Thursday, June 27, 2013

Hope for the Hood

Today is an exciting day, after 2 days of being out with people mostly from other churches we now get the chance to go out into the community as UNITED!!!! The little piece of Muskegon inside of me jumped for joy when I found out where we are going (I understand that that might make you nervous :-). We are going out to serve at a local church call New Hope Bible Church. They have an event called hope for the hood, and we get to go into the neighbor hoods evangelizing and inviting the local residents to this Bible believing Church. Just to calm your hearts, this is not a terrible neighborhood, but it is low income and our group will get the experience to feel what is is like to be the minority.

Please pray:

1. For safety: (pardon my wizard of oz reference) I will let the kids know "we're not in Forest Hills anymore"

2. Logistics: this is big because I am in charge of getting 84 people to the same place via bus.

3. Boldness: Most of our students have not had a ton of experience with people of different race and socio-economic status. Today they will, pray that they will be bold.

4. Compassion: When Jesus looked on the crowds he had compassion. This is what we need our students to experience, pray that they will be full of compassion.

5. Thanks to everyone who has continued to lift me (pastor Aaron) up in prayer. I can literally feel it. and I am so thankful. Last night Jake Boerman stood up and explained to the kids how blessed we are to be from Calvary, it was emotional and powerful for all who heard. I just want to express what a privilege it is to be a part of Calvary, when I tell other you pastors about our church and parents I almost feel guilty because of the love support and generosity you offer us. Thank you! I am blessed to call many of you friends and I love you, and you kids.

Pastor Aaron 
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8 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 27, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Indeed, we are so blessed to be part of such a great worship community. We cherish all our experiences as Calvary members. And we are excited to hear these stories - so energizing!

    We are so proud of you and grateful for the leadership team. Riley's family is praying from all parts of the country! Her Mom in LA, one brother and Dad in GR, and one brother in Portland Oregon! We all lift you in prayer and enthusiasm!! You're so Brave and beautiful.

    Thank you for dedicating yourself to this trip and representing us all so magnificently.

    Love,
    Riley's family

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  2. UnknownJune 27, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    Sisters and Brothers: Today I pray that you would feel love and compassion for those you meet. I pray that what breaks Jesus' heart would also touch yours. Remember that ALL of us were separated from God, but in His great mercy, He had compassion on us.

    "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:35-36

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  3. UnknownJune 27, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    Hi Team,
    We are so proud of you! Don't become dissapointed if people are not open to hearing what you have to say- sometimes you are just planting seeds, you never know how God is working on the hearts of the people you are meeting. We are praying for all of you!

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  4. UnknownJune 27, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    Praying for you this afternoon during your mission of Hope. My prayer is that your bright shining faces and youth exuberance helped draw people to New Hope!! (Both literally and figuratively!) You should be so proud of yourselves for taking these steps in faith and to further the kingdom.

    Rejoice in the ways The Lord is stretching you because with stretching comes growth!

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  5. Yvonne JohnsonJune 27, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    Wow...Another day of diving in deep....can't wait to hear how God showed Himself to you all while walking and talking in the 'hood! Praying continually for unity, boldness tempered with love, endurance, protection and a heart and soul changing experience.
    The God of angel armies is right by your side!!

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  6. UnknownJune 27, 2013 at 8:49 PM

    Was in Chicago today for meetings, which ended right around 6pm. Decided to wait for traffic to die down a bit and swung by Moody just to catch a glimpse. Amazing to see the energy and spirit here. God is indeed present and working in and among our kids. Praise God for what he's doing, and for our UNITED leaders who are pouring their heart and passion for Christ into them! We're grateful for you! Will continue to pray for you as you finish out the week -- God bless you guys! Philippians 1:3-6
    - Scott

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  7. PalacemanagerJune 27, 2013 at 10:12 PM

    I am really thankful for the opportunity for the kids to get outside of "Oz"! It's very hard to give them concrete proof of the life outside the bubble many of them are blessed to live in at this time in their young lives! Praying you had an awesome day! Can't wait to hear the stories first hand when you all return!

    I love you Anna! And I miss you! Can't wait for you to see your new little niece! She is precious!

    Blessings!
    Debbie Buckingham

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  8. UnknownJune 28, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    I pray you all had a wonderful day yesterday and as you start today: (You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace, the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12) I am so blessed and excited for all of you. Love you Jessica. Miss you lots.

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