Welcome to the newest section of The Boston Project's website – Staff Blogs! Our staff now has the ability to publish a personal blog. How often they choose to post is up to them, but be sure to check back often!
Click on their name to go to their blog page, or click on the title of an entry to go directly to that entry. You can also view this page arranged by staff person.
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!
February 5, 2010
Aaron Coppley Riddle
February 3, 2010
We are excited to welcome Aaron into our family! He was born on February 3, 2010 at 1:03 in the afternoon. A healthy and beautiful baby, he weighs in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 20 inches long.
Aaron joins his two (very excited) big brothers, Joseph (5) and Timothy (3).
Sarah said this was the best delivery she has had, and is doing very well.
The Riddle Boys - Keith, Joseph, Aaron, and Timothy
Sarah and Aaron
Big brother Joseph and Tim are so excited!
January 26, 2010
There have been times over the past year, and especially now, where we just wonder. And not always in a good way - not the kind of wonder that says, "Wow, God is awesome, let's just sit back and watch what he does." More the kind that wonders, "What is really going on?" As I think back over the past year, I'm not sure that we've learned all that we need to yet, or that we can see how God was working. I trust that someday in the future, we will be able to look back with clear eyes and point to ways that God was leading us.
But we can't see that now. All we can see is a jumble of events that don't seem to draw any coherent picture. It's like we started doing a connect-the-dots, and instead of coming out a bunny rabbit (or house), it looks like a mess. So then I start to wonder if I have forgotten how to count, or somehow we connected the dots in the wrong order.
Doubt - in ourselves and of God - has reared its head several times in the past year, and while we fight against it with the knowledge that our God is in control, it seems that we're now just in the place of waiting on God to make the next move because we're tired of stepping out and not getting anywhere, ultimately feeling like we're making a mess of what should be a beautiful picture.
Signposts along the way
While this sounds at least a bit hopeless, I don't believe this past year has been meaningless or empty of joy. We started the year with a resounding confirmation of our calling and ministry with The Boston Project. The four-week period that spanned last new year (08-09) was signpost along our journey that provides reassurance, context, and remembrance. I still look back in amazement at the way our brothers and sisters in Christ held us up when we were immobilized.
We truly felt like the paralytic man whose friends carried him to Jesus (Matthew 9:1-7). Just when we felt God confirming that we needed to walk in a new vision of buying a house to use for ministry, we were crippled by a deficit in our support of over $4,000. We shared this with our friends, and within four weeks, were carried into the new year with not only sufficient funds, but abundance. Dozens of individuals and families gave special gifts that amounted to over $10,000.
God confirmed a calling, provided the means to make it happen, and we were jumping for joy ready to spring out of the gate. Feeling energized and inspired, we pressed hard into following this vision, looking at over 50 houses between January and May.
Not What We Expected
Then somewhere in those months, things began to change. We put in offers on three houses, all of which were turned down. By the end of the summer, the market had turned and houses were more expensive. In the fall, we put offers on three more houses, and they were all bought out from under us by cash buyers.
Our house-hunt was not going as planned, and it was starting to tire us. Looking at so many houses helped us see what was really important in a house, so we didn't look at quite as many, but still the process was wearing. I don't know too many people who have been in the buying process for over a year.
Then around Thanksgiving, several options for a ministry house seemed to open up, and we were encouraged that they were based in relationships with people in our community. It seemed more natural - maybe like something that only God could make happen. We started to think, yes, this could be it. Only in the last few weeks all of those door have been closed. We are thankful that God provides direction even through closed doors.
Not "Where", But "Who"
I think we tend to approach our faith in terms of what we accomplish with God, or how closely we follow his will (which we define as what he tells us to do). But what if it's more about how closely we walk with God, rather than where, how far, how fast, or how well we walk?
This past year, when I tried to live my faith by doing everything exactly right, I got discouraged with my progress (or lack of) and frustrated with God. Unintentionally, I've viewed God standing on a platform looking down at me, shouting directions through a bullhorn.
But that's not the picture we find in the Bible - like Micah 6:8 - "Walk humbly with your God." (emphasis mine) When I focus on simply walking with God, all the other questions and problems seem to diminish, and I can live with joy. Have you ever walked beside someone who knew where they were going, and could guide you just a slight change in direction or pace, without ever saying a word? Even though it's taken a hard year to learn this lesson (probably again), I believe God is drawing us back to this place of walking with Him, side-by-side.
How you can pray
As you pray for us, I encourage you to pray for patience, perseverance, that God would fulfill his promise in James 1:4 that "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Transition = a passage from one stage to another; change; a movement, development.
Over the past couple of years, the word transition has snuck into my vocabulary and made a home; it has quite possibly moved up to the top ten list of my "most commonly used words." I am comforted by words such as stability, consistency, and logical. Words like varying and unsteady make me feel a little (okay a lot!) uneasy.
When I reflect on the life of Christ, I see how often he was on the move. He lived in a tent and regularly went from town-to-town during his years of ministry. How "on the move" is that?! Relationships and circumstances were constantly changing. I often wonder, "How did he do it?"
Here at The Boston Project Ministries God is on the move as well bringing us into His realigned purpose. The Boston Project (BP) began as a youth missions organization 15 years ago, but is now emerging as a catalyst for community change through Neighborhood Ministry Houses (NMH). We already have one house in the neighborhood where I live, and we hope to start our second this year.
Honestly, this has all left me a bit unsettled, yet more assured at the same time. My role at BP has primarily focused on youth missions, but will be shifting more towards a NMH team.
I have learned so much about urban ministry since I arrived in June 2008. I appreciate The Boston Project's commitment to being a hand up, not a hand out, for those struggling with spiritual, emotional, and physical poverty. I have also come to recognize the need and deep value of supportive relationships. I'm sure this is in part how Jesus did it. God made us to depend upon one another.
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:10
As most of you have heard, a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti. My wife Mindy and I have family and friends there, so this news has truly left us in a state of shock. Currently, I (David) still have one cousin who has not been located. Please pray.
During our personal times of prayer we felt the Lord tugging our hearts to go to Haiti. Due to this tragedy, Mindy has postponed full-time nursing school. We immediately began to prepare ourselves for going either short-term or long-term to Haiti. However, as the days (which feel like months) have passed, God made clear that we are to go, but not now. Being patient has not been easy for us, but we know that the Lord's plans are better than ours, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isa. 55:9).
We strongly urge you to give to world relief efforts towards the crisis in Haiti. This is a time when the children of God need to stick together. Please, keep Haiti in your prayers.
- Staff Care: Ask God to equip us and bring others around to help care for our young adult staff. Many of them are dealing with challenging situations and/or life direction questions. We are also about to welcome another new staff member, Nyesha, who is coming to work with our Neighborhood Youth Ministries.
- Vision for the next 10 Years: We are praying for continued clarity around God's vision for establishing five (5) Neighborhood Ministry Houses in Boston by 2020. Ask God to raise up and connect the team of people to usher in this vision.
- Spiritual Growth in our Neighborhood: The spiritual condition of our neighbors is important to us. We recently had a neighbor ask if we would help host a monthly neighborhood prayer meeting. We are also aware of the evil forces trying to destroy our youth. Pray that people will understand the power and healing found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Debt free in 2010: Glenna and I enjoy giving to others, but at times are limited by our remaining personal debt. Pray for us as we take on a few extra jobs in 2010 to eliminate our remaining debt.
Thanks for praying for our family and this ministry. Feel free to send us any questions or your own updates.
With love and gratitude,
Your friends - Paul & Glenna
January 25, 2010
As I enter 2010, I have prayerfully considered (for a long-time) raising part of my own financial support. This funding will allow me to continue as part of a NMH team. Our work is critical and like non-profits and mission organizations across the country, we operate through grants, program fees, and primarily by charitable gifts from friends and family members like you!
I want to invite you to join me as I continue my ministry here in Boston. I couldn't think of a better group of people to ask. For some, it may mean committing to prayer, a visit to Boston (wink, wink), or monthly (regular) financial gifts. My financial need is $300 per month. May the Holy Spirit lead as you consider how our relationship may "transition" this year.
As Mindy and I begin this New Year, we have considered how we've approached many things including our fundraising. God is growing me as a Neighborhood Youth Minister with The Boston Project Ministries and given me many opportunities to love his children. Everyday I'm working with urban young people helping them to reach their God-given potential. Our neighborhood, which is where I grew up, has some challenging realities.
As we enter 2010, we want to renew our invitation to you to join us in this mission work. In order for us to also go to Haiti short-term in the near future, we need your help.
This year, we have a monthly support goal of $600 per month. Last year, we averaged $175 a month so we really need your prayers and help to reach this new goal. Our hope is that we will have a consistent group of supporters to serve as our missionary care team.
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of all we've written. Please let us know if you would like to meet in person to discuss our work with The Boston Project Ministries.
January 15, 2010
It was an invigorating time for our staff to come together daily for prayer over eight specific needs. I believe God used the time to help us become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's work in each of our lives. Below is a short summary of His movements:
1 & 2. God closed two doors for Keith & Sarah in regards to overseeing the Jubilee House and an offer on a particular house. It's been a challenging, but growing season for their family. Read their blog to learn more.
3. David & Mindy continue to wait on God for their plans post-June 2010. David may work with us through the summer or start a corrections officer class. You can also read their blog about God's nudging to serve in Haiti sometime this year.
4. We continue to explore how Emily might be more fully used in the life of this ministry. She may be starting a small group Bible study soon with a few neighborhood ladies. Her soul-searching has caused BP as a ministry to more deeply consider how people fit into our emerging Neighborhood Ministry House teams.
5. Glenna and Paul will work hard towards becoming debt-free in 2010. God is providing some additional income in ways that are not detracting, but complementary to our full-time work with The Boston Project.
6. New individuals are being invited to join the Board this winter.
7. We continue to pray for our 2nd Neighborhood Ministry House. Park Street Church is prayerfully seeking if there are members of their church that sense a calling towards this type of ministry.
8. God continues to provide for our financial needs day-by-day. Amen!
January 11, 2010
In honor of Sarah's 30th birthday, here are 30 reasons why being 30 is awesome! Here you are, Sarah:
- You get to check a new age group box on forms.
- You get to say, "I remember when I was in my 20s".
- It's a nice round easy number to remember, and you know how you are with numbers.
- You can celebrate BIG for this birthday. I know, let's have another kid!
- Three is the magic number. Yes it is, it's the magic number. 3 kids, 3 decades, 3 parties!
- You're the same age as your husband, who is awesome.
- You can join a children's book club (for your kids, of course) and order books that you really want.
- You've almost got the toddler years behind you. Now you get to have fun watching all your friends try to keep up with their toddlers.
- You may be turning 30, but you'll always be younger than your husband.
- When you get carded it's a compliment instead of someone thinking you're not old enough.
- You get to become an aunt in your 30's!
- You get to smile when people can not believe you are 30 (like your nurse).
- You don't have to spend more time finding out "who you are." You can now create who you want to be.
- 5 more years and you can be President.
- Your kids will remember what you were like in your thirties.
- A major birthday like 30 means better presents!
- You've known your husband for over half your life. (And he loves you twice as much as his own.)
- You're old enough to know what's fun, and young enough to do it.
- According to your new musical tastes, you're actually getting younger. Say, three to eight years old.
- You have enough practice, and can now follow your dreams (with a little direction).
- The average age for buying your first home is 34 (and you've always been above average).
- When you were younger 30 was OLD, now 30 is young.
- You don't have to wait for Santa to bring the gifts you want, now you can go get your own.
- Since your husband loves you more with each passing day, logically speaking he loves you more now that you are 30 than when you were 29.
- It's said that a woman's (ahem) drive peaks in her thirties. ;)
- People naturally take you more seriously when you are in your 30's.
- You get 10 more years to prepare for turning 40.
- You no longer have to struggle to be an adult because you have years of practice.
- Just like you do with early 20-somethings stressing about life direction, you can now be a life coach for late 20-somethings who are stressing out about getting old.
- You are a beautiful woman with three kids who adore you, a husband that cherishes you, and are following a God that is a loving Father, just like when you were 29. Well, except for the three kids part, but you get the idea...
Happy Birthday to you, Sarah, the most beautiful and amazing part of my life. I love you so much, and am more than blessed to share life with you.
January 4, 2010
As we enter 2010 and are faced with the tragedies in our world, we are very thankful for God's mercies (which are new every morning). Some of the things which gave us personal delight in 2009:
1. Retreat with Bethany Presbyterian Church
2. Weddings of many good friends
3. Paul's improved health after a scare in August
4. Positive transition to a new school for Megan
5. Reducing our personal debt by 30%
6. Glenna's Neighborhood Bible Study this fall
7. Spiritual growth in all of us
8. Many friends reconnected with through Facebook
9. Our new children's park on Elmhurst Street
10. Daily opportunity to serve God through The Boston Project Ministries.
Thank you so much for being part of our lives through prayer, friendship, and support of the ministry.
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