"Social Prison"

"Social prison" is the term that has been used in describing Aliquippa, by one of the board members of Aliquippa Impact. Here in the Quip it is almost as if the world is against individuals. In a community which has been overwhelmed by addiction, violence, homelessness, broken families, and poverty, I can see from an outsiders perspective how men, women, and children may lose hope in the future. As we prayer walk throughout the streets, make home visits, and interact with others, you can look into the eyes of people and see the hurt and pain that dwells deep within their soul.

Wherein lies the question; How do we help? How do we share the love of Christ to people who have lost complete hope, due to the environment in which they grew up in? How do we help someone understand that Jesus loves them so much incredibly more than the love they feel for the crack addiction they have? How do we get someone to grasp the fact that God, our Heavenly Father, will never leave them nor forsake them as their earthly father has done? How do we get someone to understand that the family atmosphere and the adrenaline high from joining and living a gang lifestyle is nothing compared to the high you will receive eternally when you come into a relationship with Christ?

Here's the answer. We can't, but God can. As I have stated before in my blog, ministry has taken on a whole new face here in the Quip. A minute by minute reliance on God is a must. Prayer is priority. It is fascinating to see what role we play in the advancement of the Kingdom by prayer alone. So we go forth, sitting at the foot of the cross, wiping Jesus' feet with our tears, praying for God to make Himself more and more attractive to the people of Aliquippa. We pray for miracles. We pray for transformations. We pray that God will do things that we could never in our right minds think that He can do . . . And then we TRUST.

Love deeply.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U79YOKje2zU -- This message will change your life and challenge you in your prayer life. I have watched it over and over again.