Happenings of the Simple Fool: May 2011

        One of my assigned sites that I've grown quite fond of is in Newark, ministering to the Seth Boyden Community. This is a neighborhood in desperate need of change and restoration. Its ridden with violence, drugs, gangs, prostitution, and poverty. It seems as if every week I go there I'm told of another shooting that took place. About a month ago there was a shooting while we were actually there, about three blocks away in the projects. But in the midst of this darkness an organic movement of hope and light is growing amongst the children in this neighborhood through the Relief Bus.
        A little over a year ago two of our volunteers decided to follow the calling God put on their hearts and start a bible study for the children of this community. It is a integral part of this site that is specific to this site. Slowly, but steadily it has been growing. This simple act of obedience on the part of these two women is starting to make a visible impact on the children of this community and their parents. Every Friday night children come flocking to the bus to hear the good news, sing songs, play games, and be loved on. And through the work of these two women our potential to reach the adults of this community has exploded. The number of parents and other adults seeking prayer, encouragement, and hope has gone up over the past few months.
        More recently these two women have decided to take their mission to the next level and expand the outreach. Together they have decided to begin a monthly bible study on Saturday mornings. Just this past week we hosted it for the second time and it was nothing less than an outstanding success. It has been an honor and privilege serving along side these women and our other Newark volunteers!
        Please pray for our outreach to these children, that they would continue to seek the love of Christ. Please pray for myself that I would be able to continue connecting with the men and women of this community. And please pray for the great city of Newark. Pray against the violence that has plagued this city for decades. Pray that God would open up the doors to expand our outreach to this city. Grace & Peace to you and your family...
Lance