How to describe the Reverend Brenda Salter McNeil? How about … oh my!
She spoke powerfully on Acts 1:8 … “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Each of us has a Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria in our lives and influence.
Jerusalem is home base. It’s our family, our neighborhood. It’s where the people are like us. When serving in Jerusalem, it takes courage to confront those who are most like us.
Judea is the place that is close to home but isn’t home. The ways of Judea are similar to home but different. It’s like we’re from the same place but speak a different language. This is where ministry gets more complex.
Samaria. Samaria is the place we try to avoid. It’s the person we dodge. It’s the neighborhood where we instinctively lock our car doors. As Reverend McNeil said, “It takes a catalytic spirit to move into Samaria.”
Most will stay in Jerusalem. A few more will venture into Judea. A lesser number will visit Samaria.
Where are you serving?