a beautiful day with beautiful friends…
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: missionary, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban 1 CommentA few friends came by for a visit….I just love them! Allow me to introduce you….
Wesley, Chucky, Ethan and Olivia
Ethan, Olivia, and Dad~Chucky
Chucky
Ethan
Olivia
Shequeria and Daniel Jr (7mo)
Zyera
MGV – Barton and Roberts
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 Filed under: 2k8, Frank, Louis and Me! | Tags: Faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus, MGV, missional, missionary, prayer, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban Comments Off on MGV – Barton and RobertsSo…If you didn’t read yesterday’s post (Change of Heart…Just in Time) be sure to. Otherwise, this one MIGHT not make a whole lot of sense.
I wonder…what would have happened if we decided to go out to dinner that night…or if we hadn’t gone out on Saturday night…or if I had in fact kicked Louis to the curb before this night….if I hadn’t given him another chance like my friends were encouraging….or if we had met back in the summer of 2007 instead of the end of December. ANY number of decisions could have changed the rest of this story…in SOOO many ways. Personally…I’m thankful they turned out the way that they did. So, I had a change in heart…just in time…for such a time as this. To be there…the night Frank got shot…..4 weeks after Louis and I had our first date.
Let’s pick up there.
view from the breakfast nook window (Frank was between that pothole and the gutter)
It was about 8:30p on that Sunday night, January 27, 2008. After seeing the crime from the breakfast nook window, Louis went running out the door…stepping off the retaining wall (this was b4 the fence was built) onto the sidewalk and into the curb where the victim laid. He stopped and just looked at him for a moment…and I wondered…what is he doing? And mentally screamed…Give him first aid!!! I found out later that Louis was stopping to say a quick prayer before he did another thing. (Shame on me!!!)
I ran back into the house to grab some towels sitting on the dryer and some plastic grocery bags to use as gloves. I had been first aid trained many years ago, but have never had the use for the training (gratefully). Neither of us are medically trained, but we did have the Holy Spirit to guide us…and that was all the wisdom we needed! Louis took his lower body and I took the upper body. Frank was laying on his right side with his head in my lap. Not knowing whether a bullet had hit his spinal column or not, I braced his head in my lap. At that time, we found 3 wounds – left shoulder, gut and left leg. Later we learned that he was shot 9 times – left shoulder, left leg, right upper chest, right hand, and 5 times in the gut.
view from the back door/deck
As he laid there while we attended to his injuries, I encouraged him and asked him a few pertinent questions ~ name, next of kin and her number, who shot him (he didn’t know), age, etc. Only one other person came to his assistance, held his hand for a moment, prayed and ran back in the house. I was so thankful for my neighbor! No one else came.
Then, Frank stopped talking to me. As his head laid in my lap, I encouraged him, prayed and stated, Frank…I know you are scared. I know that you are hurting. But, we are here to help; and you are going to fine. If you can’t say another word, just call on the name of Jesus. There is power in just His name. At this very second, Frank reached up with his left hand and grabbed my thigh. I knew then…that he was calling on the precious, healing name of Jesus. Frank would indeed live.
Although we had told the kids to stay inside, I remember looking up to see Lil Mike standing on the retaining wall looking down. What a frightening scene for a 14-year-old to see up close. Not to mention, I found out later that he knew Frank. I yelled for them to get inside…only for them to move to the front porch where they could still see from a distance.
The first responders (police, fire department, and ambulance) started to arrive. It was so surreal. Watching over Louis’ shoulder as the yellow tape was strung and people started gathering behind it. Fire Trucks. Police Cars. Sirens. ambulance. One officer gathered information from me while I was still with Frank. The paramedics arrived; and I was able to given them vitals:
multiple.gunshot.victim.name.age.no.pulse.breathing.2.times.a.minute.
Satan meant for him to die, but our Lord. He has other plans for Frank!
Change of Heart…Just in Time
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010 Filed under: 2k8, Frank, Louis and Me! | Tags: gunshots, love story, missional, missionary, pastor's wife, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban 2 CommentsSo, the love story continues….although at this point, I wouldn’t yet call it a LOVE story. I was still not exactly loving Louis, but it had only been a little over 3 weeks, right? Not sure I believe in the whole “love at first sight” thing. But, anyway. Louis and I had date night every Sunday night. It was awkward sometimes for me. Still is sometimes. What in the world was I doing dating (now married to) a pastor. I am NO where near pastor’s wife material. Aren’t they the ones who lead women’s ministry, wear pink and act prim-and-proper? Aren’t they the ones who model a Proverbs 31 Woman? Not exactly my style, right? So, that in itself was a bit much.
THEN, Louis had to go and invite me to his official installation service at his church (where he had been an interim pastor for a few years) on January 20, 2007. Do I go? Do I not go? This is weird! Who am I to him at this point? It’s going a little fast! But, I went! Thanks to Florence for going with me!!!! It’s funny now to think I met his 2 good friends, Bob Fitch and Chic Silver…sitting right behind me…for the first time. I remember Bob insisting we hug….because “we’re huggers”. (btw – glad I was there for it!)
The kids were getting to know Louis and checkin’ him out. I was Miss Marti, you know, a surrogate Mom in many cases. So they weren’t too sure about it. Not to mention…it was different….different than what most of them experienced. Louis was a total gentleman. Treating me with respect, he opened the car and house doors for me (still does actually!!!). Needless to say…he didn’t spend the night with me. And we hadn’t even kissed. The kids actually got to watch Louis court me…and they had many questions about that as they watched us. I’m glad that we got to show them how it can be….how it should be.
Me and Louis in 2.2008
So, I had prayed for a change of heart, and got it on our first Saturday night date! For some reason, I got to see the real side of Louis Williams, and I liked it. After eating dinner and listening to John and Kim play (yes..they were the first to meet us as a couple!!!). Although it was a “school night” for Louis, we stayed up waaaay to late considering he had to preach the next morning. But, it was fun.
Trust me…this is leading somewhere! Stick with me.
Sunday night date night comes along, and we decided to stay close to home and throw something on the grill. For a number of reasons, we didn’t get around to eating until late. The kids were already back from youth group and 2 of them, Tony and Mike, were hanging out watching football and doing laundry (theirs! Not mine!) Louis was getting ready to check the meat one more time…and was walking through the breakfast nook (the windows on the right side of the 1st floor). This is when it all began. Gunshots…and a lot of them…went off. It sounded like it was inside the house.
I had heard shots before….but from a distance. Not so close. We all hit the floor. I was on top of the boys, calling 911. Louis, who saw the muzzle flash reflect off the window, crawls over to the windows to look out. This is when he saw one man on the ground and another one on top of him, beating him. With the police still on the phone, I crawled to the ½ bath where I could see better…and the victim was now alone on the ground. After calling out to let Louis know, Louis and I proceeded to go out the back door, to do what? We had no idea. We just knew that a guy had been shot just feet from the back door…and we needed to do something
Am I Hearing Things?
Posted: Monday, March 15, 2010 Filed under: 2k7 | Tags: berkshires, Bible, calling, feed my sheep, john 21, missionary, reinstatement of peter, Urban Comments Off on Am I Hearing Things?So, Cindy and I are in the Berkshires….enjoying the beautiful weather and sites. I had been reading a book called Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home by Robert Foster, the same guy that wrote Celebration of Discipline. Cindy and I also read some novel by Nicholas Sparks, too. Actually, I read the whole book aloud to her. She loves listening to books on tape, but doesn’t really like to read. So I was her live book reader! It was fun!
Cindy and Me....in the Berkshires
But, one of my favorite parts of the trip was just driving around in the convertible…just chillin’. One particular day we went driving late in the day and the sun was going down, but we still had the top down and were wrapped up like Eskimos without a care in the world!! (note the pic!) While looking up at the beautiful mountain, I was took a few minutes to kinda softly sing/hum a song….one of the songs that we would sing at church that was praising God. I sensed this voice saying, Marti, do YOU love me? I was like…well…uh… yeah. Of course I do. I heard it again….do you LOVE me? Me: Well Duh! Yes. You know I do. What’s this all about? Voice: One more time…do you love ME? Me: I just laughed….and said….ok. YES!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
I didn’t think too much more of it. Until the day we flew back…stuck on a layover @ JFK. I was reading the last few chapters of the book on prayer. The last chapter is on Radical Prayer. Wow, I wish I could find my copy. But, one of the last pages, could even be THE last page…the author was writing about a conversation between Peter and Jesus in John 21. The scripture states that Jesus asked Peter 3 times in 3 different ways: do you love me?
You probably know this scripture…
John 21: 15-17
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Then it hit me… Feed my sheep. I sat in the airport and wept. Cindy didn’t know what to do with me, and frankly, I wasn’t ready to talk about it. As a matter of fact, few people have even heard this story. It’s been a while….2.5 years ago…of processing it with the Lord. The Lord has called me to “feed His sheep”. For the last 2.5 years, I have been pondering and praying…what all does that mean? I still don’t have a full picture of it.
- For one…I know that I am called to feed HIS sheep. They are not MINE…but HIS. He is in control, not me. I can only do what I can do…and leave the rest up to Him. I haven’t always felt that way….thinking I had to do it all on my own and in my own energy. I didn’t always really trust that God’s got it. I have had to learn that…over and over, actually.
- Another…I am called to serve, to be Jesus and bring Jesus to HIS people. I needed to learn to step out….to be bold in that. The Lord has been equipping me for that.
- Remember…the other ½ of my pair. I think he was prepping me for how we would do that together. (More to come on that one!)
- In John 21 it refers to this part of the chapter as Peter’s reinstatement. I think this too was my reinstatement. I can’t remember denying Jesus 3 distinct times like Peter did…but, there had been sin in my life that needed to be confessed and forgiven. It was definitely a cleansing time.
- Lastly, I don’t think He is done with this scripture yet…I think there is more to come. I will continue to seek God’s will in my calling…my ministry.
Tomorrow…more on the story on how I met the other ½. Stay tuned!!
Generous “George”
Posted: Saturday, March 13, 2010 Filed under: 2k7 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, divine appointment, generosity, missionary, obedience, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban, youth retreat 1 Comment
Richmond - Downtown
After a few days of posting on other stuff…let’s get back to the story….
Back at work downtown and on the road, divine appointments were occurring on a regular basis. At this point, I was beginning to expect them…to actually look for moments that God was orchestrating. I was beginning to wonder were these opportunities there all the time? I had been just missing them? Some…I didn’t even know they were occurring until much later.
There was this one time…when I received a call from a work colleague from several states away. This was not unusual because I worked with people all across the nation and talked to them daily. But, this call was different. I really didn’t know the person, but he acted like he knew me. I haven’t talked to him about this post…so I will just call him “George”.
So…George calls me to tell ME a story. It was not unusual for people to ask ME to tell them a story…something that had happened in my community. But, he was going to tell me HIS story. George was calling to see how he could help my “kids”. He had gotten a significant bonus and wanted to share it. After giving George the name and address of Commonwealth Chapel, he promptly wrote a check to my church, designating it to m2h (Miss Marti’s House). He had remembered hearing my story about the kids at one of our company gatherings and wanted to give back. I was really shocked, surprised yet grateful, because I, for the life of me, could NOT remember who he was.
Months go by and it was time for me to attend a regular dinner meeting for work, where lots of people come from all over. Work was demanding my attention that evening and I ran a little late, so I stood at the door waiting for the opening remarks to conclude and checking out the full room for empty seats. After quietly slipping in and dinner started, I met the people around me. Go figure…who did I sit next to, but GEORGE! It was crazy…in a good kind of way. We continued our conversation from the previous phone call.
I confessed that I was embarrassed to admit that I had NO remembrance of meeting him or telling him about my kids, as I attended many corporate functions. George then said, Marti…you shouldn’t feel embarrassed. I am the embarrassed one. After we figured out where we had been and who we had been with, he stated…that he had WAY too much to drink that night and could remember very little from the evening. Very little except meeting me and hearing about what I was doing in SBH. At work, I couldn’t actually say…How God was moving in SBH, but that is what I alluded to when I talked about my calling.
George went home, touched by what he had heard and decided to give back to the community. He started to volunteer and give of his time, but soon realized that this wasn’t what he thought he should be doing. He then felt called to go back to church and went to Mass for the first time in years…or decades. George picked up the Word and it leapt off the page. At one point it felt like he was being literally pushed in the middle of his back…to go and do something. Being pressed so hard in the back that he turned around to see who was pushing him, and no one was there.
kids chillin' at Willow Run Retreat
George felt this overwhelming urge to give of his finances and that is when he called me. The timing could NOT have been more right. The youth group was planning their first youth retreat and my kids couldn’t afford to go. But, the money that George provided was the PERFECT amount to cover every kid! Only GOD can provide like that. I’m so thankful for George and his timely provisions that came several more times after that. May God richly bless him for his generosity and obedience.
This wasn’t the only time that God was at work on my job. There have been so many times when I ran into people “for such a time as this”…where I could encourage and bring hope. I can think of distinct times on flights, in the lunchroom, on the phone, and outside a courtroom. Work isn’t the easiest place to openly share your faith, for fear of being accused of religious discrimination. I was faced with that at least once and again, it was unfounded.
I don’t push my faith on others, but it IS a part of my life. So, when people ask why I wasn’t moving to StL or why I lived where I did, I can tell them. It was great to have like-minded colleagues to talk to at a time when the market was crashing, financial companies were folding, and times were scary for many people. But we knew…Who sat on THE throne.
I am reminded that we ALL need Jesus! Regardless of what our status is in life. I realized that I had (or have) 2 mission fields…at home in SBH and at work (until further notice, anyway!). Both…the spiritual “least of these”.
In addition, I learned that if God can use a snake, a donkey, a burning bush….He can certainly use ME! I just have to be open…and willing…to be used. There really seems to be a theme in the posts, doesn’t it?
Listening…
Obedience…
Risk…
Willingness…
Change…
Inconvenience…
Do you recognize any other themes I might be missing? And…what themes do you track in your OWN life? Is God trying to tell you anything?
Urban:Suburban Challenge
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: church, Evangelism, missional, missionary, Northside Missional Community, short-term missions trip, Urban 5 CommentsLast night, Louis had a committee meeting at his church, which left me home alone. I decided that I would take time to get ahead on postings…do a little planning on what stories I would tell and when. I thought I had it all under control when I went to bed last night. But, I woke up this morning at about 5am which is VERY unlike me! There’s nothing better than sleeping in! Knowing that, I believe the Lord takes great JOY in waking me up early to have a little discussion with me. This is hard to put into words as I grapple with it through my tears and fears. I’m still processing. But, I am going to give it a shot…
Where Louis and I Live and Minister
I have been challenged this week, when I received an email from the director of a local urban ministry. He contacted me to tell me that there was a local suburban church who was looking for a 1-day mission project in a couple of months. Thinking of me and SBH, he gave me a call to see if I could come up with a project for them to do.
Initially, I was THRILLED!!! WOW! Am I an official ministry now?!?!?! That people want to come and help for a day?!?!? But, something just wasn’t sitting right with me. For a couple of days now, I have been thinking…what could they do? I even went on the internet and started looking at what other organizations have done. Asking myself, what does SBH need? What could we do? I couldn’t think of anything that a 1-day trip could accomplish. Then, I was mortified. I started beating myself up! Surely there was SOMETHING!!!! Lord, what was it?!?!
Well, He woke me up with an answer. There may be NOTHING. (Stay with me! I said MAY!!!) There may not be a THING that a 1-day missions trip could do to help my community. Am I trying to force it? This church, I am sure, is full of well-meaning people of God. I know this will sound completely OUTLANDISH to many of you reading this, but could there possibly be more harm done in that 1 day than there will be good?
Let me explain why….
I first thought of odd jobs they could do around the community – yard work, painting, etc. But, then it hit me….How would my friend Everett make his living? Everett does odd jobs at an affordable price for folks around the community. Cutting grass, mulching, planting, washing cars, etc. How would Everett then buy what he needs without that income?
Would we offend people by offering FREE services? The last thing I would want to do is offend the people I have grown to LOVE. No one has come to me with a need that needs to be met. But, I am now asking the right local people for their help.
Then, I thought of “picking up trash”. Well, that would take a few hours. But, wouldn’t it be better if we rallied the community to do that? But, it takes a relationship to rally people. Does this well-meaning church have a relationship with the people to rally them? The simple answer is no, but we do.
I once heard a story about a well-meaning American church who went to a foreign country to build a well in a dry place where the locals had to walk for miles and miles to get clean water. Certainly a worthy cause! The Americans built the well on their own, then went on home to the USA. Then..the well broke down. No one knew how to fix it and the parts were too expensive. So, the people were STILL thirsty, but also frustrated!! They had a taste of what it meant to get water without walking for miles….now it was more difficult than before.
What I realized this morning is that we need those and other well-meaning Christians to INVEST in the urban community. Not just a 1-shot deal. We need folks who understand the impacts and the nature of being poor and are willing to walk along side someone or a family. We need someone who is willing to practice the art of being “present”….of just being there.
Yes, SBH may have people who don’t have a lot of money, but are RICH in spirit. Most of the folks in SBH are hard-working dedicated people. Many people look into SBH and all they see are the prostitutes, the dealers (and their clients), the trash in the street, the homes in disrepair, etc. But, that is what they see from the outside looking in. You need to BE there, PRESENT to see the inside…the many assets of SBH, the pride, the history, the commitment of the pioneers that have been through so much for so many decades…but continue to stick it out.
So now…I need to explore with this church and others. Knowing I can not discount short-term missions trips altogether, I realize that many long-term missionaries and volunteers are born out of 1-day and other short-term missions opportunities. But, I owe it to myself and to my community to do a little investigating first. The last thing I would want to do is bring unintentional harm to SBH or the servants. Is this the beginning of that relationship? How can I partner with this church (and others) without hurting them or SBH at the same time?
A few questions to ask now (albeit not an exhaustive list)…
- Can we come up with a project that will help SBH or someone who lives here? There must be something! I’ve put the word out in the community this morning. Lord…show us the need that we can meet!
- How can I provide the kind of experience for the servants/missionaries where they truly experience the community and learn/benefit from the day? I know it is cliche, but how would Jesus do this?
- Is the CHURCH (the church at large….the Body of Christ) willing to commit…to invest…their time and/or resources to walk it out on the long-term?
or
is it a box to check?
served a poor urban community in 2010. Check!
I am reminded of a book that friend Don Coleman suggested to me When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor or Yourself. I’ve used it as a resource, but now it’s time to dust if off and give it a good read. If anyone wants to explore this book WITH me, let me know. There are great exercises and probing questions to ask yourself in a group or individual study.
Just for my friend, Jeanine…
Posted: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Filed under: 2k7, Louis and Me! | Tags: bible study, Faith, Jesus, missionary, needle's eye, NEM, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban 4 CommentsI have to admit…I have been very preoccupied the last couple of days. I typically write the first draft of my post a day or 2 in advance….and then tweak it as the “due date” looms. Well…due to distractions that regular life has brought me AND the recent funeral today plus the death of my neighbor’s grandson…I’m doubly distracted and not processing very well. So, I’m picking an easy (and welcomed!) topic today! Back to Louis and Me!!! YAY!! I can hear my friend Jeanine cheering! She encourages me to write more…and not to leave her hanging because she hasn’t heard the story before! So, Jeanine…this is for you!!! Thanks for your encouragement!! I need it! btw – check out her beautiful photography blog by clicking her name anywhere in this post!
Ok…so I left off with praying for the other ½ of my pair and Don telling me about a guy who never calls….right? If you need to catch up….click Louis and Me! in the sidebar to the right…
Our 3 Lists Written in 02.07. 1 down...2 to go! (Yes...out of focus on purpose!!!)
Marc continued to come into work…encouraging me…and telling me that he had been “puttin’ in knee time” for me! I still had my own copy of the list that I was praying over…along with my 2 friends’ lists (who I am STILL praying for!!!!!).
The work merger had been announced in the spring…and we were alllll wondering…whether our jobs were moving to St Louis (StL). That fall, the word came. Yes, my team’s jobs were moving. I was a leader of about 40 people in 2 locations, Richmond and StL….with about 25-30 people in Richmond…and they were deciding that all the jobs had to located in StL. I was praying for my team and me…for good decisions. (btw – some of them are still looking for jobs if you know of any open HR/Recruiting gigs in Richmond!!!)
I spent a many many night on my face asking the Lord if I should move to StL. I said…if that is what you are asking, then that is what I would do. I asked Him if I would meet my other ½ in StL? But that just never landed on me right. The Lord had said I would meet the other ½ of my pair to serve SBH. So how could I move, right?
But, I prayed for confirmation. And received it. I told my manager that I would NOT make the move. No amount of money or job position could convince me to move. But, fears set in. How would I make a living? Where would I get a job, etc? It was definitely a faith building time for me! I had to trust the Lord.
Meanwhile, I was sooo sure that I was going to meet the other ½ in December 2007, I stopped praying for it! Yes….let me repeat, I stopped praying for it to happen. I even told Marc to stop praying…but he insistently prayed although I said that God had already answered. (Love me some Marc Lundy!!
Before long, I joined a short 6-week Bible study at Needle’s Eye Ministries on Faith. It was now October-November 2007…coming up on the December date the Lord gave me! Figuring…if there was anytime I needed faith…I needed it now. This group of about 25 women gathered every week for 6 weeks at their office. I barely knew a soul!!! After Susan led us in our study, we always closed in prayer. I shared my story and asked them not to pray for my other ½ in the same way – that he would show…but to actually pray FOR him to prepare him. I often wondered if he knew what he was about to get himself into. So, the ladies agreed to join me in praying FOR him. I thank God for these ladies, whose names and prayer requests are in that journal! As I look down the list this evening, I wonder what other prayers have been answered?!?!
But, allow me to remind you…nearly 2 years had gone by since I prayed for the “bone” in December 2005. I had been praying for God to send me a husband. Over the following year, 2006, the Holy Spirit had used many situations, Don Coleman and Luke 10:1-7 to change my desires and my prayers. In early 2007, I had started praying for the other ½ of my pair in ministry to SBH. I had begun praying the will of God instead of Marti’s.
Learnings for me,
- Take prayer requests seriously. If you say Yes to pray for someone, be sure to do it. Don’t take it lightly. It’s serious business!!
- Be careful what you pray for….you just might get it!
- I’m often astounded at the sheer number of people God uses in this story. He doesn’t need to use us, but it is sooo fun when He does. At any point, if someone said “NO! Lord!”…the story may have turned out differently. Just like the story of Marcellous. If Marc, Emmanuel or I had said “NO! Lord!” at any point…the results might look different.
- These stories consistently remind me of the importance of listening and obeying. We are robbed of the blessing of being used by God when we say “NO! Lord!” Like the Nike slogan….”Just do it!” comes to mind!
Jeanine…sorry, I am going to leave you hanging…..AGAIN! Hugs to you!
Miss Marti's House 