prayer letter - 8.09

Living the Rhythms in Summer:
It has been a warm summer so far! I’m surprised how hot I am as I write these words. I love seeing how all the gardens of veggies and flowers in my neighborhood have grown. As we continue to live out our life rhythms (living socially, living spiritually, living in service) in our neighborhood, it is encouraging to how relationships have begun to grow, as well. Thank you for your prayers and support for us and the ministry God has called us to do.

Social…
Because of the beautiful weather, people are outside. We’ve had spontaneous conversations as a result, many of which have been of a spiritual nature. I have been encouraged to meet new friends at coffee shops; one such friend accepted my invitation to come to our weekly Bible study. This caused me to pursue applying for a part time job at different coffee shops in the neighborhood, not for financial reasons but for the opportunity to easily meet lots of folks.

…Spiritual…
Our weekly Bible study is going great. Tonight will be our 5th time meeting together, with 5 regular attendees. Last week we had 7 folks come, and I only expect that we will continue to grow in number as we grow in our faith together. This summer I am trying to lay the relational foundations of the two new small groups. The first one I hope will meet once or so a month, for those from out of town or who cannot commit to more. It will have a focus on prayer and fellowship. The second group I am daydreaming about is a weekly men’s morning group. My prayer is that these groups will begin by the end of summer/beginning of Fall. If any or all of these are of interest to you let me know.

…Service.
Kate and I continue to volunteer, serving a young woman with Crohns and Cancer. Today, she is undergoing her latest round of chemotherapy. Also, I am exploring doing some “community organizing” work in the Fall. This work would allow me to bless my neighborhood, helping them with what they desire, while getting to know and building relationships with more neighbors.

please pray with us for…

• God would call folks to join us in simply participating
in the different groups we hope to start
• God would bless us w/with good relationships as we start and continue small groups
• God to raise up a strong ministry partner (“person of peace” Lk 10:1-7) to help us w/ weekly plans
• God to open doors, relationally, as we involve ourselves in activities in the neighborhood, allowing our lives to overlap w/ others