Have you ever been a part of a campaign, a part of a cause? Perhaps some of you helped get out the vote for Election Day '08. Perhaps others of you have raised funds for the The Komen Foundation or a group helping the people of Darfur. Some friends of mine are in the business of campaigning against the rise of human slavery in the world and in the process of working this past weekend tangibly represented the Body of Christ in Chicago. This group set out to distribute 1,000 flyers and build awareness; and, as a result, the Church was displayed for the city to see. It is important to note that in all this social activism, addressing the deeper spiritual needs of both faraway victims and those passing on the street was at the heart of this Christian mission.

November can be cold in the Windy City, and human trafficking and slavery can be far removed from people's minds on a Saturday. However, this group of graduate students descended on Michigan Avenue and began to engage pedestrians. They fanned out in all directions …

Some were gifted in getting flyers in the hands of otherwise occupied shoppers and tourists. One sister worked the crowd up and down the avenue, sometimes half crossing the street in order to make a point to a passerby. Even 60 seconds would give her enough time to reason with a young mother or a middle-aged man. Quick, persistent … communicating knowledge to many people.

Many teens are forced into prostitution--even in the United States—and that didn't sit well in the soul of one brother. He turned to playing the town crier, raising his voice to be heard above the din of the crowd. Pleading, vocal … a prophetic voice on that afternoon.

However, away from the noise and in a quiet corner, another sister found a seat suited for warm conversation with a musician and his friends. Theirs was a discussion because there was no time for debate. Listening, encouraging … a word of mercy going forth.

Could there be a part of the Body already there on the streets? There, away to the side, a brother sat crippled, homeless, and with a Bible in his hands. For two sisters, he had verse after verse of wisdom, pouring the Word into their lives. Hidden, ragged … gifted with a blessing of wisdom.

Finally, one brother was off the street and in a Starbucks with a cup of coffee. There he spent an hour sharing with a college student about the intertwining of globalization with modern slave trading. More importantly, he was able to share thoughts regarding that young man's upcoming class on the life of Jesus. For one undergrad, this course would not be a sterile description of a religious leader. He would hear those lectures against the backdrop of Christ's redemptive work done on his behalf. Kind-hearted, with acumen ... sharing the Gospel.

Hearing their stories amazed me. I couldn't help but think: “there's an ear, there's an eye, there's a hand, there's a foot.” Such diverse gifts. Such selflessness in being mindful of the Head, Christ, and the well-being of the Body, their brothers and sisters. These things are attractive to others. To onlookers, this Church is not a skeleton of brick and mortar but a living being in motion, in rhythm, in action. It is pleasing, even intriguing to watch this physique at work, covering ground in well-timed movements. This activity calls others to join, that they might be a part by being joined to the Head.

May the Spirit-empowered Body be present again and again on the streets of Chicago and wherever we may find ourselves in service.