So this is a big weekend for Christians. It is a weekend of remembering and recognizing the foundation of our faith. The weekend often begins on Thursday where we celebrate Maundy Thursday- which is a time of remembering the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. There are a lot of important conversations that are recorded in the Bible around that table. It was also the night that Jesus and the disciples shared communion.... the place where Jesus commanded them and us to take the bread representing his body to be broken and the wine- his blood to be poured out and to take, eat, and do it to remember Him. Friday marks the crucifixion. Good Friday. It is a time that churches often leave space for members to come and reflect... a place to confess sin and reflect on the pain Jesus endured for us. Our church is using Saturday as a day of outreach. We are doing the traditional easter egg hunt to draw in children and families from the community and hope they'll not only join us on Easter Sunday, but every Sunday... and every day... as we seek to live our lives for Christ. Finally, Sunday is the big celebration day- the day that marks our sin being cast away by Christ's resurrection from the grave. It marks His deep deep love for us.
A couple years ago David and I went to a special viewing of the film, The Human Experience. I randomly found it on Netflix's view it now and so I watched it again. So this movie is about 2 brothers who come from a broken family in New York and their desire to experience life in other cultures. First, they go to the streets of NY city in the winter and live among the homeless. Second, they go to Peru in a car and work at a place called the Lost Children of Peru. They work with children with physical and mental handicaps. The experience of working with the untouchables changes them and they grow a deep compassion for these innocent children. Finally, they travel to Ghana where they interact with 2 colonies- one for people with AIDS and one for Lepers. Once again, this experience really changes them. So the movie highlights the 3 major faiths, and leaves one with the impression that there is a God who is real and people who are suffering truly believe that. The movie also just really yanks out your heart for people who do suffer- both emotionally and physically. I enjoy it, but I like those mushy movies.
So as I think about Easter and I think about the Human Experience I can't help but tie the two together. The questions that the brothers pose throughout the film, "Who am I, and why am I here?" are fundamental questions that we all ask at one time or another. And I find the answers to be that we are created in the image of the living God (Genesis 1:27) and that our purpose is to do God's will.
So the big questions might start with: What is God's Will? Well, obviously to share the love of Christ and love people.
So here's where I go off in one of my rants. :)
The movie, The Human Experience allows you to catch a tiny tiny glimpse of the reality of pain and suffering that occurs... both in our own country and in this world. It brings up the discussion that having a sweet car and a big house doesn't bring happiness and certainly does nothing to alleviate suffering. It shows that people experience a deep loneliness. There is a scene in the clip on homelessness in New York where a woman describes 4 puppies who were next to her and all these people were calling friends and making sure that the dogs were taken in so they wouldn't have to bear the cold, but she was just left there. Read that again: It shows that people experience a deep loneliness. There is a scene in the clip on homelessness in New York where a woman describes 4 puppies who were next to her and all these people were calling friends and making sure that the dogs were taken in so they wouldn't have to bear the cold, but she was just left there. Why do we do this? Why are we neglecting people? Christ doesn't call us to care about people because they were screwed over and forget the people who messed up their own lives.... he called us to simply: care for people. We are not to decide who gets that care.... he clearly puts them in our lives.... and I'd argue sometimes our safety nets of picking the right neighborhood or job or church cuts us off from the very people Christ is begging us to love.
I'd hate for us to celebrate Easter on Sunday while forgetting about the VERY THING that Christ called us to do. He died for all of us.... and all of us our sinners... and we are hiding in our shells and not boasting about the truth of God's love... and that it heals. One of the greatest joys of being part of a church in inner city Detroit is being part of people's lives. We have a young single mom who used to sell her body. She has turned away from that life and has accepted a new life in Christ where her sin has been washed away and she stands white as snow. The pain that continues to deal with in letting go of her old life reminds me that there are so many others waiting to be freed from the chains of sin. We have stories of families who sold a lot, left their families, and moved into the inner city to simply do life. We have stories of men who have left lucrative life of selling drugs and are struggling to make ends meet as they work with dignity now.
So my challenge is to get out in your community and love on the suffering. How can you communicate the gospel to those people in a way that demonstrates compassion? Don't just go to church on Sunday and eat a big Easter dinner, but wrestle with the idea that the message you so love and proclaim is needed in your community.
At the same time, don't carry the burden of pain. Allow God to show you how can you relate to people in a way that allows Him to do HIS work. :)
And watch the movie if you get a chance. :)
4.22.2011
4.21.2011
On faith trials
As I have mentioned before, we are renovating a house on Burns/Mack in Detroit. Let me give you a little history about this neighborhood. First, I will back up to our church. So our church is named Mack Avenue Community Church. The reason our church is named that is because Mack Ave. is a dividing line in our community. In the location of our house, it divides the rich/poor, the haves/have nots, the some white/all black, and the historic neighborhood/vs the forgotten neighborhood. There are three streets that run south of Mack to Jefferson that make up a historic district called Indian Village. The streets are Seminole, Iroquois, and Burns.
Here is a basic map:
View Larger Map
(Since the map is up- you can see where we currently live- Van Dyke/Jefferson).
The follow information ONLY applies to INDIAN VILLAGE. The surrounding areas are not the same... at all... So the closer you live to Jefferson the more expensive the home is, the more homes are occupied, less are rented, etc... Thus, the closer to Mack... less are inhabited, less they cost, more are rented, etc... Once you cross Mack Ave you are out of Indian Village- the lots are smaller and the houses turn into the desolate properties that are shown on the news.
So our church wants to bridge the gap between the historic district and the surrounding blocks. Christ called for unity- and that is not the case in our neighborhoods. The neighborhood club seeks to keep out the "riff raff" and continue to keep things segregated.
So our house is located on the SE corner of Mack/Burns. It backs up to Fischer Street (not historic neighborhood). Currently there is about a 10 foot space in the backyard that is not fenced, which allows passerbys to easily find themselves in our backyard.
David and I swore we would NEVER live in Indian Village for a few reasons. !. We didn't want to be part of the "club" that so eagerly looks to keep people out. 2. We didn't want to deal with the hassle of renovating in a historic district (lots of rules). 3. We didn't want to fix up a house, and a house that is move in ready is out of our price range.
So last September I was combing the neighborhoods in our zip code during the ONLINE TAX AUCTION for properties our church might've wanted to bid on. Well, during the second auction that starts at $500 I came across our house. I couldn't believe what I saw: a beautiful brick home with a fire place and a HUGE lot on the corner of Mack/Burns backing up to Fischer. I mentioned it to David, but was sure he wouldn't agree to live in Indian Village. Well, we had so much support from our church that it ended up being bought at the auction.... and here we are.
I cannot even begin to describe how the Lord has had His hand in this process. So many bumps (and mountains!) have come up in the road, and he continues to give us a way up, around, under, and through.
Over the past couple weeks the house has been broken into twice. Once, they stole our contractor's generator, and yesterday they clipped a bunch of wires in the basement. The electric company was coming out yesterday to do the inspection, which they were unable to do.
The first break in left me pretty unaffected. My reaction? Whatever. It's just a generator, we can buy another one. No one was hurt. It's Detroit.
Yesterday left me feeling more pissed off. This guy's really gonna tear up my basement so he can get $10 for the copper? Are you kidding me?
So David came in the door telling me to REJOICE in this because God is at work and we are obviously doing the right thing.
So the vision that we have with future housemates Kristen and Scott is to be a shining light- a refuge- in a community that has been neglected. We look forward to having lots of fun parties in the yard, lots of meals, and lots of fun. We are located one block from an elementary school- and when school lets out about 50+ kids walk right in front of our house...
The enemy can't stand the idea of us bringing in so many people and sharing the love of Christ... so I am sure we are going to bump up against some faith trials, but our longing is to continue to stand firm in our belief that God is good no matter the circumstances.
The housing renovations may be delayed to things like break- ins, but we must believe in God's sovereign timing.
I invite you to join with us in praying over our new home- pray for protection, that the renovations would be done by June 1. Pray for us and the Selles as we look to create another community house.
Here is a picture of our house (it is the red brick one) I will try to get a better one on here soon!
And here are some verses that remind me of the beauty of persevering:
3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 3-8
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12: 1-3
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Here is a basic map:
View Larger Map
(Since the map is up- you can see where we currently live- Van Dyke/Jefferson).
The follow information ONLY applies to INDIAN VILLAGE. The surrounding areas are not the same... at all... So the closer you live to Jefferson the more expensive the home is, the more homes are occupied, less are rented, etc... Thus, the closer to Mack... less are inhabited, less they cost, more are rented, etc... Once you cross Mack Ave you are out of Indian Village- the lots are smaller and the houses turn into the desolate properties that are shown on the news.
So our church wants to bridge the gap between the historic district and the surrounding blocks. Christ called for unity- and that is not the case in our neighborhoods. The neighborhood club seeks to keep out the "riff raff" and continue to keep things segregated.
So our house is located on the SE corner of Mack/Burns. It backs up to Fischer Street (not historic neighborhood). Currently there is about a 10 foot space in the backyard that is not fenced, which allows passerbys to easily find themselves in our backyard.
David and I swore we would NEVER live in Indian Village for a few reasons. !. We didn't want to be part of the "club" that so eagerly looks to keep people out. 2. We didn't want to deal with the hassle of renovating in a historic district (lots of rules). 3. We didn't want to fix up a house, and a house that is move in ready is out of our price range.
So last September I was combing the neighborhoods in our zip code during the ONLINE TAX AUCTION for properties our church might've wanted to bid on. Well, during the second auction that starts at $500 I came across our house. I couldn't believe what I saw: a beautiful brick home with a fire place and a HUGE lot on the corner of Mack/Burns backing up to Fischer. I mentioned it to David, but was sure he wouldn't agree to live in Indian Village. Well, we had so much support from our church that it ended up being bought at the auction.... and here we are.
I cannot even begin to describe how the Lord has had His hand in this process. So many bumps (and mountains!) have come up in the road, and he continues to give us a way up, around, under, and through.
Over the past couple weeks the house has been broken into twice. Once, they stole our contractor's generator, and yesterday they clipped a bunch of wires in the basement. The electric company was coming out yesterday to do the inspection, which they were unable to do.
The first break in left me pretty unaffected. My reaction? Whatever. It's just a generator, we can buy another one. No one was hurt. It's Detroit.
Yesterday left me feeling more pissed off. This guy's really gonna tear up my basement so he can get $10 for the copper? Are you kidding me?
So David came in the door telling me to REJOICE in this because God is at work and we are obviously doing the right thing.
So the vision that we have with future housemates Kristen and Scott is to be a shining light- a refuge- in a community that has been neglected. We look forward to having lots of fun parties in the yard, lots of meals, and lots of fun. We are located one block from an elementary school- and when school lets out about 50+ kids walk right in front of our house...
The enemy can't stand the idea of us bringing in so many people and sharing the love of Christ... so I am sure we are going to bump up against some faith trials, but our longing is to continue to stand firm in our belief that God is good no matter the circumstances.
The housing renovations may be delayed to things like break- ins, but we must believe in God's sovereign timing.
I invite you to join with us in praying over our new home- pray for protection, that the renovations would be done by June 1. Pray for us and the Selles as we look to create another community house.
Here is a picture of our house (it is the red brick one) I will try to get a better one on here soon!
And here are some verses that remind me of the beauty of persevering:
3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 3-8
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12: 1-3
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
4.17.2011
Lately....
It's been crazy busy around here and I haven't posted much at all. I am going to try and do a "catch up" blog post so that I feel the freedom this week to write what I want.... and since it's Holy Week I am sure I'll have some thoughts. :)
So there's been a lot of deaths the last few weeks. First, my dad's good friend, Holly passed away suddenly after a medical procedure in Arizona. She was a young 60ish and leaves behind a broken hearted husband. Her sudden death was very painful for my dad and thus becomes a pain for me. A week or so later, a 39 year old father of 4 boys under the age of 6 passed away after a battle with colon cancer. He was diagnosed a month ago. He and his family attend our church in Tucson. I can remember at Christmas when we visited the The Village, Bentley walked in front of his son who was on the swing and accidently knocked Bentley over. He so tenderly came over with his son and apologized. I mourn for the four young boys who won't have their father to so tenderly teach them the ways of the world. Not 6 days later, a young mom of about the same age, died of cancer and leaves behind 2 young children and her husband. Finally, this past week a youth pastor from Grand Rapids died when his house caught fire in the basement. So yeah, some intense days are behind us. In all of these situations, the deaths did not effect me directly- but they do effect people that I deeply care about. Also, I have this "curse" or "blessing" called the gift of mercy and in case you don't know me very well that means I cry at the drop of the hat because I feel deeply for people who are in pain. So I have had a very heavy and burdened heart for the families who lost people they love. I will add that there is joy in that all of these people where people who love and serve Christ and so I am given the knowledge of peace that they are with Christ- and not in pain. It just sucks that their children and loved ones will experience a certain level of pain for the rest of their time here.
There is also a lot of transition happening around here. Chris and Leigh are getting ready to move back to Grand Rapids in mid May. I've known they'd be leaving, but it's really starting to hit. They have become such dear friends and their absence will be noticed. They are such good role models to our children and really love them. Micah had his offer that he put on a house accepted and is moving forward as he waits to hear from the bank (it's a short sale). I will also dearly miss him and the companionship he has offered to me and David. The three of us spend most nights down at our computers watching tv shows and looking up funny things online. (We have our computers on one desk on the first floor). We are getting ready to move in the Burns house with Scott and Kristen. I am looking forward to a new and more long term community house. I am also a little scared! It's hard to share a house with other people when you're making decisions about what goes where and who does what.... but the part that brings so much joy and depth is when you come home to people who love and care about you... it's so great to have a house full of people to laugh with, cry with, and struggle with. So the benefits of communal living far outweigh the struggles.
So all is well here in the "D". We had a great visit with David's parents last weekend. It's hard to be so far away!
Look for some more posting!!
So there's been a lot of deaths the last few weeks. First, my dad's good friend, Holly passed away suddenly after a medical procedure in Arizona. She was a young 60ish and leaves behind a broken hearted husband. Her sudden death was very painful for my dad and thus becomes a pain for me. A week or so later, a 39 year old father of 4 boys under the age of 6 passed away after a battle with colon cancer. He was diagnosed a month ago. He and his family attend our church in Tucson. I can remember at Christmas when we visited the The Village, Bentley walked in front of his son who was on the swing and accidently knocked Bentley over. He so tenderly came over with his son and apologized. I mourn for the four young boys who won't have their father to so tenderly teach them the ways of the world. Not 6 days later, a young mom of about the same age, died of cancer and leaves behind 2 young children and her husband. Finally, this past week a youth pastor from Grand Rapids died when his house caught fire in the basement. So yeah, some intense days are behind us. In all of these situations, the deaths did not effect me directly- but they do effect people that I deeply care about. Also, I have this "curse" or "blessing" called the gift of mercy and in case you don't know me very well that means I cry at the drop of the hat because I feel deeply for people who are in pain. So I have had a very heavy and burdened heart for the families who lost people they love. I will add that there is joy in that all of these people where people who love and serve Christ and so I am given the knowledge of peace that they are with Christ- and not in pain. It just sucks that their children and loved ones will experience a certain level of pain for the rest of their time here.
There is also a lot of transition happening around here. Chris and Leigh are getting ready to move back to Grand Rapids in mid May. I've known they'd be leaving, but it's really starting to hit. They have become such dear friends and their absence will be noticed. They are such good role models to our children and really love them. Micah had his offer that he put on a house accepted and is moving forward as he waits to hear from the bank (it's a short sale). I will also dearly miss him and the companionship he has offered to me and David. The three of us spend most nights down at our computers watching tv shows and looking up funny things online. (We have our computers on one desk on the first floor). We are getting ready to move in the Burns house with Scott and Kristen. I am looking forward to a new and more long term community house. I am also a little scared! It's hard to share a house with other people when you're making decisions about what goes where and who does what.... but the part that brings so much joy and depth is when you come home to people who love and care about you... it's so great to have a house full of people to laugh with, cry with, and struggle with. So the benefits of communal living far outweigh the struggles.
So all is well here in the "D". We had a great visit with David's parents last weekend. It's hard to be so far away!
Look for some more posting!!
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