Pastor’s Corner 1/25/2026
Dear Church Friends,
I'm sending you greetings from Costa Rica. I am here to explore Central America and learn more about the culture and landscape. I am also having many conversations with people about migration and what some perceive as a changing culture in Latin America.
Costa Rica lies between Panama and Nicaragua. Many migrants from a place like Venezuela must pass through Costa Rica on their way to the US. As a result, many Costa Ricans are familiar with the migrant crisis in the Western Hemisphere. I have consistently heard from taxi drivers, teachers, and cooks that crime is on the rise in Costa Rica. Some towns, like Limòn, Costa Rica, have been completely taken over by narcos, drug traffickers, whose criminal enterprise has expanded to include human trafficking and racketeering. Many are alarmed by the rise in crime and the growing unaffordability of the towns and cities where their families have lived for generations.
Meanwhile, in the US, we are seeing an increase in government-incited violence in Minneapolis. Protesters are being arrested on thin federal charges, such as "conspiracy to deprive rights." Even if these protesters are not convicted, they will still spend valuable time in jail while their charges are resolved. They will need to spend a lot of money to defend themselves against the government. These actions by our government send a clear message to anyone with children, aging parents, or vulnerable loved ones: protesting is not worth it. Whether in Central America or the US, the question is the same: who gets blamed when societies feel unstable?
Our New Testament reading this Sunday deals with Christian unity. Living in an equally authoritarian time, Paul tells the readers that unity amongst God's children is of primary importance (1 Cor. 1:10). In fact, unity is necessary for the gospel to be proclaimed (1 Cor. 1:17). At a time when God's people were splitting into different camps (1 Cor. 1:11-12). This division did nothing but empower the Roman government. For Paul, the gospel is obscured when Christians turn the church into rival camps.
Our time faces new challenges to Christian unity. Some pastors and people of God are instrumental in the ICE crackdown. At the same time, other bishops are telling their followers that God may be calling us to stand in front of a police baton for the sake of justice. Where is the Christian unity in this moment? Unity cannot mean agreeing on injustice; it must mean holding fast to Christ while telling the truth
Our era is changing. The perceived lines between good and evil are constantly shifting. While we cannot save the entire world, our church community can act as Christ to those in Portland and Oregon. This Sunday, as we continue to contemplate and pray for God's light, I encourage each of us to
1) Pray for our siblings-in-the-faith in places of violence, including parts of Latin America
2) Investigate your heart on the matter. What are ways you can express material solidarity with those who are victims of our government?
Our Spirit of Life provides opportunities to be directly connected with victims of this violence I've described through direct service, supported by donations of time and/or money. Our partners at Leaven Land and Housing provide similar avenues through organizing and protest. Wherever God leads your heart, you have support at Spirit of Life. God bless you!
Pastor Josh