From Cleveland

The past 10 days or so have been tiring and trying, but the work has been rewarding on many different levels. First, our work with City of Hope has uncovered several promising leads. Through our survey work, we have come into contact with some individuals who show potential to be community leaders. As perceived by the community, the area's prevalent needs include abandoned houses, a sense of community, and positive activities for the kids. Next, we plan to follow up with our contacts and work out details of partnering to begin joint church-community programs that will aid these needs. The process will be lengthy and difficult, but we are trusting in God's faithfulness and power. Of course, the goal is twofold: to help the community and to develop relationships by which to share the gospel. Please pray that we will have wisdom, insight, and creativity in developing successful outreach programs, and pray that God's word will penetrate the community and bring souls to salvation.

Personally, the biggest concern I have right now is transferring leadership of the outreach project from us summer missionaries to the believers at City of Hope. We are only here another month or so, and we have other projects besides community research and follow-up that we need to take care of. If the City of Hope members do not take up where we leave off, then our work's impact will be minuscule. Pray specifically that God will raise a group of passionate leaders who will claim as their own the vision of branching out of City of Hope's walls. Among the congregation, there are those who have the potential, those who have the knowledge, and those who have the excitement. Now they need to put one foot in front of the other. Hopefully, we'll get to meet with some of the up and coming leaders of the church Saturday or Sunday to teach them about survey work and out-of-the-box ministry. I trust the Spirit to work in them and guide them, shaping the vision into what He would have it be. To do that, I simply pray that our brothers and sisters will be open, obedient, and resilient.

We've had some fun the past couple of weeks, too. I went to Cedar Point (one of the world's best theme parks) a week ago today, and I found out what it was like going from 0 to 120 MPH in three seconds. Think drag racing with an open cockpit. SO MUCH FUN. :)

Blessings, all. Continue to pray for opportunities, boldness, and perseverance.