kanned goods

Crime-TVTN.wmv

2011-06-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Mayor Butler must have some new PR people. A) this video is well done, and B) he made some good points! way to go.

God is a lavishly loving Dad

2011-06-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I relented. I spoke the truth of the distance I feel from God. I said the words aloud- I have searched my heart, I have repented, I have confessed, and yet I have not felt Him in my life. As Mrs. Johnston prayed over me, my heart began to soften and His love began to overwhelm. I left church and headed to Target, in the car I listed all my reasons for God's lack of love. Here is how that conversation went...

"You have yet to bring me a spouse! I do not want to be single. If you loved me, I would be married."

He said, "Oh, beautiful Israel, do you really want a king? Am I not enough? Are the other kingdoms really that better off?"

I said, "Fine. Why do things never go the way I want them? You always shut down my will, I am doing things for You, and yet You never listen to my plans."

He is so honestly gentle, He rebukes His children in love, "Abraham, I have been faithful to you, I long for the nations to birthed through you and Sarah. How badly do you want My will your way?"

There had to another reason for Him to with hold His love, "I obey, and obey, and obey- while you leave and inflict pain and failure."

I said to much, He called me out, "You are not Hosea- You are his wife- the woman I chase down, rescue, restore, and love- every time, with out fail. You are my beloved- you can push Me away all you want- but I will search every bed for you."

When will I learn, His will, His way, His child. Last night I relented, I was outlandish in my assertion, He was loving in His truth. I was pushing Him away, He was drawing close. I was running, and He was prodigal (extravagantly wasteful) with His love.

2021 vision of Chester

2011-06-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who received my June 2011 prayer letter, here is the promised edited content... enjoy!

This past spring the Chester church plant team was given a challenge to be visionaries. We were asked to dream, and imagine where the city of Chester will be in ten years. In the fast pace of city life we were to ask ourselves; what will God have done here in 10 years? Well, the answers may surprise you, but the passion for them to be a reality will not. Here is a glimpse of Chester 2021.

April 8, 2021

The city has gone through an undeniable and unparalleled community transformation. Today marks the tenth anniversary of the horrific Minaret Temple shooting (a party where two teens were killed and 8 wounded), as youth and adults gather at the peace vigil, there is a joy in the air. There has not been a homicide in Chester for three years. This gathering marks ten years of change and progress. It began when three youth, who were in attendance at the party, invited their hurting friends to a Bible study. The Bible study began to ignite change on the streets, in the schools, and in the hearts of teens all over Chester.

Students at Chester High were showing up, attending class, breaking up fights and their teachers were noticing. Bible study at Miss Dolly's could not be contained, so others were started. Organic churches began to spring up in every neighborhood, as Chester High students and teachers needed more space to meet. The student's not only affected the faculty at the High, their parents wanted to know what was going on. Moms, dads, siblings, and other relatives have become regular fixtures in organic churches city wide. As faith in Christ has been affirmed and deepened the city began her change as well.

The men in the churches began to take back the corners, no more drug deals, they have become places of prayer and safety. Every morning as children walk to school there are men on the streets making sure everything is safe. These men saw kids who looked hungry on the way to school and called their wives, who now provide breakfast to kids and lunches to those who may need a little extra.

Over town, the down town section of Chester, has gone from run down and abandoned to an epicenter of the arts. Every night there are at least four family classes filled with people acting, painting, dancing, and reflecting the gifts of the Creator. Not only have the art classes brought families closer together, they have been training young men in the art of graffiti. If anything inappropriate is spray painted on a wall, these young men go and cover it in art, they attack the broken world with beauty. These young men have allowed a few girls in on the fun, but the young ladies really live to go along with the guys and plant sunflowers, mums, daisies, anything colorful. There are almost as many flowers in Chester as there are weekly Bible studies.

The elderly saw the change and started "history" classes on Saturdays. The 9th Street Community Center has been standing room only for five years now. Children, teens, and adults gather to hear about the civil rights movement, learn spirituals and are instructed on the ways of non-violent protest. These times of teaching have lead to intergenerational friendships and mentoring relationships. The friendships have evolved into multi-generational gardens across the city.

Overall the city is doing great. The graduation rate at Chester High has gone from the second worst in the state to second best in the state. Students who then go off to college, can not wait to come back to Chester as productive members of society. They are creating jobs, opening businesses, and several of them got together and bought the Philadelphia Union as a co-operative soccer team. Members of the community can buy in and share in the profits. Besides new jobs, there is no longer a need for a grocery store, there is one, but most of the produce is grown in the neighborhood and in the winter it is grown in the community green house.

There is so much more to to my vision of Chester's future, God has big things planned for this city, and I am glad I get to be a part of it. Please pray, as Jesus did, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Lent: Second week in

2011-03-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

In our garden we have a Lenten Rose, it is the first plant to blossom, just before spring begins. Annually this plant gives me hope. It tells me that it is time to fast, it is time to walk in the footsteps of Christ, it is time to remember the gruesome death and the miraculous resurrection of our Savior. When Christ concurred death He did it to restore the relationship we broke in one bite. That bite brought all evil into the world. That bite made me a mere mortal who is need of patience. Patience-waiting-long suffering, I hate these virtues.

Last night I found my contempt for all things patience related. I was at Church singing, communal worship at it's finest. The worship team was on, the coffee was calming, the song selections were powerful, and they seemed to be centered around waiting. I was waiting for a song I felt like raising my hands to. I wanted to worship in this fashion, I longed to reach my hands to the sky and be heard by the Lord. But I did not want to praise Him while I wait. Let's sing, "let Your glory fall," "come, Spirit, come," "God in my waking," and "You are so good to to me." I desired to belt out bold statements about what God can do for ME. Yet, that was not what the songs were about, and I did not want to sing about waiting on God's timing or what I might need to do. Waiting is tough. Waiting seems wasteful. Waiting is not what the microwave has prepared me for. Waiting is when I often see that I need God the most. Waiting means I can not do it on my own. When I wait, it is usually because there is an outside force that must finish the job, like drying paint, seedlings breaking through the dirt, and my heart softening to God's will.

Oh how the Lenten rose reminds me of waiting, waiting for Salvation, waiting on God, waiting to celebrate the resurrection. As I wait I am learning to have joy and to worship even when I do not "feel" like it. Jesus beat death and defeated sin. That, I do not need to wait for.

Lent

2011-03-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it all began, this season of fasting, death and life. It has always seemed a bit backwards, death and life, instead of life and death, and yet that is the beauty of Lent. Lent has long been one of my favorite seasons, not because it happens to be in the spring, but because it forces me to to more intentional with Jesus. This Lent I was challenged by Pastor Mark of Blue Route Vineyard to pray for something outlandish, extravagant even. So I am. Every single day the Church Plant team and I are praying for two things that seem impossible! The impossibility of it all is what heightens my interest. Only the God of all creation, of lavish surprise, of beauty in the chaos, can make man's "never gonna happen!" into the simplest task. As we fast and pray this season, join us in praying for the "never gonna happen!" Pray to the God who is bigger than our imaginations, that His Kingdom reign in this time of death and life. We are praying for four Simple Churches to begin by summer's end, and that one of our sister ministries gets the financing it needs to finish in the black. Praise be to the only God who can do this, the God whose resurrection we will soon celebrate!

Carolina Chocolate Drops!

2011-03-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Last night my roomies and I went to see the Carolina Chocolate Drops at the TLA in Philly. They were AMAZING! No lie, this show is now in the top five best live shows I've ever been to. They knocked out Pedro the Lion at the Metro in Chicago. If you have the chance see them! They were funny, great to dance to to, energetic, and down right fantastic.

camp....

2011-01-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

tonight we leave for fun in the snow. the joy of going to Harmony Heart is overwhelming! the teens love it, I love it. please pray that the Lord grabs the hearts of my amazing teens. pray that they walk in His boldness and love.

St. Louis co-laborer

2010-10-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hey, could all of you be praying for our St. Louis ministry? over the last two nights copper thieves have broken into their ministry center and stolen upwards of $200,000 dollars worth of stuff. Pray for Randy, Hannah, and baby Mona Riggs, Adrea and Andrew Medlian, and for the rest of the staff who are serving that community. Thanks

the oddest things

2010-10-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

So recently I went to Moody to recruit, and then headed over to the home of Famous Dave's, Minnesota. I went there to visit my former college room mate and best friend, Amy Boal. She and her husband live and work in a thriving suburban community, which they are about to bring a beautiful baby into. I had so much fun hanging out, being free from all responsibilities, I could go to bed early and then sleep in. Every morning I would walk to the coffee shop and read. I never had to pick anyone up, or be at any meetings. It was a great vacation. One night while we were talking, Dan, Amy's husband, spoke of being in Highland Gardens, the neighborhood I am now invested in. He had grown up in PA and knew the area. We talked about the community at large, and then he told me a story of a man he met once. Dan told me his street name, and gave me a description, I asked a few questions, and we came to realize I also knew this man. Over the past several years God has been placing people in Doc's life who love the Lord, and now we are praying that he learns to lead and love the Lord the way Dan, Amy and I do. Crazy, please pray for Doc.

Chester placed under a state of emergency (With Video) - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com)

2010-06-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Chester placed under a state of emergency (With Video) - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com)

Check out the above link. Chester has been placed in a state of emergency due to the growing violence. Please pray that this time of lock down will give people the opportunity to turn their hearts from violence to righteousness. More police on the streets is not going to stop crime, only a changed heart can make a difference, please pray for my neighborhood, for Highland House, the missionary staff, Chester's Churches and the authorities.

Wheelbarrows, Windshield Wipers, and Turn Signals

2010-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

OK, so first it was a wheelbarrow, which thanks to awesome neighbors, was returned. Then the windshield wipers from my car were gone, so I learned a new skill, I now know how to replace those. And yesterday morning I awoke, got ready, went out to my car, and someone had jacked my turn signal, the whole light! "ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS!" was all I could think. A turn signal! If your car needs one, go buy it, like I had to, and there was nothing wrong with mine, I didn't need a new one.

The turn signal incident followed a great evening. Vera, my "sister," had coordinated an amazing night of worship and unity for Chester Churches, Gospel Explosion!. The night was filled with dancing, singing, and fellowship. Satan really loves messing with the children of God. Please pray for continued unity of the Body of Christ in Chester, and that I respond to this theft with the love of Christ. I'm not going to front, it has been tough.

my girls

2010-05-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

This last week I had the privilege of hanging out with five awesome girls who had spring break. We gardened, ice skated, hung out, went on a picnic, and talked about Jesus. Hydia and Hynessa have a relationship with Jesus and want to be baptized, they explained the Gospel message to their friends, and blessed my heart. Please pray for these girls, that God will continue to work in and through them.

Oh and so far this season we have started three gardens for friends and neighbors, there are at least two more to be done.

Another Day, Another Garden

2010-04-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a girl's day, my mom and I had the whole day to do whatever we wanted, we hit up a couple of yard sale, we went to the Friends of the Cromaine Library Book Sale, we grabbed lunch at El Patio, and then we drove into Milford for a visit to the Benson Street Co-op and CSA. It was awesome! Leah, Bob and Doug run stuff, and they have a great operation going. Leah is an instructor at Milford Music and she believes strongly in organic, sustainable and local produce. It was such fun hearing about how they do things. Benson Street, began as a CSA, but the neighbors began to catch the vision and donate stuff, like land and water pumps and time and a tractor, so it became a co-op. This is the kind of thing that happens when communities get together and share in the bounty of creation. It was inspirational to be on the land. I can not wait until I come back to Milford for my 10 year high school reunion, and see their harvest! Way to go Benson Street!

Central Detroit Christian

2010-04-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the privilege of hanging out with my dad. So, I convinced him to go on an adventure, I love being on vacation. We hopped in the car and headed down to Detroit, more specifically, Central Detroit Christian (CDC) which is a Christian Community Development organization doing some amazing stuff in Detroit. I was so impressed. Mark VanAndel, the leadership and development coordinator, took us on a walking tour of the area, which included a stop at Peaches and Greens, the community grocer. He was a great guide and I left really amped about what the Lord is doing in Detroit. The CDC has community gardens, TUMI, tutoring, a new family restaurant called Cafe Sonshine, and several housing projects on its plate. Please pray for them, God is using them!

On the way home we drove by Hitsville USA, I had never been there before, it was fun. I really loved getting to hang out with my dad in Detroit. I also really love Detroit....

the Resurrection, Wheelbarrow thiefs, and Community Policing

2010-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Resurrection Sunday was a gorgeous day, not only was it sunny and warm, perfect for sun dresses and strolls in the park, it was full of newness. Life was sprouting in the garden, hope was taking root in Highland House members, and Christ had indeed defeated death. As I observed the garden, everything was in order, the compost brewing, the new fill pilled, the seeds germinating, and the wheelbarrows tucked away. Our little plot of land was ready for the spring break gardeners the following morning.

Monday morning came with sunshine and beauty. I did pick ups, four amazing teen girls, one young man, and Julie. We began to work, turning compost, seeding, moving fill, and wondering where our other wheelbarrow went. Who would steal a wheelbarrow? If they would have asked, they could have borrowed it, and we probably would have offered them some tomato plants. So, we put the word out on the street, if you know anything, let us know.

One of our neighbors, a real nice guy, just this last winter he helped us dig our cars out, was driving by, I let him know and he was upset. He thought he knew who it might be and told us he'd take care of it. We believed him. But thought that we we're out a wheelbarrow, worse things had happened, and this was not the end of civilization. We continued to work, while he tracked down what was ours.

Two nights ago there was a knock on the door. It was late, but I answered, and it was our neighbor, "I found your wheelbarrow, it will be back tomorrow, if it's not, let me know." He went on the talk about how our neighborhood is different, we do not take things from others, and we depend on each other.

Our wheelbarrow has yet to find its way home, but the accused did stop by and say he needed it a bit longer, but it would be back soon. He said we we not home, so he just took it. We know who has it, and where it is. Our neighbors love us and got our back.

Please pray for our neighbors, that as there is a shift in the age and race that the doors are open and welcoming. We were once the outsiders and now we are not, pray that we allow others in.

Blitzen Trapper

2010-04-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

Check out this band, their Album comes out on June 8th, Heaven and Earth is the first single from Destroyer of the Void. I love these guys

Blitzen Trapper’s “Heaven and Earth” From Destroyer of the Void

Posted using ShareThis

Fridays in Ascent

2010-04-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night the teens and I began a pilgrimage. A journey that has been taken for thousands of years. We are learning to walk up the the mountain to to the Holy city, just as the Israelites have for generations. We are learning to sing the Psalms of Ascent, and seeking God's promises and comfort in the mists of struggle and weariness. I am so excited for my teens, the Psalms of Ascent expose us and allow us share in a common spirituality. Please pray for us on this journey. Psalm 120-134 are beautiful and show that God accepts any emotion we give Him, and will transform it into the emotion He wants.

Gymnastics, Candace Camron, and teenagers

2010-03-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I do not want to use this blog as a commercial for TV shows, but I gotta say, Make It or Break It, on ABC Family (although I watch it on HuLu), is my favorite show for teenagers. This show allows adults to give give wise council, teens to find the error in their ways, and Candace Cameron (yes, that is DJ from Full House) to point to Christ, often with out being in your face. It also speaks to the struggle to stay sexual pure as a teen, as a single adult and within the confines of marriage, this show is top notch! If you like the world of gymnastics and teen dramas, but are sick of the unrealistic lives of Blair and Serena, this is your show.

Materialism

2010-03-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hey all-

Tomorrow morning I will be speaking at Delaware County Christian School in the Middle School Chapel on the theme of Materialism. In the talk I will be using Colossians 2:8 and Matthew 6:19-24 to express God's thoughts on storing stuff up on earth. I will also be giving the middle schoolers 5 challenges:

1. STOP watching the CW and MTV (any shows that encourage materialist culture)

2. Go on a buying fast (just stop)

3. Set price limits and stick to them! "I will only spend $X on (fill in the blank)"

4. Give to the Church/Missions what you would regularly spend on "stuff"

5. Fill the time with something productive. Instead of shopping, going to the mall, watching those shows, learn something new; how to sew, a spiritual discipline, about your mom.

Please pray that the students take this seriously.

THANKS!

Violence

2010-03-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hey all I just got this e-mail from Bob, my director, just wanted to share the request.

Dear Friends,

A reminder to keep our staff in prayer for protection. This afternoon, a few hours ago two of our houses (Stevenson's and Lee's) were in the cross fire of a barrage of gun fire from across the street. Although not the intended target, a casualty of the shooting with each house being hit in front.

In addition Karen Lee's car was hit (flat tire and body). This is the second shooting in mid-afternoon recently, without concern for children or others out and about.

We praise God that he protected our families as Linda and Michael were in our house and Karen and her mother-in-law in theirs.

Pray for peace to replace anxiousness, love to overcome evil.

- Bob

Winter Teen Camp 2010

2010-01-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I get to take 15 teens to camp. We will be at Harmony Heart and I would love it if all of you could be praying for the Lord to guide me, as I speak, them as they listen, and us as we dig into the truths of Scripture. We will be looking into our worth. 1st we'll look at Gideon who thought he was worthless, due to his heritage and fears and yet was used by God. 2nd we'll look at David who thought he had more worth than others, causing him to be an oppressor, and yet he was still used by God. And 3rd we are going to look at 1st Peter 2:9-10 where we are told who Christ has called us out to be. Pray we learn to walk in who He has called us to be, not who we think we should be. Thanks!

Tuesday at Urbana

2009-12-30T16:10:00.000-08:00

Well recruiting is tough! And yesterday we hit a wall, but as we hit the wall the Lord hooked us up with some encouragement. A bubbly young lady stopped by the booth and told us her story. She went to Newark Christian School, a World Impact School, and is now at Stanford where she is involved with InterVarsity and trying to figure out how missions fits into her future. She credits Newark World Impact with grounding her in faith and speaking truth into her life. WOW! God is good.

Urbana 2009

2009-12-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

I'm in St. Louis and headed to Urbana this afternoon. I am here with several of my co-laborers, it is awesome being with other brothers and sisters who have responded to God's call. Please pray that those who the Lord is calling answer in the affirmative as we recruit college students to come alongside World Impact.

Christmas at Harmony Heart

2009-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

I love heading up to the Pocconos and visiting my dear co-laborers at Harmony Heart Camp (HHC). Annually the staff at HHC host our church families for a weekend in December to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We hike up the hill and cut down a couple of Christmas trees, decorate cookies, make gingerbread houses, sing carols and hear the story of Jesus' birth.

Sunday morning I sat with Mirra, a three year old I love. She sat on my lap and after the communal singing fell fast asleep, it was adorable. This tiny bundle of joy sleeping in my arms, for one moment I could relate with Mary, a warm body, beautiful baby sleeping peacefully in my lap. I also felt I could relate to every mother in the room, when suddenly I heard a strange sound, it sounded like water, my lap was wet, I got peed on! And this is why we need Jesus, when we settle into complacency He reminds us of our need for a Savior. We are not perfect, the child my arm is flawed and I have to unpack my bag and change my clothes.... Much love!

Amy's Mom

2009-12-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

One year ago, my best friend's mom was rushed to the hospital, no knew if she was going to make it, well thanks be to God who is constantly amazing His children. Sandy is doing awesome, read here about what God has done...

Moody Radio

2009-10-16T19:49:00.001-07:00

I was on Moody radio, check it out!

http://moodyradiopaulbutler.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/encouraging-missionaries/

Moody

2009-10-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

So, currently I am at Moody Bible Institute's Missions Conference. I remember being a student, sitting the same room I am in now, watching missionaries set up, thinking, wow, these the people who respond to God's call. Yesterday I was helping set up my table, and I realized, I'm one of the missionaries, I am using my education, I am so excited to be here, at Moody, alum and missionary. God has a sense of humor. I love him

Applebee's

2009-10-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

Last night two of my church families got evicted. The families were living together because, well, one of the two had nowhere to go, and our family takes care of each other. Two of my teens lived in the house, when I pulled up, there were four cop cars and crying family members, Jen* and I stood in middle of the road, she was sobbing, and I was holding her, my shoulder now soaked in tears. I stayed with the family at Grandma's and hung out until we got news as to what was happening, Jen was quiet. I took her to grab dinner, we went to Applebee's. We talked about life, the events of the day, school, and finally Jesus. For awhile now God has been prompting me to spend more time with her, and I have wanted to, but I get busy, tonight was the night. She had so many questions about Jesus, about her friends, about salvation, please pray for her. God wants her in His Kingdom, and I want her as a sister.

Sing-a-long and school supplies

2009-09-23T09:39:00.001-07:00

We sang, decorated folders, played movie title charades, had root beer floats and a packed house. In total we had 29 teens and 8 grown-ups! The house was busting at the seams and we all had a great time. Thanks to everyone who made this possible; Germantown Hope, West Highland Baptist, Highland House, and World Impact Chester. We can not wait for our next mixed event!

Back to School High School Musical sing-a-long

2009-09-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

So this coming friday night we are having a sing-a-long with Germantown Hope, a church plant in Germantown Philadelphia. We are really excited, yesterday Jasmine, one of my co-leaders, Vera, one of my student leaders and I packed bags full of back to school supplies for the party. Not only will there be hanging out, laughing, and singing, every teen will leave with notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, and so much more! A GIANT thank you to West Highland Baptist Church of Highland, MI, for the supplies and the hand colored stamp in every notebook.

Peaches and Greens- Detroit

2009-09-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

So, many of you know that some day I would love to be doing ministry in Detroit, but for right now I am where God wants me. My boss sent me this news clip and it is rocking. The woman featured is Lisa Johanon, she is a friend of World Impact and her husband is the Site Coordinator for The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) Detroit. She has a community garden, a fresh grocery store and a produce on wheels truck. She is now one of my heroes. My goal is to meet her when I am in Detroit in October.

update on violence

2009-09-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

the young man shot, died last night, he was 23. Please pray for non-violent solutions. This young man was caught in cross fire, pray that guns are not answers and that the Prince of Peace will be preside in the hearts of the angry and volatile.

2009-09-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

On Monday night there was a ton of commotion at 10th and Booth, in Chester. I used to live on this corner and a hand full of my co-laborers still do, please pray and check out the Delco Times article.

A Wheel

2009-08-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, many of you know that I am a potter, call it a hobby, or an art, I am at peace. I love clay! Well, on of my dear friends called and informed me that I could have a kick wheel that was left in the building they just moved into!!! I am so excited, pictures to come...

2009-08-29T10:35:00.001-07:00

here are a few beautiful shots in the garden this wee with our dear neighbor Leigh...

2009-08-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

here are a few beautiful shots in the garden this wee with our dear neighbor Leigh...

2009-08-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

So, family fun magazine had a really simple, yet AWESOME idea, they are called foamerators. The kids at the garden party were obsessed with them. All you need to do is cut off the bottom of a soda bottle (20 oz) and place a piece of cloth (old washcloth) secured with a rubber-band on the bottom, fill a pan (or any shallow dish) with water and soap, dip the bottom and blow from where you would drink, the suds are great. Here I am in the suds war that broke out in the yard at the garden party.

2009-08-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Vicki, one of my co-laborers, took this pic, and I love it! This is Jabreel, hanging out at our last garden party. He told me he wanted to relax...

teen camp 2009

2009-08-16T10:15:00.001-07:00

Chester and Newark teens after Geocaching at camp

a thunder storm, a break in and 911

2009-08-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we had some terrible weather, buckets of rain, intense winds, earth shaking thunder and overall gray sky. It was a Sunday morning and I was preparing to go to church, I had been reading and was set on a cup of tea with breakfast. While the kettle was boiling I heard a crash that was not from above, it was glass breaking. I opened the door and there he was, a teenage boy in blue and white stripes grabbing a red bag out of the car at 10:30 in the morning. He was soaking wet and on the run, he saw me, he looked me in the eye, and took off, fast. I called 911 and gave them all the information I could and within minutes there were four cop cars and an interrupted outdoor church service.

The kid was never caught, and I am continually thanking God that I did not know this youth. I would hate to turn in a kid I know, but, it would be the right thing to do...

August 2009: lies and delete

2009-08-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

These letters usually come very easily. However, today that is not the case. I have erased several paragraphs, and here I go writing another that may never see ink on paper. The screen is so safe. A place for thoughts to appear and then, one button later, disappear. If only that could happen with spoken words. How many conversations would we delete? How often would we highlight our words and frantically seek the key that changes everything--canceling the moment of hurt, altering lies, leaving out anger, and eradicating broken promises, with one tap of the pinky finger? I would use that key stroke quite often.

One of my teens recently recounted a story to me about someone in her life who was telling people a lie. The person spreading the rumor was her mother. How do I, the missionary, explain to a crushed 13-year-old that her mother really loves her and would change her words if she could? How do I say it so that she will believe it? How do I say it so that I might believe it? Given the chance, I do not know if her mom would rescind the awful things she said, but I do know her mom loves her. Her mother’s love does not look like the love I was given as a child; it is rough and coarse, but it is love.

There is a brother and sister in youth group who show an outstanding amount of love for each other, but as with all sibling relationships, they enjoy squabbling. They look for moments to offer up offense when they know others will be listening. They verbally spar until one breaks down and stops interacting, but 20 minutes later they are working together to turn the compost. They love each other, but I know there are times when they would appreciate the opportunity to hit delete on a hurt they caused.

I am often searching for the delete key on my personal keyboard. Fairly regularly I am seeking out someone I must apologize to for words spoken in haste. I would like to think after I have had a conversation, this is a problem and leads to a bunch of “I’m sorry.” I have learned to think more and not get swept up in the spirit of conversation, and yet I find myself in constant reach of a key that does not exist.

Daily I praise God for “blotting out my sins” (Acts 3:19). That is Jesus’ way of hitting delete on our sins. Our God is awesome. He can overlook all offenses, intentional, accidental, and otherwise. Please pray that I may be as forgiving as the Father and as loving as the Son. Also lift up all the teens and families who will be attending camp this month that they will all be challenged by God’s Word and show all His love.

July 2009: year in review

2009-08-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

It is July! That means it is time for my “year in review.” I love to write this letter; it commemorates three years on staff as well as a year of God’s goodness. There have been hard times, but God is providing, and He will always be in control. So...here are the serious, the quirky, and the amazing things that have happened this year (in no particular order).

1. In January I was able to join my family in Florida for a week in Orlando: riding the tea-cups, laughing at Goofy, and truly enjoying each other.

2. Janea, one of the fifth graders attending Highland House, accepted Jesus into her life at Harmony Heart during family camp in May.

3. My dear friend Alex came to visit in August! She was able to see my life, and I was able to see how God has been growing her. She was one of the first junior-highers I ever worked with, and now she is in college. I am getting old!

4. The garden at Twelfth and Central has become a gigantic part of my life. It started out as a whim in the backyard, and well, now it is a lifestyle. Teenagers in the garden every weekend, harvest parties with our community, and dirt encrusted boots are some of my favorite things.

5. My family was able to travel to Chester in May to take part in my Religious Missionary Order (RMO) service. I am now an official card-carrying member of the World Impact missionary community. Prior to this I was considered a Missionary in Training (MIT).

6. I finally graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Urban Ministry. My diploma is a thing of beauty, and my parents are relieved that I am now using my degree in post-college life.

7. My sister and her husband are expecting baby number two. I will have a nephew sometime in October.

8. Highland House congregation members are growing in numbers and in their relationship with the Lord. Adults and teens are building relationships and encouraging one another.

Please continue to pray for my roommate Rebecca and me, that God will use our home to extend His love to others. Thank you for all that you do for me with your prayers, encouragement, love, and support!

June 2009: Compost

2009-08-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I have fallen in love with gardening--all the aspects of it. I love the way gardens beckon people to spontaneous community. In my neighborhood, when one person is in their yard, everyone comes out. While Rebecca, Raj, Julie, Adam, and I have been at work in the garden, we have had all sorts of people hop the fence to check out what is going on. Through this we have been able to join in relationship with those with whom we seemingly have nothing in common. As much fun as new friendships have been, the garden has also been a place where we can intentionally deepen the spiritual community of the teens.

Many Saturdays the garden is filled with teenagers. They come to get dirty, work, turn compost, and be together. These teens are hard workers--no joke. Often we compile a list of thing to be done, and they finish it! They are invested. The garden is theirs. They collect compost at homework club, they argue over what is compostable, and they show up on work days. The teens have taken ownership and have a sense of satisfaction in their work.

Sometimes I wonder if this is similar to what God does with me. I am the compost that He is continually adding to, that He is turning, that He is smelling; and He is waiting for the rich soil of good works and obedience to be cultivated. I am the stinky pile in the corner of God’s garden. He knows that I am worth the time and effort. He has even taken ownership of my life, but He waits for the perfect timing to use the nutrient-rich soil.

I desire my teens to be piles of compost in God’s garden. I long for the day when they will be used by God to grow amazing things in Chester. I see it happening--some of them are encouraging each other, a few of them are thinking about what can be done about injustice, and all of them are lending a hand in Highland House, our church plant. The soil is being formed, and teens are being used of God.

Please pray with me that God will continue to make soil in my life and in the lives of my teens. Pray also for the garden grown-ups: Rebecca, Raj, Julie, Adam, and me. Pray that we will be like Jesus.

May 2009: CELEBRATION! turned Crew

2009-08-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Our youth group in Chester has been growing. Every week, we have more teens. We average 30 every Monday night. Praise God! These teens get to hang out, goof off, and hear about Jesus. What could be bad about that? Nothing! But there is a thought in the back of my head that if these teens are not going to church, how will there be any lasting fruit? My teammates and I went rounds with this question. We would make announcements about Highland House (our church), and we would encourage the teens to come; in the end, very few did. So we prayed, listened, and acted. We prayed for guidance. We listened for instruction, and we acted out what God told us to do. We cancelled youth group. We still hung out with the teens, we still did activities with them, but we channeled it all through Highland House.

In the process of becoming “church centered" instead of "youth-group centered" we knew there would be the benefit of church growth. There would also be casualties with the loss of teen involvement. But the positives overwhelmed the negatives, and here we are, months into the decision. Our teen attendance at church has doubled and is continuing to grow. We watched the Holy Spirit softening the hearts of several teens. As we watched this, we felt God leading us to spend intentional time with nine active and regularly-attending teens. We call them, The Crew.

The Crew is a group of guys and girls who are not all believers, but we see their hearts being softened through their actions, questions, and involvement in Highland House. Some of them sing on the praise team, help fold chairs, show up for prayer meeting, come early for set up, and are learning the sound system. So now, on every other Monday, we meet. We hang out and talk about what leadership is all about, who Jesus is, and ultimately, how to love (I say “we” because I am learning this too).

Would you please pray for The Crew: Lee Lee, Day Day, Vera, Irvin, Terrence, Teresa, Amanda, Malcolm, and Courtney? These teens are awesome, and I am pumped to see what God has in store for them in the coming months. Pray that those who do not know Jesus will find Him, that those who love Jesus will be strengthened, and those who sense a calling on their life will want nothing more than to honor God in all they do.

April 2009: Camp and Sex

2009-08-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Every year World Impact Chester and World Impact Newark take teens on a winter retreat to Harmony Heart Camp. This February was no different; a date was picked, a topic developed, a schedule made, and the journey began. In Chester we gathered fourteen teenagers into two vans and headed up to the Poconos. It was a peaceful drive, but as we drove, I became nervous. The theme for the weekend was LOVE and I was doing the teaching. What if I screw up? What if my teens don't listen? These were the thoughts flowing through my mind. I began to doubt what had been solidified months prior to our departure. I prayed while driving, and we arrived safely at camp where we greeted our Newark family.

The weekend went fast, and it was full of laughter, games, whispers, and everything that camp should be. But there was something missing. In every talk, I felt like I missed the mark. I thought no one was listening, and my confidence was defeated. Even while I was thinking these things, the teens were behaving, getting along and encouraging each other. They were awesome! When asked, they knew answers to questions about the previous teaching times. They were listening, but I wondered if it was really sinking in.

Fast forward one week: As Wendy (not real name) gets in the van for church, she says, "Miss Candy, James (also not real name) is mad at me."

"Why?" I ask, as I think to myself, “Oh the plight of teenage drama.”

"I told him I wasn't going to have sex with him anymore."

As these words spilled from her lips, I cried. She heard truth at camp. She heard that her worth is not wrapped in sexuality, but is encompassed by the love her Father has for her. She did not learn this from me at camp; she learned it from Jasmine, a college-age leader in her church. Jasmine led our girls’ small group at camp, and God used her in a clear and mighty way.

This year at camp I learned that God uses every moment and all of His children. My lessons on LOVE were not the point of Winter Teen Camp; Jasmine leading and loving was the point.

March 2009: urban nomads

2009-08-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

There are things in life that I have taken for granted, things that I thought were “normal.” College shook me out of that, a little, for then I found out that many of my friends came from divorced families. I also learned that some Christian parents wanted their children to have nothing to do with full-time ministry. Upon moving to Chester there has been a new type of reality check. I knew there would be many single-parent homes. I knew there would be an intense breakdown of the family structure. I also knew that the living environments I would be working in were extremely fluid. The ever-changing household is what has surprised me the most; home is very complex with the members of the “family” differing daily. This urban, nomadic life that my neighbors and friends are living has taught me to appreciate the stability and support of my family.

As I type this, I am on a family vacation with my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law and niece; all of us are in Florida, making our first trek to Disney World. My family structure does not change; mom does not have a rotating crew of boyfriends; dad is not in and out of jail; my sister is not coming and going as she pleases, leaving the baby to be taken care of by whoever; and my brother-in-law will never leave. We are a stable family unit; I have taken that for granted. I thought this is what a family looked like; I was wrong. The nomadic nature of those I love in Chester has shown me that, along with the negative shift in environment, there are hidden treasures that, upon inspection, “look” just like my family.

I love knowing that there will always be a place for me to crash when I visit my folks in Michigan and that I will always have a place to sleep. Many in Chester have this option as well; if something happens, doors are open. Friends take friends in; if evicted, there are open doors; if fired, there are empty couches. In Chester “family” takes care of each other. This is just like my family; when help is needed, we all pitch in.

Although “family” looks different, and I have grown to love mine more, I am learning about how “family” functions. Some things are universal, some are instinctual, some are learned, and some are forgotten. Pray with me that as my urban nomads move, Christ will be the solid rock to whom they cling. Pray that I continue to see the treasures hidden in my neighborhood. Pray, also, for the garden; we are beginning to start seeds, and we are very excited! And we hope that we are planting more than seeds.

February 2009: Job in Chester

2009-08-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Over the last few months, the adults in Highland House have been working their way through the Book of Job. Job is the devastating tale of a godly man whose life is used by Satan as a cosmic test of faithfulness and trust. Satan strips Job of all his earthly possessions, cattle, spouse, children, health, home, and friends. Near the end of the book, hope is a hard thing to find, yet Job is sure that God is sovereign and refuses to lose faith.

The Job saga has reared its head in Chester. One of my teammates' families has been visited by pain in such a way that everyone around them is also deeply moved, including me. I struggle with what to say as lies trump truth in this stage of Satan's game. How do I encourage our Job? Do I say, “Curse God” as Job’s friends did? Or do I praise God in the pain? How do I be the friend that the Job of the Bible did not have? “Curse God” is not an option, and yet here we are, over our heads in sorrow, wanting to honor God as Job did. We, the staff and church, desire God’s joy to be our strength.

Miss Kim has been teaching me how to honor God in pain. She comes out every Friday night to church. She is a growing believer and core member of Highland House, and recently, she has been an inspiration and encouragement to me. While all the chaos is erupting, Miss Kim has shown strength and determination; she is continually pointing me back to the Word and drawing parallels between this situation and Job’s. She has taken on responsibilities, and in the middle of the pain, she has been unwavering, standing firm in Christ’s love and all-knowing ways. She has been the friend Job never had while being the audible voice of God in the pain

When the Job Bible study began, no one knew what God had in store for our church or our World Impact Chester staff, but as life unfolds, we are learning how to honor God in all situations; we are praising God for every glimmer of hope; we are praying that we will be the friends that Job needed, not the ones he had. Please pray along with us. Pray that those inclined to lose faith will cling to God’s truth and be encouraged by those who refuse to let go.

January 2009, Faith Like a Child

2009-08-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Throughout my life music has been a central force. It has helped make bad days good and good days great. Music has breathed life into my being by reminding me of my position in the Kingdom of God. Over the years there have been a few CDs that found their way into my player or onto my iPod. Last week I found myself listening to one of those songs, Like a Child, on Jars of Clay's first album; the chorus to this song is:

They say that I can move the mountains

And send them crashing to the sea

They say that I can walk on water

If I would follow and believe

With faith like a child

This past year I have been able to learn about faith from a dear friend--I think she is my hero, well, at least a role model. I see her laughing in the face of danger while singing joyfully to her King. I believe she is a super hero; her true identity is hidden in the body of four-year-old Sugar Mama. This beautiful child dances when she wants to, giggles with sheer joy, sings the words she knows at the top of her lungs, and I want to be just like her when I grow up. Faith like a child looks like Sugar Mama; she does not know justification from sanctification--she just is.

“Miss Candy, dance with me.”

“Ok,” and we dance, spinning, laughing, smiling, and falling to the floor from the fun. I love this kid. Her relationship to the world is what I want with the Lord. If there is music, she dances. If God speaks, I act. Faith is not that simple in my life. I often like to wait it out, look at my options, wrestle with what I want; I rarely ever just act. When God is writing the symphony and choreographing the dance, why do I hesitate and, at times, fail to join the movement? Because sometimes I forget to be like Sugar Mama and have faith like a child.

This new year pray that I have faith like a child and join the dance with no hesitations!

December 2008: Our great war hero

2009-08-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

This past fall I was with my teens at an evangelistic event, and as people all around me were rejoicing, I was weeping. The God of the universe was blatantly denied by one of my girls. She looked me dead in the eyes and said, “I don’t want to pray about it.” My heart broke, and I began to understand the battle that I am a part of. When Paul wrote to Ephesus, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm” (Ephesians 6:12), he was writing to me, for this moment. It was a gentle, but intentional, reminder for me not to argue, not to be pushy, but to love this girl and pray against the strongholds Satan has in her life.

Satan has plans for this young lady, plans to destroy her and keep her from being devoted to her Creator. I have plans for this girl, I have hopes for her, and I want her to love and serve Jesus with all her heart. She is not ready to make that decision. As I was saddened by her choice, I was forced to realize that God’s plans for her are better than mine could ever be. He loves her and has complete control over the situation. He longs for her to worship Him, and in the right time He will make it happen. I need to wait on His timing, keep loving her, and praying for her.

The “struggle” Paul writes about is a cosmic war whose casualties are outside my front door, walking around my neighborhood, attending youth group, and passing me daily. The count is high, and the war has only just begun. This war is for something more precious than oil, gold, or religion; it is for the souls of our teens. My co-laborers and I are on the front lines, fighting the only way we know how--by calling upon those who love Jesus and by praying for them. Pray for God’s love to overflow out of us, for wisdom in all situations, for the Holy Spirit to speak through us, for hearts to soften, and for strongholds to be broken. Also, pray for strength, strength to walk with the wounded to the Great Physician, strength to pursue the enemy’s target, and strength to fight the good fight.

As Christmas comes and goes, I ask that you lift us up, World Impact Chester, to the Lord in prayer. The Baby we celebrate is our Great War Hero, the battle is His, and the fight is on.

November 2008: Dee Dee finds Jesus

2009-08-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Some summer days are beyond perfect--the sun is shining, the clouds are invisible, the breeze comes in the warmest moment, and the neighborhood is buzzing with outdoor activity. This particular perfect day was coupled with Bible Club in the park. Bible Club is great; there is scripture memorization, silly songs (with motions), games, Bible stories, and funny skits. Oh, and there are a ton of kids! DeeDee has been one of our most consistent kids; she has also been one of our most disciplined kids, but that day something was different.

DeeDee and I were lying on a blanket in the grassy area of the Highland Garden’s park. She is ten, and today there was something different about this often-angry child. Her eyes were not empty or hurting, and for the first time ever there seemed to be a peace about her. It was hard for me to remember that this beautiful ten-year-old had been picked up by the police for fighting on multiple occasions and that she had also been sent home from Bible Clubs, although she always came back. As we hung out on the blanket, she laughed and smiled and played with my hair, and finally I had to know what was different about her. So I asked.

“DeeDee, what is different about you?”

“Miss Candy, I have Jesus in my heart.”

I was overwhelmed with excitement, “When did this happen? Who have you told? Who were you with?” My questions were coming quicker than a girl of ten could handle.

Then she answered me, “Last night I was in bed, and I just knew I had to pray like they taught me to in the park; it was like Jesus was after me.”

Those words give me goose bumps every time I think about them, “…it was like Jesus was after me.” These words make me wonder if I still feel that way--do I know that He is pursuing me? DeeDee knows He is and has become a little peacemaker in the neighborhood. Instead of fighting, I often see her holding hands with a young one and helping them find their way home.

Please pray for DeeDee and all the Bible Club kids in the neighborhood. Pray that they feel Jesus seeking them and that they desire Him in their lives.

October 2008: crazy neighbor

2009-08-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Many of the themes in the New Testament can be summed up in four words: Love Jesus; Love People. With this in mind, I have been learning how to love. One would think that love comes easily to a missionary, but some days it does not, especially when the person I am called to love is my weird neighbor. It seems as though it is easier for me to love someone whom I do not have to “work” on loving, and if we are honest, that is probably the truth for all of us. But what I have been learning is that the more “work” I put into a relationship, the greater the yield.

Rebecca and I have a neighbor, Denise, who is a bit strange. Some days she stands outside our house and talks to herself. Other days she yells, but most days she walks up and down the street until we come home, and then she hangs out in our yard and talks as the garden is being watered, sharing in the harvest, eating cherry tomatoes, and saying good night. Rebecca and I have struggled with what loving Denise really looks like. We ask each other the tough questions like: “How would Jesus love her?” “Is this safe?” “Do we love her more than we love ourselves?” and if the answer is no, “How do we show her that she is loved?” These questions sound hard, but what I have found is that the answers are harder. Jesus clearly teaches to love, Jesus demonstrates loving the unloved, and Jesus commands His followers to love--period. Because of Jesus’ emphasis on love, I have had to learn and sometimes force myself to show Denise love. Rebecca seems to be a natural at loving her.

Recently, Rebecca started a Thursday night women’s Bible study, and due to the influx of women in and out of our home, Denise has been around more often. God laid it on Rebecca’s heart to invite Denise, and she did, and Denise has come. God is moving in her; she has yet to profess Him as Lord and Savior, but she is there hearing Truth. Please pray that Denise begins a relationship with Jesus, that I continue to grow in love, and that Rebecca continues to love naturally.

On a completely different note, a lovely man from a local church donated a car to our ministry that is in excellent condition! Praise God that I now have a car because this man listened to God’s prompting. Thank you for all your love and support!

September 2008: school, Ms. Thomas and Ms. Mosley

2009-08-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

School has begun in Chester! The summer of leisure is over, the pool is closed, and the books are beginning to open. At Chester High School there are several important factors that play into the start of the school year. This year the principal, Dr. Eirington, is returning, which means that the incoming freshmen will have an experienced leader unlike the class of 2008, that went through six principals during their time at Chester High, or as they affectionately refer to it, “the High.” The excitement over the State Championship in basketball and track is still coursing through the veins of the community making it hard to focus on academics. And students going to school while the district is restructuring have a tough time knowing what is next.

This past year I had the privilege of volunteering with the Parent Teacher Organization, PTO. Once a week I would meet up with Miss Mosley and Miss Thomas at 6:45 in the morning, and we would greet students on their way in the doors. The women I worked with no longer had children at the High. God had laid it on their hearts to continue the work they had started more than five years ago, loving kids. Every morning these two women, with full-time jobs, wake up and go to the high school in order to love teens with the love of Jesus. They know the students, they hug the kids, they ask about attendance, and they care. These women are my teachers; they show me what Christ looks like at the High, they allow me to see sacrifice, and they show me that commitment and love are essential to change. Miss Mosley and Miss Thomas live their lives for others and do not get much glory, but they do get a ton of love.

Over the course of this next school year, please remember to pray for Chester High School. Pray that God will give Principal Eirington wisdom and endurance. Ask that Miss Mosley and Miss Thomas will find rest in their busy schedules and that God will bless them for their consistency. Intercede on behalf of the students, for safety and peace. Also, pray for CELEBRATION!, as we reach out to the teens in Chester.

August 2008: the garden

2009-08-07T07:59:00.001-07:00

Dear Family,

The garden is growing! This past summer, my roommate Rebecca Barr, some friends, and I began to cultivate the land in our back yard creating a beautiful urban garden. We also had the privilege of leading ten 6th to 12th graders in a summer learning experience. We taught them and learned with them about worm composting, positive and negative human impact on the environment, the water cycle, habitats, loving our neighbors, and God’s intent for creation. Working with urban youth in a garden is very exciting. At first, they hate it and pretend not to enjoy it, but eventually they love it, getting their hands dirty in the soil, picking up red wigglers, and eating fresh spinach. The opportunity to introduce teens to nature in my back yard has been glorious.

Our first week, we focused on red wigglers. They are worms that break down organic materials into amazing compost. The teens were able to participate in several activities focusing around God’s intent for soil. First, we opened a pound of worms, holding them, passing them around, and placing them safely in a container for future use. Then we went down into the basement of our house and began the process of harvesting ready compost. When the teens saw the worm castings in the worm bin, they were a bit grossed out. Then Kanti, a worm-composting expert, explained that God made worms for this purpose; the teens were enthralled. Soon after that we built an outdoor bin, or as we named it, the Worm Hostel. We converted an old tool chest into a four-story habitat for our precious little worms. Throughout the summer the teens collected organic matter to bring with them every week and feed to the worms. These worms eat half their weight in a week, so the teens see almost immediate results!

Being with teens when they get a glimpse of the Creator while working in His creation is amazing! Please pray that the teens (and the grown ups) continue to see God in creation. Also pray that the relationships that have been established in the neighborhood continue to grow in the cold winter months.

July 2008: All of the above

2009-08-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

This month I celebrate two years of service with World Impact, and to be honest, the longer I am here, the more I love my job and the more I learn about the people and the city with which God has surrounded me. God is continually surprising me by showing up in the midst of chaos, creating beauty and order when there seems to be no hope. When I am walking through a trial, God is most evident--clearly He knows my weakness and propensity to “be human” and tries to control the circumstances. He shows up, and I learn to place the situation in His hands. Recently I had the privilege of walking beside one of my teens in his trial and seeing him begin to surrender to God.

Jim has been one of my most consistent teens. He never misses Celebration! If the doors are open, Jim is there. So when he missed two weeks in a row, I started to ask around. There were rumors of a new address, tales of juvenile detention, and much conjecture of “youthful” indiscretions. When I finally tracked him down, I found out that all of the above were true. His mom kicked him out; he spent two weeks in a juvenile detention center for a really stupid decision he made. Jim and I talked about the incident. As he spoke, I could see his heart hardened, and I could feel mine break. This young man is a leader. He has a lot going for him. He is active in sports and is very enthusiastic about life, but he has followed his parents’ example and given up on himself.

A few days after I tracked him down, Jim called me five times in one day, so I knew it was important. Once I was able to talk to him, he told me that he had stolen money from his job. His employer had turned the theft over to the state troopers, who were “investigating the event.” Jim was scared. I was in way over my head. We decided that the best option was for Jim to voluntarily turn himself in. I picked him up early from school and off we went to the see the state trooper. Jim said about five words on our 30-minute drive to the police station. Upon arrival, he was beyond nervous, as I was. The officer was very kind, explained everything, answered questions, and was patient with Jim. He also had some great news! Because Jim came in on his own, he would not be immediately arrested. Upon hearing this, Jim threw his arms in the air and praised God.

Jim lives in a community that is not known for cooperating with the police. Jim learned that doing the right thing has rewards. He saw God honored by his choice to go against the culture. Pray for Jim as the trial comes, and pray that he accepts God and sees Jesus in a new light.

June 2008: Summer

2009-08-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

SUMMER! This is easily my favorite time of the year. The sun, the warmth, the beach, and teens with no school--there is nothing better. This summer is filled with events that need your prayer, trips that need safety, plans that need guiding, and teens who want fun.

The summer vacation begins with taking a van full of teens to work at Harmony Heart Camp. The opportunity to work at camp teaches teens about finances, responsibility, and work ethic. This year Vera, Sabrina and Michael will be working for their second summer. Please pray that God will challenge and grow them.

Growth is something my roommate Rebecca Barr and I hope to see a lot of this summer as we, along with a handful of committed followers of Christ, begin a community garden in our backyard. Our prayer is that God’s love will overflow from His followers working together into the neighborhood where we live. This garden is also an opportunity to teach kids and teens about produce, compost, worm bins, and creation. Please pray for our neighbors that their hearts will be softened, and pray that our hearts will also be softened.

The teens from World Impact in Newark, New Jersey will be joining Chester teens for a two-day event that will have us traveling from Independence Hall to the stairs of the Philadelphia Art Museum (made famous by Rocky) and to the lovely shore by Atlantic City. This will be the first of what we hope to be an annual event, uniting Newark and Chester teens. Please pray for oneness and fun.

Along with our regular Monday-night teen club meetings, this summer will find us at Harmony Heart Camp for a week in late August. Time at camp is amazing and allows for experiences that often cannot be found in the city: canoeing, bonfires, night walks and, of course, S’mores. Please pray that God brings male chaperones for camp, softens hard hearts, and allows the teens He desires to be there to be able to come.

Thank you for your love and support. I praise God for you daily and I covet your prayers.

May 2008: Where the Wild things are

2009-08-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Spring always brings about newness--new life, new starts, and new adventures. This idea of fresh starts has been made clear to me lately. It all started Easter weekend, while outside with friends, Central Avenue came to life.

Have you ever read Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak? It is the story of an imaginative little boy, Max, who is sent to his room with no supper. While in his room, he falls asleep and dreams of an adventure in which he is an explorer, sailing the high seas and heading to a new world. Upon arriving in the new land the wild animals ask him to join in their lives and be their leader. He joins in their wild rumpus as king, but he knows something is missing. Finally he smells something familiar, a scent that has traveled the high sea and made him miss his mother. At the close of the book, there is a bowl of soup next to his bed, piping hot, waiting for him. I love this book, and recently I had my own adventurous day in a new land, just as Max did.

I was sent to my “room” (metaphorically, any lawn work is a form of punishment for me and doing it can be taken as my “room”). So there I was outside doing lawn work, when the road became a sea of cars. Police and neighbors flooded the street, and I was in the “boat” watching it all happen, not yet realizing that this event would allow me access to the wild rumpus. My cohorts and I were preparing the yard for the community garden we have started, trimming trees, cutting down over growth, and scratching our heads wondering what to do with all the debris. And then it happened, the first glimpse of the world we long to be a part of, a car slowed down, a neighbor came over, and a teen, long absent from the neighborhood, stopped by--all to ask us what was going on. I thought I was swinging through the trees, for a brief moment I got to be the insider, I was one of the wild things and we were all together. Now to be fair, I had no idea what was going on with the police; no one did. There were five police cars on the corner, and no news of what happened; a speculation, but no fact.

The car that halted was a neighbor up the street, wanting us to know that the yard was looking great, and he wondered what was going on. The woman who stopped lives a couple doors down, and she wanted us to know that she places our trash can inside the fence after it has been picked up and wonders if that is OK. She also wants to know what is going on. The teen wanted me have his new number, and upon my inquiry as to where he had been, he said, “Getting myself better.” Rehab. There is an island after a long journey, and I have decided that, as long as there is growth and new life, I never want to return, not even to a bowl of soup that is still warm. So pray that our neighbors see God’s love, a teen stays clean, and our garden grows while building community on Central Ave.

April 2008: my dear Zoe

2009-08-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

She came into Homework Club with her head hung low. This usually excited little girl had a depth of sadness and shame in her eyes that no child should know. What she failed to realize was that everyone could see her shame, not only in her beautiful eyes, but also in her new piece of clothing, a hijab. A hijab is a headdress worn by women who profess Allah as their god. Zoe is not Muslim, but her mom’s boyfriend is. Her grandmother is a follower of Christ and brings her grand kids to everything offered at Highland House. Zoe is stuck in the middle, wearing a hijab, and not understanding why.

Zoe has an older brother, Ryan, who is full of frustration and questions. He is desperately trying to sort out the truth from the lies. He memorizes Bible verses and sings songs to Jesus with Highland House and then goes home and prays to Allah with his mom and her boyfriend. He is confused. The options are too great for a ten-year-old. He knows that eternal security rests in one of these options, but which one? The name of Jesus is being whispered in Zoe and Ryan’s ears; Jesus is welcoming, loving, and waiting for them to see the truth.

While this goes on, I watch, dying to see the smile that Zoe is known for, to hear her giggle, and to see the spark in her eyes. And yet, the fizz in the soda is gone. I tell her that she looks cute today, and she gives me a halfhearted hug and rushes away. Ryan is growing angrier; he hates not understanding. And I am growing weary of not knowing what to do. Prayer and love are enough, but some days I wish there was more . . . then I remember that God has this all taken care of and I must rest in that truth.

Every day the stronghold of Islam is growing in Chester. It is seen in two innocent children and in the chaos of the street. New mosques are being built and appearances are being altered while confusion and questions settle into the minds of those who watch. Please join with us, the Chester staff, in prayer for our Muslim neighbors. Pray that the love of Christ will overpower all lies. Pray that peace will nestle into the hearts of Zoe and Ryan. Pray that God will give us wisdom as we learn about Islam and how to love our neighbors.

march 2008: Notes and teaching

2009-08-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Passing notes has long been a tradition in the classroom, but writing them and then hiding them has not. Although hiding the paper communication is less disruptive than passing it around, it still drives a teacher mad. My housemate, Rebecca, and I were eating dinner a few weeks ago, and she began to tell me about one of her students that had surprised her. Shamar, one of Frederick Douglass’s second graders, was the hider of notes and the reminder Rebecca needed to assure herself that God’s strength is perfect in our weakness.

Below you will read Rebecca’s account of her reminder.

“It was a stressful day. So, as I walked past the front row of desks, and out of the corner of my eye saw Shamar writing on a small piece of paper, I desired to go in for closer inspection. Yes, it was as I had thought: a note! When I stopped in front of Shamar’s desk, he immediately took the paper and began vigorously shoving it as far back into his desk as he could manage. Aha! It’s even worse, I thought; it’s a bad note.

“‘Please give me the note, Shamar,’ I said sternly. He simply giggled in response.

“‘Give me the note,’ I said this in much firm voice. He still giggled, but refused to produce the malicious note. This was not what I was expecting. When he immediately asked to use the restroom, I allowed him to, slyly thinking to myself that now I could fish the note out of his desk.

“Feeling very tricky, I sat down at his desk to take out the note. But, instead of finding one note I found that his entire pencil box was stuffed full of notes. Wow, nothing like storing evidence against yourself, I thought, and I prepared myself to dish out some corrective discipline. I began to read the first note.

“‘Dear Kevin, you are cooL!!!!!!! You are a good good good friend to me. Love Shamar’ ”

“I was flummoxed. A note with curse words would have shocked me much less. I took out all 14 other notes, all written to a different classmate, each of which had a variation of the first note written on them. I could not stop myself from smiling; my cheeks even started to hurt.”

All day those notes brought a smile to Rebecca’s face. She was delighted by this boy’s desire to express positive thoughts about all his classmates and to take the time to write them down. She relayed the story and the lesson learned, and we are both amazed that God is at work, despite us. Please pray as God continues to work.

February 2008: basketball

2009-08-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

A couple Fridays ago I learned a life lesson that I will never forget. It was the night of Chester High’s first basket ball game, and I was taking a crew of fans. The fan base that I was coordinating seemed to be getting smaller throughout game day. I was getting irritated, frustrated, and disappointed, not in my teens, but in myself. I wondered if they ditched the game because of me. Did I embarrass them? Do I expect too much? Am I in the wrong ministry position? As the questions raced, the night went on, and it seemed awful.

We got to the game at the time on the schedule just to find out that Chester was to play the second game of the night, not at eight o’clock but at nine-thirty. So we sat through a game of little interest to the three teens who managed to show up. As Chester took the court, my phone rang, the excitement in the gym drowned out the beautiful melody, but the buzz of the text message caught my attention: it was Andrew, one of my co-workers. He wanted to know if everything was okay, and it was, so I texted, “Why?” He responded with a phone call and the explanation of rumors. There had been a rumor of retaliation. Someone was shot the night before, and tonight was supposed to be payback. I had unknowingly led three beautiful teens into what could be a war zone. This really boosted my hopes for the night.

At half-time we took off. Nothing happened at the game, or after, but the threat of violence had prompted a considerable police presence at the event. I dropped the teens off and went home, sulking. My roommate, Becca, gave me about five minutes to rant and feel sorry for myself before asking me one simple, yet loaded question, “What is your verse?” I gave her a look of disgust, and quoted this, “O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). That is the theme verse for the leadership team of CELEBRATION!, and that night it had more meaning than a sermon could have ever exposed. There are a ton of teens in Chester, and I am powerless and clueless, but my eyes must shift from my weaknesses and focus on God’s strength, who has this all planned out. I do not believe that I should be sulking and pathetic all the time, but sometimes I need my roommate to remind me that God is where my focus should be, that He knows, and that He has the power to use even me.

Please pray that God will impact teens in Chester. Pray for me as I volunteer at Chester High on Wednesday mornings. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for being all knowing and all

powerful.

December 2007, Vera

2009-07-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

One word: COLD! As much as I love this time of year, I could do with a warmer climate, but alas, I would not want to change my city. Chester in the winter is wonderful, full of snow days, lawn ornaments, lights, and general good cheer. As beautiful as winter is, I really enjoy Christmas--the tree, the lights, the gifts, the hot chocolate, the cookies, Eloise at the Plaza, Charlie Brown, Home Alone, and the list could go on and on for a long time and yet be very incomplete. It could not be a full list if it were missing just one five-letter name. The lack of five letters would render any Christmas list useless. Jesus--He sees what is to come; He loves me in my stupidity; He changes my life daily; and last year, Vera’s heart began to soften.

A year ago she was picked up by the cops twice, suspended from school, and she was known for her anger and ever-ready fists. A year ago she cut classes, cursed people out, and would have to be restrained by the Chester High School security guards. A year ago Jesus saw what I could not. A year ago Jesus knew her change would affect others. A year ago Jesus was patiently working on her heart and ordering the steps He would have her choose.

Vera calls me her “sister,” and I reciprocate the affection. She is a teen leader at CELEBRATION! and is involved in other weekly activities. She helps others and is excited to serve. The love the Lord has put in her heart overflows onto others. Just the other day she broke up a fight between two guys at school. She knew one of them, so she grabbed him, and they took a walk to cool down. She is a different young lady than she was a year ago.

A lot of her transformation took place this past summer while she worked at Harmony Heart Camp. Her time spent there grew her in ways that may have been difficult in the city. She spent six weeks encompassed by nature, love, and John 3:16 and 17. Those two verses were the theme for camp, and they are the theme for transformed lives.

As we live out the Christmas season, please remember to love others as Jesus loves us. Look for opportunities to express the presence of Jesus in your life, in struggle and in celebration. And as always, pray. Pray for peace, new life, and the guidance of the Spirit in my life and in Vera’s life. Pray that as she continues to grow in Christ, He will use that to affect her peers.

November 2007, men

2009-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

As I stare at the blank computer screen, I wonder what to write. The idea of having nothing to write about rarely ever overtakes my mind, but today is one of those days. This morning Chester High School was on lockdown due to a shooting a block away; no students were involved, but that event has consumed my thoughts. My heart continues to be broken for my friends, neighbors, teens, community, and, most of all, the young men of Chester. I am truly at a loss for words. I have no one to blame and no way to fix the problem.

I do, however, have a request for all of you who read this: PRAY. Specifically, lift up the young men of Chester, intercede on behalf of these men, cry out to the Lord for an opportunity for these men to see His face and not be able to walk away. Also, ask the Lord to burden the hearts of those He has called into this ministry; ask that He will give them the courage to do what the rich young ruler could not do and what the disciples did--give it all up and follow Jesus into the city.

Those of you who know me well know that I am a passionate young lady and that my fervor for the city does not exceed my fervor for the Lord. He has laid this issue on the heart of the Chester staff and I desire for your hearts to be burdened for it as well. If you are willing, please join me on Wednesday, November 28 for a day of prayer. Do whatever the Lord leads you to do--pray, fast, meet together, or encourage a young man at your church to seek the Lord and not money--just pray. This letter may come across as emphatic because my heart truly feels the needs and problems of others.

There is nothing more I can say in regard to this issue except to ask you to pray, become passionate and expect God to move. My cousin Andy once said, “If you do not pray expecting things to happen, then you do not believe that God is powerful enough to do it. So, don’t ask.” I believe God can raise up men in the city; He did it in the Bible and He will do it today.

October 2007, gangs or game night

2009-07-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

A couple of weeks ago at CELEBRATION! a young man walked in accompanied by his mother. Now to many, a teen showing up to youth group with a parent may not seem unusual, but in Chester it is. I walked over and introduced myself and answered a fairly typical round of questions: What is this? What time is this done? What do you do? How many kids come? Upon answering, mom was happy and entrusted her child to my care. My interests were beyond peeked; I wanted to interrogate him as to how his mom heard about CELEBRATION! teen program. But I did not have to. All I had to do was ask, “Why did you decide to come?” and out came the story. “My mom was worried because I was getting involved in a gang, and I was in trouble with the cops, so she told me I had to come.” Now, luckily for me, he knew a few of our regular guys from school and settled in for game night.

This young man could have denied his mother’s request, although I think he may have taken his life into his own hands if he had, but he did not. He made the best out of the situation he was semi-forced into (I am not sure what his options were, but I assume CELEBRATION! was on the softer side of things). I often feel forced into situations that I have no control over or have any desire to be in. There is one thing I can do in these instances; I can have a good attitude. I can choose to do my best at aiding relationships, solving conflict, loving others and a myriad of other people-related occurrences. The Lord has truly increased my learning curve, and CELEBRATION! has been my school. The teens who enter into Frederick Douglass

Christian School on Monday nights have taught me to show love in all events.

Please pray that the Lord will continue to teach me about life and that He will bring teens to CELEBRATION! who would not usually choose to be there. Thanks for the love and prayers. They are always needed.

September 2007, school and moving

2009-07-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

As swimsuits are replaced with school uniforms and lazy summer days become scheduled classes, I have a transition of my own to share. For the last six months I have been living with two other missionaries, Renee Groff and Rebecca Barr. We have loved living together and truly made a house into a home. That home is going to experience a change in occupancy; Rebecca and I are moving in order for Renee to prepare for her upcoming wedding (September 29 is the big day). Once she is married, her husband Reggie will move in and the newlyweds will continue to man the lighthouse on the corner of Curran and Culhane.

Rebecca and I began to prepare our new home in late June with the help of many work groups. We have moved all our stuff in, yet most of it is still in boxes. We have hosted a handful of guests and are excited for our guest room to be filled by family and friends throughout the year. Our new home is within walking distance from Frederick Douglass Christian School, where Rebecca is the second-grade teacher, and where my office is located.

We painted, sanded, taped, mudded, sanded some more, tore out carpet, and refinished a banister. This banister is beautiful. Under about seventy layers of paint there is wood and there are ridges that would have never been seen, had we not removed the paint. How sad is that? The exterior of some objects mask the inner and original beauty that they were created to have.

I have been finding time and time again that I forget about my intended purpose. Most days I need to get rid of all the “paint” I have acquired--pride, false humility, selfishness, discontentment, materialism, and tiredness among others. I need to shed these layers and receive from the Lord “garments of splendor” (Isaiah 52:1), “robes of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10), “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3). Just as the banister needed to be stripped of its gunk, so do I. Just as the banister needed a fresh coat of varnish and paint, I need to live the purpose Christ has for me - to glorify and worship Him forever in all I do.

Being clothed in His likeness allows me to do that.

Please pray for Rebecca and me as we unpack, for Renee as she weds, and school as it begins. This list is not long, but it is of the utmost importance. Those of you who pray, your prayers are felt and cherished.

August 2007, Amos Lee and camp

2009-07-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

August is by far my favorite month of the year. With the sunshine and the flip-flops comes summer camp at Harmony Heart. Camp is a magical place where youth run free from the violence of the city, water balloons rain down from the heavens, and lake monsters tip the canoes of giggling teenage girls. Now I know there is not really a terrifying creature creeping around Heart Lake causing trouble for the ladies, but alas, it is fun to see a kid squirm and to hear shrieks of excitement coupled with the fear of the unknown. Canoe, rowboat, and paddleboat are not in the vocabulary of the youth I work with, so the ability to go with a group to camp and see them experience new things is amazing.

Amos Lee (a singer/songwriter) says it best: “There is nothing more powerful than beauty in a wicked world,” and that is the joy of camp. Daily we are inundated with visions of the “wicked world.” Just turn on the news or watch someone get cut off on the way to work. Sin is rampant in the suburbs and in the city. So giving a child the gift of camp--the gift of beauty, swimming, archery, snakes, fishing, crafts, swinging and, let us not forget, three square meals a day--is creating not only a memory but also a glimpse of the Creator, a peek into the Ultimate Beauty, a chance for a relationship with Jesus.

Jesus is the reason camp is so magical and powerful. Through the use of the imagination, campers are transported into Bible stories. A young man feels courageous as he faces the lions alongside Daniel. A little girl watches from the bulrushes as Pharaoh’s daughter picks up her baby brother, and the Bible is made real. The truth of Scripture is so powerful that it transforms lives. Camp is about transforming lives by introducing the beautiful truth of Christ into the lives of kids who regularly see the wicked world. At camp the world begins to fade, and the power of Truth becomes a way of life.

Please pray that God will work in the hearts of all who attend camp this summer. We have three different camps--one for kids (8-12), one for teens, and one for families to spend time together away from the city.

July 2007, Ups and Downs

2009-07-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

WOW! I have been in Chester for a year! I cannot believe that this much time has passed so quickly. I

also find it hard to believe that in the last year the Lord has been faithful in providing for me, His beautiful

disaster made attractive by grace, yet still fallen and a mess. My time in Chester has deepened my love and

passion for proclaiming Christ to all in the city; it has also lent itself to a ton of fun and memories. So here

is a year in review. There is no special order and not everything is good; this year has its ups and downs,

yet the call God has placed on my life here in Chester has never wavered.

The Ups and Downs

● In all my life I never once thought my face would be on money. Yet, there it is, on the five-dollar

“Booth Street Buck.” (This is fake money given to homework-club kids as incentive for good behavior

which they are then able to spend in our store.)

● In my first month I was elated to receive a letter from my grandpa, who was not the type of man to write

often. Eight months later, he went to stand before the Lord, in a new body, able to run around and worship

his King with no limitations.

● Highland House (that is the church plant) baptized three new believers and dedicated two children. What

a sight to behold--new Christians following the commands of the Lord!

● A group of eight-to-twelve-year olds I teach at Highland House memorized John 14:1-7. Once they

recited the passage, they received new Bibles, which they carry with them weekly.

● I was able to click my red Converses in Kansas as I passed the World Impact Candidate Assessment

Program! Yeah, I am no longer an intern; I am a Missionary In Training (MIT).

● On Mother’s Day, my mom called with great news: my name made it onto my favorite snack food. One

of my supporters had my name placed on plain M & M’s--they read, “Pray for Candy Gibson.”

● I am now the queen of field trips. I chaperone every trip I can--the apple orchard, the King Tut Exhibit,

third-grade camp, the Please Touch Museum, the zoo, and many other fun sights.

● I have all of you, those reading this letter and my family, to support me. Your prayers have been a

comfort; your letters, an encouragement; and your love, a refreshing reminder of how wonderful the Body

of Christ is.

Please continue to pray for summer activities, Celebration!, my housemates Rebecca Barr and Renee Groff,

and Highland House. Thank you for being a part of Christ’s movement in Chester.

June 2007, Loving kids

2009-07-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Often in the midst of business, we seek a place of peace and rest. In Chester some children seek out

peace and rest in the chaos of danger and neglect. My housemates and I have created a haven on the

corner of Curran and Culhane--a home for games, laughter, love, and safety. If we are outside, so is a

handful of kids; if we are inside, there are knocks on the door. Our home is theirs, just as God’s love

is ours to give.

Loving kids is not always easy. There are days when I want to turn the volume to my CD player up

and pretend I hear nothing; but the knocking persists, and the door must be answered. Jesus was all

about kids. He said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14). So here we are in

Chester, remembering the words of Jesus, letting the little children come to Him--to come in and find

rest, to come in and find peace, to come in and find love.

Please join us in prayer that, as school lets out, we can be available to spend time with kids and create

beauty in the city, that we can show the love of Christ to others, even when it is hard, and that I will

see Jesus in all those with whom I come in contact.

May 2007, CELEBRATION!

2009-07-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

As spring approached and the snow began to melt, my neighborhood got restless. This desire for all things

warm was misplaced, and just as the snow thawed, so did old vendettas. Within a week’s time there was a

hostage situation, three people shot by a SWAT team, a man walking down the street firing a gun, and a car

fire. I have no words to express the hurt my heart felt that week. I saw men and women living as if their

only hope was to repay a wrong done or to be the biggest tough guy on the block. “Tough Guy” is not an

appropriate title to be seeking. Whatever happened to words like leader, student, smart, humble, servant,

meek, or patient?

I will tell you what has happened to those words in my community. Although they may not be glorified, they

are exemplified in a group of teens who hang out together. Every Monday night at Celebration! these teens

encourage one another, challenge each other, and act in service toward each other. Celebration! teens are

learning that Jesus is the path to peace, the ultimate authority, and the only One whose opinion matters. They

struggle and have bad days, but overall they are in love with the God whose values are different from those in

their neighborhood.

Celebration! has a huge place in my heart, not just because I see what the Lord is doing but also because the

leadership of this event has been handed over to me. In a very loose sense I am the “youth pastor.” I have

been given the opportunity to serve in this leadership role and am excited to see what God has planned. I am

also very nervous because this is a real role. I have had to create a budget; I will be organizing and

supervising trips and training young leaders. Scary! And yet, I am overwhelmed by the support I have from

my teammates and the vision the Lord has placed in my heart.

Please know that I did not tell you the serious details of my community for you to worry or to question my

parents as to why I live here. I share this with you so you can pray. Pray for me in this new role with its

ups and downs, excitement, and adventure. Pray for the peace that only comes from God and for these teens

to impact our community for the Kingdom.

April 2007, shane, self-portraits and our house

2009-07-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

“Miss Candy, what do you do?” Shane asked as we watched the five o’clock news.

“Well, I…,” and there it was, the list of my weekly activities including art class, Celebration!, homework

club, girl’s small group, staff Bible study, my day off, Highland House, and other events. He was not

impressed. He is eight. I tried to explain that we are starting a church, and with this, he was more

interested.

“What time do you meet?” “Sevenish on Fridays,” I replied.

Shane’s nose crinkled. “That means I should get up at six, right?”

“Wouldn’t you already be awake? It is at night.” I was not catching onto his level of commitment.

“Oh, I thought it was in the morning.”

He is eight years old, and on his own he decided to come to church. He loves stopping by our home, playing

games, watching the news, talking, and as I soon found out, he loves to paint.

We talk about school, and as I will use any opportunity to encourage a kid about school, I asked what he

loves and what he dislikes about it. He loves to paint, so being an art teacher I asked, “What do you paint?”

“Myself.”

“Self-portraits! That is great! Anything else?”

For a moment he glanced away, and then he looked up at me and said, “This house.” I wanted to know why

so I asked, and Shane’s next words floored me: “I want everyone to know about this house.”

We, my house mates and I, have prayed that our home would be a lighthouse on the corner, a beacon of hope

in a hopeless land. And here is an eight-year-old who tells his friends he lives here and who is over countless

times a week because he is loved. Praise be to our Father who answers the prayers of His children and gives

us a source of love that is never ending.

Please praise the Lord with me for all that He has done and is continuing to do in Highland Gardens and with

Highland House.

March 2007, guerilla graffiti

2009-07-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

The other day I went for a walk and some new graffiti on the block caught my eye. Due to a tree blocking

the entire statement, all I saw was the word “peace.” I got really excited. I believed for a few moments, that

a team of guerilla graffiti artists had come into this community that lives in lies and had inscribed an altar

with the words, “Live in Peace.” Well, as I moved beyond the tree I saw that this was not true. “Rest in

Peace LeeLee” is what it read, but my imagination ran wild full of ‘what ifs’. Now to all those who truly

know me, please do not send me bottles of spray paint. I am not going to head up an inspirationally-based

urban tagging team (tagging is a term for graffiti). That is not within the limits of my missionary service.

But what if a group of like-minded believers got together and created beautiful truth in the chaos of lies?

What would that community of Christians look like? What activities outside of architectural enhancement

would these believers be involved in? These are the questions that have been milling around in my mind for a

couple of weeks now.

I would like to believe that I am a part of a creative team that is putting forth truth in the whirlwind of lies.

World Impact Chester is showing the love of Christ to those around us. We are being used by God to build

His church in a neighborhood that has been told that they are worthless. We are proclaiming, “You are

fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) on the corner where drugs and gunshots have often silenced

truth. Graffiti on walls is not the medium God has chosen. “The Lord has inscribed you on the palms of His

hands” (Isaiah 49:16) is the message that will last longer than spray paint ever could. We desire for the

names of our neighbors to be inscribed on His palm, not on the side of their old home.

“Rest in Peace LeeLee” screams to me as I walk past the home on which it is painted. It is an urban

headstone. Freshly painted words of love after a young man’s life was taken, the graffiti is a permanent way

to commemorate his death. I have been watching my neighbors buy into a lie (“you are only what you do”),

a lie straight from the lips of a serpent. I hear the whisper and I see the ramifications of this lie lived out as

truth, gunshots, drug deals, pre-marital sex, and high school dropouts. The list could continue, or it could

end. Please pray with me that as the Lord shines His truth into the streets, our home will be a place of

inscription, not graffiti.

February 2007, Candy and the terrible, horrible, no good very bad day

2009-07-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Have you ever read the children’s book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad

Day? As a kid, it was one of my favorites, and now as a grown-up, I am more sympathetic to

Alexander’s situation than ever before. Recently I had an Alexander kind of day, and I felt like crud. I

hate feeling worthless. Nothing was going right; the shoes had the wrong color strips, the copier went

crazy, and my cereal was priceless (all from the book). In Candy and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,

Very Bad Day, my hair would not obey, I stepped in mud (in the cute shoes), someone said something

mean to me, and I could not be on time to save my life (I like being on time). Please do not see this list

as a complaint, a rant against being a missionary, or a plea to receive pity--that is not what this is. In

my story, unlike the original, there is redemption. At the end of the night, my railroad pajamas did not

fall in the sink, I was given a gift so beautiful that I had to share it. So share I will.

It was a Monday, and on Mondays I teach an art class. I love this class. This is my favorite thing to

do. I enjoy setting up the classroom, gathering the supplies, and seeing my kids. Mondays make my

week, but this particular Monday was different. It was a bad day. I was late and pressed for time. I

had been crying, so my eyes were puffy, my make-up was running, and I had a class in ten minutes.

There is something about the first class and a new project that I have discovered--it does not always go

as smoothly as I think it should, and knowing this has led to many adjustments. My first class came in,

obeying all three of the art room rules: 1) Come in quietly; 2) Do not touch anything on the table until

you are told; 3) HAVE FUN. They entered silently, with hands to themselves and smiles on their

faces. It was beautiful. I was not in the mood to be the heavy hand, so the room was buzzing with

great music to relieve tension and provide a backdrop for working children. The class was amazing.

They followed their instructions, sharing the glue. I did not know how this was happening on this day

of all days; but here it was, a well-oiled machine of cooperation and obedience. As the kids were

creating, one of my little girls came up to me and motioned me down to her level (yes, a first grader is

shorter than I am), so I knelt down. Then, she kissed me on the cheek and said, “Miss Candy, I love

you.” Now normally this would be nice and sweet; but on this Monday, it was the Lord reminding me

why I do this.

Although the day seemed rough, the Lord was there, and He sent a bright and talented first grader to

remind me that I am loved, even on the bad days. So let us pray together that God reminds us that we

are loved and that Chester seeks His face. Please lift me up as I continue to learn that life in the city is

glorious and that the Father is pleased when His children listen. Thank you for reading. There is much

love in these words for you from me.

January 2007, movies and boys

2009-07-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

The day after Thanksgiving our church plant, Highland House, put together a family movie night.

Families were invited to bring a snack and watch Chronicles of Narnia on the big screen. Hearing

people laugh at the mythical creatures, watching them cry as Aslan was slain, and seeing joy in there

eyes as he conquered death were fantastic. However, there were two young boys, one five- and one six-

year-old, who would not quiet down. They were up and moving around the entire film. They both

knew what they were supposed to be doing, but alas, they never quite got it. At one point, I was in the

kitchen refilling the water, and the kids entered from the living room. I asked them what they were

doing, and they promptly responded, “We are sitting quietly and watching the movie.” I thought to

myself, “Oh, how often do I say this to the Lord?”

I often find myself saying that I am doing what the Lord has directed me to do, because I know what is

expected of me. My two little guys knew what they should have been doing, and they knew what to say

to avoid trouble; but the fact was neither of them was doing what was asked. Do you ever feel this

way? Do you know what must be said to keep others appeased, and yet do something else? Well, I

know that I am guilty of this, just as the kids were. I have been studying the book of James, and I think

about the things it says. In James 2:17, it mentions, “Faith without works is dead.” In my words, lip

service without action is six-feet-under. I want to make a new year’s resolution: to faithfully do what I

say I am going to and not walk into the other room and say what is expected, but rather stay where I am

supposed to be and do what is expected.

As this year begins, please pray that I will stick to my resolution. I need to pray for my neighbors and

youth in my community and ask the Lord to make Rebecca’s, Renee’s, and my home a lighthouse on the

corner. We desire that all who pass by will see the love of Christ and desire to be a part of the beautiful

Church that is rising up. I love you all and can feel the prayers of the Father’s children.

December 2006, the Nazareth/Chester paradox

2009-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

The weather has turned from beautiful dancing leaves to gracefully descending snow, and we all know what snow means, Christmas! I am so excited to be here for this holiday season, the cookies, the songs, the wrapping paper, the tree, and the celebration of the King. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. I have also been thinking about Jesus’ birth in the chaos of an urban area; what would that look like today? Where would He be from? Instead of Jesus of Nazareth could He be Jesus from Chester? In processing a contemporary birth of our Savior I wrote this; She walked the halls of school

Belly bulging from under her hoodie

They are beginning to take notice

Tiny fingers of the Messiah form within her womb

Two legs, ten toes, the Prince of Peace kicks

As the temple is passed

He is about His Father’s business,

A foreshadowing of what is to come

Where will this Creator be born?

What living water will bathe Him tonight?

The cloth around His perfect being is borrowed

Crying in His Salvation Army crib

Rent not paid,

The Angels sing,

“Rejoice, Rejoice, Praise to the Lord

The Savior is born in the ghetto,

Follow the gunshots, seek the sirens

His street light will not be burnt out tonight”

In John 1:46, Nathanael asks Phillip if anything good can come from Nazareth. That is how people feel about Chester. Can anything good come out of Chester? And the answer is yes. This ghetto is being filled with new life, in October a mother came to the Lord at Highland House. She is the beginning. She has ideas for the church; she is excited to raise the child she is carrying in the ways of the Lord. God has blessed our staff, allowing us to be “in” on His plan for the city. Praise Jesus, the Child from the slums, the Sacrifice for my sins, He is at work in Chester.

Please Pray with Highland House that Lord continues His work in Chester. Pray for homework club every Tuesday, so many children come, and so few helpers have time to lend a hand. Pray for the Chester/Upland school district, the rumor is that come January the doors of the public schools will be closing. And please praise our King who entered the world 2000 years ago for constant love and grace to us, sinful and undeserving people.

October 2006, theology of play

2009-07-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

As the fall season is upon us, I have been reflecting on a whirlwind of a summer. God has kept me both busy and refreshed. He has allowed me to be used in many different capacities so that I am continually learning and applying that new knowledge. One of the biggest things the Lord has taught me this summer is the redemptive and bonding power of play. One of the books I spent time with in the heat was Taking It to the Streets: Using the Arts to Transform Your Communityby J. Nathan Corbittand Vivian Nix-Early. This book forced me to look at the way I view playing, whether it be swinging on the swing set with a group of kids or pretending to be an octopus while a cast of crabs is attacking me (kids have amazing imaginations). I now have a renewed respect for all people in the child-care profession.

The redemptive power of play has been essential to my learning, especially during the two weeks I spent at Harmony Heart Camp. While there I assisted in the leading of games and other activities that can seem to be time fillers if not put in the proper context. These structured times of play allowed the participants to learn about creative problem solving, how to work together and most importantly that in all we do God should be glorified. God showed me that play can no longer be random activities scheduled simply as something to do, but as redemptive time in which kids can be kids and teens can be together innocently and adults can dust off their imagination and worship God in a new way.

I have known for a long time that through play people can form bonds that would not have happened otherwise. At camp I saw this happen multiple times. A leader and a couple of kids would go out on a canoe together and once their feet were on solid ground their was a new respect and relationship between them. I saw the same thing happen in capture the flag, by working together relationships and trust were ignited, and strengthened.

Sometimes I think I am to old to play silly games, I wonder what others will think as I roll in the grass while two little crabs attack the octopus that has invaded their home, and than I think, “Who cares.” The Lord is being glorified, two boys are learning to play together and I am bonded to with two tough four-year-olds. As the leaves begin to change I am praying for some fall play, leaves, football, maybe a place to go for a hayride. Please pray with me that God allows time in my schedule for as much redemptive and bonding play as He finds necessary.