Let Freedom in Christ Ring: MLK Day at MLC
By Cameron Schroeder (St. Paul-Onalaska WI)
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Cultural Diversity Coordinator Aaron Robinson speaks.
On Monday, January 17, students and faculty took the day off from classes and homework for a very important purpose. It wasn’t really a “day off” at all, but more of a “day on”—a chance to reflect on the legacy of a man who stood for more than the furthering of his own agenda.
Dr. King fought for love to reach into the darkest corners of each and every heart. This goal is one that we at MLC are focused on as well, if for no other reason than the Middle Eastern man with holes in his hands who showed his perfect love for us 2,000 years ago.
MLC’s Service & Cross-Cultural Learning Committee planned the day, which began with a special chapel service. Then two educators, Fletcher and Pat James, who are members of Divine Peace-Largo MD, gave a presentation about preaching the gospel with a heart of love for all.
A panel discussion (pictured) included the Fletcher family and two members of our campus family, JuanDa Escobar (Divine Savior-Doral FL) and Prof. Aaron Robinson.
Featured on the panel were Fletcher James Jr., JuanDa Escobar, Taylor James, Cultural Diversity Coordinator Aaron Robinson, Pat James, and Fletcher James.
Special electives followed, including fine arts and music workshops, the role-playing of challenging cross-cultural situations, and the viewing and discussion of a documentary about how racial bias impacts us.
Senior Chloe Robbert (St. John-Goodhue MN) let the gears begin to turn, applying the day to her future ministry. She said, “We will have people in our classrooms and congregations who are dealing with racial inequality. We need to be ready for that, to love them.”
Olivia Robinson (Fairview-Milwaukee) and Alyssa Thompson (St. Lucas-Milwaukee) enjoyed creating a flag together during the fine arts workshop.
Called workers—pastors, teachers, and staff ministers alike—will never be perfect vessels of the gospel. But MLK Day at MLC was all about doing what we can to educate ourselves about the challenges that some of our brothers and sisters in Christ face. Our goal is simple: striving to let freedom in Christ ring to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue.
