An article about Eugene Rivers in the National Post (subscriber access only):
Eighteen years ago, he moved to Dorchester, one of the grittiest neighbourhoods in Boston.
A local drug dealer showed him the ropes and told him something he has not forgotten: "I'm there when Johnny goes out for a loaf of bread for Mama," the dealer said. "I'm there, you're not. I win, you lose. It's all about being there."
Rev. Rivers has committed himself to living and working with the poor, a model that is already in practice in such neighbourhoods as Regent Park, with the presence of The Salvation Army and its foot soldiers.
"We shop here, we worship here, we become a part of the community and that's what brings transformation," said Major Geoff Ryan, who acted as tour guide for Rev. Rivers.
Great article. Rev. River's program, sounds like the right blend of compassion and accountability.
Loved the blunt poigniancy of the "your cutting up and raising hell because there wasn't a man around to discipline, defend and love you."
Sometimes I think it would be helpful if in our churches we took to challenging ourselves as men, more than we do.
Culture is, what culture is, and so much of it isn't of Christ. Nor should we expect it to become Christian, anytime soon. Still, how much better prepared for righteous living would our sons and daughters be, if all avowed Christian men truly raised their children in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Eph, 6.4)