Happy 5th Anniversary to Me!!!
Posted: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: anniversary, David Platt, Forgotten God, Francis Chan, Luke 10, missional, missional church, persecution, Radical, Southern Barton Heights, Urban 4 Comments
This week….5 years ago….I moved into Southern Barton Heights!!! WOW! What a wild ride it has been. If you had asked me 5 ½ years ago where I would be living…this would be the LAST place I would have said. Actually…I didn’t even know that this part of Northside even existed. When I first started looking for a new home, I drove through SBH quite by accident….following 2nd Street until it turned to the left and dropped me off at 1st Street. I was simply just trying to get to the other side of I-95….where you see those houses up on the hill to the right as you come from 64 to 95N. So…I naively drove through Gilpin Court/Jackson Ward and across the 1st Street bridge and into SBH. I remember thinking….this would be a great neighborhood…if only it was located somewhere else. I fell in love with the architecture and the community feeling of it. But, as I drove through, I just knew it was not for me….and kept looking elsewhere. Then, I came back…entering Battery Park by way of Overbrook…and seriously considered some houses adjacent to the park. Friends…both white and black/African-American told me I couldn’t move there….as a single white woman…that I would be a target. So, I stopped looking in Northside.
Then, I continued to look in other parts of Richmond…and placing contracts on houses…and getting totally shot down! Remember, this was the height of the housing boom. Somehow, I ended up back in the SBH area looking for a home. You can read more of that story in the following posts… In the beginning…, Daring God and Our House…..
Something (or should I say…Someone!!!) kept bringing me back to this area….and that was God. I had NO idea why!!! Nor did I ask, surprisingly enough. Walking in blind faith…or stupidity, not sure which I was doing at the time! Now that 5 years have gone by…I can see why the Lord wanted me here….for serving others….and changing ME! I am not the same person I was 5 years ago. Only God could have made the changes in me. There have been times that I have tried doing this on my own…in my own strength and power. But I have learned that I am not capable of that and sustain it for the long-term. When I let the Holy Spirit guide me, and allow God to show off….(to use Christianese for a minute…I must decrease, He must increase…..)that is when the real stuff happens! That is when the impossible happens. I can name sooo many times when God filled me with His Power…the Holy Spirit…to do His work. I am so much more dependent on God than I was 5+ years ago!
This week, I’ve been reading this book called Radical by David Platt….and it has really been challenging me. Some people would ask….why are YOU reading a book called Radical? You could write it. What you have done is radical!!!” Yes…moving to Southern Barton Heights may be called radical…but not nearly radical enough….is what I am realizing. Platt writes on page 68…
In the Gospels we see how Jesus ended his time on earth by commanding his followers to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The letters are filled with the same emphasis as Paul, Peter, James and John led the church through persecution and suffering to spread the glory of God to the nations.
So…that same commandment is for us….today. So…what we do here in SBH is really not all that radical to Jesus…this is what he expects of us. Luke 10:1 talks about how while on earth Jesus sent people off in pairs to villages to prepare for him to come…as they didn’t have cell phones, internet, etc to announce it. In 2007, I prayed for the other ½ of my pair….to prepare SBH for Jesus to come! And that’s when I met Louis 2½ years ago. I truly feel like the Lord has sent us here…to prepare the way for Jesus to come. His presence is already here. You can see it…feel it…in so many ways. The revival that will take place will not be because of anything that WE did….but what the LORD did.
Platt also writes on page 46….
The gospel beckons us to die to ourselves and to believe in God and to trust in his power. In the gospel, God confronts us with our utter inability to accomplish anything of value apart from him.
and a friend recently reminded of this word from Francis Chan‘s book, Forgotten God.
God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through. ~Francis Chan, Forgotten God
In addition, nowhere in the Bible does it say that it will be easy and glamorous. No one said that it would be a piece of cake. In fact…Jesus DOES say that we will be persecuted for HIS name sake….that people hated on Him before they hated on us. The Bible also says that we should find pure JOY in suffering. That joy part…I am still a work in progress there! I have a ways to go!
Later, I will share with you some of the suffering, persecution, or discomfort that we have encountered since beginning this work. Not to point us, but to point to how faithful the Lord has been through it. Please pray for wisdom and strength as we continue to be the Light on the City Hill.
ComChap Youth Group ROCKS!
Posted: Sunday, August 15, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, Community Clean-up, mission, missional, Missions Project, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, Urban, Youth Group 1 Comment
This evening a group of middle and high school youth from Commonwealth Chapel took their Sunday evening to selflessly serve Southern Barton Heights by picking up trash around the community. Rondell even jumped in to help; and neighbors came out to welcome and thank them!
In John 13, Jesus says…
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.13“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
These servant youth and their leaders were being the hands and feet of Jesus and will be blessed for their servant’s heart. Louis and I appreciate their giving spirit, and we had fun getting to know them better! Thanks again, ComChap Youth Group!!!
Family and Friends
Posted: Sunday, August 8, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, Louis and Me! | Tags: cook-out, Evangelism, family, friends, missional, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, Urban Comments Off on Family and Friends
There has been a ton going on!!! We’ve been so busy that we really haven’t had time to blog about it! So, I will get you caught up….but in no certain order! Just random posts about what has been going on the last month! Although our calendar has been full of serving our community (and a few persecutions by some who don’t necessarily like what we are doing in the name of Jesus!), we had a awesome time relaxing with our family.
My aunt Pat (I call her Aunti Patti) came for a visit from Oregon in early July and stayed with us. On Friday night of her visit, we had a bunch of friends over so Pat could see them all at once. It was a wonderful time to catch up with long-time (note… I did not say OLD!!!) friends (and their kids who have grown up soooo fast!!!) who I haven’t seen in too long. Although, I hope that we will all do a better job of staying on touch! I didn’t get nearly as many pictures as I had hoped to!
In addition, my sister Rebecca and Nat, my nephew, came to visit! It was a great time of catching up with family! Louis and I even managed to take Nat and Madison (my local niece) to Water Country USA on one of those 100+ degree days! And…we managed to make it to our first Squirrels game….we won!!! And…we had chill time with family in Mom and Dad’s back yard. I can’t believe I didn’t get a pic of my sister!!! Argh!
Last Sunday, we also had a wonderful time of fellowship with The Walkers, who are long-time friends of Louis’ and missionaries in Panama, Brenda’s home country. We, again, had a gathering to provide Chris and Brenda an opportunity to share the work they are doing in Panama and Chris’ online ministry, Evangelism Coach. We had a great time meeting some new people, as we welcomed their friends into our home. We also had a special time of prayer for the Walker Family as they serve the Lord in Panama. (This time, I realized I got no pics of the kids…dag.)
OK….the last family/friend night….was in Charlotte, NC, Louis’ old stompin’ grounds. Right after he wrapped up his Math Degree (yes…I said MATH!!!) at Davidson, Louis served in a church across the street from Piedmont Court, one of Charlotte’s project. He and a friend, Richard, bought a house together and lived and served there for about 5 years. Richard lives in that same house and until recently, continued to serve that same community even though the projects had since been torn down and replaced with mixed income housing.
While assisting with his mom as she continued to heal from her knee replacement, Louis was able to reconnect with Richard. And on our last trip to Charlotte, I was able to meet his long-time ministry partner who I had heard sooo much about. Meet Richard…a man I have grown to love and respect….and appreciate for his sound advice. (And, Ladies…he’s single!!!!
We are sooo blessed to have friends and family who love us…and whom we love! Being in ministry can sometimes be tough…and discouraging…but, God has blessed us with wonderful, loving, and caring family and friends with whom we can fellowship…and just chill! We are glad to have done that…a lot…in July.
U-Turn + Miss Marti’s Kids + Commonwealth Chapel MCs = FUN ! ! ! ! !
Posted: Saturday, July 10, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, missional, missional church, Richmond, RVA, soccer, Southern Barton Heights, U-Turn, urban ministry Comments Off on U-Turn + Miss Marti’s Kids + Commonwealth Chapel MCs = FUN ! ! ! ! !
Miss Marti’s House partnered with U-Turn and Commonwealth Chapel for a new weekly outreach to the kids ages ranging from 7-12 from Gilpin Court and Southern Barton Heights. On June 26th, we had the kick-off cookout which you can read about in my 6.26 post, It was a GREAT day @ Miss Marti’s House.
Today was the first official trip…with about 15 kids from Southern Barton Heights and Gilpin Court. Not only did they get to play soccer, but they also got to hear from the U-Turn President and a guy who used to play professional soccer! In addition, Rikki gave a lesson from 1 Corinthians on how each part of the body plays an important role in the serving and worshiping Jesus.
Watch for testimonies coming from the kids next week! Many of them had a busy week at VBS Arts Camp and ended the week with U-Turn!
HUGE shout out to U-Turn and Commonwealth Chapel for their support!!!!
Here are a few pics from the morning….
It was a GREAT day @ Miss Marti’s House!!!
Posted: Saturday, June 26, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, cook-out, Embrace Richmond, kids, missional, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, sports, U-Turn, urban ministry Comments Off on It was a GREAT day @ Miss Marti’s House!!!
We had a WONDERFUL time today partnering with U-Turn and Commonwealth Chapel this afternoon to reach out to the kids of Southern Barton Heights!!! Over 20 kids signed up for the upcoming Saturday morning events. Each Saturday the kids will be scooped up to be taken to U-Turn to play sports for a couple of hours. In addition, they will be fed…both physically with a snack AND spiritually with the Word of God.
Thanks to the Commonwealth Chapel Missional Communities and to U-Turn for killer partnership!!! You guys are the BEST!!! May you be blessed for the sacrifice of your time and love!!! Louis and I look forward to partnering more in the future! Even more…I’m looking to see what the Lord will do with this time! To God be the Glory!
Thankfulness!!!…and HELP!!!!!!!
Posted: Monday, June 21, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: bob lupton, family computer rules, Miss Marti's House, missional, missional church, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, thankful, urban ministry 2 CommentsIn 3 Boats Sited in Southern Barton Heights, I told you the story of how the Fletcher’s and the Garza’s came through with the laptop! I am PLEASED to say that Mario delivered it today!!!
Here it is!!!
I am just FILLED with thankfulness and gratitude to both families for helping us out! Everett aka “the Gardna” was the first to use it! He loves for me to find his favorite old school R&B songs for him to listen to. Now…he is learning to do it himself. He calls it “you-tubin'”. His first search? Average White Band – Cloudy! He played it over and over! It brought joy to both of us! So now…we are in search for a set of speakers so he can hear it better! I wish I had gotten a picture of him, but I was working!
So, this is where I need some help from some teachers and parents! What are some good sites the kids can visit to LEARN something this summer? Ages are mostly elementary and middle school age. Some are high school. How can computer use be used as a reward? What are some good “rules” to put into place (other than the obvious…no downloading, no porn, etc)? We have A LOT of kids from many families who hang here…so think about the impact of that with any advice given. They will learn to share…if nothing else!!!
In addition…watch for a future blog where m2k’s are the authors and photographers! Just have to think of a name! That just might have to be a contest for the kids! Name the blog…get the first post! hmmmm….i think that I might be on to something!!!
Building a Boat Dock
Posted: Saturday, June 19, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, Northside Missional Community | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, cook-out, missional, missional church, Northside Missional Community, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, U-Turn, urban ministry Comments Off on Building a Boat DockAfter the last couple of posts “it’s a dangerous thing to let Jesus use your boat.” Bob Lupton and 3 Boats Sited in Southern Barton Heights, there really seems to be quite a theme recently…boats are showing up left and right!!! We’re going to need to build a boat dock!!!
Check this out….
We have a young lady with a young baby who needs furniture for her new home in Gilpen Court and for the baby. Charles called to tell me about her to see if we could help her out! We agreed that he’s going to go check her out and make sure that everything is legit.
Within a matter of hours, my friend Tammy McClure calls me. She has a whole car load of baby things…stroller, car seats, etc. Check! Within a matter of days, Judy Harris from church told me about bedroom furniture that needs a home. Check! In addition, we have a lead on some other home items that will assist her. As we still need kitchen items/furniture, living room, baby crib, etc. Before too long…we can check that one off the list too! Keep that in prayer!!! Last…we have a near-by church family I feel will connect her with.
OK…then…here’s the big cruise boat coming into SBH. Commonwealth Chapel is partnering with U-Turn. On Saturday 6/26 we are having a cookout at Miss Marti’s House to introduce a new Saturday morning program to the kids. Where the ComChap van will come through picking up kids ages 7-12 to hang at U-Turn….playing sports, eating/drinking a snack and receiving encouragement from the Bible. There are 2 ComChap Missional Communities – West End and Sports MC’s that are heading this up with U-Turn.
My friend Jelani, the Director of Outreach at U-Turn, and I have been waiting patiently to get the interest and manpower behind this. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see how people are allowing Jesus to use their boats…..
Boats called resources, time, creativity, energy, love, talents/gifts, driving, cooking, food, love, and so much more!!!
I’m excited to see whose boat Jesus uses next!!!
Bananagrams!
Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements, Northside Missional Community, One Church. One Richmond. | Tags: Bananagrams, Commonwealth Chapel, cook-out, missional, missional church, Northside Missional Community, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, U-Turn, urban ministry Comments Off on Bananagrams!Last night we had a blast playing Bananagrams!!! It was my last night alone!!!! Thankfully, Louis will be home tonight!!! YAY!!! We love to “play” Bananagrams…although it doesn’t hold our attention for very long. Terence, Bishop, Deshawn and Larry kept me company on my last night alone! Ya’ gotta love those guys!!!
Next Saturday 6.26 from 4-6 we are partnering with U-Turn and 2 (maybe 3) Commonwealth Chapel Missional Communities to throw a neighborhood cook-out for the kids 7-12 and their parents. We are introducing a new Saturday morning program that will allow kids to go to U-Turn to play, have a snack and take a little time for the Word. Praying that Larry, Deshawn and Bishop will go. Terence is a little too old, but maybe he can be a Jr Leader. We will have to see. Please join us in prayer for this outreach!
Miss Marti's House 