this is DK, one of the “founders” of Justice NOW and I’m writing today to share with you that the Justice NOW movement is still going strong.  we may not have had a gathering for a while but our vision to unite worship with justice is unfolding in new and exciting ways.

one of the ways this is happening is through a life decision that my wife and I made not too long ago to move down to Mexico City with our 1 year old son for a 2-year commitment to fight human trafficking. We will be making the move in just a few days, June 15, 2010.  We are leaving one of the most comfortable and safest places in the world (Irvine, CA) to a place that desperately needs activists on behalf of those in bondage.  Despite all the dangers you hear about in the news, Mexico City is also a thriving place with beautiful people and an extremely wonderful arts culture– the kind of place Justice NOW needs to be.

we are excited about the opportunity and we are now asking you to partner with us in whatever way you feel led.  Please follow our journey on our blog (http://mexcity.wordpress.com) and keep up with us on twitter (@cityrelease).  You will find details of the move and ways to support us on the blog site.

I have heard many times that we cannot lead people into what we are not willing to enter ourselves. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to “put my money where my mouth is” and take this Justice NOW movement another step further.

in the mean time, I hope that each of you will explore what it means to unite worship with justice in your own time and space.

you can perhaps consider hosting a Justice NOW gathering in your region by uniting with other individuals, churches, and organizations?  consider the following things as you move forward:

-venue: can be anywhere… a church, a warehouse, an events center, a ballroom

-worship: make no apologies for a time of intense, excellent musical worship centered on simply being in God’s presence while focusing on His justice, His call for us…

-highlight an issue: is it human trafficking, poverty, homelessness, foster care, Haiti?  what is on your heart and what do you want to challenge people to do and become through the night? can someone who is knowledgeable come and share a 15 minute challenge to ask people to become aware and then act?

-invite a few key organizations: ask them to set up booths and sign-up sheets so that people can get involved directly with what they are doing.  is your night focused on Poverty?  Can a representative from One Day’s Wages be at the event? this is a key part of the night as it will give people practical action steps after a night of being challenged and inspired.

-get the word out: plan ahead and invite many to come and be part of the night.

-there’s no wrong way to steer the night. we don’t own the rights to Justice NOW… nor do we have a trademark on gatherings centered on worship and justice.  this is an open source movement and we simply want to see God’s kingdom here on earth as we respond to His heart.

looking forward to the glorious days ahead.

encouraged and excited,

DK