I really hope to upload photos, but have been distracted recently. Until then I think I'll just leave a few thoughts.
When I was in missions school in New Mexico our director would often talk about the "ministry of presence". She believed that often people just need to know we are there...whether or not we speak or really "do" something amazing. Not that these are bad, but often we overlook the need for our presence.
Living on a street with one of the worst crime rates affords us the opportunity to be a part of a unique community. During a recent worship nights one of our acquaintances showed up drunk in the tail end of a 4 day binge. We helped him detox, prayed fervently over him for 3 days, and then helped him get to rehab. I'm so proud of the people God has put in my life. The guys took turns staying with him 24/day and everyone else held him up in tough love and prayer.
Thanksgiving morning our neighbor came in with tears on the characteristic methamphetamine scars on her face. Her guy had punched her and kicked her out of the house. After praying over her we helped her get to family who could take care of her.
This weekend another neighbor came to the door crying. She was just shy of a month clean, but the cravings for drugs were driving her crazy and she was scared she would slip and abuse again. We prayed over her and welcomed her and her kids for dinner and hang out time to provide a distraction.
Though we sometimes go for walks or have random time of passing a football outside, God seems to be bringing people right to our door. As an introvert I'm not always sure of why I'm here...I'm not the one out there talking or really good with lots of people. Just my own feelings of inadequacy. But then the other night I had a blast just doing one of the girls hair and trying on shoes. We all have our place in the puzzle and I'm having a blast in the kitchen trying to help people feel welcome and like they can enjoy a piece of home.
This Thanksgiving break has been great! If you'd like our newsletter, please let me know and I"ll send you a copy.
When I was in missions school in New Mexico our director would often talk about the "ministry of presence". She believed that often people just need to know we are there...whether or not we speak or really "do" something amazing. Not that these are bad, but often we overlook the need for our presence.
Living on a street with one of the worst crime rates affords us the opportunity to be a part of a unique community. During a recent worship nights one of our acquaintances showed up drunk in the tail end of a 4 day binge. We helped him detox, prayed fervently over him for 3 days, and then helped him get to rehab. I'm so proud of the people God has put in my life. The guys took turns staying with him 24/day and everyone else held him up in tough love and prayer.
Thanksgiving morning our neighbor came in with tears on the characteristic methamphetamine scars on her face. Her guy had punched her and kicked her out of the house. After praying over her we helped her get to family who could take care of her.
This weekend another neighbor came to the door crying. She was just shy of a month clean, but the cravings for drugs were driving her crazy and she was scared she would slip and abuse again. We prayed over her and welcomed her and her kids for dinner and hang out time to provide a distraction.
Though we sometimes go for walks or have random time of passing a football outside, God seems to be bringing people right to our door. As an introvert I'm not always sure of why I'm here...I'm not the one out there talking or really good with lots of people. Just my own feelings of inadequacy. But then the other night I had a blast just doing one of the girls hair and trying on shoes. We all have our place in the puzzle and I'm having a blast in the kitchen trying to help people feel welcome and like they can enjoy a piece of home.
This Thanksgiving break has been great! If you'd like our newsletter, please let me know and I"ll send you a copy.
1 comment:
mel,
I think what you guys are doing is amazing. truly, i read your blog and im jelous. really. you are doing such a good job. id love a newsletter.
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