Posted: Friday, January 27, 2012 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k12, Frank | Tags: Elisabeth Elliott, Jim Elliott, missional, reflections, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, urban ministry |
“There is nothing worth living for, unless it is worth dying for.”
Elisabeth Elliot, wife of Jim Elliot, missionary to Waodani people of Ecuador
I moved to SBH almost 7 years ago. I had no idea what God was going to do, or why I was called to live here. In the first few years, a few things went awry…small items stolen from the yard, neighborhood kids presented minor challenges, etc. However some more challenging things occurred as well, like my car being stolen – what the police suspected was gang initiation because a bunch of Altimas got stolen that night and car windows being shot out on another occasion when kids were having a bit too much fun with a bee-bee gun. During these times, friends and family challenged me about my decision to move here. Others asked if I was moving out. Of course, there wasn’t a chance I was leaving. The good outweighs the bad.
Nothing was more challenging than the night a man got shot 9 times outside my back door…on my 4th date with Louis. I didn’t know him, but after the scene was clear, Louis and I responded with first aid, encouragement, prayers and the gift of presence. I am happy to say that Frank didn’t die in the street that night, but lived. That was 4 years ago to the day….January 27, 2008 at 8:30pm. I am sorry that Frank was shot that day. But, grateful that we were there and sooo appreciate the friendship we have developed since. I can now say we are family.
While still in the hospital, Frank asked me if I was going to move. He reminded me that not only was he shot 9 times, but that a bullet also went into my home. The hole is still in the wall actually. I’m not sure why we don’t fix it. It’s like this constant reminder at the bottom of our steps. If we had moved, who would have been there the night that Frank got shot? Who would have given him First Aid when everyone else ran? It reminds me that we do make a difference, even when things seem hard. God loves Frank so much that we found ourselves cooking on the grill that night instead of going out. He loves this community so much that the neighborhood kids were safely in the house that night, instead of being dropped off after Youth Group at 8:30, their normal time. God is in the midst. Even when I may doubt, there is no doubt.
If it’s not worth dying for, it’s not worth living for. There are a lot of other things we could be doing, a lot of other places we could live. But, this is where God has called us, and this is where we shall stay until God calls us some place else.
Especially after the last week, I am reminded again of how we are being used by God. I am thankful for the many opportunities we have had to love and be loved. I wouldn’t trade ANYthing for the last 7 years! In the meantime, my prayer is that we will follow the advice of Jim Elliot…
Wherever you are – be all there.
Jim Elliot
Posted: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k12 | Tags: CBS6, first degree murder, incarnation, Mark Holmberg, missional, murder, psalm 23, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, wtvr |
I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.
~William Shakespeare
Wow. I’m rather speechless, which doesn’t happen too often. I am overwhelmed by and grateful for the positive response to a blog post I wrote on Monday called Heart Breaking. Soul Weeping. Mind Reeling. Knees Bending. Only a handful of people actually follow my blogs Miss Marti’s House and …into the neighborhood on a regular basis. So, I was quite surprised when this post started receiving 100s of hits! Miss Marti’s House started 2 years ago by telling the story of how I ended up living in Southern Barton Heights, how I met and married the ‘other half of my pair’, Louis Williams, and our life here. …into the neighborhood is a more recent development, somewhat of an experiment, a direct response from questions we get a lot. It’s meant to be a resource to individuals, families and churches who want to live more neighborly, incarnationally or missionally. We get regular requests to speak or consult with people and churches, so we thought we would create an online tool to talk about it. It will also showcase people, ministries , etc living it out and how God is being glorified throughout our city, country and in the nations. I have 2 great stories in the works. One from a friend living in a remote village in the country of Columbia. The other being my aunts in Oregon. Coming SOON! Stay posted! Go ahead and subscribe if you want to stay up-to-date.
Mark Holmberg from WTVR CBS 6 contacted me quite unexpectedly yesterday afternoon, because he had seen that post. (Thank goodness I had just gotten my roots touched up!!! LOL) He wanted to interview us about what and why we do what we do. Of course, it also involved one of the young men accused of First Degree Murder. He was a welcomed friend, almost a son, in our home on a regular basis. You know what? He and his family are still welcome! Kids make bad, sometimes even horrific, choices or decisions. It doesn’t mean we give-up on them. Don’t get me wrong. I still believe that people should pay the consequences of their personal decision, choice or reaction. As much as the public wants to make this a race issue or a urban/suburban issue, it is not that simple. I wish it were. All our youth need us. I’m still hopeful. Emily said it perfectly in one of the responses to the post…
…they do need us and we all need to stick together (near or far), continue to impact, never give up hope, and pass the message that all children are reachable teachable lovable and savable….
Amen, Emily!
You can find Mark’s story here… Miss Marti Brings Message of Peace and Love. That peace and love is rooted in none-other-than, Jesus Christ. He is my Savior. I can’t save each and every youth or adult I encounter. But, Jesus can. I am but one tool that He uses. Thanks, Mark and CBS6 for allowing the hope of Jesus Christ to be in the middle of this story. I know it wasn’t want you intended. But, you know what? God did. To God only be the glory!
My heart still grieves for the devastating loss in our city, within the many impacted families and network of friends. Words can not explain, nor can they alone comfort the grief felt. My prayers continue to be with those who grieve and our city. May God’s Spirit comfort us and bring peace.
Psalm 23 NIV
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: documentary, public school, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, Virginia, Waiting for Superman |
“WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN” is a film that we made for and about kids who are struggling to get a great education and their parents who are doing everything they can to ensure that they get it. As you know, this is a dauntingly complex problem. There are many factors that led to the current state of our nation’s education system and there are many ways to put it back on the path to success. Reform will look different in each community, and it will take a variety of actions at all levels of society to make lasting change.”
Davis Guggenheim, Director and Lesley Chilcott, Producer
You are invited to view and discuss this documentary at our home. Let’s talk about how we can make a difference in the lives of the kids in our community. Here’s the 411:
Saturday, June 25
6pm – 9pm
Miss Marti’s House
2101 Barton Ave
Contact: Shonda Harris-Muhammed
foxinthebox1908@comcast.net
Look forward to seeing you! Remember to RSVP to my friend and neighbor, Shonda Harris-Muhammed at the email address above.
Posted: Monday, June 20, 2011 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11, Northside Missional Community | Tags: disciple making, missional community, Northside, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, urban mission |
Some of you have asked….what is a Missional Community and what do you do?
Every Thursday at 6pm, a group of us (mainly from the Northside of RVA) get together in our home. What do we do? We fellowship (which basically means talk and eat great food together), We study God’s Word (also known as the Bible) and pray (talk to God). We live out God’s mission together (which means we encourage each other to love God more and to love our neighbors) in our everyday lives in our community, at work, at the gym, at the barber shop….wherever we spend our day. It isn’t project based. It’s just life.
Weekly, we also have Kids Missional Community, where we do the same thing, but for neighborhood kids.
I recently found this video online and thot I would share it because it describes beautifully what we are doing. This is the way we roll….in Southern Barton Heights and beyond. If you want to be a part or learn more, feel free to contact me!
This is Discipling from The Foursquare Church on Vimeo.
Posted: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11, Northside Missional Community | Tags: birthday cookout, friendship, John 15:12-15, Memorial Day, Northside Missional Community, RVA, Southern Barton Heights |
“My friends are my estate.”
- Emily Dickinson
I feel like the most blessed person in the world! If my friends are my estate….that also makes me the RICHEST person in the world. Yesterday, we had our annual Community Memorial Day Cookout….and Birthday Bash. I call it a Memorial Day Cookout and Louis always includes my birthday as well, which is today. We opened our yard and our hearts to our community of neighbors and friends to celebrate. Over 60 people were in attendance. It was awesome for neighbors to meet neighbors…young and old alike…to make new friends.
Our Missional Community was there to help by lending a hand…setting up and tearing down the tables, meeting new people, building deeper relationships, and just chillin’ in the heat! Many times, community gatherings around here lead to verbal fights, physical altercations, guns and shooting, and other negativity that just disturbs the community. We had none of that! We had….
- great food. Thanks to Rush and Louis manning grill…chicken and hot dogs!!! and everyone bringing a covered dish.
- wonderful respectful, positive conversations.
- laughter, games and fun.
- connections and friendships being made. Some of the youth were meeting for the first time…since they go to different high schools.
- a few people who heard about our Thursday night gatherings who are going to come and check us out.
Again…I am blessed to have called these folks my friends. God intends for us to be in relationship with Him and with one another. We practiced that yesterday. The Bible has over 100 verses on friends, friendship, etc. Here is one of my favorites…
John 15:12-15 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Enjoy some pics of our time together…meet my friends…
Posted: Saturday, May 28, 2011 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: Memorial Day, RVA, Southern Barton Heights |
Nearly every year since I have moved into our house, I have had a Memorial Day Cookout. Since Louis and I met, he now loves to do it…more than I do…because my birthday falls around Memorial Day (and the Greek Fest for that matter) each year. So, if you don’t have something going on and especially if you live in the Northside and would like to meet your neighbors in the community, stop on by. Would love to see you. Bring a side dish, if you can! Here’s last year’s post (Cook.Out.).
ps. I know you must love my DoodleBuddy piece of art. Just started playing with it on the ole iPhone…havin’ some fun. How did I do?
Posted: Saturday, May 21, 2011 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11 | Tags: documentary, public school, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, Virginia, Waiting for Superman |
Please note the change of date due to illness…..
“WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN” is a film that we made for and about kids who are struggling to get a great education and their parents who are doing everything they can to ensure that they get it. As you know, this is a dauntingly complex problem. There are many factors that led to the current state of our nation’s education system and there are many ways to put it back on the path to success. Reform will look different in each community, and it will take a variety of actions at all levels of society to make lasting change.”
Davis Guggenheim, Director and Lesley Chilcott, Producer
You are invited to view and discuss this documentary at our home. Let’s talk about how we can make a difference in the lives of the kids in our community. Here’s the 411:
Saturday, May 21st Saturday, June 25
6pm – 9pm
Miss Marti’s House
2101 Barton Ave
Contact: Shonda Harris-Muhammed
foxinthebox1908@comcast.net
Look forward to seeing you! Remember to RSVP to my friend and neighbor, Shonda Harris-Muhammed at the email address above.
Posted: Thursday, January 27, 2011 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11, Frank, Northside Missional Community | Tags: Frank, shooting, Southern Barton Heights, Zechariah 4:6 |
WOW! It’s been a while since I have allowed myself to think about the night 3 years ago when Frank was shot outside my back door in Southern Barton Heights! If you are new to the blog, or haven’t heard the story before…take a look at this string of posts telling the story of Frank (click his name…then scroll to the bottom and click “older entries” to go to the first blog post. Be sure to go back to the first post…and read backwards so you get the story in order.) I take a few moments each year on January 27th to really think through the events leading up to that night and the events following it. This is the first year, however, that I can read back through it on y blog.
Can I just say it?…GOD IS GOOD!!! Respond with me… ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD! Vicky and I had a short conversation on FB a few minutes ago where she said…”That story still makes me cry.” You know…it makes me cry, too. Tons of emotion going on. I don’t even know where to start! And…I cried. I give glory to God. I’m humbled. I’m grateful. I’m amazed. I’m encouraged.
Tonight, we had our weekly Missional Community where we studied the story of the Fishes and the Loaves. One of the things I really get from that miracle is how Jesus took something really small…a boy’s basket of 5 loaves and 2 fishes…and fed over 5000 hungry people!!!! Is that not crazy? That the Lord could take something so small…and perform a miracle? He just needed a willing participant, the boy offering his bread and fish. That’s the way I feel about the night Frank got shot. Louis and I had little-to-no first aid training. Little-to-no experience in treating traumas. But, you know….we didn’t need it. We had the Holy Spirit…and that is all we needed….and a willingness to go. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
So now, I wonder…what “fishes and loaves” am I holding on to and not sharing? What am I NOT willing to offer up to the Lord to use to bring Him glory because I think that I don’t have enough experience, enough education/knowledge, enough money, enough time, enough training, enough…fill in the blank with any obstacle/excuse you can think of? It’s time to step out in trust and faith and let God be God…because I can NEVER have enough of anything. The best thing I can do is get out of the way. Zechariah 4:6b says, “…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” I can’t work hard enough, smart enough, efficient enough. I can’t get enough education, time, money, etc. to do what God does. It is NOT by my might, power, brains, money, common sense, education, scheduling, etc. but by HIS Spirit!
Louis and I could NOT have arranged that night even if we had tried, but God knew where we needed to be and when. So…I’m going to step out in that faith, trust and obedience. Give what I have. Give what He has given me. I’ll do it from one-day to the next and let God be God…and give HIM all the glory! Amen?
So, Happy 3rd Anniversary, Frank! To new beginnings! To your new life! Love you and thankful that God brought us together! Can’t wait to see your face again! To God Almighty be the glory!
Posted: Saturday, January 15, 2011 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11, Northside Gathering | Tags: Northside, prayer, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban |
We are thrilled that our gathering of Northside Saints continues!
The Spirit’s presence was upon us as we prayed for the city… specifically for the Northside of Richmond, VA last Sunday, January 9th. We spent time talking about our God-given visions for the Northside. Then, we went into a sweet, powerful time of prayer.
Although the weekly gathering remains somewhat intimate, we would have quite the crowd if everyone showed up! The numbers who frequent are growing with new first-timers coming each month! But, ya’ know…it only takes 2 or 3 to gather together as Christ-followers. And He showed up!
Here are our prayer requests for January -> -> ->
Matthew 18:19-20 NLT ~ Holy Bible
19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
If you live in or serve the Northside, please consider joining us for future gatherings. We’d love to have you! The list of future gatherings is below or you can print it here…Flyer – February.
Posted: Thursday, December 23, 2010 | Author: Marti (Michalec) Williams | Filed under: 2k11, Northside Missional Community | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, Jesus, Northside Missional Community, Organic, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights |
I just love our weekly gathering. Some would call it a small group….others….a bible study….more might call it a missional community or a life group. Whatever you want to call it…I LOVE it! It started as a group of people from Commonwealth Chapel who met together for what we call Missional Community…where we did fellowship, read the Bible and prayed together. In addition…we would do things to meet the needs of our community. In this case, Southern Barton Heights.
So here we are…a couple of years later…and our group now consists of mainly our friends from the community…and just a couple of people from church. We experience real life together. We have gone through really hard things together…unemployment, drug and alcohol addictions, family “stuff”…and we have gone through the good things as well…employment! New cars! Sobriety! New people and friends! New homes! I can’t imagine life without my Thursday night gathering of friends…my Spiritual Family, who encourage me from one day to the next, who call me out when I’m not being real, who love me even when I mess up! I could go on and on!
We meet every Thursday night from 6-8pm. Or…something like 8pm. We are guilty of going til 8:30 or later…becasue we enjoy each other so much. But, people are free to scoot if they need to. If you want to come…and join us in real talk…real life….and learn about Jesus…we welcome you! We eat together (covered dish style) at 6-7p…while we also talk about what is happening in our lives. Then, we spend time talking about what God has to say to us through the Word…also known as the Bible. We close with some prayer…for our concerns, our community, and our city.
Starting the first week of January, we will be talking through the Seven Signs in John. Come and join us and bring a friend!
ps. I know you must love my DoodleBuddy piece of art. Just started playing with it on the ole iPhone…havin’ some fun. How did I do?
