Real Lives... A shabby looking man came up to me at the ice cream shop asking for change. As I talked with him, I learned Michael was a long-time heroin user who desperately wanted to quit.
We've become close to a couple living together in our neighborhood. The man is an alcoholic and the woman does not want to be alone. Several times she has called crying because of the fighting that goes on between them.
I was talking with a partially crippled man at the park one evening about how he had experienced a lot of pain from not having a steady father figure in his life. He’s now searching for advice about his engagement as he has feelings for another woman.
Real Challenges... The common theme with these ‘neighbors’ is that the church is a place where they don’t feel comfortable. Whether due to a bad experience, cultural differences, or a preconceived misconception, these people are not willing to let the church help them with their struggles. What lasting help can they find apart from the Gospel? ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man?’ Luke 6:39
Real Solutions... Just as a tree branch provides covering and shade so God invites us to come under His covering through Jesus; who died and paid the price for sin. We believe the church should be incarnating this message in all segments of society. We desire God to use us to be His branches, extending this covering to those around us. As it is promised… “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, and the Lord gives sight to the blind…The Lord watches over the sojourner and sustains the fatherless and the widow…” Psalm 146: 7-9a
During my time in seminary, we are committing to approximately 15 hours a week of ministry. Some of this will be coordinating social services for the community, such as job fairs, craft days for kids, health and fitness classes, tax advising, Bible study, counseling, etc. This job will provide us with free rent and allow us to develop relationships without having any personal expenses.
In order for us to minister part time while I attend seminary, we are asking for partners in prayer and financial giving. We are so thankful to have been offered a 40% scholarship for this academic year. However, we are still in need of $1330 a month because of the rest of our living expenses and tuition. If you would like to partner with us please see the giving info on the right hand side of the homepage.
We've become close to a couple living together in our neighborhood. The man is an alcoholic and the woman does not want to be alone. Several times she has called crying because of the fighting that goes on between them.
I was talking with a partially crippled man at the park one evening about how he had experienced a lot of pain from not having a steady father figure in his life. He’s now searching for advice about his engagement as he has feelings for another woman.
Real Challenges... The common theme with these ‘neighbors’ is that the church is a place where they don’t feel comfortable. Whether due to a bad experience, cultural differences, or a preconceived misconception, these people are not willing to let the church help them with their struggles. What lasting help can they find apart from the Gospel? ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man?’ Luke 6:39
Real Solutions... Just as a tree branch provides covering and shade so God invites us to come under His covering through Jesus; who died and paid the price for sin. We believe the church should be incarnating this message in all segments of society. We desire God to use us to be His branches, extending this covering to those around us. As it is promised… “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, and the Lord gives sight to the blind…The Lord watches over the sojourner and sustains the fatherless and the widow…” Psalm 146: 7-9a
During my time in seminary, we are committing to approximately 15 hours a week of ministry. Some of this will be coordinating social services for the community, such as job fairs, craft days for kids, health and fitness classes, tax advising, Bible study, counseling, etc. This job will provide us with free rent and allow us to develop relationships without having any personal expenses.
In order for us to minister part time while I attend seminary, we are asking for partners in prayer and financial giving. We are so thankful to have been offered a 40% scholarship for this academic year. However, we are still in need of $1330 a month because of the rest of our living expenses and tuition. If you would like to partner with us please see the giving info on the right hand side of the homepage.
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