So I have a “to-do” list (believe it or not) and one of the things on that list is to blog more. I’d love to blog more, it’s just I never get to doing it. So this morning I opened up the front office/day shelter with the intent of typing out a blog…the intent was there so much that I brought my journal in the office with me, which had a list of possible titles and topics to blog about and then he walked in. It was Santa. He came to the front desk with something on his mind, and then out of nowhere he said…”I like to people watch, ya know?” I then thought to myself, of course you do after all you got the list that you’re always checking twice. Only Santa could get away with being such an avid people watcher…right?. The answer, obviously, is “NO;” only God is omnipresent and omniscient (as to whether or not he has big white beard…I’ll leave that up to the folks who care about such to keep on investigating/debating such.)

My conversation with Stanley (not really Santa, sorry folks) was interesting. Stanley’s been coming around Jeff St. now since I began my year-long mission here, nearly two months ago, and it’s been great getting to know him. His big faded blonde beard, coke bottle glasses, and jovial smile are quite noticeable; if you were to walk into Jeff St. you’d know exactly who I’m talking about. As a matter of fact Stanley shared with me this morning, an account in which he was walking down the street and some children yelled out the car window, “Hi Santa!!!” He told me that he gets that a lot, I asked him if it bothers him, to which he grinned at me and said, “No, I don’t mind…I enjoy it.” But it’s not just his physical characteristics that stand out, it’s more so the way he treats people. Stanley is very respectful of people and does not wish to cause a scene or be heard or anything like that. He keeps to himself and is always thankful when we are there to hand him his bowl of cereal or help serve the occasional hot breakfast. He’s not socially awkward, he’ll talk with you if you want to talk with him and he’s generally got something interesting or insightful to share whenever I have the pleasure of talking with him.

This morning Stanley and I both realized that we were becoming more than mere acquaintances, but we realized that we both could come and talk to each other about pretty much anything (or at least that’s how I feel). This was established after a discussion we had about people being grateful for the assistance they receive from places like Jeff St. and the interactions that our guests have with our volunteers who come in to serve them. You could say that in a sense, what I’m doing (as a HOPE team member) falls in line with being a volunteer…but that’s not what I meant. We were blessed this morning with a church from Louisville who lovingly served us breakfast and we had a college BCM come to serve our lunch and with all the volunteers in the day shelter, I became curious as to whether or not our day shelter guests liked being talked to by people they don’t even know. Now I’m by no means against volunteers at Jeff St., WE LIKE VOLUNTEERS…A LOT!. But I’ve never been in the shoes of someone who is sitting at a table in the day shelter going about their daily routine and then have that moment when a person I don’t know comes to me and just starts talking to me out of the blue. But I wondered about that and it just so happens that Stanley has been in that position, he knows what that’s like. So I asked Stanley about his take on moments when a complete stranger comes to sit down and inquire about his life. He told me that he doesn’t mind, but Santa…I mean Stanley…being the people watcher that he is told me that some people don’t know how to take it. He told me that some folks are quick to put themselves in a bubble and not let anyone in. Which makes sense. But still he told me, just taking the time to be at Jeff St. and just be there is a great help. Just taking the time to ask someone how they are…even if it doesn’t go anywhere further from that is meaningful to our guests. Though they may not show it, Stanley told me that it does make a difference.

My conversation with Santa was great. I enjoy talking to Stanley, whether he’s sharing stories about the trains he’s hopped on for a means of travel or if he’s talking about how God has helped him out…I know that our conversations are mutually appreciated. Since about last month I’ve been inviting Stanley to Sojourn, when I asked him if he was willing to go check it out sometime soon…he said “sure,” and that is an answered prayer. I’m not expecting this great road to Damascus moment, then again I shouldn’t expect anything like that when we gather to worship in the presence of the Lord. After all we can only trust that God will be at work in His own way, a way in which we are incapable to fathom. If you think about it…pray for my friend Stanley and all who are part of out community here at Jefferson St. God is at work here and there’s no denying this.

OH LORD, guide us all.
-Amen.

 

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”
And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.
Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:36-41

The garden of Gethsemane is not much of a garden. There are about 10 olive trees. The ground is mostly mulch with a pathway winding through. In the corner is a plastic table and some plastic chairs for groups to gather. We wandered our way to the seats while trying to picture Jesus taking the same footsteps. I debated which tree he may have touched (since trees live 2000 years) and decided it must be the one with the cross laying at its base. I wonder if his blood-filled sweat still lingered in the soil?

We recounted the events that led to this moment. We recounted the scripture above. We recounted the betrayal that would soon follow. In this garden Jesus prayed a prayer of agony, sorrow, and acceptance. He prayed in earnest. And while he prayed, the disciples slept. While he suffered, the disciples slumbered. As the weight of the sins of the world began to come upon him, the disciples dreamed. Our Savior set an example for us in that moment. He accepted God’s will – knowing the outcome. Even as his disciples slept, the very people for whom he would suffer, he willingly accepted his fate. There was no grudge or ill will. No self-glorification. It was a definitive act of grace.

After a group prayer we had time to reflect, journal, and pray individually. We spread throughout the garden, but with the sounds of cars driving by, the bright sunshine, and the voices of other groups, it was hard to imagine the nighttime events of Matthew 26. As I scribbled in my journal our guide asked me a quiet question, “Are you sleeping?” At first I thought he was crazy, my eyes were open and I was looking right at him, did it look like I was sleeping?

Of course it didn’t look like I was sleeping. I am the typical Christian after all, a master of the façade. A mask wearer and hypocrite. It didn’t look like I was sleeping at all, but was I? While Jesus agonizes at the weight of my sins, am I sleeping? While Jesus is bruised, beaten, teased, and taunted, am I sleeping? While Jesus dies on the cross, am I sleeping? Am I living to glorify my savior and redeemer? Am I living with the motivation of a perfect love? Am I “watching and praying”? Or am I sleeping?

 

I didn’t know what to expect when I went to Israel. I do know that I didn’t expect to be changed. I didn’t expect to have an “Aha!” moment. I ended up having several. The Lord revealed himself to me in the most profound and concrete ways I have yet encountered. It all began with the voice of a child. “Abba” was the one word that small child sweetly spoke to his father. Daddy. That shaped my trip. That redefined my faith.

As we drove by orthodox Jews in their suits and hats, as the little boys played in their kippahs, as the women kissed the western wall, I kept hearing that word. I realized what it means to be a Christian. I realized the depth of the grace Christ presents. We are no longer bound by ancient law. We no longer need a temple to encounter the presence of God. We simply need to open our mouths and proclaim, “Abba…father.” God now dwells within us, among us. Without ritual, Christ has made us clean.

Returning to Jeff Street was bittersweet. Israel lingered on my skin – I could still feel the warm October sun. But it was cold outside in Louisville. I was eager to see my teammates. I was eager to tell my Jeff Street Family about my experiences. I was eager to see how Israel would apply to my daily life. How thrilling to hear the words, “We missed you.” It is an immediate testimony to a relationship…and I missed them too. While in Israel I would wish Ron could see this or Paul could see that. I would find myself praying for Ryan or Clint. In the same instance, however; there was regret: that I didn’t know them better.

My final “Aha!” moment came in a shocking wave. It came in a force of shivers and tears. It came in joy and conviction. Driving to Jefferson Street the morning after my 24 hour trip home, I reflected in awe on the last 10 days of my life. I remembered the feeling of the rough stones of the Western Wall. I remembered the feeling of pitch black in the tunnel of Hezekiah. I remembered the child who whispered, “Abba…” Memories flooded me. Sights, sounds, sermons, feelings, tears, smiles…it overwhelmed me. The realness of Israel. The undeniable truth of the Bible. The evidence of God in such blatant beauty. The evidence of a savior in such a simple word…Abba. In that moment I woke up. I had been sleeping. I had slept through the miracle of God’s perfect love. In that moment I knew that there was no higher purpose in my life than simply to love others as Christ has loved me. In that moment the conviction of my selfish pursuits hurt. I was pierced and liberated. I was given a new motivation.

The last verse above reads, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. I need your support and supplication. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your convictions. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to give them in abundance. Please give to the full extent the Lord compels you. Pray that I will overcome the limitations of my body, and exceed the expectations of my spirit. My prayers are always with you. Relationships are budding even as autumn descends upon Louisville; while the trees and flowers whither, let’s work together to help our city bloom.

…and maybe ask yourself the question…Are you sleeping?

He is Risen,

JC Williams

Dear Family and Friends,

First of all, thank you for your continual love, support, encouragement, and prayers for me as I follow Christ’s call to serve the urban poor. As a team, we have received 20% of our financial support needed for the year.

I am now beginning the second month of my year term at Jeff Street. Coming into the start of the term, I knew that the road ahead would be different than my summer term, but I did not know exactly what the differences would entail. I did not know what to expect. While I tried to not have expectations, I am human and, well, it was inevitable that I created expectations before arriving in Louisville this September.

Over these past two months, I have realized that serving as a Hope Missionary for a year is not what I expected. And since my experience thus far has not met my expectations, I easily start to question, doubt and become frustrated with God because He has not provided me with what I anticipated. I sulk in the mindset of “If God is not going to meet my expectations, then what good am I doing here? Is this where He wants me to be?”

Just last week, amidst the frustrations, doubts and questions, I was reminded of the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 5:3-5:

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love.”

I was slapped in the face by God. The ugliness of the sin that dwells in my heart was made clear yet again. I was reminded of my nature to run. I run when circumstances become hard. I doubt when situations are challenging. I question His purpose for me when what I expected is not what occurs. I want to throw in the towel and walk away when life tries my patience. Paul’s words to the church in Rome were words that a missionary in Louisville needed to hear once again. I’m supposed to rejoice during problems and trials, not wallow in self-pity. I’m called to rejoice during problems and trials because God is strengthening my character and developing my confidence in the hope I have in Him.

How dare I expect God to give me anything. How dare I doubt and question Him over and over again. How dare I not remember the historical Jesus that died and bled for me. How dare I not trust my God who loves me more than I can imagine.

In all that God is doing when trials arise, Paul brings us back to God’s Hope and Love. His Hope will not disappoint. His Love is surely known. Do I truly believe these words?

Yes, I do. However, often times I act like I have forgotten them. I tell our homeless guests about placing their hope in the One True Hope and I tell them about the unfailing, unconditional love of God, but do my heart and soul back up my words?

Not always. I’d like to say they do, but that is not always the case. Yet, when I doubt, when I run, and when I question, God is still right beside me pouring out more of His love, grace, and mercy on me. During my challenging moments, He never fails to remind me of His Gospel. He brings me back to His Word and reminds me of His promises, just like He did last week with Paul’s words.

My encouragement to you, family and friends, is to remember and embrace the promises found in Romans 5. Remember what God is teaching us when difficult times come our way. I knew that serving the Lord at a homeless shelter would not be easy. I knew that doing life together with five other teammates would prove to be tough. But, God is by my side every step of the way; praise Him for that!

Once again, thank you for your faithful support! God is doing a mighty work at Jeff. Street, in our neighborhood, in the lives of my team members, and also in my life. The enemy is at work too, but I know that God will prevail. Pray for our protection and safety while living in the inner city. Pray for our neighbors – young children living in broken families, an atheist couple that we are starting to get to know better. Pray for our homeless friends and residents at Jeff. Street – pray for Jason (who I mentioned in my last newsletter) and the many others trying to overcome their addictions and start anew; situations do not prove easy for them either. Pray for the Women’s Bible Study that will be starting up soon – pray for God’s will to be done as we seek to share the Gospel with the ladies at Jeff. Street.

Also, pray for my physical well-being. Pray that physical problems will be resolved and that I will receive rest in the arms of Jesus. Pray for wisdom and discernment in my leadership responsibilities. And finally, pray for strength and endurance when trials occur. Pray that I will be rooted with God’s promises and remember the Cross in both the joyful and challenging times.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! May you have a blessed holiday. We truly have so much to be thankful for!

In Christ’s Love,

 

Emily

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings from Louisville, Kentucky!  I am thankful for your decision to support me, and I hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving season with family and friends.  May we all remember the many blessings in life for which we should be thankful.

After two months at the Jefferson Street Baptist Center (JSBC), I have so many stories and experiences I want to share.  God is moving in incredible, unbelievable ways; I am thankful to be a tiny part of His work here.  I am realizing a little bit more each day what life is like as a missionary.  It is not that I am bringing God to these people, but I am helping them realize that God has been right here all along.

Honestly, I feel inadequate in many situations.  I am only an eighteen year old kid after all.  Young, inexperienced, and unable to empathize with these men’s stories, what can I offer?  When I let myself believe this, however, God quickly reminds me that He is in charge, and He will guide my steps and my words.  Jeremiah chapter one deeply convicts me of this truth.  Talking with Tony helps too.

I will never forget the first time I met Tony – in the storage closet of the Day Shelter.  With a cup of coffee glued to his hand, he calmly strolled to the doorway and said hello.  After a short exchange of small talk, Tony spilled out the contents of his life, not without jokes and silly sayings, of course.  He shared of his shameful past of alcoholism, his current situation and how God is working on him through the Fresh Start program at JSBC, and his future plans in the ministry.  As he walked away, I sat staring into the distance, stupefied yet encouraged.

Fast forward about fifty days, Tony and I are sitting in a coffee shop discussing how he can write to his family.  Years of drinking have pushed Tony away from his parents and siblings.  Bridges have burned, walls were built.  Tony desperately wants to make amends; his heart aches for these relationships to be restored.  His first draft of this letter included multiple sheets of paper spelling out his wrongdoings, shortcomings, and feelings of remorse.  It was all he wrote about.  He seemed to dwell on it to an unhealthy extent.

But Tony gets it.  He sees exactly how his sinful nature has made a mess of things, of everything.  As Father Daniélou says, “It is the saints who have a sense of sin.  The sense of sin is the measure of a soul’s awareness of God.”  How I long for a deeper sense of my sin – to see more clearly its effects on others and on God!

After completing the final draft of Tony’s letter to his family, we prayed over it.  We asked God to use this letter to bring reconciliation to the family.  We asked God to flex his muscles and do the unthinkable: change bitter hearts into loving ones, allow love to overcome hate.  And we prayed for Tony to praise God through it all, even if God does not bring the change we want.  Opening our eyes from this heartfelt prayer, Tony exclaimed, “I think that might have been the best conversation I have ever had with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”  Tony gets it, and he is helping me to see it: my need for God because of man’s sinful nature.

Through this relationship and many others, God is showing me that He is doing the real work here.  I am only a kid; I feel weak and incapable.  But God reminds me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”  (2 Cor. 12:19).

Reading this short excerpt, I hope you are encouraged to realize you have helped make this ministry experience possible.  Please continue to pray for the entire Hope Team as we seek God’s direction each day and as we grow closer in community with one another.  Please pray for the staff of JSBC and for the guests and residents.  Your prayers are graciously welcomed – they are what keep me going.

None of this is possible without the support of my family and friends.  Thank you so much!  You are just as much a part of the ministry at Jefferson Street Baptist Center as I am.   Once again, I say thank you.

November Newsletter

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-Jeremiah 29:11
Dear Friends & Family,

Autumn is here and the days are getting shorter and the evenings are getting colder; at the same time the morning line outside the entrance of Jefferson Street Baptist Center is getting longer and the coffee’s seeming warmer everyday. The change in the weather has never really ever had effect on me, in terms of low morale and high anxiety; but to say that such effects are foreign to our day shelter guests would be inaccurate at best. Indeed, the colder temperatures can lead some folks to wonder where it is they will be living as well as where the best place to get a heavier coat in this town would be. And although we serve our community as a day shelter, every now and then we get to hand our guests and friends a warmer garment for the cold months ahead.

One thing that hasn’t changed with the new season is the amount of interesting dialog I’ve been able to share, with some of my friends in the day shelter. Earlier this week I found myself in a rather lengthy conversation with a man from Atlanta named Willie. You can tell he’s from the South, by his accent, his interest in SEC college football, and his manners. When thanking him for his courtesy and patience with me as I check his mail every weekend, he replies with, “You can’t take the hospitality from me. That stays wherever I go.” When I talk to Willie, I think about my own family coming from the South and my relatives who are still there. I may not get to see them very often, but it’s nice to speak with someone who reminds me of trips down South, that I took as a kid. One day Willie and I got past the topic of college football and began to speak about church life. I asked him if he attended a church in Louisville and he told me that he does every now and then, I then invited him to church with me and my fellow HOPE team members and he seemed hesitant at first but politely said he would consider it. And it seems that ever since our discussion about church and his growing up in the South, Willie has seemed to go past the typical “surface-scratching” conversations with me. Our interactions are a bit more sincere and it seems as if a mutual respect for one another will eventually progress to a more genuine friendship and I look forward to that type of change.

Yes, even here amongst the day shelter guests at Jeff St. a season of change seems to be taking place. Recently we’ve been having chapel services every Tuesday and Thursday followed by a community lunch for all of our guests and it’s been great to have folks come to be fed in more ways than one. One of our residents recently got baptized and is now serving at a local church as an usher, he’s a good friend of mine and it’s been great to see how the Lord has been working on his heart. Yes, there’s been a lot going on to be thankful about.

The HOPE team has been finding its own niche within the day shelter and it’s been encouraging to see my fellow teammates continue to pursue or develop relationships with those who we have been called to serve. In the same respect, both our residents and our day shelter guests are becoming more and more accustomed to these great friends of mine who have been brought here for a reason. A reason that, at times, is beyond us; but we know that this is where the good Lord has put us and where He want us to be and for that I’m also thankful.

This year has brought forth so many changes in my life, I’ve become more aware of just how “good” of a life that the Lord has provided for me and at the same just how necessary it is for all of us to recognize that we are people desperately in need of a Savior. That’s what we should truly be thankful for, as we approach this next Thanksgiving. Salvation was and is made possible through Jesus Christ and we’ve been given the privilege to enter into a personal relationship with Him. And that changes everything, It’s more significant than all the different color changes of the leaves this time of year and all the plans that we may have, as we prepare for another season with family and friends. Yes, the life changing love of the Lord has made it possible for us to truly be free and I pray that we all acknowledge that and revere in the holiness of our sovereign God.

Please continue to keep Jefferson Street Baptist Center in your prayers, so that we may continue to serve our Lord and those He has called us to serve in both word and deed. Pray that the Lord will continue to provide for the ministry here. We are currently operating on an emergency budget due to severing ties with government funding so that we may be able to preach the Gospel with no strings attached. Please pray for our staff, our residents, our day shelter guests, and my fellow HOPE team members. Pray that God would be glorified in this place and that we would continue to follow His ways. Also keep the city of Louisville in your prayers as well as the communities in which you live. Thanks so much for all your love and support, words cannot express how your kindness and concern has touched my heart. This year would not be possible without you all and I thank God for you all.

Take care and God Bless.
In Christ,

-Darrell

 

TO DONATE TO HOPE:

Send a check to JSBC, Attn: HOPE, 733 East Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
Please write my personal account ID (HOPE-0910-DJ1) on the memo line, but do not write my name anywhere on the check as this may negate
the tax-deductability.
You can stay up-to-date with the ministry here by visiting www.hopeblog.wordpress.com.

 

Dear Friends and Family,

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”

Chuck and I have been friends since early this summer.  We had several opportunities to sit down and get to each other.  We shared many things this summer, from our families, to what was going on in our lives, to why I was at Jeff. Street, to believing in God.  Our relationship continued to grow during the summer months; we always make a point to talk to each other.  Once I was riding my bike and saw him waiting at a bus stop so I stopped to talk to him for a while.  Conversation just came naturally between us.

Since returning for the year, I have not had many opportunities to sit down and talk to Chuck.  He chats with me while I work the desk or the closet, but we always get interrupted.  My teammate, Emily, has challenged me these last few weeks to make the time to sit down and have a meaningful conversation with Chuck.  Unfortunately I have not seen him much, nor had the chance if he did come in.

On Wednesday, October 28^th, Emily and I were working the front desk when Chuck appeared.  Emily encouraged me to go talk and I willingly accepted.  For an hour or so, we had a long conversation about what was going on in our lives.  We talked about where he was staying and his past relationships.  He shared with me that I was the only friend he had a Jeff. Street, including the other guests that come in.  I had never noticed this before, but he does not really talk to anyone but me.  I mentioned that my birthday was the next day.  Chuck stated that he would make a point to come see me (he does not always make it down to Jeff. Street because his “home” is about 30 blocks away).

On Thursday the 29^th, my birthday, Chuck came in just like he had promised.  I was working the front desk by myself.  He stated he wanted to take me to McDonalds.  I said that I could not go because I was at work.  I was also very busy at the time, so I did not get the chance to explain why I could not go by myself.  He walked by me and on to the Day Shelter cafeteria to get coffee.  Shortly after, he left the building.  He did not come in today.  I hope Chuck comes in again soon so I can reconcile our relationship.  I want to explain to him why things went the way they did.  He came down just to see me, and yet I hurt his feelings.  Even though I had a great birthday, I could not shake the thoughts of how I had hurt Chuck’s feelings.  I know he does not have many friends and I want to be his friend.  Please pray that Chuck and I can reconcile and become better friends.  Pray that I will have more opportunities to share Christ with him.

From this incident with Chuck, I am learning just how fragile relationships at the shelter are. Based on information I have gathered from talking to our homeless guests and from my observations at the shelter, many people come and go from each other’s lives.  People are dating different people all the time.  Living on the streets is tough.  I have learned how important it is to make an effort to sit down and talk to people. I have learned how important it is to take the time to foster lasting friendships.  My purpose for being here is to make a point to talk to these people and be involved in their lives.  Hope is a program developed to invest in the lives of our guests, residents, neighbors, and teammates.

When Jesse, our Hope Director, speaks about the program on promotional trips to colleges, he asks two statements: The first is, “List five sermons that have affected your life.”  Can you do this? This is a very difficult question to answer.  The second question is, “Name five people that have greatly affected your life.”  This is a much easier question.   His goal for all Hope team members is that we become one of those five people to individuals we interact with regularly.  In doing so, we are able to teach them and show them who Christ is.  My prayer is that I can be this to Chuck and teach him who Christ is and what He did for him.

I cannot do this without your support though.  Thank you for giving your prayers, thoughts, and donations.  As a team we have raised 20% of our financial support.  Please prayerfully consider supporting me so that I can share the Gospel with Chuck and others at shelter.  Please pray that I can be a light to these people that are in the darkness.

God Bless and Much Love,

Jessica Rood

TO DONATE TO HOPE | Send your tax-deductible donation to

Jefferson Street Baptist Center | Attn: HOPE 733 East Jefferson Street | Louisville, KY 40202
Fund ID # HOPE-0910-JR1 Make sure to include ID in the check’s memo line
You can also donate on our HOPE website at www.hopeforlouisville.com
Visit our online journal at www.hopeblog.wordpress.com

A sinner might have seen a ragtag band of drug addicts, prostitutes, alcoholics and bums. But to God, they were men and women who gathered together to hold hands and pray. Each of them broken in spirit and body, but God desperately wishes to make them whole again.

God’s grace is what they need – what we all need – and we need to extend that grace every moment of our lives. It’s essential that we be humble and look at ourselves honestly. God can open up our eyes and show us how far we fall short of his standard, which only his Son achieved. He does this not out of hatred for us, but out of love and a desire to reunite with us. It was only when God showed me my own mistakes that I learned compassion. Without compassion, I couldn’t achieve anything. It may not be what I expected of my life, but God has made me successful in it, because it is his own will.

God has been healing me like he has all these great men and women who come together twice a week to hold hands and lay their burdens on God.

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Col 3:12)

While sitting in the storage closet today, watching guests sift through their belongings in the hallway, I heard a man ask another guests where he stayed last night. “At the shelter?” he probed. “No, at my sister’s,” he answered.

Upon hearing their conversation, my mind became filled with questions. I began to wonder why this man stayed at his sister’s last night. Was this his first time staying with her? Why didn’t he live with her and escape the cruelties of living on the streets? My mind started thinking about this man’s family situation. My heart broke for this man and for many of my homeless friends… Many of them have no family. Many of them come from broken families. Many of them are in the circumstances they are in because of their family situations.

My mind then immediately thought of my family. I’m blessed to come from a Christian home where the majority of my family members are followers of Christ. I’m blessed to have two godly parents married for 33 years who are keeping their vows of “in sickness and in health” and “in good times and in bad”… two godly parents who love each other and love me unconditionally… two godly parents whom I’m blessed to still have in my live today. I’m blessed to have my older brother who wants to protect and seek the best for his little sister. I’m blessed to have a sister-in-law to provide me with words of wisdom and who is more like my sister than any “in-law.” I’m blessed to have grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins loving and supporting me in my pursuit to follow Christ.

I’m also blessed to have found a family at Jefferson Street Baptist Center. While miles separate me from my biological family, I’ve become part of a family here in Louisville. They are my family in so many ways. They do life together with me… They see me in the good times and the bad… They experience my selfish moments and are there to forgive me and show me grace when I repent… They see me when I smile and they comfort me when I cry… And, still, they love me anyway. They are my family.

Reflections on Israel

I went to Israel without expectation.
I went to Israel without inspiration.
I went to Israel without purpose.
   To experience – to escape – to search.

To walk the rocks that Jesus walked
  To see the Holy sites
   To pray where Jesus prayed
    To sail on the Galilee
     To wade in the Jordan
      To touch the star of Nativity
       To enter the empty tomb
      To sing songs of praise
     To travel the Via Delorosa
    To see the dead sea scrolls
   To float on its salty waters
  To climb mt Carmel, Masada, Moriah…
To enter Jerusalem

Each site – another message
Another lesson
A remnant of God’s word
Echos
  As the afternoon prayer fills the air
  As the Jewish people rock in response
  As the women plea in the tunnels of the western wall
  As the tassels of the orthodox sway
  As the little boys, in their kippah, play
Earnestly God is sought
  but lost.
   the arc is gone
    the temple is a mosque.
God is there: in the echos of the past
God is there: in the bread crumbs of the future
God is there: in the hearts of Christians

I leave Jerusalem filled with sorrow
  My thoughts are with the hands that cling to the Wailing Wall
   Hands that despratley seek God’s presence
   Hands that seek to be pure
   Hands stained with the blood of the Lamb
  “Abba” I heard the little child say
   My heart broke.
   A word so pure – Father
   If only they cried out to the Lamb – “Abba!”
I have a prayer of hope for the day that will come
  A day when the Lord will reign
  A day when the tongues of his Children will confess His name
  A day when the Wall will be but a wall
   The Arc will no longer be sought
    For the spirit of the Lord will dwell within
    And his blood will purify
and redeem
   and restore
  and heal His Holy Land.

I went to Israel without expectation
and traveled without a purpose
  Inspiration was found in the visions of the past
  and God’s expectations were made clear
I have a purpose
  to love.
   To love the Lord
    to love His people
     to love His creation
To love without fear
To love in persecution
To love when it hurts
To love when it’s helpless
  Even as I emerge from the winding halls of the Holocaust Museum
   haunted by testimonies
   followed by pictures
   overflowed with names
Love.
  Even as I gaze across Masada and see a gleam of the past
   of murder
   of suicide
   of destruction
Love.
  The temple has been restored
   it is present in our hearts
    and we are purified by His perfect sacrifice.
     We are His tools to reach the broken
     We are His tools to share His good news
     We are His tools to sing His glory
      We are His tools for Love.
We are not alone
We are strengthened by the Lord
He will provide.
He will restore.

I traveled to Israel
  The land of the Lord
   only to find
He was already abiding in my Heart

Gabe walked into the kitchen with a stern look on his face, not flinching one bit while he stared right at me. I could tell I did something wrong—”Did I get his name wrong?”

Jeremy: “Hey guys, check this out!”

Me: “Wait, what…?”

*an egg explodes, covering Gabe and me with goop*

I stared sternly at Jeremy. After I got over the initial shock and regret that I didn’t duck for cover, I laughed with everybody else. J. Rood was cracking up the whole time, and I think even Gabe smirked. Jeremy was trying to teach us physics—if you apply equal pressure to the surface of an egg, it won’t break. It was also a lesson in humility and mercy.