Ann Matsushima's Blog
Join me / Aug 22, 12:40 PM
August 2007.
To my dear family and friends,
If life is a journey, a path we travel upon, then one must take hold of every opportunity that arises.
As for my journey, I have decided to dedicate a years-commitment to serving and working with an inner city community in Atlanta, Georgia. People search their whole lives for their true “calling”, their true vocation, yet at times it is to those who are actively listening, who hear that quiet call of a desire so strong that it cannot be ignored. We must strive to love people.
How can “loving people” be a vocation? I will be partnering with local non-profit social services, community programs, public schools, local churches, and other organizations of Atlanta, focusing most of my energies to the poor and under-serviced. By working within the community in which we live, we hope to better serve the needs of the people in these neighborhoods.
It was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”
My goal is to raise $12,000 ($1000 per month) to cover the cost of living, eating, transportation, and training during my one-year stay in the city.
I am asking you to partner with me by pledging monthly. In pledging you are financially supporting not only me, but 60+ ‘servants of the people’ around the States, and together we are making a difference for change. Please visit my blog to be updated on my happenings. (My account number is 07-0064).
If you are not moved to give financially, but would like to stay in touch, please let me know as well.
Pray for people. Pray for your neighbors, the neighborhoods, your brothers and sisters, and the children. For we are not simply fighting social justice issues, we are fighting on behalf of people, of those who are marginalized and suffering.
We must have the courage to know that we can challenge and seek to change the things that need changing in this world.
Peace be with you,
ann matsushima
annmisamats@gmail.com
Credentials didn’t really matter. What mattered was your heart.
What mattered was your will.
-Mumia Abu-Jamal
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you amaze me.
much love
alex
By Alex Chiu / Sep 11, 11:27 PM / #
Hey Ann,
Following is something that I wrote to Jesse when he got baptised a few years ago. Somehow I think that it may be appropriate to you during this time in your life. and so… “Also…Remember that “life is a Cherr of Bowlies”.
This was my cynical take on life before I received Christ in my life. In those lost days, I was truly jaded. But now, every so often, I will say this to myself…not so much out of cynicism, but rather, I think, out of a snide snip at myself when things don’t always go the way I had planned, or hoped. Kinda like a swift kick in my own butt, “come on, Bob, get real! Life is not for your sole pleasure or convenience…” This helps me to remember that life sometimes is difficult, sometimes hard and painful. Sometimes darn depressing. Yet, I say this, a play on words, as a small joke to myself, that even in the midst of difficulties, there is hope, there is a lesson to be learned, there is an area I need to grow in and, most importantly, that my Lord, my God is with me and will never abandon me…and that there is joy before me.”
Ann, I am proud of you for stepping out in faith and pursuing Missionyear. Your life is not mine, but God’s.
Love, Dad
By Robert Matsushima / Sep 17, 06:26 PM / #
Ann-
You inspire me. I have also felt the same feeling-that I can and should give something more…so many are in need and we can all help. You continue to stay in our heart and our minds. Peace be with you-
Love Amy
By Amy Mudd / Oct 7, 01:19 AM / #
Dear Ann,
What a “coincidence” that you are in Atlanta. Uncle Aaron just went there last month and experienced the inner-city with guys who see the lost not as they are, but as God intended.
There is thick darkness in Atlanta. Be that light and take back what Satan has stolen.
Love,
Auntie Steph
By Stephanie Suzuki / Oct 7, 12:09 PM / #