January 15, 2008
Dear Friends,
A year ago, I was in Southeast Asia on a trip with some Taylor students contemplating an almost-finished degree, an upcoming interview with Word Made Flesh, and the implications of contextualization in a Muslim culture. Today I purchased several international plane tickets; completed my six-month review with Daphne, my supervisor, at Word Made Flesh; and took a few moments to remember Dr. King on his birthday. I will go home from work tired, but happy. Sometime around 7:00 pm I will find my second wind and participate in something productive around my apartment or neighborhood. Goodbye 2007, you were good to me.
Last Christmas, I was in Lima, Peru with my family. We were visiting my sister, Monica, who is on staff with Word Made Flesh in Lima. It was fabulous to celebrate Christmas in the summer. Visiting a Word Made Flesh field was formative for me as I began my job in the U.S. headquarters this past year. Christmas 2008 found Monica in snow-covered Des Moines spending another Christmas with the family. The five of us found a lot of joy in spending the holidays together and with friends.
Here in Omaha one part of my job is to coordinate Beggars Society, a monthly advocacy meeting, where the good folks of Omaha gather to seek God's heart for the poor. At January's meeting we began to map out the next year and direction for Beggars Society. Each meeting will be anchored around one of the nine-lifestyle celebrations of Word Made Flesh: intimacy, obedience, humility, community, service, simplicity, submission, brokenness, and suffering. It is important to me that we seek justice for the poor through the lens of proper theology and spirituality. The lifestyle celebrations will help guide the conversation. Please remember me in your prayers as I lead this meeting the second Sunday of every month. Beggars Society audio is posted on our website each month. I invite you to join us: http://www.wordmadeflesh.com/learn/beggarssociety_archive.html
I began writing to you about the work and vision of Word Made Flesh in April of last year. Since then many of you have asked about my part in the organization, offered friendship, and committed to support me financially. Thanks to your continued support, I look back and feel confident to move forward. Hello 2008, I'm glad you're here.
Peace,
Marcia Ghali
P.O. Box 70
Omaha, NE 68101
marcia.ghali@wordmadeflesh.com