News and Calendar
As some of you know, Matthew is a Junior and I am a Senior at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in central Ohio. This semester we’ve been living in Philadelphia with the purpose of learning about ministry in the city. We don’t talk much sometimes, but that’s ok. Sometimes it’s hard to learn when you’re talking and we have a lot to learn.
Working and worshipping with everyone here at Philly First, and with Front Step, Inc. has been enriching for both our minds as well as our hearts. We are learning of the growing divisions between the rich and the poor, and of the need for godly men and women to be involved in forming just and righteous legislation. Matthew and I are being made aware of the complexities that go into the problem of homelessness, lack of education, and crime of all kinds and trying to find a balance with bringing godly change and not causing further damage.
I guess I’d like to finish with these thoughts. We have seen and heard much since living in Philadelphia and have only barely scratched the surface of what God is doing through His people in this city. We are only students and we have much more to learn in the small things as well as the large. But we hope to take back what we have learned to our home and shake-up those Christians who are border-line apathetic or unaware of a world beyond their own, to be involved in the lives of those who need the love of Christ to be present. A love that is not far removed or one that may only seem like a nice story. And one day, when our schooling is complete, we will return to the city to live with God and His people. It might even be Philadelphia.
Any movement of God’s people begins with awareness of needs and then the people must begin to move even if they have no idea where they’re going at times. The Holy Spirit will lead the way and it will most likely be to an uncomfortable place. But if He is the one leading, and He is there it will be a good place and great things will come of His presence. This may be one of the greatest things we have learned. Praises to God.
