Ministries

THE CYRENE MOVEMENT

The story of Simon of Cyrene is a model for us. Simon was a man of color from Cyrene in North Africa his encounter with Jesus is retold in three of the Gospels: Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21 and Luke 23:26. 

Simon came to Jerusalem and stood in the crowd watching Jesus strain under the weight of the cross. Then a Roman soldier forces Simon to help Jesus carry the cross to Golgotha. Thant day God appointed Simon to relieve some of Christ’s burden. This encounter with Christ must have transformed Simon’s life and that of his wife and sons, Alexander and Rufus. 

Rufus, in Romans 16: 13 is chosen of the Lord and Paul writes of Rufus’ mother as being a mother to him also. This family had a significant role in the growth of the early church. 

People of Color are resilient but many of us are weary or embattled as we combat ongoing racism, micro-aggressions and racial trauma. Like Simon of Cyrene we need to help lift each other’s burdens. The Cyrene Movement offers an online Christian community where People of Color come together and  share our struggles and triumphs.  We also remind each other of who we really are: children of the King, righteous, blessed, courageous. 

We are beloved of the Lord, a royal priesthood and the Lord has a purpose and a plan for our lives. We all need this kind of encouragement—especially when the road gets rough and the journey feels really long.

To find out more click on image above or visit: www.thecyrenemovement.com