Innovative Salvation

Often, in an effort to stay relevant to the youth and young adults we minister to and with, we strive to be on trend, ahead of the curve, on the ball, or whatever cliche you choose to describe the on-going chase of the next thing.

Then there are those that are doing it. And doing it well. I've been paying attention to social media, like many of you, knowing that this is so crucial to the lives of the vast majority of the young church.

Over the last few days the focus of most social media postings I follow, whether they are personal friends, professional acquaintances, or organizations, have revolved around the weather and devastation of Sandy.

What astounds me is how innovative some organizations and individuals are using social media to provide immediate, meaningful relief or communicate in particularly trying circumstances.

Many friends used social media to search out shelter, convey their state of being, when all they could rely on was their smart phones or other comparable devices. This allow many of us to pass along accurate, helpful information to other concerned individuals or provide information on shelter and assistance.

I am completely flabbergasted by the use of social media in one particular instance. HopeMob has been using Twitter, Amazon, and everything else they can to help provide immediate assistance to individuals and organizations in Sandy's wake. They have found individuals in the devastated areas that are able and willing to provide transportation, food, and a multitude of other small and great acts of goodness. Then there is the current mobilization to provide supplies needed at shelters where small children are located. They have utilized Twitter to spread the word and set up a registry on Amazon with the supplies needed. Thus people can order and have the items overnighted to the shelter directly.

How incredible is that? While many of us had the first thought to donate to Catholic Social Services or the Red Cross, how many thought of ways we could make a direct impact on an organization or individual? How many of us know how to do that?

Are we able to think this creatively, this innovation in our ministry? Are we able to see the tools of the ever changing media and technological landscape through new lenses on a daily basis? Are we able to be as innovative with conveying the message of eternal salvation as these examples of worldly salvation?