On Wednesday, November 12, Telos hosted a live conversation featuring voices from Telos staff in Bethlehem and our inaugural Mosaic peacemakers cohort.
Telos COO Dave Davis shared about his experiences taking part in the Kairos Palestine conference. Returning for the first time in three years, Dave shared about the joy of seeing old friends again, heart-wrenching experiences from refugee camps, and recommendations for those wanting to help.
In addition, we heard from three members of our Mosaic cohort on their experience on the ReStory US trip through the American South in October.
“This was a “life-changing trip,” Pastor Allen from Outer West Community Church in San Antonio shared to begin our time of reflections. Speaking on being confronted with some deeply uncomfortable stories about our nation’s history and present-day sites of injustice, Allen shared about learning the importance of being proximate to discomfort if we’re to love our neighbors as Jesus calls.
Karen from Village Church in Portland shared photos from her experience, noting the moving experience of crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, and following in the footsteps of so many civil rights leaders who were motivated by Jesus’ love. She went on to share how this trip clarified her values in a way that reflects the restorative heart of Jesus, and realizing the courage demanded by Christian faith in action.
Pastor Chad from Pleasant Valley Church in Winona, Minnesota concluded our ReStory US reflections. He described returning home from this trip feeling “so unsettled,” but able to see our Lord leading us through. He went on to share a helpful word from Telos Director of US Programming, DeSean Dyson, who noted that the goal of this experience is not a prescription of what to do or how to respond: “the goal is for the Holy Spirit to form you in the fullest version of yourself.”
This conversation concluded with a time of Q&A, responding to several questions from those who joined us. We hope you’ll watch our Telos Live event and that it will spark inspiration and courage for your own faith.
If you’re looking for ways to get involved, here are a few ideas:
- Sign up to receive the Christian Update Newsletter (bi-monthly)
- Consider applying for our second Mosaic Cohort (applications open next April)
- Save the dates for our Faith-in-Action gathering in DC: June 10–12
