Can We See
Hey Gang,
Last night I spent a few hours in the housing project called Western Heights. As I drove in I saw kids playing and people talking out in their yards; it all looked pretty normal. But you don’t have to dig very deep to see the problems. The households in the project are almost all “woman head of house.” The school three blocks away is 100% free and reduced lunch. The problems seem to glare out at you after a while almost asking, “Do you care, will you help, what will you do about it?”
After the meeting of the “minds” was over I was able to go home to my beautiful home and protection. Just having come home from a two-week cruise in Europe did not make it any easier. DO I CARE? WHAT WILL I DO? HOW WILL I LEAD FAITH PROMISE CHURCH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? These questions and more roll around in my brain. What does Jesus want us to do? With over 400 compassion commands in the Bible, clearly He wants us to do something.
Today the answer seems to be money and government. I do not believe they can solve the problems I see. Only God and His people can make a difference – that is, if we care. I grew up in the projects and for years I did not want to go back. I believe God is calling us to do something. I am willing to do my part, are you with me?
Love ya,
Pastor
7 Comments
PC, thanks for leading us to struggle through these questions. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for Faith Promise.
On Sunday, Pastor Joe spoke on II Peter 1:3+ – about entering into what God has called us to do. The calls we have in common – such as out of II Cor (ministers of reconciliation) and calls that are unique to where God has planted us. He spoke about the partnership of our part with God’s part. Not as specific as your question here, but still helping us see the relationship between God’s promises to us being fulfilled as we do our part of ensuring our election. Great peace to you -
Dear Pastor Chris,
Welcome back from your Anniversary Cruise…Happy 25th!
Thank you for your ministry,thought provoking ideas,
words of wisdom,heart-felt concern for us and others.
I am on board ten-fold to help you in any way I can.
God clearly wants us to use our God Given gifts to glorify his kingdom. He wants us to bring more people to know him,trust him,have faith in him,rely on him,listen to him,love him,serve him and serve others.
I agree the answers to todays problems will not be resolved by the government. We the people,must join God and spiritual leaders,rise up together and make a difference. Their is such a great need for believers,
“Doers” to get involved. I would love to see christian writers step up and produce good t.v. programs and movies. I would love to brainstorm with you and others about some awesome projects I am working on. Teamwork is what it takes to get things accomplished!
I was thinking about the many wonderful things you saw and experienced on your vacation and then to come home and visit the folks at Western Heights…struggling to make it day to day! I have been a travel agent and entertainment agent for 25 years. I remember being raised in a privledged political family in a nice neighborhood.
Raised by maids that lived in the projects just a few minutes away. Somedays we would drive in or cadillac or lincoln to take them to their visit family. On the way we would pass this travel agency that had a big globe of the world on the side of the building.
Above it in neon letters read
“See the World Before You Leave It” I was only in
6th grade but I remember the profound effect it had on me.
I thought I want to become a travel agent and see the world. I have seen alot,but still want to see more!
But, through the years and when I became of driving age I would take our fancy cars and go to the projects and listen to the people’s stories. I thought one day I would like to make a difference in this world.
Like you,I suffered many forms of abuse and shared in all the different kinds of experiences of growing up in the 70′s. My life, as others has had many trials and tribulations. Just like you said,”What doesn’t break us makes us stronger!” This past year has been an amazing spiritual journey for me. Thank you and Michele for bringing me to have the desire to have a closer relationship with,”My Lord and Savior” I am truly blessed to have found out about you and Faith Promise Church. I hope soon to chat with you about two projects God has put on my heart. He is calling on me and I really would love to talk to a spiritual leader for guidance and direction. I also heard from an awesome prayer warrior at Faith that,” God doesn’t choose the prepared,He prepares the chosen!” Wow, I truly believe he has chosen me,like you to have an impact in helping others to know him. So many people probably have that same calling,but don’t listen and act!
Maybe self-doubt,self-worth,bad habits like procrastination set in and make them not get involved to make things happen. I know that may have been a small
part of my makeup through the years,other than having
a very busy life!
I will be 49 years old on 6/26 and I think God has always had great things in store for me.
I hope we can help eachother as Brothers and Sisters in Christ to make an impact together and get others on board too!
Wow,lengthy letter…I didn’t know I was going to write all that out…but as you say,”Get Real,Get Right and Get Ready” Just sharing some thoughts on this beautiful morning that God blessed us with! I hope you have a great day! God will continue to bless you,your family and Faith Promise abundtantly! You are making a difference in many lives…God bless you! I have a few busy weeks ahead of me,but I would love to make an appointment with Gloria to see you to discuss
“Heart Right” and
“New Beginnings” and the Inspirational Concert Tour,
A Tribute to the King and ” Thee King of Kings”
I work with some Elvis Tribute Artist and putting together a tour…Elvis Gospel! I spoke with,
Elvis’s step-brother,Pastor Rick Stanley and he is excted to get involved with concert tour.
Pastor Jamey Ragle said he’s on board…some christian comedians,inspirational speakers and bands are also on board. Maybe you would like to be part of it too!
Let’s stay in touch! I know that Faith Promise is a big church and you have many different areas you are working in. I have some gifts to offer Faith Promise and would like to share them with you. I love the idea of a big church with a “small community family feel”
Let’s make it happen! I appreciate you and the awesome staff at FPC…You rock! Take Care!
All the best,always…Susan
P.S. I think the pot of hazelnut coffee put me in overdrive this morning…What do you think? LOL,but true!
I took photos of the kids in Water Angels Ministry with Todd Troop and there was one thing that stuck me. The kids eyes looked tired, they are weary people stuck inside children’s bodies. Almost like in a “daze”, they go through their day. Money can feed them, money can put them in a house, money can put them though school and money can dress them. Money can do many things especially if there is plenty of it BUT MONEY CANNOT TOUCH THEIR WEARY SOULS. Only Jesus can touch their souls and we His church has the mandate to do it for Him. We cannot spend ourselves out of this, we have to do it like Jesus did — up close and firsthand.
I am with you!!!
I agree, and I’m in… Julio showed me pictures he took at a homeless kids ministry, and I’ve not been able to get it off my mind… Whatever we need to do, I’m in.
We are with you 100%
Go for it.
I tell people we are different, let’s make so we don’t have to tell them!