- The Lifeline Expedition is a series of journeys of reconciliation,
inspired by the story of the snake on the pole in Numbers 21:4-9 and
also referred to in John 3:14-16. The snake is a universally recognized
symbol of healing.
- The Greenwich meridian line (linked to the pole) and the countries
along it are a particular focus. However, the line is not a limiting
factor in our projects, but rather a constant encouragement to be
aligned to God's purposes as expressed through the initial vision.
- The issue of the legacy of the Slave Trade has become the major
reconciliation issue for the project. Our teams therefore normally
include Africans, Africans of the Diaspora (slave descendants),
Europeans and white Americans. Many other reconciliation issues
inevitably arise, but we seek to keep within the boundaries of our
calling.
- We are inspired by the concept of Jubilee. In ancient Hebrew culture
the Year of Jubilee involved the release of slaves and the cancellation
of debt. It was therefore also a time of joyous celebration. The year
2000 was doubly significant as the fortieth jubilee since the
traditional birth of Jesus Christ, who perceived his mission, in the
jubilee tradition, as proclaiming freedom to prisoners and release to
the oppressed. (See Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4:18,19)
- The use of symbols is a significant aspect of the expedition. These
include a rainbow serpent on a pole, the yokes and chains of the coffle
and a shofar ramıs horn. The shofar was used in ancient Israel to
announce the Year of Jubilee and the release of slaves and debts.
- The Lifeline Expedition brings the message of reconciliation into the
public domain through such means as civic receptions, school visits and
media exposure. In this process we aim to link with local churches thus
seeking to promote unity and their involvement in the public domain
also.
- Through these means the expedition is committed to education and
raising awareness about the slave trade and the legacy of racism and
slavery that still exists today.
- Giving is central to the expedition. Many people have given freely in
different ways to achieve the aims of the project. We have been able to
give donations to various projects in Africa. (For example after the
Jubilee 2000 Lifeline Walk in England we gave a donation to the IFE
Literacy Project in Togo through which 44 new literacy teachers were
trained.) Through the project we aim to come against the greed and
materialism of the West and to encourage a flow of generosity.
- Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without prayer and intercession.
We believe especially in the value of praying "on site with insight."
Friends for the Journey is a means of ensuring more prayer support for
the ongoing activities of the Lifeline Expedition. |