What does the Bible actually say about justice? Is it something we should care about? Inspired by her own family’s journey from Latin America to the United States, author and pastor Sandra Van Opstal has dedicated most of life chasing justice locally and globally. Being on the margins for most of her life—and being an advocate for those underserved in her own congregation and backyard—has shaped her definitions of compassion, kindness, and worship. And she desires to paint the picture of how they are all beautifully intertwined in God’s Word. Hear how her deep love for Scripture fuels her mission to make change and mobilize the next generation of leaders.

Guest Bio:

Sandra Maria Van Opstal is a second-generation Latina and the executive director of Chasing Justice. She is an author, pastor, and activist reimagining the intersection of faith and justice. Her work centers on chasing justice under the mentorship of the global church, for the mobilization of the next generation of leaders. 

She holds a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is currently pursuing doctoral work in urban leadership and transformation. She is a contributor to the New York Times bestselling book A Rhythm of Prayer, and she’s also the author of The Next Worship, 40 Days on Being an Eight, and more. 

Notes & Quotes:

• “What I saw [when first studying Scripture] was a God who cared. I connected for the first time, the deep understanding that God is present with us, and that God is going to do something about the world that we live in.” 

• “I would say at every point in time of my formation, it has always been understanding the Bible in its context that has liberated me to a deeper and deeper relationship with God.” 

• “Unless the work that you're doing is rooted in the Spirit and in your faith, it will never be fruitful.” 

• “[Certain Bible passages] invite us to connect that our walk with God, our worship of God, our connectedness with God invites a way of living in the world that is kind and compassionate and good and just and right.” 

• “Connection with God moves us to pursue the flourishing of others.”

Links Mentioned:

• FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT 
• Learn more about Sandra’s work with Chasing Justice.  
• See all of Sandra’s books on Amazon. 
• Want to tell us about your favorite episodes? Email us here.  
• Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  
• Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  
• Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. 
• Follow VOICES on Instagram.

Verses Mentioned:

• Esther’s Story: Esther 1-10 
• Moses’ Beginnings: Exodus 1-3 
• Isaiah 58, 60, 61 
• Matthew 5:6 
• Luke 4:18 
• Hebrews 11 
• James 1:19 
• Micah 6:8 
• Amos 5:1–17 
• Luke 24:32

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices