Cherith Brook

PRSRT STD

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

US POSTAGE PAID Practicing God ‘s Mercy & Gospel Resistance Vol. 3 No. 2 Ordinary Time 2009
3308 E. 12th St.

Cherith Brook
KANSAS CITY MO
Kansas City, MO 64127
(816) 241-8047
cherithbrookkcmo@yahoo.com
www.cherithbrookkc.blogspot.com

Working for Restorative Justice

by Chris Brennan Homiak

Some of the friends we welcome We learned of this effort a few

regularly for meals and showers are women days before a final vote on a resolution at
who are being abused and exploited through city council. Despite our pleas and protests
prostitution. Many times we have seen them for more time, it passed unanimously. Frus-
bruised and bleeding, and heard their stories trated, we worked with Veronica’s Voice (a So Elijah did according to the word of the
of rape and beatings. As women, they are local organization that works with women Lord; he went and lived by the Cherith
among the most vulnerable of our friends in CSE, and is headed by several survivors Brook...and the ravens brought him bread…
who are homeless. They are also the ones of CSE) to start offering restorative justice I Kings 17
most targeted, shamed and blamed when it alternatives before this geographical ban
comes to prostitution, or commercial sexual resolution becomes city law. We shared at a as teens, counseling, housing and job
exploitation (CSE). The average age of en- few intense neighborhood council meetings, training are all essential to their recovery.
try into CSE is pleaded with those Along with other concerned
12, and at least in power, and community organizations, we have just
three out of four wrote some letters recently been invited to the table with the
by He Qi women being to the editor. We City Prosecutor and County Legislator,
exploited were then partnered who have given a few signs of being
Weekly Schedule Who are we? sexually abused
as children. Yet
with Veronica’s
Voice in launch-
open to more restorative approaches.
This next month or so will be key in
they are the ones ing the Kansas showing whether the city will increase
SHOWERS M, T, TH, F 8am-Noon Community—Cherith Brook is a residential Christian punishment of the most vulnerable, or if
most harshly pun- City STEP (Stop
PRAYERS M, W, F 6:30am community committed to sharing table fellowship with ished, while the Trafficking and they will create new possibilities for real
COMMUNITY MEAL TH 5-7pm strangers, and all our resources with one another. We men with re- Exploitation of the recovery and transformation.
have found our inspiration from the early church, the sources (johns Prostituted) Alli- If you live in the KC area, we
1st FRIDAY CLARIFICATION FR 7-8:30pm
Church of the Savior, and the Catholic Worker. and pimps) are ance, a network of hope you’ll become part of the STEP
FRIDAY NIGHT SHARING OR rarely held re- organizations and Alliance, contact City leaders, and join
Mercy—Our daily lives are structured around practicing
GARDEN WORK FR 2-5pm sponsible. The individuals sup- us in our efforts with Veronica’s Voice
the works of mercy as found in Jesus’ teachings. We echoes of “the porting a focus on
2nd SUNDAY SARCRAMENT SUN 6:30 pm are committed to regularly feeding the hungry, clothing to support the true victims.
woman caught in deterrent and re-
WOMEN’S DAY Last WED of each month the naked, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the adultery” in John habilitative strate-
stranger, visiting the prisoner and the sick in the name 8 are disturbing by He Qi gies for all sides
HAIRCUTS 2nd SAT of each month
of Jesus. and enlightening. of CSE.
Peacemaking—As followers of Jesus, we understand our Because CSE is quite visible in our Since the launch of the STEP Alli-
lives to be centered in God’s Shalom. Cherith Brook neighborhood (although just as common in ance at the end of May, we helped host a
strives to be a “school” for peacemaking in all its di- more affluent parts of the city), an aspiring Clarification meeting with an expert from
mensions: political, communal, and personal, working politician recently started rallying support Chicago, as well as two Street Outreach
for a geographical ban ordinance. Women trainings led by Veronica’s Voice. We
constantly to undo poverty, racism and militarism.
would no longer have to be caught commit- learned more about the dynamics of CSE,
ting a crime in order to be charged; now as well as how restorative and rehabilitative
These three orbs can be summed up as the struggle to they could be given a felony for simply strategies not only cost less, but are also
walking in the wrong neighborhood! Judges more effective in reducing recidivism. Our
connect with the God of life. We pray that Cherith Ginger Ferguson and Chris and Katie Bren-
would attach these geographical bans to proposal includes mandatory, fee-based
Brook is a space where all of us—the broken—can their probation terms, and police could im- “John School” which both educates the nan Homiak organize for the STEP Alliance
come to learn and relearn the ways of Jesus; a place to plement as they see fit. Women would be male offenders and helps fund services for with Veronica’s Voice Founder, Kristy
struggle together for God’s call of love, mercy, peace the primary targets of these bans, as they the exploited women. Because many of Childs. For more about Kristy’s work, visit
and justice. www.veronicasvoice.org .
walk the streets while johns stay in cars. these women are homeless and entered CSE
 PAGE 2 Darkness to Light
I have been lost in the
dark….lost in my addiction….lost in my
insanity, my pain, my grief. I have been
lost, a throw away, a nothing. A child of
the street.
A slave to the darkness was I.
Most of the time, I was invisi-
ble to the “good people”. I was junky
thin, reeking of death and despair, my
withdrawing body shaking. I was dying
slowly in full view and they would
glance quickly over me, across my face,
pretending they did not see me. My fel-
low humans would walk past me. I did
not exist. I was invisible. My sins too
great even to be…….
A slave to the darkness was I.
When the “good people” did
see me they forced me to become invisi-
ble again. I was not even considered
human by some. I was denied a place to
sit or rest. I was denied water on hot
summer days when my thirst was so
great I could no longer swallow and my
exhausted body would almost faint. I
was denied a place to refresh myself or
relieve myself, instead using bushes and
running behind buildings and risking
arrest for my need. Debased and
ashamed I sought places to rest only to
be chased away again and again with
the threat of imprisonment if I did not
“move on”. I was told NO you cannot
come into this store, NO you cannot
shield yourself from bitter wind, NO
you cannot get warm here, seek shade
here, or ever, ever rest. You must make
yourself invisible again because you are
too disgusting. You do not belong.
Not fit to view or consider. You are not
a human-being. You are an animal.
A slave to the darkness was I.
To some people though, I was
quite visible. Predators saw me clearly
even when I did my best to hide. They
hunted me in the dark…..animals, hunt-
ing animals in the dark, on the street.
These memories are too painful to re-
count. To be trapped by one of these
meant rape, murder, or death…..so I
spent a great deal of time running, hid-
ing, afraid…….I’ve been raped, tor-
tured, pimped and beaten. I have been
emotionally and physically used and
abused. My value was reduced to my
vagina and nothing else about me mat-
tered to anyone. Some days, most of
those dark days, not even to me.
A slave to the darkness was I.
I was visible to the tricks when
they required sexual gratification but
became invisible again after the fact. I
was also invisible to them if we came
across one another in public even
though just days before they may have
sworn to help me in any way they could.
Many claimed to care, to love me, to be
my friend yet only when they desired
sex was I visible. Still, I welcomed them
because the only relief from the physical
agony of the street and my addiction
was when I prostituted my body and
was able to slip inside a cool or warm
car. The only way I had to bathe was
when a John got a seedy room for an
hour. I had to put back on my filthy
rags, more often than not throw away
my shameful underpants, always care-
fully hiding them somewhere in the
bathroom or stuffing them in my pocket
so my “client” would not witness my
personal decay. I would pass the time
and cover the shame by praying “please
God, let this be over soon”. I would
hold onto the truth that the act brought
the money that I, or we needed to get
more crack and that meant that soon,
very soon the agonizing pain of my be-
ing, of my existence would end shortly
and I would once again be numb, grate-
fully numb. I would finally once again
be dead inside and it was only in that
death of mind and spirit in which I
could comfortably dwell. It was the
only time I was safe from myself and
my conscious.
A slave to the darkness was I.
I was visible to other addicts,
other street people. They recognized
my despair and loneliness and they fed
on it. I would provide money, ciga-
rettes, food and shelter and dope to
those who professed to be my friend.
They, in return, would make promises
then vanish with all that I owned onto
the darkness. Even those who said they
loved me, in the end, encouraged me
sell my body while they waited for me
in the dark. I step from the car still lost
by Barbara Rhyne-Tucker
in my own filth, reeling and in pain
from yet one more act of degradation.
No words of sympathy ever came. Just
“how much money did you get?”, “how
much dope do you want?”, then a flurry
of phone calls and activity, then the
tense, unbearable waiting. Finally, the
dope. My body sick with the want of it.
My emotions, out of control. My need
to be gratefully numb, overpowering
me. He moves deliberately slow….him,
taking the first hit. Is it real? Is it real?
Finally! My turn, his turn, my turn, his
turn. On and on until there is no more.
We have to have more! We cannot stop!
There is no choice, so out into the dark-
ness walk I. We tell ourselves this is the
last time. We will stop after this. Freez-
ing; one more time. Raining; one more
time. Blistering hot; one more time.
Day or night; one more time. Dangerous
wee hours of the morning …one …..
more …. time. I AM AFRAID and the
addiction lies, “One more time”.
A slave to darkness was I.
There is no choice you see.
We have to have more. An endless cy-
cle of “one more time”, “one more hit”.
When at last I can endure no more and
my body collapses, after hours of sleep
deeper than death I awake to my lover
who looks at me and calls me whore. I
run back to the street and bring him
what he desires so he will stay with me.
More money, more dope so we can for-
get that we are lost and dying in the
dark. I am afraid because time is fleet-
ing, one week, one month, one year,
five then ten then on and on. A lifetime
up in smoke, one hit at time, one more
time.
A slave to darkness was I.
I remember, very clearly my
reemergence from the dark. It was
when I became visible to people like
you. You know, those of you who see
me as a troubled person, an addict,
someone who needs help and deserves
love. Those of you who see me as a lost
daughter, a lost sister, a lost mother.
Those of you whose love transcends
those narrow, cruel societal views of
me. Those of you who look into my
face and say, “I see you and you are
(continued on next page)
House Notes by Eric Garbison PAGE 11
Some of you may feel we lack focus: In one versation with patience, love and humility.
issue of our paper we discuss immigration; an- While we admit weariness of some who mince
other, showers for the homeless. On one page we words about "Just War Theories” and “lesser
write about activism, turn the page and we are evil” while many suffer death, we continue to
gardening. welcome all to the table to eat and to talk, debate
and confess our common complicity.
We confess to struggling against the pull of
that fragmentation. Yet we are clearer on our Our guests regenerate us. The first Monday
mission than appears at first glance. We are com- of each month Sr. Agnes from Mount St. Scho-
mitted to answering the knock of strangers and lastica spends the evening around our table and
neighbors. We are committed to responding with study. The next day she gives massages at
ways and means that embody the love and justice showers. She has been dubbed “The Fingers of
of God. This does not lend itself to a tidy pro- God” by those blessed by her healing touch. We
gram. Our guests come to us with many stories, have begun returning the favor, spending Sab-
needs and crises. When our lives become more bath time in Atchison and find her as delightful
deeply entangled, we recognize our responsibility a host as she is a guest.
to help, not with just their daily bread, but the We have had several friends interning with us
injustice they may face. this summer, some who have written of their
Eric, Diana & Henri Garbison
In this issue, we have included our recent experience. And we have had amazing guests protesting at Blackwater (or Xe).
work opposing a city ordinance that reflects the who have become family. We thank God for the
ongoing oppression of women in our society. time we have had with folks like Charlie
Women who are sexually abused and groomed Moore, Jerome Harris, Mike Turner, Harlan Shower Needs
for prostitution from the age of 12, become, as Dunbar and Earl Alton. Their presence here has
adults, the target of stereotypes, unjust laws and added faith, hope and love to our lives, not to
excessive criminalization in our sex-addicted mention joy. Our sense of friendship has surely
culture, while men are protected under that same deepened, even when things don’t work out the Jeans & Belts
system. way we wish.
(esp. men’s sizes 32-36)
We have also been clear from the beginning We have done major work this spring and
about our mission of peace; the gospel of Jesus is summer. We terraced our front lawn, doubling T-Shirts
the gospel of peace. It requires us to place our our garden space. Now our yard is splashed with
duty to its truth above all others. Essential to this color and beauty. Many of your hands have
Underwear
message is to refuse to harm others. A recent made light work and your presence good com- (esp. size 32-38)
email from a church member with military con- pany.
nections stated, "When I have donated to Cherith Women’s panties
We recently opened up the former Kafe Kis-
Brook, I have assumed my donations went toward (esp. 4-7)
keya side of the store front to serving breakfast,
helping needy people. If any part of my donations
while our guests wait their turn for the showers. Shampoo &
are going toward anti-war efforts, I'll have to re-
The new tile we laid finishes off the space with a
consider contributing to your organization.”
touch of class and sense of completion. We Conditioner
“Anti-war” is a label filled with associations continue to have lots of repairs and upgrades on
and biases. Preferring to define ourselves, we these old buildings. Please continue sending
(large bottles)
state publicly that we strive to be pro-gospel. We hands, skills and monies so that we can move Razors
strive to be part of the “conspiracy of goodness”, the space forward.
Spray-On Deodorant
using the “weapons of the Spirit.” We don't see We need more volunteers, always. We have
the connection between the good news of God's had a flock of young adults and are amazed at Tube Socks
love in Jesus the Christ and the total destruction their hunger for alternatives to mainstream soci-
that is war. We don't see the connection between ety and corporate Christianity. We wonder Foot Powder
the mission of the Church of Jesus Christ, the where are the middle-aged, the professionals and Shoes
sacraments, the Reign of God and killing the en- the retired. Please come. There are lots of ways
emy. to partner with our work. So let us know if you
Toothpaste & Brushes
French Reformed pastor, Andre Trocme would like to visit us, or if we can come to Tampons
wrote, “Because Jesus is the Redeemer, no one preach, teach or share about our work.
can any longer save by killing or kill to save. Life Ibuprofen
Our other needs are spread throughout these
alone, life given, not life extracted from others, pages. Please take the time to read about them. Laundry Soap (he)
can save a persons life.” And as you read, pray, pray, pray … On earth
Stamps
Having said that, part of what peace means to as it is in heaven.
us is a radical commitment to continue the con- Bus Passes
 PAGE 10 PAGE 3

Juanita’s Story, Part II Izabelle’s Song

Hello, I’m Juanita. Since Octo-
ber 8, 2008 I have made a lot changes in
my life. I decided to turn my life over to
God and ask for help. It has been a
rough ride. I went to treatment at Imani
House in Kansas City, Missouri . I was
so ready for a change. Ron Hughes told
me to come and do what my heart said
to do, which was to surrender and clean
house.
So today I am not
homeless anymore. I was
blessed with my own apartment.
I have been clean now for nine
months. I have people in my life
who I can talk with openly about
anything. My oldest brother,
Ottaway, and his friend Pamela,
came from Oklahoma for a visit
and treated me like a person. I
have recovery people in my life
today. My friend Felicia is so
dear to me and she has been
clean too, one day at a time.
Yes, I still have nightmares
about my past. But today I love
my new way of thinking. My
doctor has me on meds to help
me not to use. My friend Tina
has me call her when I’m feeling
sad or angry. My sponsor, Betsy,
stays on me about facing my
inner child, who gets lost some-
times, and helping me fit in to-
day. I know that I must love
myself.
My mother hasn’t
changed at all. But my grand-
children love me, and my daugh-
ter trusts me again. Today I
don’t try to buy them. I know that God
has helped me understand that me being there for me through everything good
raped wasn’t my fault. It took me a long and bad. Ron Hughes helped me to start everyone can come out to the Northeast
time to understand the difference be-
tween forgiving and forgetting. So I
have been honest with myself and oth- I hadn’t finished. Today I just work to
ers. I still have a daughter who suffers stay clean and to be present for my
with her addiction and it hurts for me to grandchildren.
see her go down that same lonely road
of darkness, where there’s pain and suf- the love that God has for me. Today, by Juanita Davenport is a long-time friend of
by Juanita Davenport
fering. It’s hard for me to see her do
that. They say only 2% of addicts will
get into recovery and remain spiritually going to meetings. And yes, I still go to
fit.
Today I have to learn how to
accept what God has planned for me. I on me from time to time. Today I’m
believe that he wants me to help others glad that God stepped in and showed me
who are still suffering, by remembering the way to live and the guidelines that I
where I came from, and knowing that
God can heal me. So I must let him heal
me. Wherever I go I know that he is
reading more and helped me to look
inside myself to finish some things that
I have lost a lot, but I never lost
God’s grace and mercy, I have my own
place. And yes, I’m still in church and
Imani House just to have a peace of
mind. Folks from Cherith Brook check
need to have in place in my life.
Today I’ve been clean and so-
ber. It works if we do the foot
work and say please in the
morning and thank you at night,
ask for forgiveness today and
not be ashamed that things do
get hard at times. But today I
don’t have to use because of it.
I have a social worker who has
my best interests at heart. So I
give thanks to everyone who
believed in me, and continue
believing in me today! I know
that for Christmas I want to be
able to provide my grandchil-
dren with a good one this year.
I have five grandsons ranging
in age from 4 through 13, and a
granddaughter who is 4 years
old. I’m going to keep this
apartment so that I can make a
difference in their lives. Today,
by staying clean and sober, I
am saying that if I choose God
and believe in Him, if I pray
and receive His love, grace and
mercy, He will open doors that
only He can open. So I must not
trade what He has given me that
is so special. Blessings come
down as prayers go up.
I will celebrate one year on
October 8, 2009. On Sunday October 18
AA Meeting at 9th & Gladstone to hear
me share my story. (Contact us at
Cherith Brook if you would like to par-
ticipate in this celebration of Juanita’s
recovery!)
Cherith Brook Community.
(continued from previous page) I child of The Light am I.
beautiful to me” with an understanding Sometimes I acted as if I did not hear
smile. Those of you who dared to touch you. Sometimes I believed I was not
this leper. Those of you whose loving worthy and ran away, back deep into by Izabelle Cool-Abbey
actions said “I love you and I am here to darkness. But always, even when I ran I
help because you deserve help, not hid, like a starving child, your love, You and I are sister and brother
hate.” deep in my heart and in the darkest of
You say you want to go off on your own
I child of The Light am I. dark I would remember this love and
yearn for more….so your love acted as Go with Jesus in his path
I did not become visible to myself all at light to guide me back to His Children.
With heart and feet and soul
once. Perhaps the pain of who I had I learned to seek you as you sought me.
become would have killed me were it So go in peace to love and serve the Lord
I learned to seek God……I learned to
so…..I could not look in the mirror at see myself through first your eyes, then Alleluia alleluia alleluia alleluia alleluia
first, even to try to straighten myself out His eyes. Then I learned they were the
to look presentable. I was afraid of that same. His heart was in your heart and I So you walk in Jesus’ path everyday
lost, hunted person in the mirror. That began to BECOME. I began to heal, I Come with me in Jesus’ name
person who was trying to kill the real began to change….I REMEMBERED
me. The person who was burying me WHO I AM…..A Child of God. Wor- Izabelle Cool-Abbey, daughter of Sarah Cool, lives
alive, coldly deaf to her/my screams of thy. You taught me who I am. You at Cherith Brook.
terror. You saw these things, you Chil- showed me God’s Love so in a way that
dren of The Lord, and you continued to I could understand, then embrace, then
reach out. To smile, to look in my
eyes…To Remind Me Who I
desire, then seek, then live. You for-
gave me and that taught me God for-
House Needs
Am…..and slowly, oh so slowly, I be- gives me.
gan this journey to remembrance.
Slowly, one meal, one bath, one meet- I child of The Light am I. Sandwich Meat (no bologna)
ing, one service, one word of hope, one Sandwich Bags
action of love at a time you Children,
you Saints, brought me to The Light. Mayonnaise
Barbara Rhyne-Tucker is a friend of
To Love. To God. Sliced Cheese
Cherith Brook Community.
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Bananas & Oranges
Coffee, Sugar, Creamer
Vinegar (gallon size for cleaning)
Baking Soda
Dish Soap
Toilet Paper
Milk, Eggs, Butter
Black Beans & Brown Rice
Canning Jars
Salt & Pepper Shakers
Folding Tables
(standard rectangular size)
Clear Plastic Restaurant Cups
For several weeks this summer, many community members and volunteers spent
Water Pitchers
countless hours on a tiling project for the floors in the clothing closet, one of the
guest rooms, a hallway, and what is now the new kitchen space on the café side. Hand Held Mixer
Pictured here are Micah and Eric working tirelessly! The new floors are beautiful!
Industrial Refrigerator
 PAGE 4 Their Story Is Our Story by Brandon Pomeroy PAGE 9

I didn’t know right away that his

eyesight was poor. I knew that he didn't
We have to practice. That is how we know
and how we learn. By growing closer to Something New, Something Old, Something
have teeth as I had watched him demon- our neighbors we grow closer to God.
strate that he could eat pecans with his
gums. He said that his teeth had been sto-
Henri Nouwen writes in The In-
ner Voice of God: "Every time you do Borrowed, Something Cold by Alexandria Phillips
len long ago and that there was no way to something that comes from your need for
come up with $300 for another set. He acceptance, affirmation, or affection, and
didn't wear glasses and didn't really squint, every time you do something that makes
but he just wasn't getting anywhere in the these needs grow, you know that you are
clothes closet. Kind of staring and not with God. These needs will never I am Alexandria Phillips and I caring, loving, and understanding person. how much more I learned when I got here
fumbling. I helped him find an accept- be satisfied; they will only increase have just completed my first year at Spel- The next part speaks of something and realized the amount of work that the
able pair of pants, a shirt that he liked. when you yield to them. But every time man College, in Atlanta, Georgia. Spelman old. Not necessarily meaning age. It’s the community members have put into the
Then we went through every pair of you do something for the glory of God, is classified as a historically black college/
time I’ve gotten to spend with my grand- process so that the system runs smoothly
shoes. "Are those size 13?" "No, they you will know God's peace in your university (HBCU). I have wanted to go to mother, mother, and sister. My family has and accurately.
say size 9". "Are those size 13?" "No heart and find rest there." I have to Spelman since my aunt and uncle moved been the carpenter in my life. They have There is a more figurative expla-
they are size 10 and I think they might keep practicing. Perform acts of mercy to Atlanta when I was 10 years old. It was shaped my experiences and my mind to nation to the borrowing that goes on here.
look better on a female." “How about for God’s glory, not mine. the only school I applied to in the fall of become the woman I am today. I owe a The love that we give others is borrowed
those?” He really couldn’t see. I tried my senior year at Liberty High School. My great deal of my successes to my mother. because it is always returned. That is what
It is another Friday, another mother instantly told me “not to worry” This may be my last extended period of
to picture how he made it out on the keeps me going and growing with my in-
day in the clothes closet. One of the about tuition for college because we would time that I spend living with my mother.
streets; old, nearly blind, no teeth. tent to love more completely and without
regulars brought him in. They had met make a way with no way. My family is the something old I have
Surely he had untreated medical prob- limits.
on the street that morning and like the
lems as well. He was intent on finding a
Good Samaritan he brought him in for As it turns out, God did provide a been enjoying and soaking up throughout The something cold speaks to the
pair of shoes and he did finally find a pair
help. It was his first time there so he way. I was granted a full-ride 4-year schol- my stay here this summer. Seeing how counter cultural living that is practiced
that he liked. Although they didn't look
needed help figuring out how the process arship, the Bonner Scholarship, to Spelman Cherith Brook has changed my mother’s here, more specifically the lack of frigid
any less worn than the ones on his feet.
worked. Check in, eat at the table, relax, due to my mother’s and my own life long outlook on life has further inspired me to air. I never had A/C growing up. The first
Next we found socks, underwear, t-shirt,
pick out clean clothes if needed, shower if efforts to serve her community and all the do the same! time I actually lived with A/C was my first
razor, wash cloth, toothbrush. It was a people of the world. For this scholarship I Here we share everything so in
desired. Together we found a nice pair of essence everything is something borrowed year at college. I woke up with a sore
rainy day so he wanted a rain jacket and am to complete 280 hours of direct com-
khakis that were miraculously long enough from one another. When I was away at throat and runny nose many a time. Those
located a new duffel bag. He was so munity service during each school year
for him. A fresh button up shirt and a are two of the awful side effects to living
pleased by the end of the endeavor; a full and then another 280 hours during each
shower, some hair gel and he looked good in an artificial environment. I have learned
stomach, fresh clothes and clean after a three month summer break. This is what
as new. He wanted nice looking clothes. so much about how to make my carbon
warm shower. brought out my desire to pursue the intern-
I assumed he was going to a job interview footprint smaller since being here. A new
Working in the closet gives me a ship here in the community.
or to work. Just out of earshot he made a process I learned (and am still getting the
chance to clothe the naked Christ in a The title of my article came to my
call. Sober for three years, he had fallen hang of ) is using “grey water.” We recycle
way that just can't be done by taking my head as I realized that these four things
for the old demon alcohol. Humbled and water from our showers and sinks for the
worn out clothes to Goodwill. Nor can it could be translated as my “to-do list” for
sorrowful, he begged his wife's forgive- toilet water instead of using a fresh water
be done by writing a check to the March the summer. The something new I’m talk-
ness. He asked someone in the room for flush after each use. Six 250 gallon rain
of Dimes. Too many degrees of separa- ing about are all the new people, friend-
the address of where he was and by the water catcher totes were installed just be-
tion between the giver and the receiver ships, places, and experiences that I have
end of the morning she had arrived to fore I arrived. The work perfectly to water
weaken the interaction for both sides. now been immersed in about half-way
gather him in. In the meantime he had our entire garden everyday in place of us-
Meeting, interacting with, getting to through this summer. It has been one of the
had several loving conversations and en- ing the public water, and it also keeps the
know, smelling, touching, and serv- most incredible, eye opening, and trans-
couragements with several people. I water bill down, as well.
ing my less fortunate brothers and forming experiences to which I have been
wonder about him and still pray for Overall, my stay here has been
sisters brings them up and me down exposed. The people that I have met are
him, that he gained strength and faith inspirational and educational. I hope to
(or vice versa in some cases) so we interesting people with hopes, dreams, and
from the grace that he experienced take my experiences back to school and
can meet as equals. It brings us one passions not much unlike my own. I have Alexandria & her sister, Izabelle, enjoy the
that morning. From the angel on everyone else I touch in my life. I want to
tiny step closer to Martin Luther come to call these people my friends and pool at Cherith Brook’s retreat this summer.
the streets to the spiritual works of say thank you and that I appreciate every-
King, Jr.'s concept of the Beloved look forward to seeing them every morn-
mercy that he received at home, he thing everyone has done at Cherith Brook
Community. ing as I’m helping with showers and on
has another chance. for me. That thanks goes to the community
St Francis said, "We do not Thursday evenings when they come for school, my mom told me that Cherith
Everyone on the streets, in members, as well as the friends that visit
know what we haven’t practiced." dinner. I actually find myself missing them Brook community members would be en-
prison, or flopping in someone’s us everyday, because they have taught me
We must practice justice and mercy, when they don’t show up, because they tering into a common purse arrangement.
basement has a story. The story is just as much about themselves and even
not just read about it or be vaguely in favor make my day enjoyable. I love how I At the time, I’d never heard of such a
rarely what we think it is going to be when more about myself.
of it. We have to put our bodies in it. We thought that I was going to do my intern- thing, and the only piece of info I could
Brandon Pomeroy enjoys volunteer- we first meet them. And it is important
have to experience poverty and addiction ship this summer and “help people” and grasp is the fact that they would be pooling Alexandria is Sarah Cool’s daughter, and was
ing at Cherith Brook, getting to that we do meet them. Their story be-
and hopelessness and homelessness and “do good stuff”, but I’m finding that they their money for the entire community and a Summer Intern at Cherith Brook. She is a
know friends who come for showers
abuse with our bodies, with our senses. comes our story. sophomore at Spelman College in
& meals. are the ones transforming me in to a more not for just themselves. It was astonishing
Atlanta, GA.
 PAGE 8
PAGE 5

Blackwater Report by Nick Pickrell Join Our Extended

Frank’s Song by Frank K.
Community
This past April our community were spreading a movement that was dia-
met up with many other Catholic Worker metrically opposed to the very systems—
Houses to play, eat, worship, and learn both religious and political—that were in I used to like drinkin’ whiskey One night I called my babies
together. These “Faith and Resistance” place then. The Roman Empire, along with
retreats culminate in some sort of nonvio- religious leaders, persecuted the Christians And partying all night long Mom says you can’t see me
lent action, as we feel called to physically because they were breaking unjust laws Before I knew what hit me I got down on my knees
stand in the way of whatever injustice we and were proclaiming Jesus as “Lord” in-
My pretty lil’ lady was gone And the Holy Spirit moved in me
agree to address. It is a way for us speak stead of Caesar. Jesus and his followers
out against evils that, in many cases, go were killed for participating in acts of
unchallenged. peace, love, justice, forgiveness, recon- CHORUS: I threw away the bottle
On this particular weekend, we ciliation, and community. In other words,
But the Lord’s gonna turn it around Lord The Lord removed that demon in me
learned about the privatization of our mili- they were killed because they were acting
The Lord’s gonna turn it around I picked up the Word of God
tary and police force and what affect it has out the Kingdom of God. This new Way
on the poor both here and abroad. After a upset so many, not only because of what Praise you heavenly Father the Lord And the Lord set me free
weekend of prayer and reflection, we de- has already been mentioned, but also be-
cause the rich were called to give their Never lets us down
cided to act on behalf of those living in
war-torn areas, as well as those living in goods to the poor. Also, the powerful were Now I see my babies
high crime neighborhoods like our own. called to become servants, while the poor I had to tell my babies They are the love of my life
We took a stand against corporations that were lifted up and brought into a family Nick Pickrell is a Community Member
Daddy needs to go away I gave it all to God
have a profit motive for continued war and that gave them value, dignity, purpose, and at Cherith Brook Community.
conflict, against corporations that can’t be a home. People in power were against this As I looked down on their tear filled eyes And now I have a brand new life
held accountable for their actions in any movement because they would not be in are too busy with life to ever stand up for I said Daddy’s love will never stray
US or international court of law, against power within it. something. Some even look down upon cook meals, sort donations,
those who sacrifice their time to stand in But the Lord does turn it around Lord
corporations that have massive human Everything we do in this life af- host showers, cut hair,
rights violations on their records. fects the poor in one way or another. solidarity with the hurting, shouting things I tried to get my lady back The Lord does turn it around
like, “Get a real job,” as they whiz by in launder clothing, garden,
When we go to war, people and And she said I am so sorry I gave it all to God
countries are devastated. When their cars. It saddens me that this seems all electrical work, simple carpentry,
Then one night she told my baby And now I have a brand new life
we live like kings, others are left too common. assemble sack dinners,
with nothing with which to care As Christians, shouldn’t every- I’ve got somebody
redo kitchen cabinets,
for themselves. When we ignore thing be flipped around? Shouldn’t we be
the poor, they lose their humanity the ones willing to make time to love those Frank K. is part of our extended community. He also volun- mail newsletter, clean house,
(and so do we). When we let cor- who are hurting? Shouldn’t we be the teers his time with us and attends morning prayers. general maintenance, fencing,
porations take over for the mili- ones willing to suffer alongside those who tuck pointing, trim work, & more...
tary and police, the poor are fur- are tossed aside and neglected? Shouldn’t
ther exploited through continued the question we ask be, “Why are you too
conflict and increased violence, busy to stand up and sacrifice for your
with no hope of relief. All of this poor sisters and brothers?” I think that it’s Day By Day by Steve Sheridan
is happening now. So we are the world that has truly gone mad when
Cherith Brook Community Members attended the Mid- called by God to offer relief to the people become so wrapped up in busyness
west CW Retreat in April. Participants staged a protest poor through our own willingness that they lose the eye to see the marginal- A Tribute to Brother Louis Roddeman of Holy Family House, KCMO
against Blackwater, also known as Xe, located in to suffer beside them. We are ized and broken, the poor and neglected,
Mt. Carroll, IL. also called to bring the exploiters the widow and the orphan, the elderly and Day by day, day by day, Brother Louis Roddeman prepares meals and helps serve the many children of God that
One hundred of us gathered at a into the same family through the forgotten. After all, what is more impor- come seeking Christ’s hospitality at Holy Family Catholic Worker House in Kansas City, Missouri. Brother Louis is the
large field at Blackwater Co., a space de- hard but freeing word to let go of posses- tant? Who is it we are called to serve? first to say that there are lots and lots of loving hearts and hands from many extended family members of Holy Family who
voted to war and violence, in order to re- sions and titles, and stand beside those Money or God? We can only serve one help out everyday. His community provides 200 meals, six days a week, along with lots of coffee and LaMar’s donuts four
claim it for things that are life giving-- who are poor and marginalized in this new master, so the question now is whom will mornings a week, all of this 48 weeks out of every year.
hospitals, schools, gardens, and play- family where there is no Jew nor Gentile, we serve? The costs are high, and we What a blessing Brother Louis is and has been and will be to lots of brothers and sisters who come seeking mercy,
grounds. In the process of this nonviolent black nor white, Arab nor American, ter- can’t ride the fence. Either we take up our friendship and hope at Holy Family. I hope and pray and trust that Christ will continue to bless the Holy Family community
action, some people ended up getting ar- rorist nor freedom fighter. cross and follow Jesus in his Way, or we with people of all ages who have loving and creative gifts to share. Hopefully we all will continue to follow Jesus and take
rested for peace and justice—the very I was one of those arrested at turn away with our riches and titles in tact. Jesus’ words into our hearts and minds and remember Jesus’ message, “Do this in remembrance of me”.
thing to which Jesus called us. Blackwater, and it’s not something I say as
The early Christians were also a way to boast. I say it to bring to light the To learn more about Blackwater, or Xe, visit Steve Sheridan has volunteered at Holy Family House weekly
fact that we live in a world where people their website www.ustraining.com . since becoming a Community Member at Cherith Brook.
arrested for being social agitators. They
 PAGE 6 We Have Another World in View PAGE 7

Welcome Home, Mark Mize by Jodi Garbison

Shortly after we sent out our peal claiming his innocence. A letter ing me and unfolding for Mark. Mark
last newsletter, I got to visit my friend, from Mark in April informed me that he was in good spirits and continued to be
Mark Mize, on Georgia’s Death Row. I had lost his final appeal but would con- hopeful until the end. In one of our last
met Mark when we lived in Atlanta. tinue to work with his lawyer on seek- conversations he said, “I’m going home
One Saturday a month we would take ing clemency. He didn’t want life in OR I’m going home. I want to be re-
the hour-long trip to Jackson and spend prison. I didn’t receive any more letters leased and go home because I’m inno-
the day. My first visit I was a little from Mark. I got an e-mail from some- cent or go home to God.”
nervous, wondering what in the world one who had gotten the news of Mark’s I felt like our visits somehow
we would talk about. It seemed like a scheduled execution date. Mark’s transcended those bars and walls. Our
long time to sit with someone you don’t mother, Erlene, said she heard it on the visits somehow redeemed us both and
know. Would we have anything in news when she was checking the reminded us of our shared humanity.
common? Could it really be more filled weather. How sad a mother should hear Our visits transcended the very heavily
with more than just small talk? such news from the radio! debated issue of the death penalty. This
I was also a little nervous not With the support of my com- is not an “issue” to be debated, but a
knowing what Death Row would be munity and prayers from lots of folks I human being still being transformed and
like. My fears about prison were real- flew back to Georgia to visit Mark – I shaped by the Spirit of God. Instead of
ized – it is a very dark, depressing, cruel was very grateful to spend his last two an “issue”, a human being…guilty or
and violent place that certainly lives up days with him. Driving from Atlanta to innocent, a human being. I write this
to it’s reputation. My fears of sitting Jackson, however, I had those same not as an issue but about a son, brother,
with a stranger who is accused of mur- fears again. Could I really visit my father, cousin and friend whom the State
der quickly dissipated, however. The friend knowing his hours were num- of Georgia put to death April 29, 2009.
hours of that first visit flew by. We bered? Would there be anything to say You are missed Mark, but …Welcome
shared lots of snacks from the vending to comfort or encourage … or would we Home!
machine and found we had lots to talk sit in silence? Could I visit in the bar-
about. I heard lots of stories of Mark baric cell heavily guarded by 2 CERT
growing up. We talked about our fami- (Certified Emergency and Response
lies, interests, faith, prayer, goals and Team) officers and many guards? Once
dreams. Before I knew it our first visit again the prison confirmed my anxiety
was over. I looked forward to our but the visit dispelled my fears. I shared
monthly visits. When we moved to the time and space with Mark’s family
Kansas City we continued our visits and lawyers. We heard stories, we had
through letters. I also continued to keep communion with Dr. Pepper and Dori-
up with Mark’s elderly mother through tos and tried to make the most of every
phone calls. moment. I felt honored to be one of his
Mark Mize and Jodi Garbison during her
Mark spent 15 years on Death visitors and yet very unsure of how to
deal with the horror that was surround- last visit with him on Death Row.
Row filing appeal after appeal after ap-

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

Join us for Clarification Meetings on Volunteers are needed to help offer

First Fridays at 7pm! showers and meals on

September 4th – Death Penalty Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

October 2nd – Health Care Issues mornings from 8am to Noon.

November 6th – Non Violence Let us know when you’re available!

Training
Garden Needs:
December 4th – Alternative
Izabelle, Diana & Henri Bird Feeders, Baths & Houses, Hoes,
Holiday Celebrations
display their bird feeders. Trowels, Wheelbarrows, Shovels