SUBMERGE.

Book Review

Hayes, John B. Submerge. Living deep in a shallow world. Service, Justice and Contemplation Among the World’s Poor. Regal 2006
J.H.- John and his wife Deanna are general directors of InnerCHANGE, a mission order that works among the poor in five countries.

Comment. Henry
This book is totally focused on doing ministry to the poor, incarnational style. That means living with the poor and living like the poor. These communities of poor are found in America and in other countries of the world. The organization is called InnerCHANGE and involves missionaries committed to this ministry. It is a mission order. Fulltime involvement is a key. Serving is a life-style not a project (short term). The challenges are huge. The environment is harsh. The returns for investment (lives) are heavenly. A disturbing book.

“Submerge (the book) is a manifesto about what God is doing among the poor and marginalized communities.” Introduction. It is a response to a rapidly changing society and culture. Poverty and its systemic problems are most apparent in the cities. Becoming involved with a mission to the poor is not a choice that many people (missionaries) make.

An experience in the environment of poverty and abuse in India was a life changing experience. People are not changed by things (gifts, provisions, etc. but by (commited) people.

The riots of Los Angeles in 1992 were a result of indifference to cultural needs. The positive response to these riots was not lasting. Authentic ministry to the poor and homeless must involve “incarnational ministry with a risk”. (66)

“God meant for there to be no poor in the land (Israel), and we have no reason to believe He has changed His mind today.” (92) Even when we respond in obedience with giving and involvement we will always have the poor. Our work is never completed.

Incarnational ministry among the needy functions on four levels, “as a model, a method, a message and a spiritual discipline”. (110) The story of Moses is cited as an example of this kind of ministry. There are many variables that must be taken into consideration to make this work.

John and his wife lived among the poor on Minnie Street, Orange County where they experienced many stories of reaching out to the needy. He relates their experiences to the story of the friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus to be healed.

“InnerCHANGE, communities of workers”, (206) operates like an (monastic) order. It is not an agency. People coming into the organization begin with a one year apprenticeship. A high value is placed on community. Contemplative spirituality is a needed discipline when ministering to the poor. “The poor and those who work among them occupy an essential place in Kingdom history.” (262)

History records a fascinating ministry to the poor championed by bishops, celts, reformers and friars. The environments where the poor are found are harsh so the ministry is very challenging. The biblical exhortation to minister to the needy is very clear and we must respond as best we can to make it happen.