7/16/07 UPDATE

Last week took "service" to a new level for a mission team visiting us. They were doing a Backyard Bible Club in one of the neighborhoods where we had done a block party. We were getting ready to leave and I saw a lady walking up who had been at the block party. She said, "I know this isn't what you guys came up here to do, but the recycling truck's back gate just fell open and it dumped the whole load in the street in front of my house. My sister and I are trying to help them clean it up and we would really appreciate your help." We all loaded up (probably 11 youth, 4 adults, and myself) and went around the corner. In my mind, I was thinking there was a little pile of stuff because they hadn't picked everything up yet. WRONG!!! We came around the corner and there was this gargantuan mound of garbage in the street. The wind was blowing and papers, cans, bottles, and other junk was going everywhere. The worst part was that the garbage truck pulled back around to help, so we had to smell it the whole time. Anyway, we got it all picked up and sent them on their way.

I flew to NYC for my coaching meeting and it went great. For one thing, they moved offices and are now about 4 blocks off Time's Square, so we actually got to see NYC. While I was there, it was my turn to present what we are doing as a church. One section requires us to present a budget and plan to raise finances. I said, "Well, this plan is basically garbage, because we haven't been able to raise any serious amounts of money (like I had articulated a need for in the plan - I had hoped to raise $20,000 to lead us up to launch on Sept. 16). However, God has been faithful to provide. So far, there hasn't been one thing that we needed to do that we were unable to do. He's always been right on time . . . and He has yet to be early."
That really has been the testimony so far.

God always seems to answer a big prayer request of mine during our coaching meetings and after this one, I got an email from a pastor who wants us to participate in their missions conference, which might open some partnership opportunities. I also heard from another church that I haven't even directly contacted that is going to help support us monthly. While a lot of people have received large amounts of support from churches, we have been primarily funded by individuals and smaller donations.

Another area of praise is that I received a call from one of the people I met at an earlier block party and we'll be going to lunch on Friday. Also, several of the "prospects" for the church seem to be moving steadily in the direction of joining up.

We have another big week this week, with 3 block parties and our second service. The mission team that is coming up will be smaller than expected, which will strain our plan, so pray that we'll be able to get everything done that is necessary. Also, pray for God to draw people to the service on Sunday. I've gotten a lot of positive leads from people, so pray that they will follow through and come.

PRAISES:
Another trip to NYC went well.
I had several productive contacts with people last week.
New opportunities for partnership are developing.

PRAYER:
3 block parties (and the publicity regarding them).
Our second service on July 22.
That the people we have contacted will remember the service and attend.
New propects to develop through the events this week.