Youth Outreach Summer Update

Wanted to give a quick Youth Outreach summer update…

Safe Families
Erica has still been working really hard networking, seeking to mobilize churches, Christian families, and social service agencies to take part in the ministry of Safe Families. We are one of the top performing hubs (amongst the new hubs trying to be established). Please continue to lift up Erica and the ministry of SF in prayer.

Summer Blast
Next week will be our final week of Summer Blast (our day camp for 2nd through 5th graders)! We have been averaging between 30 and 40 kids each day. We have had a good group of “returners” as well as built some new relationships with some new kids and families. The summer staff have done well, and we are thankful for all of them serving with us this summer.

Summer SWAGG (Students Worshiping a Great God)
Next week will be our final week as well! We have been averaging 20 to 25 6th through 8th graders on Monday and Wednesday night! We have also made some new relationships, as well as strengthened some existing ones. Brittney & CW have done a great job!!

Sunshine Cove
We took a record-breaking 75 kids to camp this year!! They were between the ages of 7 and 14. The theme for this year was one love, as we unpacked what it means to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. We had a great week building with the kids, and many Gospel conversations were had. The kids are already asking when we will be heading back to camp!

Miracle League
We had a junior high team and a high school team this summer! The Jr High team (which I coached) ended the season with a record of 1 and 10. We also bowed out early in the season ending tournament. Although our record wasn’t ideal, the time I was able to spend with the guys was great. I look forward to following up with them in the weeks and months to come. Seeds were definitely planted in each of their lives.

The high school team ended the season with a record of 5 and 5. Pastor Brad (Bethel Church) and Pastor Brown (from First Baptist Church) co-coached the team. We are all excited to continue to build into the lives of the high school guys as well.

Montana Trip
We will depart on our annual pilgrimage west on Sunday August 1st (returning on Tuesday August 10th). We will be taking 6 young men and 4 young women. Myself and Mike Avery will be the counselors for the guys. Sarah & Erica will be the counselors for the girls. The Blodgetts will also be coming to work with both the guys and girls. Praise God, the church from Montana is sending us a very generous check to help with various trip expenses!!

Fall Staff Editions
I have revamped the 2-5-2 Director position, and am hoping to have filled this vacancy by mid-August.

Brittney Rost is heading back to Elkhart during the month of August to continue to raise support. Lord willing, she will join our staff in September.

CW Allen could potentially be coming on in the fall as well to work with jr. high/high school. We are still working through a potential “youth staffing partnership” with Young Life to see if we can leverage our collective resources in order to bring on a youth staff team.
Please pray for all of the above concerning staffing.

I just thought I would try to give everyone a “snap shot” into some of the “hustle and flow” of the Youth Outreach ministry this summer.

The Daily Need To Abide

On the morning of Sunday July 4th, I had the opportunity to preach at Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church in Lawton, MI. You can check out the sermon audio here. Since preaching the message (and while preparing it), I have really been challenged to "walk it out."

We went to camp this past week. I have spent time at Christian camps in different capacities since the summer of 2000. That being said, the thinking can easily go, "I know how to 'do camp'." But John 15:5 says, "apart from me you can do nothing." In other words, apart from Christ I cannot bear real fruit, Kingdom fruit, eternal fruit. Apart from Christ, and abiding in Him, we merely spin our wheels. We can be busy, we can be active, but there will be not true impact apart from abiding in Him. I need this reminder EVERY day. I will be preaching this message again on Sunday the 25th at a church just outside of Chicago, so I will be chewing on this once again. I am grateful for what the Lord is teaching me through this message/passage.

John 15:1-11
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,that it may bear more fruit. 3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you,ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

The Legacy Conference 2010

The Legacy Conference will be here soon! I am looking forward to it! If you are interested in attending, and you need a place to stay, let me know. I will keep as many people as I can at my place during the days of the conference. It is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 29, 30, & 31st. For more information check out the Legacy Conference web site.

Abide In The Vine

Abide In The Vine
John 15:1-11

Abide is taken from the Greek word “meno” which means, “to stay in a given place or state, or to continue in, or to dwell, to remain” OR “to be held or kept continually”

I. The Roles of Abiding
v. 1, v. 5
God the Father is the gardener, Christ is the vine, & we are the branches.

II. The Requirement of Abiding
v. 4, 9, 10

III. The Repercussions of Not abiding
For believers…
a)No fruit
v. 4b, 5

For non-believers…
b)No Future
v. 2, 6, 8
“The thought of a person calling himself a “Christian” without being a devoted follower of Christ is absurd…Is this idea of the non-fruit bearing Christian something that we have concocted in order to make Christianity ‘easier’?”
- Francis Chan in "Crazy Love"

IV. The Result of Abiding

a)The Purpose is Fruit
v. 5, 7

b)The Process is Pruning
v. 2b, 3
“He prunes” gives a picture of painful but necessary removal of some interests and activities in order that the remaining branches may bear even more fruit.

c)The Product

1)Joy for the believer
v. 11

2)Glory to God
v. 8

A Theology of Brokenness

I was first exposed to this when I bought the Ambassador's album "The Chop Chop" a couple of years ago now. I have just been reminded of this afresh in the last month or so as God has been humbling me (breaking me) and reminding me of just how dependent I am upon Him. In the Gospel of John, it says that those who bear fruit, God prunes so that more fruit can be born. The end result is beautiful, in that God is glorified and the believer experiences true joy in Christ. But the process...whew!

Listen to this sermon track. I have also tried to copy most of the words below.

A Theology of Brokenness by Pastor Eric Mason

If you are going to walk in the implications of the Gospel, then you’re gonna have to be married to the understanding of the principle of brokenness.

Brokenness is the mark of a person that is qualified to be used by God. But at the end of the day people that are being used by God in a crazy way, in an off the meter way are people that have been cracked at, who have been lunged at by God and God has done something to them.

Broken can mean…
Shattered
Crushed
Maimed
Devoid of arrogance
Disabled
Crippled
Distressed
Fractured
Handicapped

Brokenness, based on the Scriptures, is the spiritual state by which one is disarmed of one’s self dependence and pride, therefore leaving one disabled and in desperate need of help, thereby making one a viable conduit for the glory of Christ.

In Training

This September I will once again be running on behalf of Sunshine in the Chicago Half Marathon. (If you would like to join me, check out the Flashlight). Last year I didn't start training "seriously" until August. However, this year I am starting now. I am watching my diet (except for the cookies and milk), I am lifting much more consistently, and I have begun running along the lake again. Lord willing, I will be in better shape come September 12th this year. We are looking for more runners to run for Sunshine this year. Would you be interested?

Seek To Show Hospitality Audio

As many of you know I recently preached a message on Biblical Hospitality at two different churches. It was recorded at City Lights International Assembly on Sunday June 6th. If you are interested in listening click here.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to share this message, and humbled by the way God worked! It was definitely all Him!

Got Faith?

During my vacation, I have been thinking and praying about a couple of different "themes" that God seems to be pressing on my heart. One of those themes is the importance of faith.

In a few days, I will be fully immersed in another summer season of ministry with Sunshine. This will be my 9th summer of ministry with Sunshine! I am excited for it to begin. However, at the same time I am challenged by the thought/question of what I expect God to do this summer. I am convinced that He wants to do big things in us and through us. Sadly too often I limit His largeness. It is so easy to slide into what is comfortable, and to be content with small prayers and small results. I don't want that to be the case this summer. I want to seek Him for big Kingdom impacting things, and I want to serve Him with fervency and anticipation.

Sometimes I am guilty of looking at others who are in ministry and thinking "I wish I had that type of faith." Or I look at the believers in the book of Acts, and think wouldn't it be great if God did that today. The thing is, He still can. God has not changed. His Holy Spirit is still alive and active. The men and women and the Bible are no different than you and I. As Pastor Chan reminded me James 5:17 states, "Elijah was a man just like us." In "Crazy Love" Chan states, "As chronicled in Hebrews 11, the God that the people of faith served is the very One we serve." Later he adds, "When you pray, your prayers are heard by the same God who answered the Moses' prayer for water in the desert, the God who gave Abraham and his barren wife a son, and the God who made the slave Joseph second in power only to Pharaoh (pg 116)." Do I believe that? Do you?

I am also in a season/situation in my personal life where I am not in control. In other words, "my hands are tied." I have no choice but to trust God. There isn't another option. This is hard. This is stretching. The following words out of Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" really resonates with me. He states, "This place of trust isn't a comfortable place to be: in fact, it flies in the face of everything we've been taught about proper planning. We like finding refuge in what we have already rather than in what we hope God will provide." Whew! That is rocking me right now.

The Bible states in Hebrews 11:6 it states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief.

Seek To Show Hospitality

The next two Sundays I will be preaching a message on the topic of Biblical hospitality. Here is my sermon outline thus far. I have greatly enjoyed studying this mark of God's people. I covet your prayers as I share this message with God's people on the next two Sundays.

Seek To Show Hospitality
Romans 12:13 = Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

(1)The Meaning of Hospitality

Hospitality = Greek word = philoxenia = love of strangers


(2)The Mandate of Hospitality

Hospitality is to be a mark of both…
a) Church Leaders
• 1 Timothy 3:2
• Titus 1:7-8

b) Church Laypersons
• Hebrews 13:2
• 1 Peter 4:9

(3)The Motivation for Hospitality
a) His grace
• “God’s grace calls for gratefulness, and gratefulness calls for a welcome of the stranger.”

b) His example
• The Table Fellowship of Jesus

(4)The Metamorphosis of Hospitality
a) Missional Transformation

b) Personal Transformation

“The practice of hospitality is an alternative to a life focused on consumption and materialism. God lends us our homes and possessions to use for Kingdom purposes, not just for our own comfort and entertainment. Hospitality ensures that we maintain a right relationship with our possessions.”
David Anderson “Unleashing the Family” pg 427


“Hospitality must be relearned and activated if we are going to reach the nations in our cities.”
Dr. David Anderson in “Hospitality in the City” pg 243

“God’s mission in the city is much larger than seeking the transformation of the poor or strangers. His purpose is to transform all the people of the city, including the people of God. God brings us together in the city for mutual transformation. The Spirit is changing all of us into God’s likeness. This makes openness to change essential for the Christian who seeks involvement in ongoing transformation. Only in this state of embracing vulnerability and accepting change as a gift can a person begin to welcome others. The person who does not want to change cannot afford to welcome others.”
Mowry pg 118

Vision Trip

I just had the opportunity to spend 5 days with my Grandpa and Grandma Clark in Simi Valley CA. My grandpa is now 93 years old, and my grandma turned 85 this year. They have been married for 64 years!! The last few years, I have made it a point each spring to fly out an spend time with them (and my other family in Simi - love you guys!). I didn't really grow up near my dad's parents, so I have always looked forward to our yearly time together.

My grandparents met in church. My grandfather was serving a military term in England, and while there he visited various churches to preach and sing. On one particular outing he sung and preached at the church of a young Phyllis Joyner. She played the organ and he sang, and let's just say they caught one another's eye:) She would eventually move back to the states with my grandpa and they would serve in ministry together for over 4 decades. He pastored 4 different churches in Michigan. He was a passionate proclaimer of the Word of God (he did it with a sparkle in his eye), and each of his churches shared his passion for missions work. My grandma continued to play the organ, raised a family of three (including my dad), and blessed each congregation with her selfless love and intercessory prayer. My grandparents have never had much, but they have always had enough. They never owned a nice car. They never had an extravagant home. However, they would be quick to testify of God's faithful provision for them. One thing that has always been evident to me is that my grandparent's possess the joy of the LORD. They love the Lord, they love people, and they love to laugh.

My grandpa's health is declining now. His mind is still sharp (especially his Scripture knowledge), but his body is breaking down. It was honestly hard for me to see this up close this time. I realize it is a part of life though. In the midst of this, I was so blessed to see my grandparent's interaction with each other on this trip. My grandma now serves my grandpa each meal on his couch, as it is difficult for him to make it to the kitchen table. She makes sure that he takes his various medications (and she is stern with him when needed if he is stubborn). Each night she helps him get into bed, and tucks him in. There are also times where she has to help bathe him after a humiliating episode, and let him know that things are okay. My mom made a comment to my grandma about how challenging this must be. My grandma responded in her own cute way, "this is what we do, for better or for worse." As I sat watching TV with my grandpa the other day he told me, "God has blessed me with a great helpmate. I am blessed." As I listened to my grandma tuck him in last night he thanked her and said "God bless you."

64 years of marriage, 4 decades of active ministry service, 3 kids, 8 grandkids, and a growing number of great grandkids. They also have numerous ministry relationships that span many years and geographic locations. My grandparents have lived for Christ and they have lived for others, and God has been so faithful to them. I continue to take note of their life. I too desire to have a best friend, a teammate in ministry and family (keep praying y'all, I'm getting closer:)). I also aspire, by God's grace, to have their enduring joy in the Lord and faithfulness and longevity in service to the King. I am thankful for the example of my grandparents, and for this recent visit that proved to be a "vision trip" for me.

The Beauty Of The Body

On Sunday April 25th I worshiped and preached at New Hope Church of SW Michigan in Lawton MI.

On Sunday May 2nd I worshiped and presented at Glorious Light Church in Chicago.

On Sunday May 9th I worshiped and celebrated Mother's Day with my mom at Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church in Lawton, MI.

On Sunday May 16th I returned to worship at my home church in Chicago, Christ Bible Church.

Tomorrow (while on vacation in California) I will worship at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley California.

Next Sunday (May 30th) I will be worshiping and preaching at Living Hope Neighborhood Church in Richmond, California.

Sunday June 6th I will be worshiping and preaching at City Lights Assembly in Chicago.

All of these churches are very unique. I love all of them! Some of the churches that I mentioned above are predominately white and some are predominately black. One of the churches is a multi-cultural church plant, and one was planted by a Nigerian missionary. Each of them are seeking to make a "glocal impact" - meaning they are committed to reach their neighborhood and the nations. Each worship service is different (different songs, different styles, different service lengths, etc.). Individually and collectively they are a beautiful picture of the body of Christ.

I am thankful for this 7 week journey and for the opportunity to celebrate Christ with my brothers and sisters at these different assemblies. It is a beautiful thing to realize that amidst our differences we are all One underneath the banner of Christ.

Some day I want to get all of the above churches in one arena for a joint worship service! Wouldn't that be crazy? Wouldn't that be beautiful?

Playing It Safe?

I am re-reading Francis Chan's "Crazy Love." It is a book that God has used to challenge me greatly, to examine my love for Christ, to re-think generous giving, to continuously check my comfort level as I follow Christ. I was reminded of this youtube clip of Pastor Chan in which he likens many of our lifestyles for Christ as "straddling a balance beam." I think, especially given our American Dream influenced Christian culture that we live in, this clip is a good challenge to self-examine whether or not we are playing it safe.

Thoughts??

Something Was Missing

I recently attended a 3 day preaching workshop at a church in the west suburbs of Chicago. It was a gathering of pastors and ministry workers from all different denominations and churches. Some of the men were from the Chicago area, and some had travelled quite a ways to get there. The main sessions were excellent! The breakout sessions were very helpful and engaging. Overall, I had a great experience at the training and learned some valuable tools that I can implement in my own preaching and teaching. However, something bothered me each day I was there and as I drove away from the training on that Friday.

Here is what bothered me. This was a meeting of multiple church leaders from various denominations. This was a conference located just outside of a large metropolitan area (a metropolitan area that is racially and culturally diverse). However, the conference attendees were 95% white and all of the main session speakers were white. The worship was VERY white.

If this conference was in an area that is predominately white, then fine. If this conference was for a certain denomination that is predominately white, then fine. This was not the case though.

Right now the world is becoming increasingly urban, and cities are becoming increasingly multi-cultural. The Church is growing rapidly in South America and Africa. In the US, although it is reported that the church is dying, ethnic congregations are growing (check out the book The Next Evangelicalism if you don't believe me). Given these current realities, I don't think we should ever settle for homogeneous gatherings - especially interdenominational gatherings in metropolitan areas. It is an incomplete picture of the body. We miss out on opportunities to learn form one another and to celebrate our cultural differences and our unity in Christ.

As John Piper states, "Christ died for a diverse bride." Just look at Revelation 5 and Revelation 7 at the beautiful scene of Christ's multi-ethnic bride worshiping together in heaven. If this is God's heart, should it not be ours?!

As the Church in this generation we must care about this! As the Church in this generation we must God to allign our hearts with His "All-Nations" perspective and "All-Nations" compassion.

I don't write this post to bash the conference I attended. If fact, in a loving way, I wrote a smaller version of the above post on my evaluation. I just want Christ's bride to make Him look good. This is an area where I pray that the Church in this generation will rise to the occasion. Let's be learners, and let's be lovers of all nations.

Returning To The Blogosphere!

I haven't done an update in a minute. I have been busy, as we have finished the school year. However, I do have several "blogs in the hopper." They will be forthcoming. I am heading to California today, and it is going to give me a lot of much needed time to pray, rest, reflect, journal/blog, etc. I thought I would share this short 1 Minute Sermon that is worth checking out. Enjoy!

Safe Families

I just posted a blog update on our Sunshine Ministry blog, the flashlight. Please pray for us on this new ministry journey!!

A Legacy Of Love

Last night my Grandma Wilson (my mom's mom passed away) peacefully at around 9pm. She was 85 years old. The last 3-4 years of her life had been challenging ones for her with ongoing health issues that made getting out of bed each day a painful experience. Although her body continued to deteriorate in her latter years, her mind was as sharp as ever. I will miss my grandma very much, but at the same time I am thankful that God took her home yesterday.

Over the last few days, various memories of my grandma have been on my mind. There are many things that I admire as I think about my grandma, but I think her greatest legacy will be her love. She loved my grandpa, she loved her kids, and she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (and even her great,great-grandchildren). You could not visit grandma's house without knowing that you were loved.

I grew up within walking distance (or a short drive) of grandma's house. It has always been one of my favorite places to visit! I never left with an empty stomach. I loved dinners with her and my grandpa, and watching television while eating popcorn and coke. In addition, my grandma always made sure that the house was "stocked" with milk and oreos when I came to visit.

When I moved to Chicago and began working in ministry here, my grandma became one of my most faithful supporters (with her prayers, her love, and her financial giving). She refused to send her checks to Sunshine, because she wanted to ensure that I got every penny:). Each month, she sent me a little card with her monthly check. Although she never totally understood how her grandson who grew up in Paw Paw came to love Chicago and serve in ministry there, each time I would see her she would make it a point to tell me "she was proud of me and what I was doing."

This past week I was able to visit with her on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, before she slid into a coma late Wednesday afternoon. I will always cherish that visit. She was very frail and very tired, and continued to go in and out of sleep. However, during the moments she was awake she was very sharp and grateful for everyone who was there to visit. I was able to tell her that I loved her, and she told me how much she loved me and how much I made her smile. I was even able to joke with her as I always had. Just before lunch time some friends of hers visited who happened to be musicians. The man brought his harmonica and his small guitar. We all surrounded my grandma's bed and he played hymn after hymn about the hope we have in Christ. I could tell that my grandma greatly enjoyed the songs. We then circled up for prayer, lifting up my grandma and trusting the Lord for his will to be done. It was a very emotional time for me. Later that afternoon, my grandma slid into a diabetic coma.

My grandma had a peace about dieing, a peace that only came because of her faith in Christ. She was ready to go home to be with her Lord. My grandma was never one to be outspoken about her faith in Christ. However, she lived her faith out loud. You could see the love of Christ in her countenance, and in the love she showed to everyone she met. You could see the love of Christ in her hospitality and in the love you felt when you were at "grandma's house." I rejoice in the fact that she is no longer suffering, but rather worshiping in the presence of King Jesus!

I will always be grateful for the relationship I had with my grandma. She was such a special lady! I will miss her SO much!

Low Expectations

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to spend time with our Bridge Builders group (89 college students here for the week) as they had a chance to meet two pastors who serve nearby us on the south side. My intent heading into the morning was to do a brief orientation with the group and then to leave. However, after staying and hearing Bishop Peecher share I decided to stay with the group for their time with Pastor Brooks as well. God was definitely sovereign in orchestrating my time yesterday morning. I heard two amazing testimonies of the power of God displayed on behalf of His people through two pastors and two churches. Both men shared how God did the impossible on their behalf. It both inspired me and caused me to reflect on what I am believing God for. Do I believe that God can do amazing things in and through me, through Sunshine, through my church (Christ Bible Church), etc?

This morning I read a daily devotional from "Experiencing God" by Henry & Richard Blackaby entitled "Raising Our Expectations." It states, "Too often we settle for much less than what God wants to do through us. We read in Jeremiah 32:27: 'I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?' and we answer, 'No Lord." Yet, when we face difficult situations we begin to qualify our belief in God and lower our expectations of what God will do. It is one thing to God could perform a miracle in the Bible, or a thousand years ago, or even in the life of a friend; it is quite another matter to wholeheartedly believe God can do anything He chooses to do in our lives!" Later, it asks the following questions: Do you sense there may be far more that God wants to do through your life than what you have been experiencing? Ask God to show you what it is, then be prepared to respond in faith and obedience to what He tells you.

These last couple days of experience and reading made me want to re-visit a question that Floyd McClung threw out for the new year, "What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?" If I'm honest, I don't often think, dream, and pray for BIG things. I too often articulate a faith in a BIG God while asking and expecting "normal things" to happen. I want to grow in this area, dreaming big dreams, praying big prayers, and trusting in a big God.

Lord I believe, but help me in my unbelief. If I could quote my dear and trusted brother from the Bay, "You feel me?"

A Few Minutes

The following is a video of Francis Chan responding to the persecution of Christians that is currently going on in India. It is hard to watch, but I would encourage you to watch it all the way through. When you are finished, I encourage you as Francis does to spend a few minutes in prayer for the Christians in India. This really puts things in perspective.

Keep Praying, Keep Giving

Our young people are raising money all this month for kids their age in Haiti. This has kept the tragic events in Haiti on my mind, as we continue to talk about it, continue to pray for them, and continue to raise money. I have prayed that even as the media and the cameras shift their attention elsewhere, that we "the Church" would not be quick to move on. The road to recovery is going to be a long one for the people in Haiti, and we need to stand with them. The relief agencies, the development organizations, and the Church in Haiti need our ongoing prayer support AND they need our generous giving. Last weekend at camp we focused our attention on 1 John 3:16-18. This passage makes a direct correlation between Jesus display of sacrificial and selfless love on the cross, and in turn our response in showing sacrificial and selfless love to others. We cannot separate the two. They go hand in hand. Verse 17 states, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion (compassion always leads to compassionate acts) on him, how can the love of God be in him?" The recent events in Haiti serve as an "in our face" opportunity to BE the Church and to respond with compassion. I am so encouraged by our young people at Sunshine who "get it" and are giving generously and praying sincerely about this!

The following is a video that was produced by "Churches Helping Churches" (a non-profit organization that was started by Pastor James McDonald and Pastor Mark Driscoll in the days after the quake to assist churches in Haiti) entitled "Who Will Rise Up?"



This second video was produced by Reach Records for a song entitled "Far Away" written by Lecrae. He performed it live at a Hope for Haiti event in Minneapolis. All of the proceeds from the song and from their Hope for Haiti t-shirts will go to relief and development work in Haiti.



This 3rd video, is a song written and produced by Kirk Franklin entitled "Are You Listening?" It features an all-star cast of gospel artists. All of the proceeds from this song will also go to the relief and development efforts in Haiti.

Flashlight Update

I just posted an update on our ministry blog, the Flashlight, entitled "Still Sore From Camp." We were at Sunshine Cove this past weekend for our annual winter camp retreat. It was a great weekend!

The Flashlight

I am now doing the updates for our ministry blog at Sunshine entitled, "The Flashlight." I have done a couple of updates in the last two weeks, and I hope to update it a couple of times a month. Click on the link above to check it out!

We Can Be More

This is just another example of how God is working in and through the art form of hip hop for His Glory!



Check out the first single "We Can be More" (Ft. JR), from Sho Baraka's highly anticipated sophomore album Lions & Liars! Get it now on i Tunes

Everyone wants love. Everyone needs love. Everyone at some point has expressed or experienced love. However, love is so misunderstood and abused. With "We Can be More" Sho attempts to communicate love from a perspective that goes beyond the contemporary views of lust and selfishness.

For another taste of what you can expect from the Lions & Liars album, check out Sho Baraka's Revolutionary Died video. A revolution is coming 3.30.10

Don't Waste Your Life

I first was introduced to the Don't Waste Your Life concept in the summer/fall of 2008 when I read John Piper's book entitled "Don't Waste Your Life." It was around that same time that Lecrae released his single by the same title. The video for the song is show below, and his lyrics are just below the video. The beginning of a new year is a good time to think about how we are "spending" our life, or in other words what are we "devoting ourselves to?"



I know a lot of people out there scared they gone die
couple of em thinking they'll be livin in the sky
but while Im here livin man I gotta ask why
what am here fo I gotta figure out
waste my life/ no I gotta make it count
if Christ is real then what am I gone do about
all of the things in Luke 12:15 down to 21 you really oughta go and check it out
Paul said if Christ aint resurrect then we wasted our lives
well that implies that our life's built around Jesus being alive
everyday I'm living tryin show the world why
Christ is more than everything you'll ever try
better than pretty women and sinning and living
to get a minute of any women and men that you admire aint no lie
We created for Him outta the dust he made us for Him
Elects us and he saves us for Him Jesus comes and raises for Him
Magnify the Father why bother with something lesser
he made us so we could bless Him and to the world we confess him
resurrects him so I know I got life matter fact better man I know I got Christ
if you don't' see His ways in my days and nights
you can hit my brakes you can stop my lights
man I lost my rights I lost my life
forget the money cars and toss that ice
the cost is Christ
and they could never offer me anything on the planet that'll cost that price

Suffer Yeah do it for Christ if you trying to figure what to do with your life
if you making money hope you doing it right
because the money is Gods you better steward it right
stay focused if you aint got no ride
your life aint wrapped up in what you drive
the clothes you wear the job you work
the color your skin naw we Christian first
people living life for a job make a lil money start living for a car
get em a house a wife kids and a dog when they retire they living high on the hog
but guess what they didn't ever really live at all to live is Christ yeah that's Paul I recall
to die is gain so for Christ we give it all he's the treasure you'll find in the mall
Your money your singleness marriage talent and time
they were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine
that's why it's Christ in my rhymes That's why it's Christ all the time
my whole world is built around him He's the life in my lines
I refused to waste my life he's too true ta chase that ice
heres my gifts and time cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ
If he's truly raised to life then this news should change your life
and by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights

Ten Things To Think About In The New Year

I recently was challenged to think more intentionally about this new year by a good friend's (Allan Greig @ Africa Revolution) blog entry. This short list was actually sent to him by a Pastor/Missionary out of Cape Town, Floyd McClung. Here are ten questions to think on as you continue into 2010...

1. What’s one way, you could utilize time, to increase your enjoyment of God?

2. What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

3. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?

4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?

5. Who are three people you can disciple more intentionally?

6. What is the most helpful way you can build community with a few other followers of Jesus this year?

7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?

8. Who is the person you most want to encourage this year?

9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?

10. What single thing can you plan to do this year that will matter most in ten years? In eternity?


Shout-out: This picture is for you Gus aka Pastor Aaron!

2009 In Books

I am still in reflecting on 2009 mode (somewhat), and a friend of mine inspired me to look back at what I had read and share it with others. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every book on the list below. I did not read a bad book in 2009. I would recommend each book on the list, but probably for different reasons. If you would like more of a cliff notes review on any of them, shoot me a message and I will give more insights. I will say that the book that challenged me and impacted me the most this past year was "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I ended up reading it near the beginning and then at the end of 2009. I will most likely do a "highlight" post on the book sometime soon. Anyways, here is my 2009 book list:

“Let Justice Roll Down (autobiography)” by John Perkins
“Holy Discontent” by Bill Hybels
“The Next Evangelicalism” by Dr. Soong-Chan Rah
“Crazy Love” by Francis Chan (I read this book 2 times!)
“Heavenly Man (autobiography)” by Brother Yun
“The Hole In Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns
“Amazing Grace In The Life Of William Wilberforce" by John Piper
“Valuable Selections From the Writings of George Mueller”
“A Chance To Die (biography of Amy Carmichael)” by Elizabeth Elliott
“Save Our Sons” by Carl Ellis
"What He Must Be If He Wants To Marry My Daughter" by Voddie Baucham Jr.

Marks Of A Christian

I love his concluding statements, "...To build a Church that doesn’t live like the rest of the world…you’ve gotta live like that! You’ve got to have a flavor about your life that is risky, and radical and different!

Reflections On The Letter From The Birmingham Jail - Part One

On Monday I read through Martin Luther King's "Letter From A Birmingham Jail." It had been a few years since I had read the letter. It is amazing that a letter written in 1963 is just as relevant to the American Church today in 2010! I am going to share a few portions that I have highlighted and reflect on them. I will start with a "powerful" portion of the letter, that I am not sure I will add much to. Keep in mind that he was writing to his fellow (white) clergy men, explaining the urgency of the moment for working towards equality & justice, and exhorting them to become involved with the movement. Here he uses words to paint a picture of the stinging effects of racial segregation and inequality...

"We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jet-like speed toward gaining political independence, but we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six year old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five year old son who is asking: "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross county drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger," your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness"--then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience."

Opportunities To Support Haiti

Everyone is probably well aware of the recent earthquake and Haiti, and all of the lives that have been effected. Let's all continue to be in prayer for the thousands of families that have been effected by this event. Let's also be lifting up the Church in Haiti, and the many relief and development agencies that will be serving there around the clock in the coming days and weeks. Pray that God would strengthen their hands and empower them as they work, serve, love, and be present in the name of Christ. Let's pray that God would somehow use this tragedy to draw people to Himself!

I would also like to challenge everyone to give towards the relief and development efforts. Here are some ministries/organizations that will be responding in the aftermath of the earthquake:
1) World Vision
2) Samaritan's Purse
3) Food For The Hungry


If I learn of any other ministries/organizations that are doing ongoing work in Haiti, I will share them ASAP.

Update:
Another organization that I just learned of this morning is called Yele Haiti. The musical artist Wyclef Jean started this organization in 2005, and they are doing ongoing community development work in Haiti. They are receiving donations to aid the victims as well.

A Life Changed

I came across this video testimony on my brother Kevin Gwin's blog. This is Lecrae sharing his testimony on the 700 Club television show. For those of you who have never listened to Lecrae, you need to check him out on I-Tunes or wherever it is you go to sample music. I discovered Lecrae's music in the summer of 2004, and God has used his music and his passion for the Lord and His work to sharpen and inspire me.



I'm with you Lecrae! By God's grace, let's rebuild the city!

From Hoarding To Generosity

Recently, a good friend of mine challenged people on his facebook status to give their stuff away now that they have received new Christmas gifts. He wasn't challenging people to give away their gifts necessarily. He was challenging people to give away stuff they no longer need as a result of the new stuff they received. He then took it a step further and stated to not just give away our "junk." I really liked his idea. It reminded me of a message that I had preached on "Hoarding" two years ago from James chapter 5. The word "hoard" means to amass or reserve or lay up. In America we have become very skilled at hoarding. We stack things and store things and organize things in our cupboards, closets, basements, etc. We have even made the "Storage Business" a VERY lucrative one (think about that for a second!). The problem is that as we "amass" things/stuff, there are people in our own families, on our blocks, in our cities/towns, in our country, and around the world who could be blessed by the stuff we once "needed."

So with just a few days remaining in 2009, I want to challenge you (& ME) to examine your closets, cupboards, garages, basements, storage units, etc. and honestly consider what you can (or even should) give away. I would echo what my friend stated, "don't just give away your junk." Be creative. Think about who could make good use of your stuff. Research places online that will distribute resources to others. Pray and think about someone who could utilize something you have been "sitting on." Let's all repent of our hoarding, and give generously! Let's all do it either before the new year is upon us, or to start the new year!

Here are some ideas of who to donate to...
(1) If you are looking to donate clothing, toys, books, furniture items, or kitchenware, 2nd Chance is a great place to donate to. 2nd Chance is a ministry located just off of 67th & King Drive. The first floor is a "second-hand" retail store. It is set up very nice, and has a great selection of clothing and household items. If they can't use your donated items, they pass them on to homeless ministries such as Pacific Garden Mission. The second floor of 2nd Chance is a transition home for women ages 19 to 25 and their children.

(2)If you have computers you are looking to donate (either lap tops or desk tops) our/Sunshine's Community Technology Center will gladly take them. We will either refurbish them for immediate use in our computer labs or potentially give them to one of our class participants. We also share donated computers with our partner ministry, Africa Revolution, who ships them to South Africa and Swaziland to be used in church based computer labs that are doing amazing empowerment ministry!

(3)If you don't live in Chicago, the Salvation Army is always a great option. Or contact your church and ask them for a list of places to donate your items to.

If you are interested, share who (non-profits, ministries, churches, nations, etc.) you have given your things to - in the comment section. This may spur our collective creativity in generously giving.

James 5:1-6
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

Charlie Bit Me

First of all, I have to give a shout out to my good friends Josh and Christy Axe for exposing me to this. This video makes me laugh every time. Enjoy...



If you enjoyed that one, check out the "Auto-Tuned Version."

He Came Down

I have been thinking about the beauty of Christmas this month. I am thankful for attending a friend of mine's Christmas Bible study where he reminded us that Christmas is all about making much of Him! He is worthy of much celebration! Then this past Sunday, Pastor Ford preached from Like 2:14 reminding us that Christmas is about "Exalting His Person, Experiencing His Peace, and Exhibiting His Philanthropy!"

Here are some Scriptures worth thinking about during this season...

His Majesty
Isaiah 6:1-3
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Colossians 1:15-20
1He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Hebrews 1:3-4
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

His Humility
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

His Saving Work
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 6:23
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thoughts on Christmas should humble us, place us in a state of awe, and make us want to celebrate Him! He came down...God in the flesh!

Follow Up On The Christmas Store

We hosted our (6th Annual?) Christmas Store this past Saturday. It was a great day! We spent ALL of Friday sorting, pricing, and setting up the store. When Saturday morning arrived, we were ready! We had a great staff this year of Sunshine staff, volunteers, and friends. One of my favorite parts of the store this year was serving together all day. Forty-some families were able to come and shop at the store. I was outside during the store hours, greeting people as they came in and helping them load their cars if needed. That gave me the opportunity to ask people "how it went." Everyone seemed to have had a great time at the store, and for that we praise the Lord. We really wanted the love of Christ to be displayed and felt by all who came through our doors, and by God's grace I think this happened! Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions...

What did you do with the proceeds from the store?We gift-ed the proceeds to five families whom are in need of a little financial assistance this year. Pete, our youth pastor, delivered the gifts yesterday.

Did you have leftover gifts, and what do you do with them?We invited additional families to come in and shop Monday through Wednesday. In addition, we will use leftover gifts in our "Sunshine Stores" for the children in our after-school programs. In all of our youth programs: AWANA, Club 2-5-2, Horizons, and ASM - we have a mini-economy set up. Our students earn Sunshine bucks through attendance, good behavior, saying memory verses, academic progress, etc. Then every couple of months we set up a store where they have an opportunity to spend their Sunshine Bucks. This not only serves as a great incentive for the kids, it also allows us to teach financial literacy in an experiential way!

I want to thank everyone who donated to our store this year and everyone who served at our store this year! You are appreciated! I hope everyone has a Christ-filled Christmas!

The Sunshine Christmas Store

What is the Sunshine Christmas store?
Each year we ask for donated gifts from our friends and supporters. We then set up a "Christmas store" on a Saturday where we sell the donated items for 25 cents on the dollar. For example, an item that would cost $25 dollars in the department store, will cost $6.25 at our store. We invite families whom we have relationships with through our various youth and technology programs. This serves as a way we can tangibly share the love of Christ by lessening some of the holiday burden, and providing a way for parents to shop for their children and grandchildren in a cost efficient way.

What do you do with the proceeds?
We redistribute all of the proceeds from the store, by giving financial gifts to needy families in our neighborhood.

How can you(and your family or church)get involved?
Our Christmas store event will be on Saturday December 19th this year. This means we need your gifts to be collected and ready for delivery or pick up no later than noon the day before. If you can arrange drop off at our location (500 E. 61st St), on or before noon on the 18th, that would be greatly appreciated. We are asking that no gift cost more than roughly $30.00, and be purchased new. Please do not wrap the gifts. We are looking for items ranging from crayons and play-dough to clothing and gift cards.

For more information check out www.sunshinegospel.org/christmas

Jesus Wants The Rose

This is a powerful reminder of the gospel of Jesus Christ! I had to pass it on...

You Have One Life...Do Something!

Our junior high tutoring program, Horizons, is doing a Character Development unit called "Living A Life That Matters." We are basically looking at different ways in which we can put feet to our faith. We are talking about being "doers" of the Word, world changers for Jesus! We watched this video and had a good discussion on Monday afternoon. (I didn't realize this at the time, but our discussion coincided with World AIDS day.)



Some things to think about...

Many African women walk 6 miles every day for water.
On average Americans walk 6 miles every month.

Every day Americans spend 1 billion dollars DINING OUT.
Every night 799 million people go to sleep hungry!

American teens spend $101/week.
$101/week will send 2 African children to school for a year.

Life expectancy in the United States is 77.
Life expectancy in Zambia, Africa is 35.

Are you tired of people saying there is nothing you can do?

Are you tired of the excuses?…
The problem is too big!
One person can’t change the world!

Or are you going to do something?

You have one life...Do Something!

1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Who Should We Invite For Thanksgiving Dinner

I found this short audio clip on the Desiring God blog challenging us to think through who we should invite to Thanksgiving dinner. It is a about a five minute clip, and it is definitely worth listening to.

Luke 14:12-14
12He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Spare CHANGE for the LIFE House

Between now and Christmas all of our youth program students - Club 2-5-2(2nd through 5th graders), Horizons (6th-8th graders), and AWANA (1st through 8th graders) - will be undertaking a "fundraising campaign" to raise money for the "Life House" that Africa Revolution is sponsoring at Power House Church in Mamelodi, South Africa. The Life House will be a ministry of Power House Church that will care for abandoned babies in the township there. Abortions there are on the rise, and recently babies have also been discovered in dumpsters. Pregnant women are increasingly ensnared by various circumstances - poverty, HIV, etc., and thus feel inadequate and overwhelmed at the prospects of bringing a child into this world. The church therefore, wants to come alongside these women with a tangible expression of the love of Christ, and provide a place for these babies to be cared for and nurtured. The "Life House" is a fitting name for this courageous and compassionate undertaking.

We presented this project to the young people this week, and they really seemed to "get it." We have encouraged them to bring their spare change each time they come to Sunshine to give towards this worthy cause. We bought a clear container to fill with change so that they can see the progress/increase we have made each week.

The Africa Revolution web site states that this project will cost $3,000 to complete. If you are interested in donating as well, you can do so on their web site. I will do a follow up entry to let everyone know how much our kids raised.

Diggin

This fall I have begun taking seminary classes again. I was at the Moody Graduate School (now called the Moody Theological Seminary) from 2001 to 2003, where I earned my master's in urban ministry. Since the time I graduated I have been engaged in full time work with Sunshine. Over the past two years God has given me opportunities to preach (this is still crazy to me!!). I have greatly enjoyed these experiences - the studying/preparation and the time speaking. God has used these experiences, combined with my hands on work here in Woodlawn to clarify my vision for ministry. Part of this is definitely further honing and working on preaching/teaching.

I have been taking three different courses this fall (not all simultaneously). First of all, I have been taking a Homiletics course at my church's Maranatha Bible Institute. My pastor, James Ford, teaches it. It has been so good! Homiletics I was on two (lengthy) Saturday mornings in early October. Today I began the first week of Homiletics 2.

Secondly, I am enrolled in an online course called the Simeon Course. It is co-sponsored by Holy Trinity Church and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. It is a 30 week course focused on expository teaching/preaching through all of the genres of Scripture. The first unit is focused on OT Narrative. I am taking this course along with my co-workers Vince and Pete. All three of us are really enjoying this course!

Finally, I have been auditing a class on Biblical Eldership that is offered through City Seminary. I read the required book and have listened to some of the online lectures, but because I am auditing, I don't have to write any of the papers. This class has been great as well!

I am looking forward to continue to work through the Simeon coursework as well as move into Homiletics 3 with Pastor Ford. I covet your prayers for balance as I add studying/homework hours to a busy schedule. Trip Lee in his song "Eyes Open" said it well,
"Now that my eyes is open,
gotta keep that Bible open
Not just so that I can quote Him,
I'm hopin that I'll behold Him
Until I lay in the grave, I'm praying I'll stay in motion"

Club 2-5-2 Fall Highlights

Club 2-5-2 is our afterschool program for 2nd through 5th graders. This is our 3rd school year running this program. This fall it is meeting on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. We have some amazing kids! My role is primarily teaching the "Money Matters" class. It is essentially a financial literacy class. We focus on coin & bill recognition, basic money math, making change, writing checks/balancing a checkbook, banking vs. currency exchanges, etc. I really enjoy it, and it is an ongoing challenge to teach these concepts in a way that connects with a 2nd grader & a 5th grader and every student in between. I am praying that God raises up some Jesus lovin, justice minded, community developin', pond owners!:)

We have a great group of volunteers assisting us this year. Roma & Pete oversee it, and they are doing a great job!

A Call To Anguish

"A Call To Anguish" by David Wilkerson

It Takes A Village: Responding To Teen Violence

You cannot work with young people in Chicago (or in many other places) and not think about and be burdened by the problem (and really the crisis) of teen violence. Chicago recently surpassed Los Angeles and New York as the youth homicide leader in the US. According to a recent N'Digo article, "prior to 2006, Chicago averaged 15 fatal student shootings each year. That climbed to 24 fatal shootings in the 2006-2007 school year, 23 deaths in the 2007-2008 school year, and 34 deaths during the last school year. Just two months into the current school year, 10 students have lost their lives." This type of violence has rippling effects that are felt throughout the city by teens, young children, families, classrooms & schools, etc.

The question of "what is the solution?" is often asked. In other words, how do we stem this tide. In the aftermath of tragic teen deaths, there seems to be well-intentioned dialogue and often times emotion filled finger pointing. The problem with this passionate call to accountability is that everyone deserves a collective share: the parents, the police, the government, the schools, the neighbors, the teens, and last but not least - the Church. I recently read two articles that talked about collective accountability and collective action on behalf of young people in Chicago.

Toure Muhammed, in an article entitled "The Root Of Teen Violence" in N'Digo wrote,
"Everyone, including many young people, know exactly what needs to be done. In a nutshell, solutions include parents, law enforcement, religious and civic leaders working together to provide a nurturing community where youth are loved, encouraged, and supported. The question is whether or not the village will take collective responsibility for saving teens from senseless, thoughtless violence."

A friend and co-laborer of mine, Chris Butler, recently wrote an article entitled "Demanding More From Ourselves" for the Urban Faith web site. Chris and I both agree that the Church must take the lead in sparking this movement for peace. I like the way he "dreams dreams" as he shares, "Imagine the impact that we could make if every believer in Chicago truly began to pray for peace in our city, then allowed that prayer to motivate and strengthen us toward action. What if every school in Chicago was adopted by a handful of churches? What if believers in every neighborhood began to take responsibility for a block, a train station, a bus route, and went out to meet the people there, serve them, and act as a presence for peace? What if we turned the power of protest onto the drug dealers by coming to the hottest spots at the hottest times (usually nighttime) and exposing their activities done in darkness with bright lights, singing, and prayer? What if there was a prophetic voice coming out of the church that, through both its words and actions, could consistently afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted? That would be an appropriate movement for Chicago --- and for every urban community."


It is going to take long-term, sustained, life on life investment. We, the Church, must lead the way.