February 2006 Newsletter
RIVERS AND FLOOD
S
Nearly every winter my mom’s basement gets flooded with water from melting snow or just a heavy rain. It’s the same process every year; get on our boots, move the boxes upstairs, and fan out the basement for days.
A flood usually begins because of some sort of debris that is blocking the flow of water. That water will collect, spread out, sits stagnant, and eventually destroys most of what it has impacted. We saw the effects of flooding during hurricane Katrina. many of us have seen the destruction from flooding in our own homes. I over New Year’s realized that even in my own spiritual life, my ministry had become flooded. I had debris that was blocking the flow of water in my spiritual life. It was called distraction, lack of focus and an inability to hear from god. As a result, I was too far spread out in my ministry. I was trying to do a little bit of everything, but I was actually just sitting still, collecting more debris, and becoming a destructive flood. It was over New Year’s, when I spent 4 days at the “passion 06” conference in Nashville, that the Lord spoke to me about being a river instead of a flood.
I needed direction, purpose, and to flow like a river. I needed to take my ministry on one path in order to make a larger impact for his kingdom.I began to realize the greatest difference between rivers and floods; their direction prevails over their size. Although a flood is wide, it is lacking in purpose, direction, and flow. A river, though narrow in width, is moving, flowing, and able to reach far more areas with the water of life than it’s counterpart; the flood. I purposed that day to be a river. Flowing out of the vision of God and moving in the direction of the purpose that God has ordained for my time here in Philadelphia. I sought the lord in prayer, fasting, scripture, friends, and my husband, and just as he promises, the lord spoke and gave me a river …
MERCY STREET MINISTIRES
God has given me a vision to begin Mercy Street Ministries. The mission statement is …
TO EXIST IN THE KENSINGTON AREA OF PHILADELPHIA AND REACH OUT TO CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE AREAS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH, ACADEMIC ACHEIVEMENT, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING AND CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP.
Currently I am the director of an after-school program under the support of Tioga Heights Church. We have about 20 students that come daily to get homework help, Bible lesson, free dinner and lots of love from their leaders.
The vision for Mercy Street is to build up the after-school program into a self-supported youth ministry. By adding in new programs such as mentoring, extra-curricular classes, Saturday outreach, Friday night club house and more, the youth of Kensington will have a safe place to go and can enjoy a quality Christian community.
We are in the process of registering to become an official non-profit organization and planning our summer outreach program.
The long-term vision of Mercy Street is to eventually plant a Christian charter school.
God is so good and faithful. He has given me a river to follow and will indeed bless the youth of Kensington. I look forward to seeing where God will take Mercy Street Ministry.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE…. THE MARVELS OF MARRIAGE
So far, being married is both really fun and really hard. Our wedding was the best day of our lives and our honeymoon was filled with adventure. Many thanks to each of you who came to our wedding, prayed for us, and showered us with gifts. We are learning every day how to love each other more and marvel at the work God has done to bring us together. It is truly a gift to wake up each morning with someone that loves you unconditionally. I am amazed that marriage is constantly teaching me about God’s relentless and merciful love for me as His bride!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
I appreciate each one of you that has prayed for and financially supported my ministry through AIM. It is through your ministry to me, that I am able to minister to the youth of Philadelphia.
I ask that you consider continued prayer or financial support by giving a one-time gift or a monthly contribution. Your gift is tax-deductible and is promised by God to be returned in a double portion.
In addition, starting a new ministry requires many people and supplies. We are in need of the following:
If you are able to contribute to these needs in any way, please contact me and we will find a place for you. You can also come visit any time for a personal trip or a mission trip. We can always use volunteers. Thank you again for choosing to participate in God’s mission.
