Joshua Keeney
A Simple Introduction
Hey all,
Well, I’m Josh K and I have a problem. I read the Bible and graduated with a degree in Media. Okay, so actually, those aren’t problems, actually they are very good things, I think. But both are quintessential to understanding me and my motivation to join Mission Year.
You see, with my media degree, I studies a lot of news and news reporting. If you have watched a news cast you will see there are problems with our world. Duh, you say. Well yeah, but studying news kind of forces one to look at it a little closer. So, I am studying media, and my Bible keeps telling me something haunting… Take care of those in need. So now, my degree is forcing me to look at those in need, who have problem, and my Bible is telling me to do something about it.
So I graduate, and do what you are suppose to: get a job. The job was good, business was booming as the economy was slumping. As people received pink slips, I received overtime. Sweet, huh? Not really. You see, I didn’t feel like I was helping anyone (remember the Bible and what was being pointed out to me?). So I quit. After a summer of good, but in one way temporary ministry, I will be heading out to work along with Mission Year.
But why MY (Mission Year) specifically? Well, while reviewing my life, desires, callings, and those things I felt strongly about, I felt I need to work in one or two fields: International development of impoverished countries and/or international disaster relief. You try explaining to people that you want to go to the places that pose the most danger. I did. And weird things happened. People said, “Yeah, I see that in you. Go for it. And keep in touch, because I want to hear of your adventures.”
So I find MY and see how they are serving people (learned from my previous job that I need that), they are living in community (something else I felt called to), and they are trying to better people (see help people). Sweet, sounds good! Then I find they have a program with a university to earn a Masters in International Development. I have been hit with hammers with more subtly.
So here I am, following the Lord’s whispers and staring over the edge of a new adventure.
Walk with me, will you?
jk
About Mission Year
Mission Year is a year long urban ministry program focused on Christian service and discipleship. We take teams of young people, place them in an area of need, and help them to serve people and create community. We are committed to the command of Jesus to “love God and love people,” by placing the needs of our neighbors first and developing committed disciples of Christ with a heart for the poor. Learn more about our first year program…
Joshua Keeney's Blog
The Best Day Ever / Oct 5, 10:04 PM
“How’s it goin’?” It was my mantra, my ‘thing’, my call sign in college for a lot of friends. People would smile when they saw me and great me in my own laid back words. Slur the words together and drop the last ‘g’. Throw in some Okie accent. “How’s it goin’?”
Atlanta has yet to break this habit. In face, I probably use it more here as I was to and from, well, everywhere. Customary answers pour back as if in a daze. ‘Good, how are you?’ ‘Fine.’ ‘Doing well.’ ‘Want some Boi?’ and just plain old muttering.
But not one face lost in the shadows of memory, past, and inattention. Not sure of the exact quote, but basically, ‘Best day ever’.
This grated my logical thinking. Best day? Surely not. What about days you sleep in? TV days? Days spent with friends? Family? Girlfriends? Wedding Day? Birth of a child?
The answer haunted me, and grew on me. Why not. Anther day to live toward God’s kingdom on earth. Another sunset. Another opportunity to make a friend, call an old friend. Anther day to lean on Jesus and feel His loving embrace.
Plus, why would I want my best day to already be gone? Or have to wait for some unknown future day? Why not now? And tomorrow? And my best day will just keep getting better…
Why not live life with every day as your best day yet?
Week 1 / Sep 8, 01:56 PM
Hey friends and family,
As you can see, I have arrived safely in Atlanta. Thanks to the Moore family for letting me hang with them on the way down. We have met and clicked as a new Mission Year family and moved into our neighborhood. Our neighbors welcomed us immediately; some of the children even met us at the front gate and helped us move in. (we live in a gated community, pictures to come). “Are you the new missionaries? What’s your name?”, everyone asked as we tried to move our stuff from the cars to the apartment. It was sweet, but a little daunting, to see everyone excited about us. We have spent time wondering around the neighborhood, just to get the feel of the area, and everyone seemed full of advice for us. Our local church honored us with a meal, that emphasized both us and the kick-off for the after school program we will be helping with. Home cooked Atlanta food is, simply put, fantastic. We were told the food is how the church pulls in Mission Year volunteers and makes them stay around after the year ends; I can see why, too.
All of the Mission Year participants met for orientation, getting to come and connect for teaching and training for our next year. Guest speakers challenged us to look beyond ourselves, to dig to the root of the problems, and to love others. Some of them I whole heartedly agreed with, and some I had reservations with. But the basic message- Love people- rings true no matter your theology. We learned all that and to appreciate our small ratio of 6 people to one bathroom in the apartment; we had eighteen to one shower and three stalls at orientation! Good bonding time.
Next week we are training more as the Mission Year Atlanta, and beginning to work out our service sites.
I am eager to get running, but must continue to remind myself that the training is necessary and good, and it really is good.
Thanks for everyone for supporting me, and I would ask that you continue and invite you to join financially in the adventure God has provided for us, as we walk this path, listening for the Lord’s whispers and responding to His call as the rock climber would: by taking a deep breath and taking a leap…
Your brother in Christ,
Josh Keeney
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