. Both will work with the Reconciliation Mission Commission.

March 2006

WG's gather via conference call to map both development and evaluation strategies.

March 27-30, 2006

Executive Committee assesses the progress of fundraising efforts and receives reports from WG's.

March 31, 2006

Executive Committee reports to the Administrative Committee on the fund-raising efforts, presents road maps developed by WG's and offers suggestions for next steps.

April - July 2006

The Evaluation WG carries out a comprehensive evaluation of Reconciliation Mission assessing both successes and failures, and identifying concrete next steps that will result in a stronger ministry.

The Development WG assesses the present funding structure of the ministry and identifies alternatives to ensure viable, long-term funding.

July 2006

Reconciliation Mission Evaluation and Development WG's bring reports to the General Board meeting in Indianapolis.

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. Our intentional long-term commitment to transform the structures and systems that marginalize some while granting access and privileges to others has brought us to this edge. Our commitment to dismantle the structures and practices that marginalize people and limit their access to a community of reconciliation, justice and love has brought us to this edge. Our commitment to "true community, deep Christian spirituality and passionate justice" has brought us to this edge.

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. The people may not have known where the journey would lead. But what they knew in tangible ways was that along the journey God's presence never left them. God went before them "in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. But we are not alone. God is moving in ways that will transform us and this ministry we share. I do not know what will happen over the course of these 43 days. All I know is that there is no way back. God is leading. Let us keep our eyes open so that we may see the signs; so that we may the manna and the quail; so that we may be transformed.

We are standing at the edge of the wilderness. May the opening words of Isaiah 43 serve as a prayer to guide our journeying:

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you; For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.