Malkemes
November 18, 2012
"If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all." - 2 Cor. 5:13-14a
It was a dark, fall evening as we stood outside and rang the doorbell. We had driven about an hour in the drizzling rain to share with a new small group about our work with The Boston Project Ministries. Honestly, we were a tad nervous since it had been awhile since Glenna and I had shared together with a group. But quickly the door swung open, the house was warm, and our new friend announced, "The missionaries are here!"
We have treasured the opportunity to spend time with two church partners this past month (First Presbyterian Church of Newport and Grace Chapel). It is a privilege to represent Jesus Christ and you in this Kingdom work. The genuine love from our partners has been rejuvenating. Thank you for this gift.
Earlier this month, I posted on Facebook, "Never too proud to ask for prayer. I've been overwhelmed lately by the amount of work at Boston Project. I'm doing the job of three people. Please ask God for wisdom about how to move us to a healthier place. We're in this for the long-haul." Thank you for your sustaining prayers.
God's call on us to serve Him through The Boston Project Ministries remains clear. Glenna and I often joke with one another that we will be 80 years old, living on Elmhurst Street, and still doing what we do today because we love our neighbors so much! We apologize if our recent affirmation around a growing pastoral ministry caused confusion. We will not be leaving The Boston Project.
One friend wrote to us "your experience and gifting evidenced thus far are truly unique,
but certainly authentic, for a pastor. I sincerely hope that in pursuit of your call you are
able to find a place and way to pastor that's true to you and doesn't force you into a conventional mold." We believe we have found that place here in our neighborhood already.
Finally, we are thankful to witness God alive and active in our daughters. Megan (12) has a knack for developing funny, stop motion videos. We see God's creativity in her. She has already been asked to make a few short videos for The Boston Project. Cady (9) has a love for watching tv reality shows like Animal Cops and Dog Bounty Hunter. What's cool is that we can discern in her God's heart for seeing people and animals rescued and redeemed. Grace (7) is our comic relief. With the intensity of ministry and constant activity in our home (as a Neighborhood Ministry House), God uses Grace to keep us off balance and laughing at ourselves.
During this Thanksgiving season and year round, we always give God thanks for you. Some people say we are crazy to live the life we do, but we do so because of Jesus Christ. His love, hope, and redemption leaves us no other choice - we are compelled!
October 18, 2012
We miss being in touch with you. With all the communication options today I sometimes get paralyzed and I'm not sure if I should tweet, post, email, call, or send a handwritten letter to you?
Let us begin by saying we have been overwhelmed by God's goodness in our lives these past three months. That's not to imply everything has been easy, but God's hand and direction upon us and The Boston Project Ministries is evident and refreshing.
Changing Roles. God is mixing up The Boston Project team. We now have 9 full-time, 2 part-time staff (picture below) and a much larger set of gifts and talents from which to draw upon. Glenna is stepping away from curriculum development to focus on writing a book about God's story through The Boston Project. Paul is developing a much-needed management team to share in his workload (he's doing three jobs right now).
Pastoral Ministry. In July, Paul encountered God in a rather dramatic way and realized he could no longer run from God's call to pastoral ministry. Glenna has been patient, recognizing this call for us years ago (as have others, including our Board and neighbors!). This is one of those stories that we need to sit down over coffee to share. In short, let us say that we don't understand most things yet (smile), but do believe this is part of God's unfolding plan for The Boston Project over the next 2-5 years.
Community Development Work. Much like Nehemiah in the Old Testament, we believe God has called us to Christian community development work. I want to ask that you read this national blog to better understand part of our work. The Boston Project is featured mid-way, but we have been involved in most of the stories. This type of work is only possible with years of commitment. Thanks to everyone who has helped us serve our neighborhood for 17 years now!
October 17, 2012
- Protection. We are stepping by faith into these new adventures together (writing a book, pastoral ministry). Pray for protection over the seeds God has planted in our lives as they are nurtured, and face the elements.
- BP Staff Family. A number of our staff have family situations that need prayer, or they are stepping into new and changing roles themselves.
- Real Life Youth Bible Study and EPIC. Paul will continue to co-lead our Thursday night youth Bible study focused on Jesus Christ, and we are launching a "kids church" called EPIC in our park one Saturday a month. Ask the Lord to draw young people to Himself.
- Purchase of Land. Pray for God's favor as we submit a bid to the City for two vacant lots in our neighborhood to preserve as gardens.
- Normalcy for our daughters. Amongst all the activity in our home and Paul's full schedule, pray that we can maintain a healthy rhythm for our family.
September 3, 2012
Hello friends - thanks for checking in to read the full story about God's pastoral calling on our lives. It is almost done and will be posted soon.
August 31, 2012
We just saved ourselves $200,000 by refinancing our mortgage, AND we will pay it off in the same amount of time as our old mortgage. Praise God! You ask how?
(1) We dropped a point and a half in our interest rate. (2) We will split our monthly payment in half and begin to pay bi-weekly, and (3) we will add an extra $100 to the principle each payment (since we save $400 a month by refinancing).
Some cool online site helped me figure it out - I'm not that financially savvy. Awesome though!
July 14, 2012
- Summer Safety. Pray for God's peace in our community. The past week was very different from the past year. Pray for Christian brothers and sisters whom God has purposed to be visible peacemakers in our community, including some of our staff and neighbors.
- Summer Youth Outreach Programs. We are excited to work with 85+ children and teens a day. Pray that the Good News of Jesus Christ will be shared prayerfully and fruitfully. Next week we will send out an email each day highlighting an aspect of our summer outreach.
- Paul's First CCDA Leadership Cohort. Tuesday morning Paul leaves for four (4) days in California and joins 25 other emerging leaders from across the country committed to Christian Community Development. Pray that God will use the time to refresh him and continue to clarify our work here in Boston.
- Peace as a Family. With the events of the past week, you may imagine that it is a little unsettling to have Paul traveling right now. Pray for Glenna and the girls, and that God's peace will replace any fear that tries to creep in.
July 13, 2012
What a crazy first week! In our 17 years of summer programs, this past week was definitely the most intense start to our neighborhood youth ministries.
The Opposition. In a 6 day period we had three acts of violence within a block of our house; one unfortunately involving our neighborhood youth. On top of that, the night before our summer programs kicked off our park was covered in obscene graffiti and our tool garage was broken into by youth.
The Victory. From the City's quick clean up of the park, to record attendance at both the Elmhurst Park summer program (65+ children some days), and our Family Fun Night (130 neighbors attended a Gospel concert) - this was an amazing start to our summer! We also had our highest number of parents volunteering and 34 teenagers who began our summer jobs program. We are very overwhelmed by God's goodness.
The spiritual battle is very clear. Two days before the "craziness" began we discussed as a team that opposition could come. Little did we expect it to come so fast and so strong. This morning we considered the challenge that Nehemiah and the people faced in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Like the people of Israel, we will continue to pray and work with all our heart.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
June 21, 2012
- Summer Ministry. Rather than relaxing, our summer ministry triples in size from the school year. Pray that Jesus' message and example will be clearly communicated to all and that He will transform the lives of young people we serve with in our neighborhood and through the Summer Missions Program for church youth groups.
- Teen Jobs/Internships. It is a joy (and a lot of hard work) to provide jobs for 25-30 neighborhood teens this summer. They will be building gardens, leading children's programs, working at local businesses, and learning about character, civic responsibility, work and life skills. Pray for our preparation and for the additional need of $5,600 to hire teens.
- Community Gardens. Part of caring for God's creation in our neighborhood is transforming neglected lots into beautiful gardens that help sustain God's earth, provide food, and become a great place for relational ministry. Pray for God's favor with the City as we apply for ownership of several vacant lots.
- Glue as a Family. With so much happening this summer; Paul traveling, Glenna coaching staff, the girls involved in our summer programs, and of course, the unexpected, ask God to super glue our family together in many wonderful ways.
June 20, 2012
Summer has arrived at The Boston Project. During the next 11 weeks, we have the opportunity to work with 400+ children and teens and 20 young adults through our summer programs. We are so excited to see what God will do! Although we don't always witness the fruit of our work immediately (sometimes we do), God has recently given us reminders of His good work in the lives of others.
Malik* came by to visit the other day; a recent high school graduate (almost dropped out), and now active in his church; Malik had come to our Homework Center, was mentored by BP staff, and shared life with us when he lived nearby. His family struggled with poverty and substance abuse issues. It was an uphill battle. But God had a better plan. About 5 years ago, Malik and his siblings came to know Christ through our Bible Club and attending church with us. Even with this change, his mom remained distant from God. Then their family moved 4 years ago. But on the front porch today, Malik shared the news...his mom gave her life to Christ this year, is active in their new church, and the entire family is doing well. God is so good!
Tyesha* writes "For a few months I've been diligently seeking the Lord about my passions, desires, loves and likes. I've been seeking God's answers to the questions of my true joys. That's when the memories of working at BP came in to my mind. Working at BP changed my life in so many ways. It stretched me and caused me to think and be outside of my spiritual box. I learned and grew so much from it and would love the opportunity to come back and grow with you guys all year round!!! And yes, although I have two beautiful boys and a great husband, I want to give my all to serving God's people- young and old!!! We are just now stepping into our calling as missionaries- seeking God's people and helping them in anyway we can."
"Thanks God for these fresh reminders of Your great work." Be assured that your prayers, financial gifts, volunteer help, and encouragement have a direct impact on people's lives. God is awesome.
* names changed
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