Michael Hoggatt

Moving to the Manger: a Journey from Exclusion to Inclusion Michael Hoggatt

Everyday we hear stories of children in Africa who have lost their parents to AIDS. Magazines display individuals who have been disabled as a result of poor medical conditions associated with poverty in the developing world. Here in the United States we are constantly bombarded with the fact that some lives are just plain better than others. All of these images and messages further distance us from the men, women and children living in our very neighborhoods who need our love and compassion. The barrage of messages has left many of us either blind or numb to many of the needs in our communities. This book seeks to open eyes and allow us to share in the struggles and pain of our neighbors. Who is my neighbor? The rich and beautiful are our neighbors, but what about those who are not considered rich or beautiful by the world? Over 20 million Americans are affected by disabilities which commonly result in social and economic oppression, yet only 1 out of 10 churches have disability ministries. These are your neighbors. Millions of foster children and former foster children regularly see ballot initiatives about "Family Values," but rarely see the Church seeking to value their family or preserve their home. These too are your neighbors. My neighbors live in institutions and foster homes. My neighbors are valued by God and precious to Him. Through the course of this book you will be introduced to people in your community that have too long been overlooked. You will read their stories and share in their struggles, but you will also see a way of living that promotes the inclusion and welcome of all. Finally, you will see what it takes to move away from exclusion and ulitmately Move into the Manger.