Blog
Who is not my Neighbour?
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- Category: Blog
- Published: Tuesday, 09 November 2010 11:39
Over 500 people woke up before the sun and headed down to the Hampton Inn to reflect on our Civic leaders and the cities first-responders. It was an inspiring way to start the day and an energy that only comes from above filled the room. Jody Cross focused the crowd with his music, while scripture was read and prayers said by a variety of leaders in our community.
Rick Tobias, President and CEO of the Young Street Mission in Toronto, was the Prayer Breakfast guest speaker. I can honestly say this was one of the best talks I have ever heard. Rick has worked on the streets of Toronto for over 25 years, dedicating his life to helping street youth. I had the privilege of volunteering at the Young Street Mission when I lived in Toronto and it has stuck with me as one of my most memorable experiences.
At the breakfast Rick spoke on "Who is my Neighbour?". Shedding light through his personal experiences and observations on the diversity of each of us that should unite us not divide us. Rick personally calls himself a Roman Cathobap because he's a part of Catholic prayer group, attends a Baptist church and roams between the two. He challenged the audience to ask "Who will I not neighbor?" not "who is my neighbour" drawing from the parable of the good Samaritan and bringing this familiar parable into a Canadian context. He shared snippets of stories from people he has met from the rich to the poor and everything in between showing how everyone at some point in their life is a neighbour. Rick told stories about difficult issues and issues that stir people into action. Two things he said that have stuck with me are "We are striving for advances at the expense of our children" and "Just because we have hidden sin does not mean we can judge visible sin". It's always such an encouragement to hear the way God is using someone. The prayer breakfast is open to anyone & I would recommend putting it on your radar for next year.
