A few months after meeting them they invited me to one of the homes they are living in to have a meal – homemade curried goat. I sat with them for over two hours and ate and tried to communicate; however, since they don’t speak English and I don’t speak Hindi, not much discussion was accomplished.
Weeks later, through a church in the area, God has graciously provided us with a translator that speaks Hindi. We, at their invitation, now have a meal together every Sunday afternoon. Upon their expression of a desire to learn about the Christian God and the Christian book, we provided them with Hindi Bibles and I am teaching them about the Scriptures as a whole and Jesus as the savior.
As you can imagine, there are many layers of difficulty – from language barriers to their Hindu background – but God is faithful. Through time, love and learning to play cricket, their hearts are wide open to learning. One of the men, Amar, asked this past week if I would take him to a Christian “temple.” I told him of course! And we are planning on attending a church service at West County Assembly of God.
Please be praying for Amar and his 19 friends. Our hope is that the Spirit will speak to them about the truth of Jesus as the only way, the truth and the life that they are seeking.
]]>
For the past two months The Melvin Theater Community Center has been hosting The Rock Success Center, a program working young people who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness.
The program provides a safe place for the young people to get out of the weather, to do laundry, and to get some nutrition. Also, a computer lab is available for use to fill out employment and education applications, and to communicate with family and friends. Case workers are available to help young people find and access the resources that can give them stable footing and a head start on a secure future.
]]>All holidays are days to commemorate or to remember something – 4th of July, Christmas, Veterans Day, etc. We cheapen the day or, at least, don’t maximize the day when we simply acknowledge the thing in passing designated for that day. Holidays are intended to settle our minds and imagination on the event or person being commemorated, to contemplate and celebrate the ways in which this person or event has impacted our lives and influenced our future.
There is no holiday in which this is more true than Mother’s Day. If you are fortunate to have what you consider a great mom, celebrate that simple fact and think deeply how this great mom has influenced and impacted your life and future. If your mom or your relationship with your mom doesn’t, in your mind, fall into the category of great, think MORE deeply. You may need to forgive, you may need to reach out, you may need to investigate your mom’s journey in life to the point you find peace.
Regardless of your situation, spend a few moments each day of this week thinking about your mom, and take whatever action that enhances or redeems that relationship, or brings closure in your heart and mind.
]]>
Over the weeks of the COVID-19 experience, a number of opportunities to serve our community have developed. Through collaboration with a number of local and national organizations and agencies, as well as donations from individuals and churches, we have been able to do a weekly grocery and household supplies distribution to families in need who live in our community. We have had to be deliberate and intentional with safe handling of products in order to provide this service to the neighborhoods. We have not been able to have the level of engagement that we would like due to the social distancing requirements; however, nothing keeps us from adding kind and uplifting words and a bright smile to each exchange, whether folk have walked up or driven through.
Our hope is that through this investment of time, resources, and love, individuals and families with walk (or drive!) away from us knowing that God is their source and will not abandon them in time of need.
I am excited to announce that The Melvin Theater Community Center is partnering with Link Markets to bring healthy, fresh foods to the Dutchtown/Gravois Park neighborhoods. Beginning in April, a mobile Link Market location will be available at The Melvin for grocery pickup.
We are working out the details on ordering and day-of product offerings. I will put up all the pertinent details and information as it becomes available.
When his first came along, he began a blog in which he wrote her messages he hoped she would read when she got older. She is older now – in middle school – and what was written 10 years ago can now be shared with her.
Feel free to eavesdrop on his thoughts.
The hope is that as she grows up and begins to experience life, these notes will be a guide and an inspiration.
]]>