FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD Nichole Staas (Unit 216) Diakonia Ocean City, Maryland James 4:4 "..Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." We, as Brethren Volunteers are daily coming against the widespread practice of putting self first and neglecting the needs of the poor, This is a formidable task because our work challenges faith in the American Dream of home ownership, successful jobs and tangible happiness. How? Well, the loftiness of the American Dream maintains that all are able to achieve this with diligent work. As volunteers, we have witnessed the socioeconomic barriers as well as educational differences that invalidate the dream for so many. This is not an original thought. Thinkers everywhere accept this and attempt to dispel this "myth." Every BVSer who completes his or her term of service demonstrates that compassion still exists for impoverished souls. This idealism can be seen and heard at Diakonia in a more practical setting: dinner time. I love our community meal at six o'clock. Everyone sits at a long table and chats about their day. It's a chance to be kind to our neighbors and share in lighthearted fellowship. A simple, ordinary event, but one that is disappearing in our rationalized society. (Taking time out for strangers is one of the best ways to combat "worldly values"). You can be sure that each meal at Diakonia is prepared with our special ingredient-love. So, I charge all of you to continue your "unfriendliness" to the world. Let us commit to our friendship with God and be strengthened by His power. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself," and "whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." As we partner up with those who can not easily prosper financially, let us plant the hope of Christ in their hearts and let God do the watering!