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Compassion, Mercy, and Justice Connection "2x2"

The first ever CMJ Connection was, by all accounts, a great event.  Read what people are saying below...

"This Connection was fabulous!  The 2-by-2 Connection allowed ministry leaders and lay leaders to learn and grow together, and it was most efinitely a God lead, Christ centered and Spirit filled weekend.  Those who planned this Connection thought of everything, from John Perkins' incredible peaking to reflective worship and personal testimonies to hands-on experiences with ministries in the city of Chicago to concrete methods that
can be used in congregations around the country.  This Connection was one to which we'll refer back as we move forward in the areas of compassion, mercy and justice with our church as God continues to guide and direct."

--Carolyn Poterek, Oregon

"The CMJ Connection experience was more than I expected. The  speaker and the focus was to involve  us as Christians within the community.  The site visit  helped us see not only in person but the love of Christ in action touching lives of people in different ways. I would recommend any who would ask about the CMJ Connection-You Gotta Go! Your time will be well spent."

--Hugh Forbes, Alaska 

"My experiences during the CMJ 2x 2 Connection weekend events were rich and encouraging.    First, it is always great to able to attend an event with a close friend, from my church, who is also co-chair of our Reconciliation and Justice committee at Emerald City Bible Fellowship (an Evangelical Covenant Church).

Secondly, I consider it an enormous blessing anytime I can sit at the feet of Dr. John Perkins and hear him speak on the relevancy of building community.  As an Afro-American man seeing someone like Dr. Perkins is a testimony to how the Lord can bless one’s ministry and be able to impact all who come in contact with him. 

My ministry visit to Lawndale Church & Community Development was another highlight that I must bring attention.  It was the first opportunity where I was able to do a “ministry walk” of its sites.  It was very encouraging to see members of the community waiting to be seen in their newly opened clinic.  It immediately gave you a sense of health professionals opening a window into how health provisioning and how that can work within a community.  Walking the neighborhood and visiting with the people who live and work in the community is very inspiring and encouraging.  It speaks to how the Lord can bring the vision of few to reality by purposeful planning and the commitment of resources for His Glory.  I can remember how it was in the mid-sixties when it was a segregated community with well defined boundaries and today it is a metamorphosis of a diverse community positioned and willing to help those in need.  It is truly an example of an “urban miracle”.  In a way, it confirms how the Gospel points out that Christ loves and cares for the “city” and the people who live there. (Matt. 4:23-25, 9:35-38)

Finally, I would be amiss if I didn’t bring attention to the many ministry friends that I hadn’t seen in a while and the new one’s that I met.  I believe that the CMJ 2X2 Connection was well worth my time away from family.  My weekend was one that was well spent and I came away feeling excited at what the Lord can provide through joint efforts.  (Amos 5:24 – “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream…”)

My only suggestion would be to continue the “Connection”." --Thomas Robinson  

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