"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7
Friday morning we were suppose to work in the community garden, but as soon as we got there, met the other workers, and pounded about 3 nails in, it started to rain...and our plans once again changed. Surprising? Not at all. It's rained a lot here actually, and there's been some bad flooding. I'll try to attach pictures. Anyways, so we spent Friday cleaning for the Hoffman's again and trying clean up the water that's come through their roof. Talk about bad timing for their family since their van also just got stolen last week. I know they'd appreciate your prayers!
So this was suppose to be our second week at God's Kidz in the Hood, but since that's still not an option, we are helping out the sister church of Hopewell. Technically it's not a VBS-type program, like we typically have done. This program is more so just to provide a safe place with activities for kids to get them off the streets. Three of the kids (all siblings) we've worked with before at Hopewell, but just recently one of their close friends was shot and killed. I've been able to form a close relationship with one of the girls, Shemirah (9), and I really do believe that God has brought us back to these same kids for this reason. These kids live in a tough neighborhood, where tragedy like this strike often...They need to know that they are loved...by us, but more importantly by Christ. Today Shemirah told me she was scared...Children shouldn't have to live in fear...My desire is that she'll come to truly know Christ, and experience the security and comfort and the abundant Life He offers! The funeral is this week...please keep their family in your prayers.
Waking up to another dark morning
People are mourning
The weather in life outside is storming
But what would it take for the clouds to break
For us to realize each day
Is a gift somehow, someway
And get our heads up out of this darkness
And spark this new mindset and start on with life 'cause it ain't gone yet
And tragedy's a reminder to take off the blinders and wake up
Live the life we're supposed to take up
Moving forward with all our heads up
'Cause life is worth living
We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
'Cause the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love
Thanks, Erica, for your prayers....and for the many ways that you and your team blessed our family here at our house and in our neighborhood. You will be pleased to know that Hopewell really, really wants to get a S.A.Y. Yes! Center going...if that can happen, perhaps Shamirah and her siblings can start going and continue to move closer to a relationship with Jesus!
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