So many needs out there. Each week I think I learn something new about people in our cities who are in need. Yesterday I sat and listened to two different groups of people who were organizing around two very concerning issues. The first was regarding human trafficking. This issue stems from so many problems, and this is not a problem that is elsewhere, but is very real and present in each and every of the communities here in Maricopa County. Quite frankly, it was a bit startling.

The second was with refugees who live in Phoenix from many other areas of the world: Asia, Africa, Latin America. The histories of these people are amazing, and the fact that they are forging out new communities here in Phoenix is brave. The culture differences are great, and for many of them community is hard to come by. Most of their time is spent working and providing for friends and family who were not as fortunate to have received the work visas to immigrate to the US. But they are here; they are us. These two issues are only a microcosm of the many valid, genuine, important issues facing our state; from hunger and homelessness, to family well-being issues and the needs in our education system.

There are two ways that people might approach these issues. The first is to be overwhelmed, to feel that the needs are too big, and they shy away, gloss over, or refuse to engage any one issue as they feel that they just cannot make an impact. I know that this temptation is even there for me at times. But the other response, which all of the passionate individuals I encountered yesterday chose, was to engage the issues head on. Whether it was close to their hearts, pricked their sense of justice, or simply seemed like the right thing to do, they expanded outside of themselves to forge a better community. This idealized approach to community could very well be a reality, if only more would join together. One by one, individuals, churches, businesses, and government slowly stem the tide of the evils and injustices that are around us, and we can come together. Alone, issues are too large for any one organization to take them all on. But united, together, the network forms which allows us to address them all, each addressing those closest to their passions. The first step is simply to step outside of ourselves, to see the need and help another. There are so many problems, but so many ways to address these problems. I choose, and I know a multitude of others, who choose to help forge a better society.

Ultimately, this is what Arizona CityFest and the Season of Service is about, recognizing the needs and the valiant efforts of many who are addressing these issues. Just as Solomon wrote a long time ago, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12. Do we give up, avoid, ignore the issues and needs of our day? Do we deny our community in action? Or do we stand together, work together, and allow these myriad needs to be addressed and Arizona to become the state and community it has the full potential to be?

Rob McFarren

Church & Community Partnership Associate, Arizona CityFest