Well, it's fair to say that there's plenty to do. We participated in our first staff meeting today and began the process of throwing ourselves into the work of OKC Compassion, the non-profit partnered with Penn Avenue Church of the Nazarene at 10th and Penn. It was quite an experience to sit around the table with three pastors, one social worker, and three four folks who have much to teach the rest of us. Patrick, Pam, Patti and Angie have all experienced the perils of drug addiction and are currently in recovery and serving God through many different efforts at Penn Avenue. Humbled is really the only way to feel after an experience like that. I think its fair to say that we feel privileged to work alongside these wonderful people. We have so much to learn.
The needs are as long as there are lines on the page(s). We need to put in a shower or two, repair a gas leak, replace some copper that was stolen off of the church air conditioners, raise some money for a salary, help people with social security issues, start literacy classes, ESL classes, coordinate volunteer groups, start a Celebrate Recovery group, and on, and on, and on. In the midst of all of that, it seems very clear to us that God has brought us to Penn Avenue for such a time as this.
I met Rick today. He's been in and out of jobs for the last several years. Just returned on a bus from Dallas. He seems like he might be hard to help. Not sure he really wants to be transformed, just helped from day to day. Jesus would help him, but I think He would also desire that Rick want to be transformed. I think he would desire that I would continue to be transformed as well. God is good. Peace.
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2 comments:
Hey brother, do you need to borrow some of my Home Depot books so you can actually learn how to meet some of those needs?! It sounds like you have some awesome opportunities before you. Continue to follow Christ blindly and He will give you a vision into a world of compassion and love for His hurting children, who are often overlooked. May God bless you and your family.
I think this would be a great "international" work and witness trip.most of us don't see this problem every day. so for many of us you could call this an international opportunity to show God's love to a local community. It is great to watch through your words the journey that God is taking your family through. Bless you all and know that you are in our prayers.
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