Answers to Questions

What up folks! This could be a long one. Sorry. I don't really know where to begin. Our week of training is over - and for someone who can't really focus past 20+ minutes - I am quite happy it is over. But the info given to us was very informative, so no complaints. I just went crazy in my seat - stand up, sit down, go to the bathroom ... ya'll know the routine! We're off to a basketball game in a bit - they are having it at the "Dump" - it's one of the courts in the neighborhood. I'm going to try and hit up some questions I've been asked:

General things: The town is very poverty stricken, but has so much hope. It's wierd walking the streets (which we do daily, it's awesome), because I can't help but think about things that could be cleaned up, tagged by local teens, stores brought back to life. Due to unemployment starting in I think 84 with the closing of the steel mill, along with a flood which came up from the sewer pipes in 02, businesses closed down. It is almost like a ghost town, as a local put it to me the other day. By the way his name was Grover.

Am I safe? We are definitely in an area where violence, drug deals, prostitution, and crime occurs, however I have not once felt unsafe walking through the hoods, or streets. Many of the neighborhood moms have told us to be in before dark, but I think that is to be expected. It truly is a beautiful town. People here are very friendly, and there is a sense of the older generation looking out for people they know do not live here year around. We are in constant prayer walking on the streets - God has without a doubt drawn me closer to Him with this and continues to bring me back to Phil. "pray without ceasing."

Funny stories yet? ABSOLUTELY!!!! Top favorite so far - I already told ya'll about the guy counting his quarter bags. 2 Days ago I went to shake a lady's hand and she was smoking some weed in her right hand and tried to hide it. I saw it, she saw me see it,and we both looked at each other and laughed and went on with our conversation. I cant write the rest of them, but they sure are funny. 

Pictures? I havent quite felt out when it is right to take a pic and when it isnt. I have a couple which will come soon to give ya'll an idea of my surroundings.

How are you feeling with this? Good. I know God has me here for a specific reason, I am resting in that. Without a doubt, there is a spirit of oppression here. A couple of times people have made comments to our team, like there is no hope, get out of this hood, you cant change anyone - well, they are right - we cant change anyone, but our Lord and Savior can - and that's why we will remain in those hoods with our street presence. Yesterday I was walking with Drea and I said there just needs to be one good thing that happens to this place - very gently she said back to me, "there is." Needless to say, I was very humbled. But she is exactly right - the presence of God is working through this city - RESTORATION WILL COME! I was reading out of 1 Peter today - 2 scrips really hit home - "Above all love each other deeply," as well as, " Be self controlled and alert, Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." There is definitely spiritual warfare going on in the Quip - have faith, Jesus has claimed victory over this world, and that obviously includes the Quip!!! Praise Him! Love, not just love, but love deeply. Let us see out of the eyes of Jesus and love out of the heart of His Father. I believe the Lord will really reveal what it means to "deeply love" this summer.

One thing I want to also mention - there is a coffee shop called Uncommon Grounds here. It is amazing. Right in the middle of downtown. Strictly run on volunteers. Hold movie nights and open mic nights. Prices range from 25 cent drinks to $4 sandwiches, and coffee for about $1.25. I walked in the other day and two of the local boys were mopping the floor. You can go up to the counter and ask for a drink and they'll say "yea sure you can have it, but how do you make it." Due to the fact all of the workers are volunteers it kind of makes it quite humorous. But wow, this is what God intended community to be. The owners of the shop are 2 Australian individuals who are committed to Christ and this community - I cannot wait to hear more about their story. Quite honestly it reminds me of a God sized vision soon to be attained by 2 of my beautiful friends . . . JuJa Java shout out right there!

Alright, that's it for now - off to the basketball game. Please pray for specific crossing of paths with people, for God to continue to reveal Himself, and that the people of the Quip along with the staff would be brought to our knees by His presence. Love ya'll and thank you ahead of time for your prayers. Each of you are a blessing to me. It does get hard up here only really truly knowing one person and having only one person really know me (shout out to Drea, if you're reading this - holler and thanks for everything!), but I am overwhelmed and encouraged knowing people are praying for me and that God has surrounded me with a group of solid believers here. Until next time, love deeply!