Tuesday, May 03, 2011
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is growing. Literally. Around our city, they have begun to take lawns in urban neighborhoods and utilize them as fruit, vegetables and herb gardens to produce food for the needy and meal sites in Tampa. Working in collaboration with the Lake House they have a composting co-op of 10 houses who collect compost to create the soil for the garden network. They hope to raise awareness of the importance of local agriculture. For the Eden Project these gardens are not just a hobby, they are a way of life and they are essential to reducing the environmental and social impact of the globalization of our food. You can support the Eden Project and learn more about turning your lawn into a productive garden by visiting here.
Hamburg Underground
They’ve been working hard learning the language and culture of a new country, finding housing and work, making friends, meeting their community. And these few months have been a series of firsts. They were able to host their first outreach. An open mic night that brought 35+ people into a small venue to showcase several artists in Wilhelmsburg. Musicians shared their music and the walls were lined with several paintings. And maybe the most important thing that was shared was the love of Jesus. The team was able to engage the audience in conversations about their faith and even invite some of the attendees to their upcoming first house church meeting. And on Palm Sunday, they gathered as a house church for the first time. They shared a meal, their stories and prayer. As they reflected on Jesus coming into Jerusalem, they were able to reflect on how Jesus has made an entrance into their own lives.
Yes, there were many firsts. But what is most exciting is they are not the end. It was the first outreach of many to come. The first house church meeting in the first house with many more meetings and houses to come. It is the beginning of something amazing in Hamburg.
Yes, there were many firsts. But what is most exciting is they are not the end. It was the first outreach of many to come. The first house church meeting in the first house with many more meetings and houses to come. It is the beginning of something amazing in Hamburg.
The Timothy Initiative
Their church is home to 15 to 20 men each week. Men who have found themselves stuck in a web of addiction and even though some have completed a rehab program, they don’t know how to continue to rebuild their lives. They are now using 3 houses to provide a home for men who are a part of the group. And their micro businesses are growing almost beyond what they can staff. Hundreds of t-shirts are being printed each week through their screen printing business. Hours and hours of contracting work fixing up houses. Other odd jobs around the city. Men are finding more than just something to do in place of their addiction. They’re finding a community of people who understand them, love them and believe they can be more than their addiction. They’re finding work which is restoring their dignity and their drive to continue to grow. But most importantly they’re finding Jesus. They’re learning he’s their only hope for beating an addiction that has held them captive for years. They’re finding freedom.
Seven Days
“In the beginning, God created....”
The idea of art is nothing new to God. He is the original creator. Unfortunately, so much of the art world has left little room for Christian artists to honor God with their art. As a community, we were excited to host SevenDays: Conscious Arts Experience. Over 100 Christian artists came and showcased their art over 7 days at the Hub. Each night honored a different discipline. From visual artists, to poets, musicians and songwriters, hip hop artists and dancers, the Hub was overtaken by displays of art. And it was beautiful. We took seven days to remember how our creator formed us. Seven days to honor him with our creations. There were 200 to 300 people in the Hub every night remembering creation too. The Underground Artist Collective worked hard, and inspired new artists to emerge and to honor God with the things they create.
The idea of art is nothing new to God. He is the original creator. Unfortunately, so much of the art world has left little room for Christian artists to honor God with their art. As a community, we were excited to host SevenDays: Conscious Arts Experience. Over 100 Christian artists came and showcased their art over 7 days at the Hub. Each night honored a different discipline. From visual artists, to poets, musicians and songwriters, hip hop artists and dancers, the Hub was overtaken by displays of art. And it was beautiful. We took seven days to remember how our creator formed us. Seven days to honor him with our creations. There were 200 to 300 people in the Hub every night remembering creation too. The Underground Artist Collective worked hard, and inspired new artists to emerge and to honor God with the things they create.
Manila Underground
In 2007, one community left Tampa to live in Manila for 9 months and learn what it means to share Jesus with those on the margins. They spent 9 months watching local missionaries plant churches in the poorest slums in Manila, and it was there during that time that the Underground was formed.
So it seems fitting that the Underground is now returning to Manila to launch a new movement of micro churches in Manila. In February, we hosted a 3 day training with the leaders of this new movement. We travelled through the city and prayed for God to show us the area he would want us to begin working in. We ended up in a slum across the street from a university. And that is where we have begun. Getting to know the community, sharing Jesus and launching house churches. The team is excited and working hard. And we’re excited to hear the stories of Jesus being shared in Manila.
So it seems fitting that the Underground is now returning to Manila to launch a new movement of micro churches in Manila. In February, we hosted a 3 day training with the leaders of this new movement. We travelled through the city and prayed for God to show us the area he would want us to begin working in. We ended up in a slum across the street from a university. And that is where we have begun. Getting to know the community, sharing Jesus and launching house churches. The team is excited and working hard. And we’re excited to hear the stories of Jesus being shared in Manila.
Haiti Underground
The Haiti Underground team has been working hard in Ca-ira to continue to rebuild the city after the destruction from the earthquakes last year. The team traveled there in February to meet with the engineers who would be taking on the project of building a new multipurpose covered facility. They were met by a group of young leaders committed to educating and working with the youth to improve the future of their community. The team was excited to hear that the decisions by being for the community were being made BY the community. But what was most encouraging was the ability to meet with the mayor of Leogane. The leaders were able to arrange the meeting with him and the mayor was clear that it was the work of that team that got his time and attention and got the community together. He not only encouraged the work, but provided a better plot of land than what was originally going to be used. They are working hard and making progress. It’s taking time, but we know that Jesus is working. And we’re excited to see more doors open for the team to work in Haiti.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Micro church Videos
You can check out our channel on YouTube to see videos of our micro churches that were featured earlier this year:
Underground813
Underground813
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
From Brian, on Core Sundays...
A current translation of "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" by Gil Scott
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
You will not be able to stay home, brother.
You will not be able to plug in, turn on, log on and cop out.
You will not be able to TiVo, Netflix, Hulu it,
Because the revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be brought to you by Cialis or Lipator.
In high definition or in 4 parts without commercial interruptions.
The revolution will not be tweeted, facebooked or blogged about.
it will not be commented on by Rush Limbaugh or Jon Stewart.
The revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be aired on Fox or MSNBC
The revolution will not be syndicated or copyrighted.
The revolution will not give you sex appeal.
The revolution will not get rid of bad breath or germs that cause them.
The revolution will not make you look five pounds
thinner, because the revolution will not be televised, Brother.
And it will not be made into a movie by Michael Moore, or starring Kirk Cameron.
The story will not be written by Max Lucado or Philip Yancy.
The revolution will not be on TBN or CBN, because the revolution will not be televised.
It will not promise you 10, 100 or 1000 fold for your love offering to this ministry,
The revolution costs you everything.
The revolution will not be wearing skinny jeans or graphic tees.
It will not be hip hop or hipster.
The revolution will not be on a home page, or the blogoshere, or your facebook wall.
It will not be available on itunes or for download anywhere.
It will not be open source, or linex based.
You will not be able to comment on the revolution,
There will be no user names, or logins.
Jersey Shore, Glee and Finding out who is the next American Idol
will no longer be so culturally relevant,
and no one will care who is dancing with the stars or
who is smarter than a fifth grader,
because the poor will be in the street looking for a brighter day.
The revolution will not be televised.
There will be no highlights on the eleven o'clock
news and no pictures of celebrities, or corporate moguls on the red carpet.
The revolution will not be carpeted.
The revolution will not be on the cover of rolling stone, relevant, or charisma magazine.
It will not be on Mark Driscols podcast, or Rob Bells next speaking tour.
The revolution will not be sold in Christian Book Stores.
The revolution will not have a logo, a brand or a flash mob.
The revolution will be interactive, but not in a virtual world.
The revolution will not be texted or made into an app for your phone.
The revolution will not be available for iphone, android or blackberry.
Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg will not be leading the revolution.
The theme song will not be sung by Coldplay, Kanye West or the Black Eyed Peas.
The revolution will not be right back
after a message from any sponsor.
The revolution will not be televised,
The revolution will be no re-run brothers;
The revolution will be live.
A current translation of "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" by Gil Scott
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
You will not be able to stay home, brother.
You will not be able to plug in, turn on, log on and cop out.
You will not be able to TiVo, Netflix, Hulu it,
Because the revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be brought to you by Cialis or Lipator.
In high definition or in 4 parts without commercial interruptions.
The revolution will not be tweeted, facebooked or blogged about.
it will not be commented on by Rush Limbaugh or Jon Stewart.
The revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be aired on Fox or MSNBC
The revolution will not be syndicated or copyrighted.
The revolution will not give you sex appeal.
The revolution will not get rid of bad breath or germs that cause them.
The revolution will not make you look five pounds
thinner, because the revolution will not be televised, Brother.
And it will not be made into a movie by Michael Moore, or starring Kirk Cameron.
The story will not be written by Max Lucado or Philip Yancy.
The revolution will not be on TBN or CBN, because the revolution will not be televised.
It will not promise you 10, 100 or 1000 fold for your love offering to this ministry,
The revolution costs you everything.
The revolution will not be wearing skinny jeans or graphic tees.
It will not be hip hop or hipster.
The revolution will not be on a home page, or the blogoshere, or your facebook wall.
It will not be available on itunes or for download anywhere.
It will not be open source, or linex based.
You will not be able to comment on the revolution,
There will be no user names, or logins.
Jersey Shore, Glee and Finding out who is the next American Idol
will no longer be so culturally relevant,
and no one will care who is dancing with the stars or
who is smarter than a fifth grader,
because the poor will be in the street looking for a brighter day.
The revolution will not be televised.
There will be no highlights on the eleven o'clock
news and no pictures of celebrities, or corporate moguls on the red carpet.
The revolution will not be carpeted.
The revolution will not be on the cover of rolling stone, relevant, or charisma magazine.
It will not be on Mark Driscols podcast, or Rob Bells next speaking tour.
The revolution will not be sold in Christian Book Stores.
The revolution will not have a logo, a brand or a flash mob.
The revolution will be interactive, but not in a virtual world.
The revolution will not be texted or made into an app for your phone.
The revolution will not be available for iphone, android or blackberry.
Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg will not be leading the revolution.
The theme song will not be sung by Coldplay, Kanye West or the Black Eyed Peas.
The revolution will not be right back
after a message from any sponsor.
The revolution will not be televised,
The revolution will be no re-run brothers;
The revolution will be live.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Promesse de Dieu
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.
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.
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
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