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Justin Duckworth: It starts with you

I know I belong to those around me when in a moment of my vulnerability or stupidity I am revealed in my weakness, brokenness or selfishness, and am recognised and loved the more for my vulnerability. The only thing greater than the pain of the revealing of my fallen humanity is the love I experience as those around accept and support me.

We experience belonging often in the mess and the chaos of our lives not necessarily in our self contained control. My most rich experiences of belonging are normally always associated with my struggles and pain. I knew I belonged to those in my community during my mothers last few months and finally her death as in my weakness and hopelessness I was deeply practically loved and accepted by those I belonged to.

I don’t think I have ever met anybody who at a deep level doesn’t desire to belong. Many on the surface will hide behind issues of independence and self protection, but below these coping mechanisms people yearn to know and be known. I think it is clear from scripture and experience that we were made to belong. That we are a nobody until a somebody loves cares and nurtures us.

The challenge for us as youth workers is that often the belonging and love that young people need we are incapable of providing, since we ourselves struggle to belong to each other and to God. The gift we primarily offer our young people is not our programmes, gifts or wonderful personalities but a place of belonging.

Justin has been involved in youth and community work for over 15 years. He is a leader in Urban Vision, a mission community serving Jesus amongst those struggling on the margins of society. Justin also works for the Global Education Centre, training youth workers to deal with global issues that impact on young people. Justin is married to Jenny and they have 3 children. They live with 10 others at Ngatiawa Community, a place for those seeking a deeper life with Jesus.