Promesse de Dieu.
It’s been almost one year since an earthquake virtually destroyed the country of Haiti. It was a disaster that took poverty to a new level and shed light for the rest of the world to see the conditions of the most impoverished nation in the Western hemisphere. Our team left to work on the ground in Haiti, and they were clear when they returned that the spirit of the Haitian people was not destroyed, but possibly more importantly, God was at work in the midst of the disaster. For many of the Haitian community in Tampa, last January was an agonizing time of waiting to hear from family and watching the country lay in ruins. Their year began in pain, but clearly, God was at work.
PDD reaches out to Haitian women here in our city. The semester started out with leaders Deborah, Enslie and Romy with 4 other women on a retreat asking God for vision for their next year. It was a small group. The women cried out to God asking him to bring other women who needed to experience the same feeling of belonging to a community that they had found. They continued gathering on Tuesday nights, sharing dinner, discussions and bible studies. And more women came, and more, and more. Within weeks their meeting exploded to around 20 women coming to find a home with PDD.
One woman, in particular, was reluctant to come. She has been hurt in the past, and was against studying the bible. But she came one night and shared dinner and a discussion. She returned the next week and the leaders were sure after they studied scripture she wouldn’t return, and she did. The next week after a long time of prayer, they were certain they wouldn’t see her again. And she came back. Recently, Deb and Enslie recently spent time at her house to get to know her better. They shared how they were scared each time she wouldn’t return. She told them something kept drawing her back. She didn’t know what it was, but she knew she was making a good decision for her and her daughter.
God is at work in the Haitian community. In Haiti. and in Tampa.
Friday, December 31, 2010
At the Well.
At the Well.
It’s a new micro-church. They’ve spent months preparing. Listening to God. Preparing their home. Meeting new people. They were ready to launch in January, but a call came early. After a day of celebrating Christmas with their family, John and Jane Stephens received a phone call from a woman they were expecting to see in January, but she was all alone and asked if she come to the Well. Their response was enthusiastic: Of course, we’ve been waiting!”
So it begins. A family on a journey to show the extravagant love and care of Jesus to some women who need it the most. They are searching to learn more about the grace God extends to us, and they are ready to extend that grace to the women they will live in community with. Their prayer for these women is to see Jesus, and once they are untangled from the grip of abuse, they find freedom to love and pursue God completely.
There are still some steps to be ready. They need some electrical work done for the safety of those who will live in this community. Meeting with a lawyer. Continuing relationships with women. The new year will bring many changes, and they are waiting with anticipation of this next year, and all the ways they will encounter God as a community
It’s a new micro-church. They’ve spent months preparing. Listening to God. Preparing their home. Meeting new people. They were ready to launch in January, but a call came early. After a day of celebrating Christmas with their family, John and Jane Stephens received a phone call from a woman they were expecting to see in January, but she was all alone and asked if she come to the Well. Their response was enthusiastic: Of course, we’ve been waiting!”
So it begins. A family on a journey to show the extravagant love and care of Jesus to some women who need it the most. They are searching to learn more about the grace God extends to us, and they are ready to extend that grace to the women they will live in community with. Their prayer for these women is to see Jesus, and once they are untangled from the grip of abuse, they find freedom to love and pursue God completely.
There are still some steps to be ready. They need some electrical work done for the safety of those who will live in this community. Meeting with a lawyer. Continuing relationships with women. The new year will bring many changes, and they are waiting with anticipation of this next year, and all the ways they will encounter God as a community
Friday, December 24, 2010
UndergroundHamburg
UndergroundHamburg.
They sold everything. They packed up their lives, and they moved. Halfway around the world. The area of the city represents over 100 nations. And no churches. Five adults and two kids left two months ago to remind this city that Jesus loves them, and to call them into relationship with him.
It’s been filled with language learning and community building. Trying to understand culture, and trying to stay warm. There’s a housing shortage in Hamburg, which makes it difficult to find a place to call home. Earlier this month, Jason relayed this message: “I would love to have stories of signs and wonders...people being raised from the dead - ya know. But our story is more...pray, try to find a place to live - get rejected. Then we wake up and ask our selves, "what will we do today?"....more of the same. “
We’ve been celebrating this last week as they were finally able to secure housing. It’s not exactly what they hoped for, but it is a reminder that God does provide.
To stay connected with what God is doing in Hamburg, text "Follow HamburgUGVox" to the number 40404.
They sold everything. They packed up their lives, and they moved. Halfway around the world. The area of the city represents over 100 nations. And no churches. Five adults and two kids left two months ago to remind this city that Jesus loves them, and to call them into relationship with him.
It’s been filled with language learning and community building. Trying to understand culture, and trying to stay warm. There’s a housing shortage in Hamburg, which makes it difficult to find a place to call home. Earlier this month, Jason relayed this message: “I would love to have stories of signs and wonders...people being raised from the dead - ya know. But our story is more...pray, try to find a place to live - get rejected. Then we wake up and ask our selves, "what will we do today?"....more of the same. “
We’ve been celebrating this last week as they were finally able to secure housing. It’s not exactly what they hoped for, but it is a reminder that God does provide.
To stay connected with what God is doing in Hamburg, text "Follow HamburgUGVox" to the number 40404.
Kairos
Kairos.
Those who are finding themselves at the end of their physical life, find support through Kairos. They are committed to loving those who many have forgotten. Their care is for the elderly, for the sick and especially during the holidays, those who may feel most alone.
The story of Ms. Sadie is told through our friend, Guy. She lives deep in a neighborhood that many avoid. Her family is poor, as Guys says, “generationally impoverished.” The family home doubles as a child-care center. She has a daughter who loves her and cares for her to the best of her abilities. As Guy sat in the room with Ms. Sadie, praying and reading scripture, God spoke clearly, “It’s her time. I’m about to take her home. My arms are open. You should talk to her daughter.” With hesitation, he spent time sharing what was about to happen to her mother. He used a quote from Henri Nouwen: “The greatest gift a family can give their loved one at the end is to release them... let them go.. bless them to go home to God.”
After a prayer, the daughter left. She returned home after purchasing a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She laid the flowers with her mother, wrapped her hands around it and spoke the words we may never be quite ready for. “I love you, and I want you here with me forever, but the preacher says God is ready for you. I think so too” With that, she released her mama to Jesus.
Those who are finding themselves at the end of their physical life, find support through Kairos. They are committed to loving those who many have forgotten. Their care is for the elderly, for the sick and especially during the holidays, those who may feel most alone.
The story of Ms. Sadie is told through our friend, Guy. She lives deep in a neighborhood that many avoid. Her family is poor, as Guys says, “generationally impoverished.” The family home doubles as a child-care center. She has a daughter who loves her and cares for her to the best of her abilities. As Guy sat in the room with Ms. Sadie, praying and reading scripture, God spoke clearly, “It’s her time. I’m about to take her home. My arms are open. You should talk to her daughter.” With hesitation, he spent time sharing what was about to happen to her mother. He used a quote from Henri Nouwen: “The greatest gift a family can give their loved one at the end is to release them... let them go.. bless them to go home to God.”
After a prayer, the daughter left. She returned home after purchasing a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She laid the flowers with her mother, wrapped her hands around it and spoke the words we may never be quite ready for. “I love you, and I want you here with me forever, but the preacher says God is ready for you. I think so too” With that, she released her mama to Jesus.
Deeply Rooted
Deeply Rooted.
Their mission is committed to young girls aging out of the foster care system. One of the leaders, April, recently shared this testimony:
This past semester, we have talked about true beauty, identity and worth, goals, cooking basics, basic first aid/cpr, going to college and other life paths. We have enjoyed guest speakers, had a college tour, and also encountered God's word and love. At Jesus Encounter we had one girl decide to follow Jesus and was baptized. The other girl who was there is also following Jesus and is serious about studying the Bible. We have begun to use the Discovery Bible Study method where the girls themselves will lead the bible discussions. We are learning as we go. It has been great so far to be able to go over some different life topics and look forward to more in the springs semester (love, sex, and relationships, job applications/interviews, money management, knowing yourself, communication and so much more.) I think we all agree, though, that it is more about the community that is being developed that has been most life changing and rewarding for us and the young women. We rejoice more over the young women coming to know Jesus and for them to be deeply rooted in his love, as well as knowing and trusting in God as their Father and his people as their family. Some of the girls have said they have not been this close to anyone else before. According to a survey we recently did, the young women said they love knowing there are people they can confide in; they feel welcome and at home here; they want more people to come and more time with one another. We long for more, too.
Their mission is committed to young girls aging out of the foster care system. One of the leaders, April, recently shared this testimony:
This past semester, we have talked about true beauty, identity and worth, goals, cooking basics, basic first aid/cpr, going to college and other life paths. We have enjoyed guest speakers, had a college tour, and also encountered God's word and love. At Jesus Encounter we had one girl decide to follow Jesus and was baptized. The other girl who was there is also following Jesus and is serious about studying the Bible. We have begun to use the Discovery Bible Study method where the girls themselves will lead the bible discussions. We are learning as we go. It has been great so far to be able to go over some different life topics and look forward to more in the springs semester (love, sex, and relationships, job applications/interviews, money management, knowing yourself, communication and so much more.) I think we all agree, though, that it is more about the community that is being developed that has been most life changing and rewarding for us and the young women. We rejoice more over the young women coming to know Jesus and for them to be deeply rooted in his love, as well as knowing and trusting in God as their Father and his people as their family. Some of the girls have said they have not been this close to anyone else before. According to a survey we recently did, the young women said they love knowing there are people they can confide in; they feel welcome and at home here; they want more people to come and more time with one another. We long for more, too.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
InterVarsity/Sonburst
Sonburst is InterVarsity’s annual state-wide student conference in Florida. It is a chance for students to challenge their faith and become equipped to build the Kingdom of God on their campus. This year, they were excited for their biggest yet. Over 600 student and staff from around the state gathered together for three days of worship, teaching and prayer for change on their campuses. They were able to celebrate the diversity of students. It was also a chance to build community with students who are working towards the same mission on campus.
One student spoke of arriving at Sonburst feeling very alone, but throughout his time surrounded by other students, he developed relationships with people who felt the same way. He knew he was leaving the conference, not alone, but as part of a larger community. Another student spoke of recently beginning to follow Jesus, but she felt she was missing a personal worship experience like other people she had seen. One night in worship she began to lift her hands and finally felt free to experience worship in ways she had only seen others experience it.
Another student spoke of things her eyes had been opened to over the time at the conference. She spoke of a recognition of God's heart for the poor and the injustices that are happening all over the world.
The simple fact is lives were changed. Students walked into the conference in many different situations, but left as a community of students working to see the Kingdom of God on their campus and in their world.
One student spoke of arriving at Sonburst feeling very alone, but throughout his time surrounded by other students, he developed relationships with people who felt the same way. He knew he was leaving the conference, not alone, but as part of a larger community. Another student spoke of recently beginning to follow Jesus, but she felt she was missing a personal worship experience like other people she had seen. One night in worship she began to lift her hands and finally felt free to experience worship in ways she had only seen others experience it.
Another student spoke of things her eyes had been opened to over the time at the conference. She spoke of a recognition of God's heart for the poor and the injustices that are happening all over the world.
The simple fact is lives were changed. Students walked into the conference in many different situations, but left as a community of students working to see the Kingdom of God on their campus and in their world.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Heal Haiti 2010
"My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me."
And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Psalms 27:8
"God has not forgotten about Haiti." I've had the honor to be able to listen to some of the stories from our team. They've all revolved around the same idea.
Our team left with the intention of serving a very broken city, but what they found was a city full of life, love and hope that welcomed and served them. In a setting that would seem hopeless to most, they saw the face of God. It was an experience they could not prepare for, and it was one that left them transformed. The city was destroyed and yet they were not left defined by their surroundings. They weren't waiting for someone to tell them what to do next. Instead, they were working to rebuild and restore their lives that were lost in the earthquake six months ago. And what was most powerful is their need for complete dependence on God. In the face of sickness, prayer became the first response.. and prayers were answered. In the face of hopelessness, prayer was offered and hope was given. One of the leaders shared her experience in her own writing.
"We came with the intentions to help remove rubble and left building lasting relationships.
The work that was put into this trip was far beyond anything physical. It required the use of our hearts to be open to receive from the people of Ca-ira and from the Lord.
So many valuable lessons were taught and received by those who came on this trip. From not being able to communicate in the same language to discovering a new way to share.
Simplicity, hospitality, and love was taught by the people of Ca-ira. All you can say is this: Scripture was being lived out.
Our hearts were bruised and eyes watered, we were reminded of God's love for the poor. Many Heart felt moments
The number one lesson that came from this trip was learning how to build relationships and just take on the posture of learning."
From hearing the stories I'm personally reminded of the importance for us to stand with our brothers and sisters as a community and fully support our team that will be launching the Haiti Underground. They are not just seeing Jesus in this country. They are taking the opportunity to show Jesus to those across the country who are still without that hope.
-Lindsay
And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Psalms 27:8
"God has not forgotten about Haiti." I've had the honor to be able to listen to some of the stories from our team. They've all revolved around the same idea.
Our team left with the intention of serving a very broken city, but what they found was a city full of life, love and hope that welcomed and served them. In a setting that would seem hopeless to most, they saw the face of God. It was an experience they could not prepare for, and it was one that left them transformed. The city was destroyed and yet they were not left defined by their surroundings. They weren't waiting for someone to tell them what to do next. Instead, they were working to rebuild and restore their lives that were lost in the earthquake six months ago. And what was most powerful is their need for complete dependence on God. In the face of sickness, prayer became the first response.. and prayers were answered. In the face of hopelessness, prayer was offered and hope was given. One of the leaders shared her experience in her own writing.
"We came with the intentions to help remove rubble and left building lasting relationships.
The work that was put into this trip was far beyond anything physical. It required the use of our hearts to be open to receive from the people of Ca-ira and from the Lord.
So many valuable lessons were taught and received by those who came on this trip. From not being able to communicate in the same language to discovering a new way to share.
Simplicity, hospitality, and love was taught by the people of Ca-ira. All you can say is this: Scripture was being lived out.
Our hearts were bruised and eyes watered, we were reminded of God's love for the poor. Many Heart felt moments
The number one lesson that came from this trip was learning how to build relationships and just take on the posture of learning."
From hearing the stories I'm personally reminded of the importance for us to stand with our brothers and sisters as a community and fully support our team that will be launching the Haiti Underground. They are not just seeing Jesus in this country. They are taking the opportunity to show Jesus to those across the country who are still without that hope.
-Lindsay
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Hammock House
After the continued growth of the South St. Pete house church last fall, the leaders felt like it was time to expand. The expansion resulted in the Hammock house church. It has become melting pot with students, recent graduates, middle aged, homeless, single and married, but despite all of the differences they have been united as a community with a desire to impact their neighborhood.
As they began to explore what their mission would look like, they took note of all the kids on their street who often come from broken families and are exposed to drug dealing and constant fighting. With a heart to show these children the love of God, they began to modify their meeting to accommodate the kids. After sharing a meal, they take time for a bible study while offering the kids crafts, music, sports or their own bible study.
While there was some resistance in the beginning from parents and some of the kids, they've been able to make an impact on their street. On average, they see 3 to 4 kids a week in their meeting, and they've had the opportunity to welcome as many as 10 kids in one meeting. While they may not always know exactly what to do next, they know God is at work around them and in them.
If you would like information about visiting the Hammock house church you can contact Sarah.
As they began to explore what their mission would look like, they took note of all the kids on their street who often come from broken families and are exposed to drug dealing and constant fighting. With a heart to show these children the love of God, they began to modify their meeting to accommodate the kids. After sharing a meal, they take time for a bible study while offering the kids crafts, music, sports or their own bible study.
While there was some resistance in the beginning from parents and some of the kids, they've been able to make an impact on their street. On average, they see 3 to 4 kids a week in their meeting, and they've had the opportunity to welcome as many as 10 kids in one meeting. While they may not always know exactly what to do next, they know God is at work around them and in them.
If you would like information about visiting the Hammock house church you can contact Sarah.
Created
Sometimes it's hard for us to quantify the work we are doing in the community. Some churches spend countless hours trying to calculate the attendance, involvement and impact of their ministries. People looking in from the outside are sometimes looking for concrete numbers to trace the effectiveness of our ministries. So, without the facts and figures, how do you measure your impact?
Last week, I was sitting at my desk in the Hub, and I had the honor of witnessing the testimony of a changed life. A local police officer had heard of the work Created has been doing in our city and wanted more information to see if some of the officers could work with Created to help the women in our city. As he spoke with Joann, he noted that while the ministry sounded great, if he was going to get his bosses involved, he needed some concrete facts and figures, something to show the effects. Without that information, the staff of Created tried to reinforce the fact that lives were being changed even if wasn't proven on paper. It was proven in the ladies. The officer noted there had some women he hadn't seen in a while, and he hoped the best for them but was concerned that something much worse had happened.
The officer then witnessed something that couldn't be proven through paper, facts or figures. One of the Created ladies came around the corner, and he saw a changed life. He knew her. Well... he knew the old her. And now as he sat in the Created offices, he saw the new her. She began to share her story about finding God's grace and love and how he changed her life. Shortly, after that another one of the ladies came around the corner. He knew them both before, but it was different now. He was listening the story of God's grace, and he could see this new life overflowing from them.
It was proof that couldn't be shown in numbers, charts, brochures or budgets. It was lives changed. At times we may feel discouraged, but we should all be encouraged by the story of a changed life.
-Lindsay
Last week, I was sitting at my desk in the Hub, and I had the honor of witnessing the testimony of a changed life. A local police officer had heard of the work Created has been doing in our city and wanted more information to see if some of the officers could work with Created to help the women in our city. As he spoke with Joann, he noted that while the ministry sounded great, if he was going to get his bosses involved, he needed some concrete facts and figures, something to show the effects. Without that information, the staff of Created tried to reinforce the fact that lives were being changed even if wasn't proven on paper. It was proven in the ladies. The officer noted there had some women he hadn't seen in a while, and he hoped the best for them but was concerned that something much worse had happened.
The officer then witnessed something that couldn't be proven through paper, facts or figures. One of the Created ladies came around the corner, and he saw a changed life. He knew her. Well... he knew the old her. And now as he sat in the Created offices, he saw the new her. She began to share her story about finding God's grace and love and how he changed her life. Shortly, after that another one of the ladies came around the corner. He knew them both before, but it was different now. He was listening the story of God's grace, and he could see this new life overflowing from them.
It was proof that couldn't be shown in numbers, charts, brochures or budgets. It was lives changed. At times we may feel discouraged, but we should all be encouraged by the story of a changed life.
-Lindsay
Links of Hope
Links of Hope was created in 2008 with a goal to teach impoverished women a marketable cottage industry so that they can provide for their own families with a sustainable income. Through personal relationships, they have been able to train over 40 women in Honduras, Costa Rica and right here in Tampa in the art of jewelry making. If you are interested in supporting Links of Hope you can do so by donating old jewelry, beads or gift cards to supply the women with the raw materials they need to create jewelry. You can contact Beth at elizabeth@linksofhope.org
Saturday Lunch
As our network continues to expand throughout Tampa, it's even more exciting to see the growth in Pinellas County. Scott and Danielle Haefele have been leading their house church in reaching out to the ever growing homeless community in Williams Park and St. Vincents. Every 2nd Saturday they meet at 9:30 a.m. to prepare around 200 lunches for those in the community. Through these lunches they've been able to be tangible examples of God's provision, as well as build and strengthen relationships with so many of the homeless community in St. Pete. In the last three years, they have tripled their volunteer involvement. As they continue to grow, they'll be able to expand to more Saturdays providing lunch for their community.
The Lake House
Click on the link below for a video to learn a little more about The Lake House..
The Lake House
You can also follow their blog here: lakehousetampa.blogspot.com
The Lake House
You can also follow their blog here: lakehousetampa.blogspot.com
UBUNTU
The word actually has its origins in the Bantu languages of southern Africa. For some of our Underground network, it’s where they come together in community. Desmond Tutu gave the word some definition by saying, “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when other are humiliated or diminished, when others are torture or oppressed.”
The philosophy of Ubunutu is community at it’s best, and that’s why the core team of this house church chose this name for their gathering. In 2006, a group of six people began to meet as a church. At the time, they were all maintaing their separate ministries, but they were able to come together to meet and experience life together. In 2007 as Underground was beginning to form, they decided it was time for a name and found Ubuntu as the perfect word to describe what was happening in their home church.
For Ubuntu, it’s not just about getting together once a week for bible study and dinner. It’s about experiencing life together. For some, it’s been their community for years and for others, it was just a season. The growth of Ubuntu cannot be measured by their weekly meeting, but by the ministries its people have created. The same mission that brought them together as a community is the mission that inspires and drives them to expand the kingdom. We were not meant to live life alone, and Ubuntu is a perfect example of the change that can occur when we choose to live life together with others.
Ubuntu meets Sundays at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to visit, contact Wil at 813.765.9166 or wsekajipo@yahoo.com
The philosophy of Ubunutu is community at it’s best, and that’s why the core team of this house church chose this name for their gathering. In 2006, a group of six people began to meet as a church. At the time, they were all maintaing their separate ministries, but they were able to come together to meet and experience life together. In 2007 as Underground was beginning to form, they decided it was time for a name and found Ubuntu as the perfect word to describe what was happening in their home church.
For Ubuntu, it’s not just about getting together once a week for bible study and dinner. It’s about experiencing life together. For some, it’s been their community for years and for others, it was just a season. The growth of Ubuntu cannot be measured by their weekly meeting, but by the ministries its people have created. The same mission that brought them together as a community is the mission that inspires and drives them to expand the kingdom. We were not meant to live life alone, and Ubuntu is a perfect example of the change that can occur when we choose to live life together with others.
Ubuntu meets Sundays at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to visit, contact Wil at 813.765.9166 or wsekajipo@yahoo.com
The MiLK House
Every Thursday night on Martin Luther King Blvd., there’s a group of people who gather for dinner and bible study. Their current life situations are as different as their pasts. But they’re all united under the same passion: to be community.
We are all new creations in Christ, but there are few that understand that more than the MiLK house. Some have struggled with addiction and some with homelessness. They are employed and unemployed. Some of their stories would surprise you. Some would inspire you. But when they gather together as a community, they find a common ground. For some, this is the first time they’ve experienced support through a community. They no longer have to fight their battles alone, but they can do it with the support of the house.
The MiLK house meets on Thursday nights at 7:00 for dinner and bible study at 1217 E. MLK in Tampa. If you’d like any more information, contact George at 813.562.7603 or John at 813.385.8671
We are all new creations in Christ, but there are few that understand that more than the MiLK house. Some have struggled with addiction and some with homelessness. They are employed and unemployed. Some of their stories would surprise you. Some would inspire you. But when they gather together as a community, they find a common ground. For some, this is the first time they’ve experienced support through a community. They no longer have to fight their battles alone, but they can do it with the support of the house.
The MiLK house meets on Thursday nights at 7:00 for dinner and bible study at 1217 E. MLK in Tampa. If you’d like any more information, contact George at 813.562.7603 or John at 813.385.8671
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