Elizabeth Boyd
April 13, 2010
A constant theme since I arrived in Dorchester has been faithfulness. Life in ministry.... not easy. There are times when it seems like even though we have done all we can, prayed continuously, and loved lavishly, there is no change. This has been most evident with some of our youth, many of whom are facing temptations such as using and selling drugs, stealing and reselling stolen goods and responding to being wronged with violence. There have been countless times where other staff and myself have sat and asked "what is going on, and what do we do?".
A few weeks ago, my pastor was preaching on Noah, and the importance of him staying faithful to the heavenly vision. When God told Noah "Hey, so I need you to build this HUGE ark, get two of every animal, and go chill out for 40 days while I rid the earth of all these unrighteous people", I'm sure once or twice Noah went, "Excuse me... come again? You want me to do what exactly?". Noah didn't have the big picture. He was just given a glimpse of the vision from heaven, and because he was a righteous man who chose to follow God in whatever it was he was called to, he listened. Despite how crazy it sounded. Despite not knowing the outcome.
I loved the sermon, and my heart resonated so quickly with the idea of "being faithful to the vision from heaven". I'm a big picture person. I need to know why and how we are going to do something. So when we talked about how Noah didn't have the big picture, yet was still faithful, I could feel my stomach ache. How could he follow without knowing everything? I am learning to be faithful when I don't have the "who, what, when, where, why" and especially when I don't have the "how".
Please pray with me for Christians in my community [including myself] to remain faithful to the heavenly vision for our neighborhood, and to continue to trust in God's eternal faithfulness to our neighbors. We may not see the fruit right away, but we trust His promise that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
March 2, 2010
Hello financial literacy. My name is Liz, and I would like to know you.
Yes, I am about to talk about something we all hate to talk about: MONEY.
As a 20-something (heading over the hill... no longer early 20's, now mid 20's and as Paul and Glenna have informed me, I am "getting old") I lack a significant understanding of my own money. I have been taught the essentials from my parents (opening a bank account, how to save, how to pay bills, the importance of paying off your credit card, you know the deal). With this knowledge, I've managed to keep my head above water, pay my bills on time, and even have a bit of spending money.
But let's be real. I'm in debt, and chances are, so are you. The majority of my debt is educational debt (student loans anyone??), but according to CNN, the average American household has nearly $10,700 in credit card debt. That's just credit card debit. We're not talking student loans, car loans, mortgages in a struggling economy.
Being financially literate = hugely important. I'm realizing more and more the value of teaching ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, our youth the importance of understanding money. Often, in lower income communities, people's financial illiteracy is taken advantage of and people pushed further into debt by payday loans or outrageous interest rates at check cashing centers. Quick money becomes attractive, and it's hard to think about long term financial goals when you know the rent is due... well, yesterday.
It's for these reasons (and so many more!) that I'm excited to be a part of a financial education and empowerment program that we'll be hosting in our community called "Moving from Debts to Assets". It's a class held by the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO), whose main goal is to help families build strong financial futures. It will help people in our neighborhood manage their money, create and stick to a budget and set and achieve their goals. I plan on taking the class in hopes to develop a deeper understanding of how to financially plan and help our young people think about their own money differently. Should be good!
February 15, 2010
"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
~ Proverbs 16:9
One of the most common questions I get is "So what exactly do you do at The Boston Project?"
Sometimes it's not always easy to explain, so I want to take you through a semi-typical day.
7:45 am: Hit the snooze button. Five minutes later, most likely hit it again. Finally get up!
9:00 am: Arrive at The Boston Project's ministry house, coffee in hand. All good days need to start with a cup of java. Or maybe two or three?
9:05 am: Meet with a local developer about new affordable housing. They are proposing to build 100+ units of housing (over time) in our small neighborhood. Some neighbors feel this is too much housing, and we have been advocating for fewer units and a design that fits in with our community. Together, we brainstorm ways of making sure the community is satisfied with the initial concept.
10:00 am: Check email. We need to do some "special projects" such as sorting through our Ugly Quilt supplies used to make sleeping bags for the homeless.
10:30 am: Prep the flyer for our next neighborhood meeting. The agenda: crime update, a new community garden, and meeting with the developers mentioned above.
11:30 am: Various admin projects. Mail summer staff W-2's and make some bank deposits.
12:30 pm: Lunch. Keith makes us all hamburgers. Yum!
1:15 pm: Prep for the next BP Board meeting. Help pull together financial reports plus the 2010 budget. The Board makes our major financial decisions, and since I am our bookkeeper, I help Paul (our Executive Director) prepare.
4:00 pm: Connect with friend and neighbor Giselle. She wants to go overseas this summer (she has never been), and we discuss potential options. Encourage her to look into short-term missions, and reassure her that we will do everything we can to help.
5:30 pm: Attend a Codman Square Neighborhood Council board meeting (of which I am a member) with State Rep. Marty Walsh. We are planning a job fair for our community in April with a focus on securing more jobs in the building trades.
7:30 pm: Finally get home, eat some dinner, reflect on the day, spend some time in the Word, and hang out with roommates.
11:00 pm: CRASH. Only to do it all again tomorrow... :)
Please Join Me In Prayer
• Pray for our staff and continued transition. We are adding a new Americorps staff member
in February. Pray for her as she enters the BP family!
• Pray for grant funding opportunities this summer, and that we will be able to provide jobs
for many of our neighborhood youth.
• Pray for the vision of expanded ministry through a second ministry house.
Financial Update - Thank You!
Praise God for a blessed 2009! I am so encouraged by the ways that you have all supported
the work God has called me to. In 2010, I will be increasing my fundraising goal to $7,500.
This is a step of faith for me, and I am trusting in God's provision. I am praying specifically
for three (3) additional monthly supporters in these next few months. Please consider being
an answer to that prayer!
January 1, 2010
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43:18-19
God's "New Thing"
It's been a tough fall. As our staff met together in September, we realized we had a lot of pressing realities, some full of joy (new babies, kids starting new schools, etc), some full of sorrow (personal struggles, family illnesses, etc.) and that we were heading into what would have to be a season of change. While there has still been a lot of joy and victory these past few months, there have also been times full of questions and struggles. As we finish out 2009, our staff has committed to 30 days of prayer together, to seek God's direction and provision as we head into a new year (and a new decade!). It's been an encouragement to come together daily to pray, and God has been using it to change my perspective on this season we are in. My natural inclination is to dwell on the past, and think of 'the good old days', but through this time of prayer, and reading scripture, I've been brought to a place of anticipation and excitement, eagerly anticipating what it is that God is doing. We have been praying in anticipation of God's movement for the funding needs of our ministry, the potential of a new ministry house, and life direction of many of our staff. While at times it feels like we are in the desert, I have been taking comfort in knowing God is at work, and we are on the brink of something new.
Great is Thy Faithfulness
One thing I have been continually amazed at this year is God's provision for my every need - materially, emotionally, and spiritually. I needed a car - God provided a free one. I needed a bible study - God provided a wonderful group of women with abundant wisdom. When dear friends and confidants moved from Boston, God provided new people to share in the ups and downs of ministry. As 2009 draws to a close, I stand in awe of a God who knows my every need, and provides, and say "Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord!"
November 4, 2009
"The Mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" - Proverbs 16:9
"One in a Million"
This fall, the ladies of Boston Project and myself are all participating in a neighborhood bible study, and together we are reading the book "One in a Million" by Priscilla Shirer. I have to say that this study has been exactly what I needed! I'm excited about the diversity in age and background of this group, and to learn from these neighborhood women. The study is focused on the Israelites journey out of slavery in Egypt through the wilderness into the Promised Land. Going through the wilderness was not the most direct or convenient way to the Promised Land, but it was the way that God chose for His people because He loved them, and knew what was best for them. For myself, this study is helping cement that God's path for me, even when it's not what I might have chosen and it leaves me feeling as if I'm in the wilderness, is purposed and is exactly where I need to be.
When Irish Eyes are Smiling
I spent a week traveling in Ireland with my Dad in late September. We spent time in both Dublin (on the east coast) and Galway (on the west coast), and visited a lot of beautiful sites. The highlight for me was traveling to the Cliffs of Moher, which are breathtaking cliffs on the Atlantic Ocean that one can only describe as being spectacular. I also got to see some traditional Irish dancing, ate lots of traditional pub food (fish and chips of course, with mashed peas on the side), and fell in love with Irish culture and history. I love to travel, maybe a little too much for my budget, and it was wonderful to see a new part of the world. I am also thankful to have had some time with my Dad, who also has the traveling bug, maybe even worse than me!
Pursuing Kingdom Priorities
I have the blessing again this year to attend the Christian Community Development Association's (CCDA) national conference. I'll be traveling to Cincinnati for five days to learn about "Pursuing Kingdom Priorities". The theme verse for the conference is Matthew 6:10, which compels us to pray and work for the transformation of our world; "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Last year, this conference was very significant in my decision to stay longer than I had originally anticipated at The Boston Project (originally I was thinking of staying two years - I've now been here over that) and I look forward to how God might use this time of teaching and reflection. I'm also looking forward to the 15 hour road trip there with three dear friends and coworkers :)
Prayer Requests
-Praise for rest! This fall has been very restful thus far, which was much needed.
-Continue to pray for God's provision for funding for the ministry.
-Pray for my time at the CCDA conference, and that I would be in tune to what God wants to speak to me there.
-Pray for our neighborhood as many vacant lots are being purchased for various types of development. Pray for a spirit of unity and understanding between residents and developers.
September 24, 2009
I loooooooooove to travel (maybe more than my budget currently allows!), and this next week, I'm jetting off to Ireland for some R+R and adventures! I'll be traveling in Dublin and Galway, and it's my first time spending any time in my country of my heritage.
I'm really excited to tour around, to spend some time with my dad, and to embrace some Irish culture! If you have any suggestions of places we need to go (we're going to Trinity College, seeing the Book of Kells, heading to the cliffs of Moher, going to see some Irish step-dancing, etc etc), email me. I'll have internet access, so I'm only one click away.
August 10, 2009
This summer has been one of the busiest ever for the ministry, and definitely has been one where I have needed to surrender and allow God to give me peace in the midst of everything! Here are some highlights of what's been happening, and keeping me busy:
-The Elmhurst Street Park Grand Opening. What an incredible day! After 10 years of hard work, we finally cut the ribbon to open the Elmhurst Street Park alongside neighbors, friends and City of Boston Mayor Menino. We celebrated with a block party and barbeque, with over 50 people participating in the cha-cha slide!
-Youth Interns. This summer, we hired 25 young people from our community to participate in our Park Patrol program. For many, this is a first time job experience. They learned a lot about the importance of having parks and green space in our communities, and worked to beautify
-Community Development. One of the best parts of my summer has been working with two young women from our neighborhood on various community development and administrative projects. We've been able to plan Family Fun Night where neighbors gather for a fun activity in our new park, and get to know lots of new faces!
-Summer Missions Program. While I don't do much day to day with helping host over 260 youth in service throughout the course of the summer, the SMP program keeps everyone busy! It's been awesome to hear about how youth are being challenged and transformed, and to invest in our summer staff who help run this program.
Personally, this summer has been one of the busiest I can remember in a long time. In between weddings (I think I've been to eight this year alone), traveling, friends and family visiting, and ministry, I'm pretty exhausted! As a staff, we all seem to feel the need to 'slow down', yet feel the urgency of the realities of running a ministry. Please pray for us all as we head into the fall and re-think some of how we do our programming, and that our vision would be focused entirely on God!
Prayer requests:
1) Praise - I have a car! God provided a free car for me through Glenna's dad, which will be a huge blessing.
2) Pray for God's provision in the ministry. Historically, the fall has been the toughest time financially for The Boston Project. Pray that our financial needs would be met.
3) Pray for me that I find a healthy balance with the many demands on me.
4) Pray for rest for all of our full time staff, and for good heatlh.
March 13, 2009
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
Psalm 102:25-27
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the
Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:4
Reflecting on the year so far...
2009 is shaping up to be a year of change and refinement. As I shared in my last update, all the changes that have been happening at work, at home, at church - pretty much everywhere in my life have been challenging for me. Thank you to those of you who have called, sent notes of encouragement, and have just sat with me while I process. It has helped me have a deeper understanding of the unchanging nature of God.
2009 has also been full! I had forgotten how much fun it is to host churches for service days (other staff typically host groups, meaning it's been a while since I've jumped in for a day of manual labor!). I recently spent the day painting with a group, and had a blast. We painted at Second Church, a historic site in Dorchester that was rumored to be a stop on the underground railroad.
Learning, Learning, Learning!
One thing that I am constantly doing here at The Boston Project is LEARNING! Often I am put into situations where I initially say "What on earth am I doing?," but quickly pick up on new skills and ideas. Here are some examples of things I've learned (some a little bizarre!) in the last year:
1) Accounting. I came into my job with very little accounting background, but have learned so much over the past year, that I now am able to use my skills as a consultant for a local church. There is still much more to learn though!
2) Plumbing. Not only did I help with a massive installation project at a local church, I have learned to deal with crazy toilets at BP and my own apartment.
3) Moving skills. I am constantly helping families move, reorganizing our furniture donation garage or moving pianos around for fun (I have moved two pianos at BP!)
4) Community Organizing. I can naturally be a little shy around new people (not that any of you believe that!), so being out and about in the community was strange at first. I am learning to overcome my natural shyness.
Prayer Requests
Please join me in prayer for my community and our ministry.
1) Pray for safety on our street, especially as the weather begins to get nicer and people are outside.
2) Pray for our college spring break trips. Pray for our participants, and that God would be teaching them about His heart for justice and service.
3) Continue to pray for wisdom as I continue to look for a church. I may be joining one soon!
March 3, 2009
For the last few years, I have just decided to not make New Years resolutions, because I had a real inability to ever follow through with any goals that I came up with. This year though, prompted mostly by the staff, I tried again to come up with some resolutions that were practical and that I could try to keep. For the first year ever - I am succeeding!
1) Get healthy. I mean this in working out, but also in eating better. I have joined a gym, been going consistently for the past month and a half, and have already started to drop some pounds! I have also been trying to slowly change my diet - eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, less refined sugars, less packed junk (Oh Entenmann's! How I used to love thee!!). It's incredible how when we care for the body that God has given us, how much better we feel! I say that even though I am fighting a nasty cold right now, but overall, I have felt so much healthier.
2) Read more. I love reading. I love reading everything from fiction to non-fiction, short stories, series, etc etc. I didn't do a whole lot of personal reading in college, since my life revolved around reading text books and research studies as a human development major. This was a bad habit to pick up (the not reading thing), so I've had to work hard to get back into the habit of regularly having a book on my bedside table and a few ready to go as soon as I finish my current book. So far, in 2009, I've read: Twilight series (ok, I'm a fan of teen melodrama...), Harry Potter series (all seven of them!), Beyond Charity by John Perkins, Letters of Love and Hope: Story of the Cuban Five, The Namesake, and now I'm currently reading Mystic River. I'm taking suggestions, so email me if you have any books I MUST read! Since I seem to be on the 6 books a month plan, don't be shy... I will find the time to read it :)
3) Find more time to be artistic. I'm still working on this one, but I love to be crafty and artistic. I love to knit, take pictures, scrapbook, etc. I am still working on finding time to do something that is near to my soul and helps me feel refreshed. Now if there were only 30 hours in a day....
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