An interview with a young earthkeeper.
This month we sat down with Jubilee Dueck Thiessen who shared with us why creation care matters to her and why she has chosen to give to A Rocha. Jubilee is a student at Canadian Mennonite University. She is quick to smile, and passionate about working towards peace in all that she does.
ARMB: As a bit of an introduction, tell us about your favourite plant.
Jubilee: I love poplar trees. They have those leaves that tumble and glisten in the wind. I love to lie down underneath them when is windy and see them shimmer.
ARMB: What has been a favourite class this semester?
Jubilee: In my intro to philosophy class we’ve been able to talk a lot about the question of reality. This has helped me think about some of the existential themes that I’ve been grappling with a lot lately, especially the environmental crisis we are journeying with. I often ask myself what am I doing with my tiny life on this huge planet. So being in philosophy has helped me engage the big questions and it has helped me see that I don’t have to do it alone. Philosophers have been doing it for ages.
ARMB: You mention the environmental crisis, why is this something that matters to you?
Jubilee: I grew up as a city kid. I didn’t have a ton of time to be outside in nature except at my grandma’s house in the country. Last year I participated in a Christian discipleship program called Outtatown, where we had the opportunity to travel throughout Canada and South Africa. While we were in South Africa we visited a town called Cape Town, which is at the southern most tip of the country. Cape Town was in the second year of an extreme drought when we were there. The entire town almost completely ran out of water in the previous year, so we were experiencing the aftermath. All the public washrooms had aerators on the taps meaning that very little water came out of the tap. It didn’t occur to me why they were doing that, but then I realized it was a precautionary measure. We also had to limit our showers to 2 minutes and reuse tap water for flushing. I began to think about how I was using the water, and how much I using. Experiencing the drought first hand, and having to change my own behaviour because of it really changed my perspective about my impact on creation. It has become important to me to spend time outside in creation, and to alter my behaviour in order to serve creation.
ARMB: How is serving creation, or creation care, an expression of your faith?
The story of Genesis talks about our role in caring for the earth as humans created in God’s image. I very often feel connected to God when I’m in nature. When I can feel small in nature, I feel connected to God. I don’t feel alone, and I feel I’m part of something bigger.
ARMB: Tell us about why you chose to donate to A Rocha?
Recently the call for climate action has been quite strong. One tangible way to participate has been through giving money. I don’t have a lot of time, but as a student, I can still prioritize how I spend my money. A Rocha has been connecting with my church and university helping people learn about creation care. A Rocha is caring for creation joyfully and hopefully in a way that builds relationship and builds unity rather than creating division. I would like my caring for creation to inspire others to care for creation too. I wanted to donate and take action because I was hopeful and I wanted to create fruitful things. I donated not out of fear, but out of hope.
ARMB: Is there anything else you would like to share?
I think it can feel for students and young adults that small change isn’t going to make a difference, and it won’t lead to anything helpful. But I’m finding that even for my own emotional well-being that making these small changes helps me feel hopeful rather that discouraged. Here’s to environmental action powered by joy!
ARMB: Thanks for sharing with us Jubilee!
If you’re in Manitoba, come on out to our Christmas Crepe Fundraiser. Purchase your tickets here. Warm drinks, tasty crepes, and good company included.
You can make a difference by giving to A Rocha. When you give to A Rocha you’re helping someone take the journey from experiencing creation, to loving creation, to caring for creation. Give this month, and your gift will be doubled!
