Michael Matheny's Experience "Serving Christ in the World"

Earlier this year, Michael Matheny was selected to participate in a program called "Serving Christ in the World" sponsored by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. This three-week program was spent in Chicago on the seminary's campus the first and third week, and in Mexico City, Mexico, at the Lutheran Center the second week. Below are some of Michael's comments on the trip:

How did the trip impact your faith, inspire you, or make you think about being an American Christian?

I decided that if we want to change anything it would mean a really radical change. We think everyone needs cell phones and CD players, but they aren't that important. We don't need all of those distractions in life. We also make the false assumption that we are better off than they [those in Mexico] are, which we are not. We have a more comfortable life, but that is not what it is about.

What was the most surprising thing about the trip in Mexico?

There were college kids at the Lutheran Center who were doing missionary work. It was cool that there were other youth there sharing their faith. Also, there were really nice gardens and the food was excellent!

What did you learn about the Mexican people?

They are humble and generous and I admire those traits.

What did you do in Chicago?

We went to two different worship services. We walked around the neighborhoods in Chicago and saw different types of poverty and welfare. There was a real diversity between nice and not so nice. We talked about power and politics... and went go-karting and to The Taste of Chicago to keep us from getting too "lectured out."

What about the others on the trip? Where were they from?

They were all from the NortheastDetroit, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Chicago. Most were seniors in high school. I liked all of them, but no one held the door open for others. I opened doors for others and they were shocked and said, "Oh, no one ever does that." I said, "I am sorry. You should move down south where people are courteous."

What was the most interesting thing that you saw or did?

I saw the Aztec city of Teotihuacan. I liked that a lot because I like ancient civilizations. I bought a blanket with the Pyramid of the Sun on it.

The hope of this program is to challenge youth to consider issues of pluralism, race, gender and poverty through the lens of their Christian values and faith. This new program was made possible through a $1.67 million grant from the Lilly Endowment. The goal is that students will begin to learn how they might serve Christ in the World.

Last updated: 2003-08-31