Hope in the Midst of Despair

My soul cries out for the people in my neighborhood. There is so much darkness here -- Satan has a hold in the violence, drugs, and hatred. My prayer is that we can be beacons of light -- help us to push back the darkness here.

Last week a young man got shot and killed a few blocks away. He was in a band and just released a C.D. He could have been a man we built a relationship with.

Deandre a boy in our neighborhood who has visited us numerous times is heading down a hard road. He is eleven and is living a street life. How do we empower him to change this direction?

The majority of the kids here have parents who are addicted to drugs or are drug dealers. I don't want to have a heart of war towards the parents. They are broken people just like I am. I have no reason to judge. But how do I/we (my team -- our church) help bring consistency to these kids lives?

It can be easy to become discouraged. To loose hope. I have to remind myself that I find hope in God -- in the love He has for this neighborhood. In his power and might. In his authority. God's work is being done here. Seeds are being planted. Justice, acts of biblical justice is being taken. Is seen. Christ's light is being shown. It is in small glimpses. I want to rejoice, be reminded of this. I want to be fully committed to God's work even in discouraging times.

Finding God in the Small Things

Here are some ways I've seen God in the neighborhood. (I pulled this from a journal entry early September)

• In our Church -- New Life Covenant. They have done so much for this community. The welcome me and the rest of our team with open arms, love, and sincere hospitality. I am so blessed by this, especially since the last Mission Year team just left.
• In my neighbor Kevin. He takes care of this neighborhood. He picks up the litter -- plants flowers and cactus. He takes time to talk with our team.
• The children. Dontatio came and played with us yesterday. I see you in his laugh, stories, and in his desire to spend time with us.

God is evident in English Avenue. He is God of this city. I will continue to see him and meet him in this place.