one blood ~ dr. john perkins

I had the privilege of meeting Dr. John Perkins at a pastor's conference in the late 90's in Arizona with Bob Yawberg. He was one of the speakers and his message then of "loving one another" is still a message to be heard today. He came to our hotel room and prayed with Bob and me. It was so evident that this humble man of God truly lived what he preached. We are together one Church, one race, and one blood held together by the common bond of love.

The following except is from his book, "One Blood" written in 2018. The sub title is "Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love." These words are so needed for us now. Maybe, just maybe, social injustice would come to an end and "multiethnic reconciliation" (Dr. Perkins's words he uses instead of "racial reconciliation" because we are only one race - the human race) would lead to "the removal of  tension between parties and the restoration of loving relationship." Lord, may it be so!

"The church must speak out with one voice against bigotry and racism. We have been too quiet. The time is now. A platform has been placed in front of us and we must speak with clarity and truth. We’ve made a mess of things, but there is a path forward. It will require us to hold fast to his vision for one Church and the biblical truth of one race. We need to lament our broken past and be willing to make some personal confessions about our own part in this mess. Then we’ll have to be willing to forgive and move toward true repentance. We must be committed to the fight until the battle of reconciliation is won. And we must never forget that our power is not in guns, weapons, or armies. Our power is on our knees before our God.

If… My people, who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will heal their land. (II Chronicles 7:13-14)

God has been stirring the hearts of denominational leaders across the country over the last several years. It should be no surprise that when God begins to stir hearts that the enemy begins to rise up and cause more anger and strife. We must be vigilant and keep our eyes focused on our goal. We cannot afford to lose ground that has been gained. This is much too important.

My prayer is for God to hasten the day when every church in America is a multicultural church. Churches that are located in communities where there are no minorities can still work to increase their understanding of other ethnic groups. They can prepare their hearts so that the minorities would feel comfortable visiting.

Every one of us has a crucial part to play in the story of reconciliation. I know what my part is. I will preach the message of biblical reconciliation until he calls me home. I will stand on the wall to encourage and remind others that this great work is not in vain. I will tell the story until my last dying breath. That’s my part. What is your part? What is it that God has specifically gifted you to do in this battle for biblical reconciliation? Whatever it is, I beg you to do it as unto God until your last day." ("One Blood" - pages 174-176).