Name: Depaul Genska
Ministry: Ministry with persons in prostitution
Website: www.depaulgenska.com
- How were you called to your current ministry/service?
I met two women in prostitution—Jackie Johnson and Diane Ingram—in New York City in June, 1972. When I heard their life story, I was deeply moved to find positive ways to confront these injustices and sufferings caused by prostitution - Who inspires you?
St. Francis of Assisi, and his peace prayer: to bring love where there is hatred, joy where there is sorrow, hope where there is discouragement, happiness where there is sorrow, healing where there is pain and suffering. - What are the biggest obstacles to peace?
Hardness of heart and stubbornness of mind. - What is the biggest challenge your organization faces?
Lack of resources, such as money, and interested, knowledgeable, and committed persons to minister with persons in prostitution. - Describe for us a typical day.
Frequent prayer. Discussions with persons, and correspondence with persons interested in this ministry and with persons in prostitution. - How do you get the news?
Though TV, newspapers, internet and conversations with knowledgeable persons - What are your favorite websites and why?
Franciscans International (http://www.franciscansinternational.org/) and Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and Children (http://www.catwinternational.org/index.php) - for their efforts combating trafficking of women and children - How do you nurture your faith life?
The Eucharist, prayer, spiritual reading, and staying close to persons of faith. - What advice would you give the next generation of church and civic
leaders?
Be open to possibilities. Do not be afraid to try new ways of doing things. Do not subscribe to the negative “ we never did it that way before” – which is the death of any efforts towards peace and justice. - Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know.
I like attention to details—if they are neglected even good programs do not succeed. Besides the devil, “God is in the details.” Not even sparrows fall without God’s knowledge. - Last good book you read?
Pope John Paul II “The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan.” - Last good movie you saw?
“The Passion of the Christ” - What were you like in High School?
On the shy side. History was/is my favorite subject. - If you were a teenage Peacebuilder, you would…
I would connect with others – it is frustrating to be alone in any worthwhile effort like building peace. - What is your favorite comfort food?
Hot dogs and fries. - Share a favorite quote that inspires you.
“The best way for evil of any kind to triumph, is for good people to sit back and do nothing”
