A day of rest is always refreshing. I slept late, went for a jog, read some of a book, went to Starbucks, talked to Rebekah, and played frisbee in Wade Park. However, I also found myself in an encouraging conversation.
The two guys next door are Pete and Terry. As I was reading on the front porch this evening, I noticed that their car was parked on the street with the hood open, and they were poking around in the engine and scurrying about, evidently trying to locate the problem. I walked across the road to see if I could help with anything, and we casually struck up conversation. The problem was just a thermostat in their car, but the encouragement came from the talk that followed.
They wanted to know what I studied in school and why I was in Cleveland. When I told them what our plan was-to start a church that would become a family of believers in the community-they were quite open to the idea and assured us that they wanted to be involved! Sure, these two guys are "rough around the edges," so to speak, but we all have our failings and shortcomings (to say the least). The spiritual desire that I sensed, however, is the key. They want to be involved.
Pete I believe has a relationship with Jesus; Terry I'm not quite as sure about. One of our goals, however, is that the community takes ownership of this church. If they don't become a faith-family and everything we do is dependent on us missionary's presence, then it will all end once the summer comes to a close. Seeing two men get excited about getting together and grilling out and praising the Lord was a step in the right direction.
At one point, one of Terry's friends rode up on a bicycle. Tony was his name, and he was really rough around the edges. I don't know him well yet, but I didn't get the impression that he was a follower of Jesus. However, he said something that made me want to shout for joy, and it sparked a realization in my mind that I hadn't fully grasped before. When he found out that Terry would be at the gatherings, Tony said, "Oh yea! Where Terry is, I know I'm welcome."
He knows that he's welcome in the presence of his friend. To function at all in a neighborhood where suspicion and apprehension is expected, people must feel at home in our gatherings. We must offer a space where they can relate to their neighbors with trust and love, and together we hope to grow in our faith and to share the gospel both with those that come and with those that refuse to gather with us.
With man, what we want to do is impossible. But with God, all things are possible. Please pray for Pete, Terry, and Tony, that the Spirit will work in their hearts and draw them closer to Jesus, and that they will receive the gospel with gladness.
Stacy and I have decided to pour most of our time into the Lee Ave area. Since the church is located here, it makes the most sense to focus on serving and connecting with the immediate neighborhood. So if you Google Earth and pray, please pray over Lee Ave, Cleveland, OH.
P.S. Pray especially for the youth on the street. There is much darkness and spiritual oppression among the young in this neighborhood, especially the young men. They need Jesus. Desperately. I fear not just for their souls but their very lives if they don't come to know Jesus soon.
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