We need much more of a lifestyle-based Christianity: not “What do you believe?” but “How do you live?” What you believe in your head asks almost nothing of you. Lifestyle asks everything of us, and every day, and on ever new levels of choice. It is a journey that never stops.

We here at the Center for Action and Contemplation almost want to “brand” the term “Lifestyle Christianity” as we have come to recognize that Jesus is largely talking about living a very simple and nonviolent life in this world, where we can treat one another as brother and sister. It sums up almost all we teach here. But lifestyle criteria are a bit of an affront and embarrassment to the dualistic mind, because you never totally succeed, you are never totally right. Maybe belief systems give us a false comfort, and that is why we prefer religion as believing things instead of Lifestyle Christianity. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

— Fr Richard Rohr (from his new book The Naked Now)

In case you missed it late last year, we received some fantastic news from long term SURRENDER supporters, Mark Riessen and Verity Skye in December.

Etienne and Adolphe from Vox Congo have their Permanent Residency!

If you were at SURRENDER:08 you’ll remember Mark launched a campaign to get 1000 people to write 1000 letters in support – we got the letters and now, over 12 months later we can all celebrate with Etienne and Adolphe!

Mark says: ‘Some of you know them as the lead singer (Etienne) and bass player (Adolphe) of Vox Congo, while others have come to know them as dear friends, family even, who have been fighting for their right to live free from oppression, their right to be protected and their right to be reunited with their families.’

Mark and Verity along with UNOH and many others, have been involved in supporting Etienne, Adolphe, Martinse and Marks Papy since 2002 through numerous advocacy campaigns, court and tribunal appearances, performing and recording and much, much more.

Mark goes on, ‘The most amazing part of this story is the faith journey they have been on, through the crippling lows particularly and their attitudes of hope, their faithfulness and their optimism. We have discovered the value of true friendship together and what it means to stick with your mates through the crap. Now we look forward to the party and celebration of a hope realized’

Vox Congo will be help us all celebrate a redeeming God of Justice on the Friday Youth Night at SURRENDER. Verity will also be playing during the weekend to help launch her brand new CD ‘Advocate’! Of course in other great news, Mark and Verity are expecting their first baby!