Big news! I made the decision to switch from the workplace ministry to vocational ministry. The vocational ministry is split up into two groups. I am with team one that has five other members: Jacob, David, Anna, Gloria, and Emily. This week is going to be a little different than others. Our group is splitting up and three of us are going back the Hopewell ministry site and the other three are going to Eastbrook church. Hopewell is ministry with kids from the city, kind of like a vocation bible school but the church is putting it on for five weeks. Eastbrook has developed a really neat learning center where adults who don’t have a high school diploma from the community can come and be tutored so they can get their GED or be trained on basic computer skills. It’s a really awesome place, and the directors are wonderful! Today we went out to a nearby neighborhood and went door-to-door talking with people about the learning center and getting the door out. While we were out I was reminded that I am no longer in my secure bubble of West Liberty. Many of the women who lived there looked at us sternly and said, “you girls be careful around here!”. One person even said, “You guys know you’re in the hood now, right?”. Well, yes obviously we were aware but I think some of us have become almost too comfortable. If that makes sense…I also had an uncomfortable encounter with a man walking on the sidewalk. He was talking to me in what I would say ‘an inappropriate manner’ and looking me up and down. Blehck. It’s great to be in communities like this who are in desperate need of hearing the Gospel and I’ve come to love being around it…but safety and protection has become a huge prayer request.
So! Tomorrow half of the group will start mentoring and tutoring and the other three (myself included) will be going back to Hopewell for the week! Next week we will start a new ministry site.
I’m on the outreach team on project. Last night we had a meeting and decided to do ministry out by the lake this weekend (the 3rd). This is a huge day for Milwaukee, I guess. Every 3rd of July the city celebrates the 4th. Hundreds of thousands of people come out to the beaches and parks near the lake and set up camp for the day. At night, there’s a huge fireworks show. We plan on setting up a booth and having large tri-folds with Solarium on them. If you’re unfamiliar with Solarium, it’s a tool used for sharing the Gospel. It’s basically like a picture survey that gets them thinking about their life and beliefs which opens a good opportunity to share the Gospel. Some of us will be at the booth, and everyone else will be walking around doing the same thing. Afterwards, we’re going to cookout and watch the fireworks show. So, it’s going to be a big day and I’m really looking forward to it!
I wrote all of the previous this afternoon, but tonight, when I was talking on the phone, I was looking outside my window and right then I saw a group of five or six men beating a man on the ground…punching and kicking him…I just sat there…frozen…they left him lying in the street. I didn’t know what to do but cry…I saw a car stop and then pull away…a few minutes later an ambulance showed up. The ambulance didn’t rush off…I don’t even know if he’s still alive… I’m still in shock about it…I’ve seen crap like that on TV but never right in front of me…This is real life...This is the world we live in...My heart just breaks for them…the victim AND the offenders. God is so needed in this city!
"Do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".
Joshua 1:9
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
You're the God of this city
I still haven't had any job leads, so I spent the rest of the week at the Hopewell ministry site and totally loved every minute of it! I came here in hopes of having an impact of the people of this city, but I'm finding out they're having more of an impact on me! Totally awesome. On our last day at Hopewell, Tim (project student) lead a little boy named Maurice to Christ. Afterwards he ran up to me so excited and yelled, "I have Jesus in my heart!!!" It was adorable...a perfect image of what child-like faith looks like.
Lately I've been feeling a tug on my heart to join the vocational ministry. At this point it seems very doubtful (but not impossible) that I'll get a job anyway. I really love working at the ministry sites! God's given me a strong desire to work with inner city kids. I know I work with kids a lot throughout the year, but being here is so much different. My purpose here is to share the Gospel and the light of Christ. Back home I can't do that as easily. Plus, there's not much "inner city" where I live. I can definitely see inner city teaching/ministry being a longterm career for me, and maybe that's why God brought me here this summer! I would really appreciate your prayers for discernment for God's will and on which track I belong.
So last night we had our second social! We went outside of Milwaukee to a family's lake house who are mutual friends with some of our staff (I think). They have a BEAUTIFUL home and many recreational toys =) We spent the evening riding around in a pontoon boat, cruisin' in a speed boat/wake boarding [which I can finally say I've done! Not successfully though, ha! Instead, I pulled a muscle.. =)], we swam in the lake and the indoor pool, played cornhole, shot off some fireworks, and ended the night singing around a campfire. Faaaantastic night! I just uploaded pictures on facebook if you would like to see the evidence from the extravaganza =)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
It's a beautiful day
Wow…
So much has happened in the last week that I’m not even sure where to begin. A lot of it has been good, but there have definitely been many challenges. But through everything, God has clearly demonstrated His provision! Hallelujah.
I still haven’t found a job, and I currently have no leads. I’m not sure what more to do, but I trust the Lord will provide. Since I don’t really have anything to do, I went to one of our ministry sites today and helped out our vocational team. I’d say there were about 30 kids there from the ages of 1-19. It was so much fun! We sang songs and had a bible lesson as one large group, and afterwards we split off into smaller groups. Tim and I took the 1-4 year olds. It was so awesome to play and love on them! How the adults handled the kids was different than I’m used to, but it’s all part of their culture. As we’ve been told many times, “it’s not wrong…it’s just different”. It was somewhat hard to adjust to their tactics because their methods were the exact opposite of what I’ve been taught in school of how to “appropriately” work with children. Oh! But at the end of the day, Cheryl (another project student) told me that an older girl she had been talking with had made the decision to accept Christ into her life today! WOOHOO!!! It’s so awesome to see the growth of God’s kingdom right in front of me! =)
Last night was our first weekly meeting, which is similar to our 180 service back at OU on Thursday nights. The entire staff and team (people from the community are also welcome) come together to worship and listen to a guest speaker. I was asked to lead vocals on the worship team which was really cool! I was a little nervous beforehand because I was singing a Jimmy Needham song
(“Hurricane”) with Kiera on the piano…It’s been awhile since I’ve sang alone in front of a group but what really made me nervous was that I began to lose my voice before the meeting…and to add to my nerves, I was giving my testimony to the entire group. It’s the first time I’ve shared it before in front of a large group. God totally came through and gave me the strength to sing and give my testimony! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. It was awesome…My story isn’t about me. It’s about CHRIST through me. It was great to be able to share it with others.
Praise be to God! He has been so good to me!
So much has happened in the last week that I’m not even sure where to begin. A lot of it has been good, but there have definitely been many challenges. But through everything, God has clearly demonstrated His provision! Hallelujah.
I still haven’t found a job, and I currently have no leads. I’m not sure what more to do, but I trust the Lord will provide. Since I don’t really have anything to do, I went to one of our ministry sites today and helped out our vocational team. I’d say there were about 30 kids there from the ages of 1-19. It was so much fun! We sang songs and had a bible lesson as one large group, and afterwards we split off into smaller groups. Tim and I took the 1-4 year olds. It was so awesome to play and love on them! How the adults handled the kids was different than I’m used to, but it’s all part of their culture. As we’ve been told many times, “it’s not wrong…it’s just different”. It was somewhat hard to adjust to their tactics because their methods were the exact opposite of what I’ve been taught in school of how to “appropriately” work with children. Oh! But at the end of the day, Cheryl (another project student) told me that an older girl she had been talking with had made the decision to accept Christ into her life today! WOOHOO!!! It’s so awesome to see the growth of God’s kingdom right in front of me! =)
Last night was our first weekly meeting, which is similar to our 180 service back at OU on Thursday nights. The entire staff and team (people from the community are also welcome) come together to worship and listen to a guest speaker. I was asked to lead vocals on the worship team which was really cool! I was a little nervous beforehand because I was singing a Jimmy Needham song
(“Hurricane”) with Kiera on the piano…It’s been awhile since I’ve sang alone in front of a group but what really made me nervous was that I began to lose my voice before the meeting…and to add to my nerves, I was giving my testimony to the entire group. It’s the first time I’ve shared it before in front of a large group. God totally came through and gave me the strength to sing and give my testimony! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. It was awesome…My story isn’t about me. It’s about CHRIST through me. It was great to be able to share it with others.
Praise be to God! He has been so good to me!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Meet Milwaukee
I thought I'd give a quick update while I wait for some of my team members to apply for jobs online. This week I've gotten to see and experience a lot of the city! Sunday we split off into small groups and went on a tour of the city. On Tuesday we went on a scavenger hunt and were able to get out of the car and interact with people. I learned a lot about Milwaukee and it's history, so I thought I'd share some of what I learned with all of you! =)
*Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, and 23rd most populous in the US.
*Population: 1,739,497 (as of 2007)
*Once known almost exclusively as a brewing and manufacturing powerhouse.
*In the past decade there have been many major additions: Milwaukee Riverwalk, Midwest Airlines Center, Miller Park, Milwaukee Art Museum, and Pier Wisconsin.
*According to the US Census Bureau, Milwaukee is the nation's most segregated metropolitan area. I clearly saw this here...just driving around the different parts of the city, there are defined lines between communities. There is an African American section, a Hispanic section, etc. Just walking on the sidewalk, I felt like everyone was watching me...which they definitely were...For example, it was very obvious that I stuck out like a sore thumb being one of the few white girls, and people looked at me like "What are you doing here?". It was interesting...and very uncomfortable at times.
*As of the 2005-2007 American Community Survey (US Census Bureau):
White American: 45.2%
African American: 38.7%
American Indians: 0.7%
Asian Americans: 3.3%
Hispanics and Latinos: 15.1%
(Ancestry)
African American: 38.7%
German: 20.9%
Polish: 9%
Irish: 6.5%
English: 2.7%
Italian: 2.7%
French: 2.1%
Hispanics: 15.1%
(Religion)
Catholic: 58%
Lutheran: 23%
Methodist: 3%
Jewish: 2.5%
*Milwaukee is home to Marquette University, the Brewers, the Bucks, Miller Brewery, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and many other historical places.
So, there are some interesting facts and information about Milwaukee, WI! I also want to let you know that I had a job interview this morning at Jimmy Johns (a sub restaurant). It went really well! Mitch, the franchise owner, interviewed me. He didn't officially say I had the job, but he sounded pretty promising. He said he would call within the next couple days. So I would appreciate prayers over that!
Today I'm going out with a few other team members who are still job searching just to support them and pray over them while their in the stores/businesses. Afterwards we're joining the rest of the team for dinner and then having a reflection meeting (which is actually on our own...so it's like a devotional time). I'm looking forward to the rest of the week!
I hope you all are doing well, and my God pour abundant blessings over you!
Always with love,
E
*Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, and 23rd most populous in the US.
*Population: 1,739,497 (as of 2007)
*Once known almost exclusively as a brewing and manufacturing powerhouse.
*In the past decade there have been many major additions: Milwaukee Riverwalk, Midwest Airlines Center, Miller Park, Milwaukee Art Museum, and Pier Wisconsin.
*According to the US Census Bureau, Milwaukee is the nation's most segregated metropolitan area. I clearly saw this here...just driving around the different parts of the city, there are defined lines between communities. There is an African American section, a Hispanic section, etc. Just walking on the sidewalk, I felt like everyone was watching me...which they definitely were...For example, it was very obvious that I stuck out like a sore thumb being one of the few white girls, and people looked at me like "What are you doing here?". It was interesting...and very uncomfortable at times.
*As of the 2005-2007 American Community Survey (US Census Bureau):
White American: 45.2%
African American: 38.7%
American Indians: 0.7%
Asian Americans: 3.3%
Hispanics and Latinos: 15.1%
(Ancestry)
African American: 38.7%
German: 20.9%
Polish: 9%
Irish: 6.5%
English: 2.7%
Italian: 2.7%
French: 2.1%
Hispanics: 15.1%
(Religion)
Catholic: 58%
Lutheran: 23%
Methodist: 3%
Jewish: 2.5%
*Milwaukee is home to Marquette University, the Brewers, the Bucks, Miller Brewery, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and many other historical places.
So, there are some interesting facts and information about Milwaukee, WI! I also want to let you know that I had a job interview this morning at Jimmy Johns (a sub restaurant). It went really well! Mitch, the franchise owner, interviewed me. He didn't officially say I had the job, but he sounded pretty promising. He said he would call within the next couple days. So I would appreciate prayers over that!
Today I'm going out with a few other team members who are still job searching just to support them and pray over them while their in the stores/businesses. Afterwards we're joining the rest of the team for dinner and then having a reflection meeting (which is actually on our own...so it's like a devotional time). I'm looking forward to the rest of the week!
I hope you all are doing well, and my God pour abundant blessings over you!
Always with love,
E
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
All things work together for good
So much has happened in the last couple days! First of all, we went to an inner-city church called Bereans Family Worship Center. It was predominantly an African-American congregation with a lot of soul! =) The people were so welcoming and gave many hugs with a "God bless ya, sista"! =) I loved it! I got so much from the message, too!
This week is orientation week, so we've been in a lot of training sessions. I've learned a lot about the people of the inner city, specifically Milwaukee. I feel like I have a greater understanding. God really changed my perspective of these people, and has really been changing my heart...which is what I've been praying for...that God would break my heart for what breaks His. Before coming to Project, I admit that I had a very judgmental view of the poor. I often blamed their state of poverty because of their own irresponsibility and laziness...but God's given me the realization that it's so much more than that, and I've been trying to put myself in their shoes...but it's been really difficult...Through scripture God has shown me the importance of serving and loving the poor, and how we're instructed to do so.
This evening we went to St. Ben's Soup Kitchen. I thought St. Ben's was a very beautiful, unique cathedral. At the front of the sanctuary, on the wall, there was a large sculpture/painting (hard to describe) of Mother Mary above a group of saints from Uganda. All the artwork around the church were all African-Americans which was really neat because that church in particular are predominately African-American. A guy named Cory gave us the history of the church and their ministry with the soup kitchen which was really interesting. Afterwards, we were able to go to the kitchen and eat with everyone. The first lady I sat by was very distressed because I was there. It was hard to understand her, but she made it very clear that she did not like me being there. She was saying something like, "why are you here....i'm poor...i need food...why are you here...you don't need this...you're well dressed...i can't eat in peace...i can't eat in peace". I tried to explain to her why I was there, but she didn't get it. Soon she got up and left. I really wasn't sure what to think at that point. I was a little disappointed because all I wanted to do was to meet these people and learn about their lives...I sat there for a little bit alone and just prayed to the Lord. Soon after, an older man sitting diagonal from me began talking to me. He was great! I learned that he was originally from Mexico. He was open and a lot of fun to talk to! He taught me some Spanish...which I can't remember one word he taught me now, whoops...but it was really cool!! When he got up to leave, he thanked me (and the rest of Project) for being there and asked me when I'd be back. I was sad to tell him that I probably wouldn't be coming back. As soon as he left, another man (younger) came and sat by me. His name was Jarrel. He was very quiet and timid at first, but once I was able to find and question more about his interests, he just talked and talked and talked! I found out that he actually spent some of his childhood growing up in Ohio, so we had a lot in common! He said he used to love going out to his grandma's farm and playing with the horses. Through our conversation God really showed me that I am no different than the people sitting around me. We are ALL God's children and He loves ALL of us. These are my brothers and sisters...and so often I feel like I separate myself from them..."those people"...I'm so thankful that God has so clearly shown this to me and the changes I need to make within me.
Overall, I am LOVING project! I love the city. I love my team. I love the people of the city. I cannot express how grateful I am that God has brought me here, and I am SO excited to see what's in store!
Always with love...
E
This week is orientation week, so we've been in a lot of training sessions. I've learned a lot about the people of the inner city, specifically Milwaukee. I feel like I have a greater understanding. God really changed my perspective of these people, and has really been changing my heart...which is what I've been praying for...that God would break my heart for what breaks His. Before coming to Project, I admit that I had a very judgmental view of the poor. I often blamed their state of poverty because of their own irresponsibility and laziness...but God's given me the realization that it's so much more than that, and I've been trying to put myself in their shoes...but it's been really difficult...Through scripture God has shown me the importance of serving and loving the poor, and how we're instructed to do so.
This evening we went to St. Ben's Soup Kitchen. I thought St. Ben's was a very beautiful, unique cathedral. At the front of the sanctuary, on the wall, there was a large sculpture/painting (hard to describe) of Mother Mary above a group of saints from Uganda. All the artwork around the church were all African-Americans which was really neat because that church in particular are predominately African-American. A guy named Cory gave us the history of the church and their ministry with the soup kitchen which was really interesting. Afterwards, we were able to go to the kitchen and eat with everyone. The first lady I sat by was very distressed because I was there. It was hard to understand her, but she made it very clear that she did not like me being there. She was saying something like, "why are you here....i'm poor...i need food...why are you here...you don't need this...you're well dressed...i can't eat in peace...i can't eat in peace". I tried to explain to her why I was there, but she didn't get it. Soon she got up and left. I really wasn't sure what to think at that point. I was a little disappointed because all I wanted to do was to meet these people and learn about their lives...I sat there for a little bit alone and just prayed to the Lord. Soon after, an older man sitting diagonal from me began talking to me. He was great! I learned that he was originally from Mexico. He was open and a lot of fun to talk to! He taught me some Spanish...which I can't remember one word he taught me now, whoops...but it was really cool!! When he got up to leave, he thanked me (and the rest of Project) for being there and asked me when I'd be back. I was sad to tell him that I probably wouldn't be coming back. As soon as he left, another man (younger) came and sat by me. His name was Jarrel. He was very quiet and timid at first, but once I was able to find and question more about his interests, he just talked and talked and talked! I found out that he actually spent some of his childhood growing up in Ohio, so we had a lot in common! He said he used to love going out to his grandma's farm and playing with the horses. Through our conversation God really showed me that I am no different than the people sitting around me. We are ALL God's children and He loves ALL of us. These are my brothers and sisters...and so often I feel like I separate myself from them..."those people"...I'm so thankful that God has so clearly shown this to me and the changes I need to make within me.
Overall, I am LOVING project! I love the city. I love my team. I love the people of the city. I cannot express how grateful I am that God has brought me here, and I am SO excited to see what's in store!
Always with love...
E
Saturday, June 12, 2010
New places. New faces.
Helloooooo from MILWAUKEE!!!!!
I finally found internet, but I'm not sure how often I'll be able to get on to update my blog, but hopefully at least a couple times a week.
I've been here for three days already! Mom and I drove in on Thursday and found a hotel to stay in for the night. It was really good to spend time together before I left, especially since I just got back from OU the day before. We had a great time! Here is my highlight of the night:
(driving to the hotel)
Erica: "Mom, what are you doing?"
Mom: "I'm waiting for the light to change"
Erica: "Um....It's a stop sign"
That may give you a clue what the rest of the night was like =) It was great! Anywho, so I moved in early Friday afternoon. This is a project with Here's Life Inner City but through Campus Crusade for Christ. The building we're staying in is called City on a Hill. Fun fact: It used to be a hospital. So, it's kind of an interesting living environment, ha! But, my team here is amazing! The staff and students are great! I already feel a sense of community. There are 19 students from all over the country, and I'm the only one for Ohio. Before I go in too much detail, I really just need to first praise God because in my last post I had mixed feelings about coming on project. But He totally changed my heart almost overnight, and by the time I got here I was ready! He's given me excitement and a heart for this city!
So this afternoon we went to Bradford Beach to evangelize. There were loads of people there because there was a Blue Angels Air Show, so we had so many opportunities to share the Gospel! We went out in pairs. The first four people Anna and I shared with were already Christians. Then we sat down with a mom, probably in her late 30s. She was hesitant to talk with us at first, but she agreed. Immediately into our conversation, she said she was atheist. Let me tell you, it was the most interesting/intense spiritual conversation I've ever had. She asked me the hardest question I've ever had to answer. Quote, "So, since I don't believe in God, are you telling me I'm going to hell?" ...Woah. No non-Christian has ever been so bold...I know the answer, but it was hard to say the truth. But we did...and she laughed....and said, "That's so much 'bs' (edited, ha!). You seriously believe that?!" She was very offended about it, and the conversation soon ended. This conversation really hit me hard. It was interesting, because before going to the beach I had a strong desire for someone to come to know the Lord today and I was desperately praying for it...and here, God showed me the complete opposite. Doesn't that just figure!? ...of course not...that's how God works, ha. But I'm really thankful for the experience, and God revealed so much to me just in that 30 min conversation. It gave me a burning passion to continue to reach out to the people in the city who are desperately in need of a Savior.
We shared for about 2 hours and afterwards had a cookout at a nearby park. It's been so much fun getting to know everyone! I'm so thankful that God called me here. I really appreciate your love, support, and prayers! Thank you so much!
Prayer requests:
*That I find a part-time job. Right now, I have a lead at Kohls. So pray I get hired, if it's God's will.
*Support Raising: I don't know an exact number but I know I still have a few hundred dollars to still raise.
Love to you all!
I finally found internet, but I'm not sure how often I'll be able to get on to update my blog, but hopefully at least a couple times a week.
I've been here for three days already! Mom and I drove in on Thursday and found a hotel to stay in for the night. It was really good to spend time together before I left, especially since I just got back from OU the day before. We had a great time! Here is my highlight of the night:
(driving to the hotel)
Erica: "Mom, what are you doing?"
Mom: "I'm waiting for the light to change"
Erica: "Um....It's a stop sign"
That may give you a clue what the rest of the night was like =) It was great! Anywho, so I moved in early Friday afternoon. This is a project with Here's Life Inner City but through Campus Crusade for Christ. The building we're staying in is called City on a Hill. Fun fact: It used to be a hospital. So, it's kind of an interesting living environment, ha! But, my team here is amazing! The staff and students are great! I already feel a sense of community. There are 19 students from all over the country, and I'm the only one for Ohio. Before I go in too much detail, I really just need to first praise God because in my last post I had mixed feelings about coming on project. But He totally changed my heart almost overnight, and by the time I got here I was ready! He's given me excitement and a heart for this city!
So this afternoon we went to Bradford Beach to evangelize. There were loads of people there because there was a Blue Angels Air Show, so we had so many opportunities to share the Gospel! We went out in pairs. The first four people Anna and I shared with were already Christians. Then we sat down with a mom, probably in her late 30s. She was hesitant to talk with us at first, but she agreed. Immediately into our conversation, she said she was atheist. Let me tell you, it was the most interesting/intense spiritual conversation I've ever had. She asked me the hardest question I've ever had to answer. Quote, "So, since I don't believe in God, are you telling me I'm going to hell?" ...Woah. No non-Christian has ever been so bold...I know the answer, but it was hard to say the truth. But we did...and she laughed....and said, "That's so much 'bs' (edited, ha!). You seriously believe that?!" She was very offended about it, and the conversation soon ended. This conversation really hit me hard. It was interesting, because before going to the beach I had a strong desire for someone to come to know the Lord today and I was desperately praying for it...and here, God showed me the complete opposite. Doesn't that just figure!? ...of course not...that's how God works, ha. But I'm really thankful for the experience, and God revealed so much to me just in that 30 min conversation. It gave me a burning passion to continue to reach out to the people in the city who are desperately in need of a Savior.
We shared for about 2 hours and afterwards had a cookout at a nearby park. It's been so much fun getting to know everyone! I'm so thankful that God called me here. I really appreciate your love, support, and prayers! Thank you so much!
Prayer requests:
*That I find a part-time job. Right now, I have a lead at Kohls. So pray I get hired, if it's God's will.
*Support Raising: I don't know an exact number but I know I still have a few hundred dollars to still raise.
Love to you all!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
12 hours to go
Well, I'm under the 12 hour mark...I can't believe it. I'm not even sure it's hit me yet. Although, I will say that it feels great to be done with school for awhile! I needed the break. Now that the day has finally arrived, I have mixed feelings about leaving. I'm excited to serve the Lord and find out what He has in store, but it's hard to leave my friends and family when I feel like I need them the most right now. Ultimately, God is all I need and I know He'll be there in Milwaukee. It's just difficult to face current trials and pain in a place so far from home and everyone I know. But, a friend shared this verse with me earlier today...It has been so encouraging today...I hope it encourages you as well..
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" Exodus 14:13-14
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" Exodus 14:13-14
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