Shalom is breaking through. Last month I attended a gathering of community leaders from law enforcement, local government, nonprofits, schools, healthcare agencies, businesses, and the faith community to talk about the rise in community violence incidents, and what we could do in response. As each person engaged in the conversation and shared their perspective on both the problem and potential solutions, a phrase kept coming to mind: “We don’t all have to do the same thing, but we all have to do something.”
It is not just a catchy turn of phrase; it is also true. We don’t all have to do the same thing – each individual or organization has a specific set of skills and talents that have been formed through a unique process. But we all have to do something – use what you have, where you are. It takes all of us to restore and maintain health.
If Salem/Keizer is going to become the healthiest community in all of Oregon, truly the city of Shalom, it’s going to take all of us. We need educators, direct service providers, pastors, nurses, executives, philanthropists, accountants, restaurant owners, bankers, bakers, counselors, programmers, event planners, and neighbors. The list goes on and on, and includes…YOU!
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote that the Church is like a body, and that a foot shouldn’t say that because it’s not a hand, it doesn’t belong to the body. He said the same thing about eyes comparing themselves to ears, and deciding they weren’t needed. This analogy was meant to help people recognize both their unique contributions and the contributions of others who had different skills. It was meant to help people realize how much they needed each other. They were all part of the same body, and when one part of the body was suffering, the whole body suffered. Granted this was written to a church about a fellowship of Christians, but I believe it can also apply to an entire community pursuing increased health and safety. We don’t all have to do the same thing, but we all have to do something.
What’s your something?
Kyle Dickinson
Executive Director
From SLF Partner, Pastor Jose Dominguez, La Luz Del Valle:
SLF has a history in connecting churches, businesses and the private sector to partner and help each other with available resources.
They have partnered with La Luz Del Valle (LDV) church in Keizer, and their partner organization Latino Action Committee (LAC) for about four years in fulfilling its vision of encouraging Latinos to manifest their presence by participating in their community and encouraging and supporting Latino involvement in education.
According to statistics at McNary, the Latino graduation rate has risen. SLF has played an important role in this monumental achievement. Students that live in difficult socioeconomic situations, and farmworker families have been affected positively by their generosity. The students have made their family proud by being first time graduates in their home.
Here are a few success stories: Dylan plans to be an Orthodontist; Joseline desires to be a Psychologist; Ezequiel aims to be an Agricultural Engineer; Aldair intends to become an Electrician; Natalie purposes to graduate from medical School and become a Doctor.
I am grateful to SLF for the scholarships they have provided students to continue in their higher education experience. The influence and impact of SLF has inspired students to reach their community, their state and their world through their professional careers.
Pictured below: recent McNary High School graduates
