Eat. Pray. Dream Inspires Hope in Nebraska Students

In the small conference room adjacent to the cafeteria was full of life during the Eat. Pray. Dream. event. Students who attended the special worship session were treated to free food, music and a stirring speech by a man who has seen the wide gap between rich and poor around the world and the enduring racial gap in the United States.

 Solo Mwana from Lincoln City Church spoke passionately about the work that is still to be done in the areas of social justice and reaching out to those in need. He spoke of the work that Martin Luther King started and the work that is yet to be done. He cited examples of how nonviolent resistance is the best and most enduring way to affect change in the world. 

 "It was really interesting to hear the words of a man who grew up in Kenya and now a citizen of the U.S. how he works to help those in need in his home country." said University Ministry Intern Maria Niechwiadowicz.     The world in which Martin Luther King lived seems far removed from present generation but the amount of work to be done in the areas of acceptance and justice remains the same. The state of Nebraska as well as the Methodist church have a history with equal rights that goes back to the civil war. No one can be proud of all history has recorded, but in celebrating the life of a pillar of justice and mercy like Martin Luther King we as a generation were asked to get closer to realizing the vision he had for America and the world. A world where color would be something people celebrated in one another and where people were judged not for the color of their skin but rather the content of their characters. The session of prayer and worship ended with the group singing songs that the protesters sang while they marched on Washington D.C..  While standing in the  circle with people of many colors holding hands and hoping for a brighter future it was easy to see the work of Martin Luther King in action.  The event was sponsored by University Ministries and the Multi-Cultural Affairs office and opened the eyes and hearts to all those in attendance.