Christmas Store

We had our annual Christmas Store this past Saturday. The Christmas Store is an event where people from our community can come and purchase toys and gifts for their children at 25% of the regular cost. We receive our toys and gifts from our partnership with Memphis Urban Ministry. They receive them from churches and individuals across the Memphis area who care about the poor and want to ensure they have a blessed Christmas as well. We had 63 individuals come through this year and purchased gifts for 258 children. This outreach allows these families to purchase toys for their own kids at affordable prices without forcing them to accept another handout that strips them of their dignity. Here are some pictures from this past Saturday.

Growth

The next couple of weeks I will spend some time reflecting out loud about my time at Wonder City. It is hard to believe that I only have two more weeks left at Wonder City after being here seven years. One of the things I that I have noticed the most over that time is the growth that has taken place at Wonder City. Seven years ago (back when I was a lowly apprentice) when Chris (the minister who founded Wonder City and whom I originally worked under) would bring up an issue with the church members to discuss they would usually automatically defer to whatever Chris thought. They had a hard time understanding and grasping that this was their church and they had ownership in the church. They had a right and a duty to help make decisions and shape the future and direction of the church. Now we have Servant Leaders. Spiritual ladies who help make decisions that affect the church. Even when an issue is taken to all the adults they don’t have a problem any more telling me what they think (without deferring to my judgment). An example is a couple months ago I had ordered some curriculum for the Wednesday adult class. After going through the first book, I had several adults let me know they didn’t like it and they thought it was under where they were. So I returned the remaining books and we started something different. This past Wednesday they let me know they like what we are now studying.

You may be reading this and not see anything significant about it. However, this is a huge step for the poor and depressed. They are used to having their lives acted upon and being told what to do. The government tells them where they can and cannot live, how much food stamp money they will receive, and the list goes on. As a result they lose any sense of ownership (even over their own lives). So when someone comes along and gives them a choice and sincerely wants their input, they don’t know what to do with that. Therefore they will usually defer to the one asking the question. Consequently learning the ability to regain ownership and no longer be a victim in one area (such as church) means they have learned a skill they can transfer into the other areas of their lives (schooling, housing, etc.). This is also a key to breaking the cycles of poverty. Adults who take responsibility and ownership of their lives can pass that trait and ability on to their children.

Wonder City has undergone tremendous growth over the past several years. This is just one example. There is not enough time or space to discuss them all.

C3 Live!

Some friends of mine have started a Christian band and this past Saturday night they had their first concert. It Although it really wasn't a concert. However, they are not a worship band either. But it was worship; complete with worship videos and Christian messages (through the videos and songs). It is hard to describe what it was--and is. C3 is not the name of the band, but of the event. It stands for Christian Community Cafe. They set the place up like a coffee house and even had free coffee and cookies for everyone.

The guys who are in the group are from across various denominational lines. For their first show(and only six practices) it was great! For now they are planning on playing every first Saturday of the month. They are hoping to add more in the future.

Update on Jeremy

Quick Summary: Jeremy Smith was transferred from the MED to a rehab facility in Truman, AR last week. However, he developed an infection in his feeding tube and was taken to the hospital in Jonesboro, AR. At this time he is being quarantined.

More Info: Jeremy has made some great improvements-including sitting up (ability to stay awake for extended periods) and talking. All glory is to God. I was with the family when the doctors told Linda (his mom) he would not survive and was brain dead. Although Jeremy has an infection (which they believe he contracted while at the MED) and is currently quarantined , they do not believe it is life-threatening. Because the infection is connected to his feeding tube, Jeremy has not be feed for three days. They don't know if the infection is just around the stomach or if it is in the stomach as well. Jeremy has still not started to eat anything by mouth again yet. All food is being given through the feeding tube. Please continue to pray for Jeremy and his family.

More Football Reflections

I was shocked this past weekend when both WV and Mizzuo lost throwing the BCS into complete disarray (just one more reason why a playoff of some kind is needed). I expected OK to beat Mizzuo, but I did not expect WV to lose to Pitt! What a crazy college football season. I am glad to see that an SEC team is playing for the National Championship. Go Tigers!

Additionally, I did not expect (but very glad to see) Alabama get a bowl game. With so many SEC teams bowl eligible, I expected the Tide to get left out with a 6-6 record. I thought we would need at least a 7-5 record to go bowling. I will be watching on Dec 30th as Bama plays Colorado in the Independence Bowl. Roll Tide!

SEC Football Reflections

Well, Bama did lose this past weekend. Oh well! I can't say that I am completely surprised considering the way the team has been playing recently.

On the other hand there were two things that have completely surprised me in the SEC recently. First, Arkansas beat LSU! I would have never predicted that. I thought for sure that LSU was going to come out focused and take care of business knowing that losing would end their national championship hopes. Let me say for the record that I hate the overtime system in college football. It may work well for other conferences and teams in the NCAA, but not the SEC. Every season there multiple games that go 3+ overtime periods in SEC play (both games LSU has lost this year were 3+ overtime loses). The SEC teams beat each other up and are just too good. Giving teams the ball on the 25 yard line practically guarantees a score each possession. I don't know that they need to play a whole overtime period equal to a regular quarter of play, but I do believe some kind of timed overtime period that is fully played (no sudden death) is what is needed. Maybe something in the eight to ten minute range with fourth quarter rules applying. Each team could receive 2 timeouts. If the game is still tied at the end of the overtime period, then allow the game to end in a tie. Ties could be factored into the BCS and would definately make the current system even more interesting (although I am also for a playoff system-but that is another post for another time).

Second, living in Arkansas I have constantly heard the dissatisfaction with coach Nutt and the desire of the fans to have a new head coach. There were some that doubted the U of AR would let him go since he just signed an extension (before this season if I remember correctly). Also, all he has done is win at the U of AR. He has not been a bad coach with a losing record. So, I was surprised when he resigned from the Razorbacks and headed to Oxford, MS to be the new head coach at Ole Miss. People around here are glad he is gone. I will be very interested next season when the AR-Ole Miss game comes up on the schedule. That rivalry will now be more intensive than ever.

Cool New Tool & Bama

I like this new feature on blogger where I can put a poll out there and get everyone's feedback. I have decided my first poll will be a football poll. I am a big Alabama fan! I can't believe we lost to LA-Monroe this weekend. However, after two straight loses, redemption is coming this weekend in the form of Auburn--our arch enemy. The Tide will be hungry and looking to show everyone that we are deserving of a bowl. Tell me what you think and vote--will Bama beat Auburn this weekend?

The Right Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 talks about how there is a time and a season for every activity on earth. It was the summer of 2000 when I was attending Harding Graduate School that I took the Urban Ministry class and was first introduced to Memphis Urban Ministry. That began the process for me (and Amy) to move from the boot heel of Missouri (where I was a pulpit minister) to come to the Memphis area and work at Wonder City. Amy and I moved here January 6, 2001 and began working at Wonder City on February 1, 2001. Although things were financially difficult for us for a while that was the right time for us. The past six plus years have been very rewarding for us and we would not give up this experience for anything.

However, now it is time for me to move on from Wonder City. This past September the elders at Missouri Street asked me to look at whether I was the right person to lead Wonder City long term considering it would only be a one person ministry for a while. After Amy and I both retook the Uniquely You personality profiles, had a couple of career consulting sessions and met with several other individuals along with much prayer, it was obvious that my gifts and personality would be best used by God in another role. Because of our love for Wonder City (and Missouri Street) this decision was not made lightly and was very difficult.

During this time I was also presented with the opportunity to become the Director of Development for Memphis Urban Ministry This new job will allow me to work more out my spiritual gifts than where I am currently as the minister of Wonder City. This new job will also allow me to continue to work for the future success of Wonder City (along with all the other urban churches) again by focusing my time and energy on those areas where God has gifted me. At this time there are still a few final steps that need to be taken to fully secure this new position, however, I fully believe this new position is God’s will.

The elders and I are still working towards determining an actual last day—probably at the end of the year. The work at Wonder City is God’s work (Eccles. 3:14). It was not my ministry. It is God’s ministry and I fully believe that he will continue to what he has been doing to reach those to whom Wonder City appeals and reaches out to. The elders have also reassured me and the Wonder City members that they are still very much behind the ministry at Wonder City and will work to find a new minister for Wonder City.

For those who financially support me in my work at Wonder City I will be contacting you within the next couple of weeks to talk with you more fully as your continued support will be a key to my success in my new role. To everyone I covet your prayers both for Amy and I and Wonder City during this time of transition. God Bless.

More on Jeremy

The latest news from Linda (Jeremy’s mom) is that he is slowly improving. This past Sunday they medical staff had Jeremy up and in a chair for a couple of hours. That was the most he could tolerate before they had to move him back to his bed. They still have him somewhat sedated, but not as much as before. They are hopeful that Jeremy can be moved to a room where they will be able to visit him at any time (verses designated times only) soon.

Sorry for the delay with the news. I have been sick the past couple of days with a sinus infection. I am better today after going to the doctor yesterday.

Highs and Lows

This past Sunday, Wonder City experience the high of a baptism. A 17-year-old young man who goes by A.V. was baptized. This baptism has been a long time coming. This young man has attended Wonder City for several years with his family. He has struggled with the idea of having to get his life together before giving his life to God. That is one of the biggest reasons I hear people give in the neighborhood for not becoming a Christian--having to wait to become a Christian until they take care of their sins. They have a hard time grasping that is what Jesus does when we give our lives to him. Finally a few weeks ago (just before Jeremy was shot) A.V. called me and told me he wanted to be baptized. Which we did this past Sunday.

However, this high was followed by a low on Monday evening when this same young man was arrested for shoplifting. His mom dropped him off at the grocery store to get some food and the next thing she knows he is being escorted out in handcuffs by a police man. According to A.V. the reason he was shoplifting was to get out of the gang which he belonged and this was what they required to get "jumped out." He spent Monday night in jail and had a court appearance on Wednesday morning.

Life is often messy in urban environments where the desire to do the right thing and peer pressure to do otherwise is often much stronger than anything I have ever personally experienced. I don't know what exactly is ahead of this young man as he deals with his legal issues, but I hope that he learns from this experience. I also hope that he is telling the truth and he was trying to get out of the gang since he had given his life to Jesus.

More on Jeremy

I have not heard any news in the past couple of days. I am assuming that everything is about the same. The one new piece of information I have is that when the doctors did the surgery to remove his left eye they did not have to remove the whole eye. They were able to leave the part of the eye that allows movement. Therefore, should he survive and is fitted with a glass eye, it will be able to move and look more natural. I will continue to post new information as it becomes available.

News on Jeremy

I apologize for it being a couple of days since I have updated the information on Jeremy.

On Friday, Jeremy had surgery to remove a piece of his skull. The pressure in his head had started to climb again so they needed to make more room for his brain to be able to swell and still allow the pressure in his head to remain lower. It was determined in that surgery on Friday that Jeremy was shot in the left eye as opposed to his mouth as originally thought. There was no damage to the eye lid itself indicating that the eye was open when he was shot. Reasoning that most people close their eyes if they are going to shot oneself seems to indicate that Jeremy was shot by someone else instead of it being a self inflicted gunshot wound. Jeremy was moved to the Neurological Unit where he will get even more and specialized attention than being in the Trauma Critical Care Unit where he was at.

Over the weekend the two major issues continued to be pressure inside his head and his temperature. Since being shot and entering the hospital both of these have fluctuated—sometimes wildly. Over the weekend his temperature was as high as 104 degrees and on Monday was at 102.

Today Jeremy was supposed to have another surgery to remove his left eye. The damage was too great to have any hope of saving his eye. As of this posting I have not heard any news today on his condition or how the surgery went.

The doctors have not changed his odds of survival—they are still 50/50. It is still a mater or time and prayer. They are doing all they can for him, but if he survives it will be a long slow road that he travels. Thank you for your continued prayers for Jeremy and his family. I know they appreciate them.

Update on Jeremy

Jeremy had a couple of procedures yesterday. First, they moved his tracheotomy tube from his mouth to his throat. They are hopeful he won’t fight the tube as much. This will also allow them to see the damage to the inside of his mouth and try to start feeding him. Second, he was supposed to have a dye injected into his brain to see where and how much damage had been done. At this point I have not heard how either of these procedures went or any results.

The picture is of Jeremy this past June at Uplift.

Bring a Friend Sunday

Yesterday was our Bring a Friend Sunday. For several weeks I had been encouraging our church to pray for yesterday by running a cartoon of another church's misfurtune on their friend day.

(caption reads, "for all you visiting, let me reassure you that the overhead usually works, the lady who water the plants is just on vacation, and the lapel mike is never ordinarily misplaced...")

Well, we had that type of Sunday. Our volunteer teachers for our 3-5 year old class didn't show up. I had several audio-visual things planned-none of it worked. The worship leader changed a couple of songs mid-service with no words for the new songs. In many ways yesterday was not the day I was hoping and praying for. Amy says that God was laughing in my face for putting the cartoon in our bulletin.

However, at the same time when things don't go the way I planned it is for a reason. God is usually demonstrating that he can take something that looks like a train wreck and make something good out of it. We had two men at church yesterday who I don't know have ever been there. One of those men is the husband of one of our Servant Leaders-Ann. In fact, she had not invited him to come with her yesterday. However, she was completely shocked when he woke up yesterday and asked her what he needed to wear to church. Yesterday afternoon when Amy and I were at the hospital visiting Jeremy he was also there and he told me "good sermon." In spite of the train wreck that was yesterday's worship service, God opened his heart received the message from yesterday's worship.

Update on Jeremy

God works a miracle. Jeremy made it through the night Thursday night and Friday made some dramatic improvements. Normal brain pressure is between 5 & 15. When Jeremy entered the hospital on Thursday his pressure was at 65. By Thursday night when I left it was down to 40. Friday the pressure continued to fall all the way back down to within normal range (where it continues to hold between 13 &15). Friday afternoon Jeremy started responding by moving his right eye (his left eye is severely damaged and will probably lose sight in it if he survives) and left side of his body. At 10:30 Friday night I received a phone call that Jeremy had woken up. The doctors put him on sedation meds to keep him calm and from exerting a lot of energy. They have now improved his odds of survival to 50/50.

Many prayers are still needed. There is still a long road ahead and it is still a wait and see situation.

At this time there is still no offical news on exactly what happened.

Young Black Men & Violence

This week I intended to write about the Fall Retreat that 3 of our youth attended with our supporting church. It was a great weekend with over 150 youth attending. To read what the youth minister from Missouri Street wrote on his blog, click here.

However, an event occurred yesterday that preempted the other post. One of our 18 year old young men (Jeremy) was shot yesterday. At this point in the investigation the police do not know if the gunshot was self-inflicted or someone else shot him. He and his family are not doing well. The bullet from a “small caliber revolver” entered through the mouth and bounced around inside his brain where it remains. Although he still has too much function to be declared legally brain dead there is nothing more the doctors can do for him. According to the doctors “it is just a matter of time.”

Whether this was self-inflicted or not this event is just a grave reminder of violence in the lives of young black men. A couple years ago some young men from the neighborhood were playing Russian Roulette and a young man picked up the gun, spun the barrel and said, “What the *#@!, I have nothing to live for.” He then pulled the trigger and killed himself. Although we don’t know yet exactly what happened in Jeremy’s case, how sad and disturbing it is for a young man to play Russian Roulette because they don’t believe they have anything worth living for. When one has no hope of an education or a job or a decent standard of living, it can appear as though there is nothing to live for. Even if one wouldn’t be attempting suicide any other way, just sitting around and playing such a dangerous game with such a thought running through one’s mind blows me away.

Jeremy though did have something to live for. He had moved out of his momma’s house earlier in the year—a young man wanting his independence. However, just three days before this happened he had returned home. He had spoken to his mom about going down to the community college and getting his GED. He rode to and from church Wednesday night with me on the church van. At no time did he appear to be someone who was contemplating suicide. If this was a self-inflicted g.s.w. I have no idea what he could have been thinking—nor does any of his family.

On the other hand if he was shot by someone else, Jeremy has become just another statistic of black on black violence. One more scenario of a black man attempting (at this point) to kill another black man. What happened or what an argument could have been about is still unknown. Jeremy and another young man were alone in the back of a house where this took place. However, what is known is that we have become a culture that is desensitized to violence. Guns are too easy to get a hold of. It is time for the violence and the killing to stop!

Let me be perfectly clear, at this point it is still unclear exactly how Jeremy was shot. The police have not said one way or the other. However, I couldn’t help thinking about both scenarios and reflect about how many of our young black men in our society are “fated” to such a premature and violent death.

Busy and Exciting Times

Wednesday I wrote that there are some exciting things awaiting me when I get back to Memphis. Here is a quick summary of some of those exciting things.

• Last Sunday we had over 60 in attendance. Although I was out of town this past Wednesday night (here at CCDA) I heard there were quite a few there then as well. I know that it has been at least a couple of months since we have had 60 on a Sunday morning.
• Next weekend we will probably have a few teens who attend the Camp Tahkodah Retreat with our supporting church. This has always been a great time for our teenagers. Each year I have been blessed at Tahkodah to have deep and meaningful conversations with some of teens about their lives and spiritual matters. Two years ago I even had the privilege of baptizing one of them at Tahkodah.
• Next Sunday, October 21st, those who are at Wonder City will celebrate our 8th Anniversary. Eight years ago on the third Sunday in October Wonder City held its first Sunday worship service. (Of course the work began earlier in 1999 with a block party that spring that lead to a children’s church and a group that started meeting for a prayer and Bible Study on Wednesday nights.) Amy & I weren’t around on that first Sunday. We came in January, 2001. Although we are not planning any special celebration it is a major accomplishment to celebrate 8 years! It has also been a very interesting and fun ride for Amy and I over the past 6+ years.
• The following weekend on Sunday, October 28th, we will have our first annual Bring a Friend Sunday. I am very excited about this opportunity for several reasons. First, this was not my idea. Nor, was it an idea of anyone from here at our supporting church. This was an idea of one of Wonder City’s church members that other church members bought into. Second, since our members have taken ownership with this idea I am excited to see how many visitors we have that Sunday. I am expecting several people who have never been to Wonder City to be there that Sunday. I am so pumped about this weekend that I have already started planning the worship service and my sermon for that Sunday.
• The first full week in November we will have our annual Fall & Winter Clothing Giveaway. Although this is not my favorite event, I know that there are those in our community who need the clothes that we provide. I am also excited about trying to work with our supporting church and Wonder City on how we can turn this paternalistic event into one that is more of a partnership between our two churches to serve our community.
• After the clothing giveaway we will make our turn into the holiday activities—the Turkey Giveaway and Christmas Store. Countless families and children have been blessed through these events that have brightened the holiday season that otherwise would have been much less joyful.

All of this means that it is a very busy time for us at Wonder City in addition to the weekly ministry that takes place. Please keep us in constant prayer as we seek to fulfill the Biblical mandate to bring God and people together.

Good Food

I have to give props to a good friend of mine. Four years ago at the CCDA conference (2003) Matt taught me how to eat out when you travel to a city you are not familiar with. The key is to ask the hotel staff where you are staying where they (and the other locals) like to eat. A good place to start is with the concierge desk. From them you can pick up a map of the area (sometimes with the local restaurants already marked). That is exactly what I did yesterday when I got into St. Louis for the CCDA conference. The concierge told me that St. Louis is known for its Italian. That was a surprise to me. However, she told me about an Italian place call Charlie Gitto's about 2 blocks from the hotel. First, it wasn't listed on the map or dinning guide that I picked up from her. Second, it didn't look like a type of restaurant I would normally enter without a recommendation. I usually like the places that look professional. Third, it was very good Italian. So Matt, "Thank you!"

At CCDA Conference & Steve Harvey Video

I am in St. Louis for the CCDA conference. This is my fifth year in a row to attend this conference. It is always a great time to get away and hear from others doing urban ministry. The worship tonight was some of the best in the five years I have attended the conference. The speaker tonight was from the Dominican Republic and has a great message about the way things are done in the Kingdom of God verses the Empire (the world). I know that come Saturday afternoon I have to come down from this mountaintop experience and reenter the "real" world. In some ways I am already looking forward to that. There are some real opportunities awaiting me back in the greater Memphis area. I will share more about those in the future.

I also wanted to share a video clip that was used to kick off our evening and worship tonight. It is of Steve Harvey introducing Jesus. It was filmed at Atlanta's Phillips Arena at Bishop T.D. Jakes Megafest and is entilted "Don't Trip...He Ain't Through With Me Yet. I came back to my hotel room tonight and found it online. (Be patient--it may take a minute to load. But trust me it is worth it.)

MUM Marriage Retreat

September 28-30, Amy and I along with Troy and Linda Rodgers attended the 11th annual MUM Marriage Retreat in Gatlinburg, TN. While Amy and I benefited and enjoyed being there, the real story is the Rodgers. Linda Rodgers is one of Wonder City’s Servant Leaders and coordinates all of our mercy ministry. Troy Rodgers on the other hand rarely attends Wonder City or any church event. So, this was a big commitment for him to attend a marriage retreat over three days. I could tell on the van ride to Gatlinburg that Troy was a little nervous about it. Troy is quiet most of the time to begin with, but he was being extra quiet on the way. However, the games on Friday night loosened him up and he admitted that he was enjoying himself. The split session on Saturday’s was a “tear-jerking experience” for Linda and Troy. Both had to speak for two minutes and Linda had to admit that it was hard for her to be quiet during Troy’s two minutes to speak (which he started off by asking to be excused so he could blow his nose). However, when it came time for the couples to read their scripture it was Troy who read for him and Linda (because he wanted to read it). Amy and I spent some time Saturday evening with Troy and Linda walking up and down the main street through Gatlinburg—getting ice cream and fudge together. Both of them were very glad they came and were asking at the end of the weekend when the next marriage retreat is. Linda also said that she believes we will be seeing more of Troy around Wonder City.

Mountain Top Experience

(the following was written by my wife: Amy)

This past weekend Mack and I had the pleasure of attending Memphis Urban Minsitry’s annual marriage retreat. We along with Linda and Troy represented Wonder City at the retreat. While I can’t tell you about the sessions or what was said (because what happens at the marriage retreat stays at the marriage retreat), what a wonderful time it was to be in God’s presence in the mountains at the retreat with the other couples.. In similar style to the song Have you seen Jesus my Lord, “if you have ever stood on a mountaintop looking at the majestic view – then I say you’ve seen Jesus my Lord.” For Linda and Troy this was their first experience seeing mountains and attending a marriage retreat. While I know Linda well, this was my first opportunity to spend time with Troy. I found out that when he is on the 14th floor of a hotel he gets nervous. That his quiet reserve keeps him laid back and peaceful. That once you get to know him, he opens up and shares some of his story. More importantly I found out that he loves to have fun, he loves beautiful scenery, and he truly loves Linda. In spending more time with Linda, I found that she loves looking at the mountains, she loves worship, and she prays for God’s purpose in her life and in her marriage. While I went to the marriage retreat to focus inwardly on my own relationship with God and my relationship with Mack, I found myself taking the time to continue to build relationships with my brothers and sisters at the retreat. This past weekend I experienced a 9 hour van ride to some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen. I experienced what it is like for someone to face their deepest fear, and was able to help that person through my trust and faith in God. I experienced what it is like to see God in the beauty of his creation. I experienced what it is like to strengthen relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I experienced what it is like to be moved by the spirit in worship. More than anything I experienced a deeper relationship with God by taking the time to focus on him in my life. I have stood on the mountain, in awe of the power of God, and prayed to God that he will continue to be my guide on my journey to the Mountain Top of my life. I encourage you to take the time to be still, to admire God’s beauty in people and in your life, to strengthen the relationships with your Christian family and to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead of you to deepen your relationship with God in your service to him.

All Good Things...

All good things must come to an end. Isn’t that how the expression goes? For the past two weeks I have been gone on vacation trying my absolute hardest not even to think about Wonder City or ministry. But here it is my first day back at work in two weeks. In some ways I am sad about that. I was enjoying my vacation and sitting at home doing absolutely nothing. On the other hand, I am glad to be back at work. Back doing what God has called me to do. Back to having purpose and direction for my days.

Someone asked me today if I have ever taken two weeks like that before. I never had. Almost ten years in ministry and over six years at Wonder City and I have never taken two straight weeks. That points to one of my issues—I am a workaholic. Not that I work 80 hours a week. But I will work multiple days and not take my days off. I will go and go and look back and realize that I have worked 28 out of 31 days in a month. That simply is not healthy. My workaholism comes out of a need for people’s approval. (“Look how hard Mack is working. He is doing such a good job.”) I am learning balance in my life and that I don’t have to be a workaholic to have people like me.

God created that balance. He gave Adam and Eve work (before the fall). Their job was to tend to the garden. But God also gave rest—he called it Sabbath. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” God knows we need rest. God knows that many of us will not rest unless we are made too. God had brought me to a place where I had to rest. I am thankful for that rest. I am also thankful for what I am learning about balance.

Paying Attention

This week I have had several people asking me what happened to my head (I have sore right in the middle of my forehead). Sunday afternoon I was in Kroger picking up a few grocery items. I had just come from playing basketball with a group of friends from church. I was hot, sweaty, and very tired. One of the items that I needed was on the next to bottom shelf and on the back of the shelf. When I bent over to pick one up I banged my head on an impulse buy rack attached to the edge of the shelf a couple shelves up. It was clear hard plastic and I didn’t even see it until after it was too late. My head started bleeding and I quickly got what I needed and checked out. I was very thankful no employee asked me if I was ok, asked to fill out an incident report, or sign something stating I would not sue.

However, this got me thinking about how often I (and others) don’t pay attention. I can’t tell you how many times in a week I say the expression “if it was a snake it would have bit me/you” about an object right under my or someone else’s nose.

What I wonder most about is the number of things that God puts right under our nose that we miss. How many opportunities to practice some form of Christian service because we are only focused on ourselves, where we are going, and we have to get done? How many opportunities to share an encouraging word with a brother or sister who is down? How many opportunities to serve someone in need? How many opportunities to share Jesus with a non-believer? I truly hope that we are not so focused on ourselves that these missed opportunities come back to bite us (Matthew 25:31-46).

School Store & Denpendency

This week we held our annual back to school supply giveaway. We had 125 parents come through and pick up supplies for over 350 students. The few leftover supplies were donated to Maddox Elementary School.

This week’s school supply giveaway—while a great service to our community—has allowed me some time to reflect on the subject of dependency. One reason is that I knew there would be people whom I never see except for at our giveaways who would walk through our doors yesterday. Additionally, we have had one of our founding families recently walk away due to the churches’ unwillingness to continue to support their dependency issues. It breaks my heart when I see people who are so dependent on others they will do nothing for themselves. It takes a lot of work and a lot of time to break the cycles of poverty and dependency. However, it is possible. While at the School Store on Thursday I heard a success story. A young lady who attended WC as a teenager (but hasn’t been around for about 4 years) will be entering her senior year at University of Central Arkansas (Conway) next week. She will graduate next spring with a teacher’s degree. She has also made it this far without having a baby. In fact her family member who was giving me this information told me that she said, “I don’t have time for a baby.” I don’t know to what extent the time she was at Wonder City has helped her achieve her life goals and break some of those cycles of dependency for herself (and hopefully her children). However, what I do know is that it is possible.

Young Men Stepping Up

For the past couple of months a couple of guys have been coming on Wednesday nights and teaching our teen boys. This past week one of them informed me that they have been talking about leadership, specifically as it relates to leading in the worship services. This past Wednesday he went through each part of the worship service and asked which of our young men could lead in that area of worship. Most have already been doing things like prayer, scripture reading, and passing Lord’s Supper. So they had no problem saying they could do those things. However, when it came to the areas of preaching and leading worship our young men were slower to respond. However, eventually someone did step up and say that was an area they could lead in. As a result, we are now planning on our young men completely leading our worship service on Sunday, August 5th. We are also looking into them going to Earle, AR (about 15 minutes from West Memphis) and leading their evening worship service on a Sunday evening. Please be praying for our young men as they prepare and lead services, August 5th. I will let you know how it goes.

NACC, Live from KC

Last week I attended the North American Christian Church Convention in Kansas City. This was probably been the best convention that I have ever attended. The Independent Christian Churches know how to do a convention. I learned so much from the classes. Even the exhibitors were great. I gained so much from them, including some new ideas to try in urban ministry.

However, the largest benefit from being there last week was the personal renewal. It was good just to be away from the daily routine of ministry, the pressures, the tasks, the crisis, and spend some time being fed. I came to the conference ready to leave full-time paid ministry. I was ready to transition to another career (I have been thinking education). However, even after the opening session on Tuesday evening I was hearing God’s call on my life to stay in ministry.

The amazing thing behind all of this is, that a few weeks ago, I started sharing with Amy about changing careers and investigating what it would take to get a non-traditional certification to teach Jr. and Sr. High Social Studies and History. She responded by saying something about my stress level and even burnout, having carried the load at Wonder City alone for the past 11 months. I don’t remember her exact words, but whatever they were it was not what I wanted to hear. I did not get the supportive wife that I was looking for. I wanted her to say, “Honey, if that is what you believe God is calling you to, then I will support you one-hundred percent. How can I help you?” Now I believe she was probably right (as much as I hate to admit that). In fact, there have been several times throughout our marriage that I believe she has been closer to the heart of God and in tune with what God wanted for us than I was. (For those of you who don’t know that is a hard fact for a pastor to accept).

I know that I will be right back where I was at in a very short time if two things don’t change. First, and most importantly, I have to change. I have to return home and do some things differently. There are many things that I have the ability to change, which have the potential to affect my sanity and stability in ministry. If I return to West Memphis and don’t do things differently then how can expect a different result. I have heard the definition of insanity as doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result. If I want something different, then I must do something different. And I want something different.

Second, I do need ministry help at Wonder City (and soon)! No matter how many things I change, ministry (and especially urban ministry) is not meant to be done alone. Jesus surrounded himself with twelve disciples. When he sent them out he didn’t send them out alone. He sent them two by two (Mark 6:7). I need my ministry partner. Thankfully, God has recently sent a couple of prospects my (our) way that I have engaged at various levels, for different roles at Wonder City. It is my hope that God will actually provide one of these individuals (if not two or more).

Thank you, Father, for this time of renewal and reflection. May you continue to bless me and Wonder City.

Uplift

This week I am at Uplift (a Christian camp at Harding University; ) with teens from Wonder City and Missouri Street. It has been 11 years since I was last at Uplift. I came last (and for the first time) back in 1996 when I was a summer intern in south Arkansas. It was the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I only brought 3 kids with me. This time it is a little different. Wonder City has 17 youth here this week. Combined with the MOST group there are over 70 teens and sponsors here. Needless to say, things are a little different.

However, our teens are having a blast. They are loving the free time and learning a lot. Like other youth groups we have had our nuckelhead moments. But it has been stuff that has been realatively minor.

However, the best part about Uplift so far has been the connection to the teens. Kyle (Missouri Street youth minister) told me several times about how it is the best thing he does all summer because of the way kids open up and talk about the junk in their lives and the sins they are struggling with during this week. I have been amazed at how true that has been with the Wonder City kids as well. This week (so far) at least three students have shared deeply with me from their hearts about stuff going on. This is stuff that they have NEVER shared with anyone else. Additionally, the kids have been sharing their angers and other emotions they don't get to share back at home. It has truly been a blessed week.

I have lots of pictures to upload when I get home and will share some of those and further reflections later this week.

Memphis Workcamp 2007

I am continually amazed at our young people’s willingness to serve. This week Wonder City had 10 teens (plus my sister) who joined the 17 from Missouri Street by working in the hot muggy weather at Memphis Workcamp painting houses. Here are some pictures from the week.

Addicted

Addicted is a word that is typically not associated with positive attributes. We typically associate addictions as harmful, negative, and devastating aspects of a habit that can not easily be reversed. Recently, I have been a witness to the positive side of being addicted. For a couple of weeks now there has been a ladies class on Monday night called “More than Sisters” at Missouri Street Church. Several Wonder City Members have become part of this class. While I have planned to attend, I have yet to have the opportunity. However, I have received phone calls about the “addictiveness” of this class. Phrases like “Oooh, you need to come to this class,” and “I can’t believe how I love going to this class,” are spoken as encouragement for others at Wonder City to attend. Last Wednesday night, the ladies that are attending were so pumped up, they were excited about being able to share, laugh, and learn about God in a way that is truly focused on Women in Christ, who struggle in today’s world. Linda even stated that she was going to hate missing a class, but in the event that she missed, she would get the materials from anyone who is willing to share. She even stated that she herself is “addicted” to this class. Being able to bring ladies, of all ages and backgrounds, together is an awesome thing. I know that every Monday night, God looks down and smiles because his power is creating an addiction that is positive and it is consuming the ladies at Wonder City who have made the decision to be “More than Sisters.”

Written by: Amy McFarland

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One of the amazing aspects of this ladies class on Monday nights has been the Acts 2:42-47 nature of the class. It has been reported to me that one of the things the class hopes to do is take care of the needs within the class. Participants have the opportunity to write prayer requests and needs on a card. Then as the class has the means and ability to address the needs, they are taken care of. Last week—right as Amy and I were preparing to leave for vacation—the class facilitator called me and told me they were going to take care of a need that a Wonder City participant had. This is an older lady who lives in an old apartment that does not have central heat and air. Her window AC unit had gone out. She put on her prayer card that God would provide an AC. The group from the class found not one, but two units for her. When they called to set up delivery, they discovered they were too late. God had already provided two units through a family member. God showed up and he showed out! This is just the tip of the iceberg of what I have been hearing that God is doing through this group of ladies. True Christian community is being formed and is having an impact.

A Success Story?

It is too early to know just how much of an impact has been made this past school year. Through the quiet generosity of several individuals a 2nd grader from Wonder City was able to attend West Memphis Christian this school year. Earlier this week we received a note from her teacher, telling us the great progress this student made academically. Her reading level has gone from 1.3 to 2.3! While she is still slightly behind where she needs to be—she has progressed a whole reading level during the course of a school year. She has also completed 13 levels on Math Facts in a Flash. However, I believe that her accomplishments academically pale in comparison to what has been accomplished spiritually. After school every day she has been coming to the church office to wait on her day care van to pick her up. For the past couple of weeks (at least that is how long I have heard her) she has been signing Christian songs like Sanctuary and Someday. Here is a young girl, singing “Oh Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary…” all on her own. She doesn’t care who is around or who hears her! This combination of education and love of Jesus is exactly what it will take to break the cycles of poverty in the lives of many served by Wonder City. Sadly, at this point this child’s mother has decided to return her to public school next year. It is my hope and prayer that God will take this one year and use it as a base that will propel her throughout the rest of her life. But, I am also praying that her mother changes her mind!

"New" Worship Space

As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, some men from Missouri Street's Just Brother's Monday night men's Bible study group came to Wonder City April 21, for a service project to improve our worship facility. I finally have the pictures together to share. Here are the before pictures of what the building used to look like.

These are the pictures from the men working at the building. (some pictures were taken with a disposable camera and are not the best quality)

Finally, the "finished" project (some things still need finished--however, it is much better than what is was before). A special thanks to Lyndal Dale, Don Hilburn, and David Arnold for coming down everyday the following week to finish up. Also a special thanks to the C.I.A. (Christianity In Action) group who came this past Sunday and did even more work.

Combined Worship

Sunday, April 22, was a great day for Wonder City and Missouri Street—we held our first ever combined worship service. The worship service itself I can’t describe. This was not the first time I have been in a Church of Christ that has intentionally held services with a congregation of a different predominate race that sought to appeal to both cultures. The worship in that setting is something that simply has to be experienced. God was in the house that morning! I know that God is always in the worship of his people—but there are those days and times where you know it more than because that is simply what you believe, you know it because you experienced it. That is exactly what happened almost two weeks ago. We worshiped and enjoyed a fellowship meal together. Christians who normally don’t associate with each other from different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds were together worshipping their Lord and sharing life together. I still have not stopped hearing positive things about worship that Sunday morning from both Missouri Street members and Wonder City members. Praise God for tearing barriers down.

Web Page

Take a minute and check out Wonder City's page on the Memphis Urban Mininstry website.

http://www.memphisurbanministry.com/WCCpage.html

Our website has been delayed due to the inability to find a volunteer who knows enough to put together and maintain a good website for Wonder City. In the meantime though, this website along with my blog here will serve as our source for web information about Wonder City.

Currently on this webpage is a short video I did for a church in Memphis about our need for a new facility to call home. (Actually, I didn't do any part of it. Someone came and taped me speaking and then went and put it together.) Check it out anyway!

Community

This weekend is all about community. Specifically, it is about building community between Missouri Street Church of Christ and Wonder City Church. Reflecting on the shooting that took place this past Monday at Virginia Tech Larry James wrote about the need for community on his blog.

The purpose of community building and community development is to see that everyone has a chance to be connected in a meaningful, enduring manner to at least a few other people...Building community must remain our clear mission, informing everything we do in the city. Our work cannot be just about charity or compassion or "helping" people. It cannot be fundamentally about providing people volunteer opportunities. The basis of what we seek to accomplish is fundamentally not about feeding people, housing people, healing people or educating people. We must go further. While we may decide to use activities like these to do part of our work, and while such actions often will prove necessary, our goal must always be to connect people to one another for improved well being and for the experience of authentic, human community.

This weekend there are several activities that will be used to build community between parent and daughter church. First, a group of men from the Just Brothers men's Bible study is going to come on Saturday and work on our building to make it more of a place to worship and learn about God. Secondly, Missouri Street and Wonder City will have a combined worship service on Sunday-the first in the 7 1/2 years of Wonder City. It is our goal and hope that these activities will serve as a catalyst for community development and growth between these two communities. I will write more next week and let you know my impressions of the weekend.

Spring & Summer Clothing Giveaway Report

On March 22, Wonder City served the community by giving away the clothes that were donated for our Spring and Summer Clothing Giveaway. 39 individuals came through and received clothes for 117 people. Part of what we do at any of our outreach service events is ask the community what they need spiritually from Wonder City. Options include prayer, to be picked up for services on Sunday and/or Wednesday, and an in-home Bible study. 35 of those who came through requested that Wonder City simply pray for them. One (other than current church members) also requested to have an in-home Bible study. Please take time this week and lift these people up to the Father in prayer. Their names are

Ellen Jones
Tammy White
Ovella Wilson
Domique Davis
Anna Duniquian
Torchee
Erinstin Tucker
Tomeka Duniqian
Francis Cheers
Mattie Miller
Delores Foy
Kawanna Sims
Estella Bennett
Annie Simes
Kiria Moore
Antony
Sharon Hall
Dela Tucker
Lattie
Beaty Bradly
Trisha Davis
Joyce Miller
Monica Watson
Veler Smith
Vella Smith
Ann Rodgers
Mary Ann Rozie
Jerrod McClure
LaShunda Foster
Jorcia
Lievia Ceaston
Johnny Davis
Barbara Andrews
Linda Long
LaShawn Williams

The one who also requested an in-home Bible study is LaShawn Williams.

Way Too Busy

Life has been way too busy recently (part of the reason I haven't posted in so long). I sat down yesterday and was thinking about everything that I had to get done. Here is what I wrote.

Thursday morning (3/29)-It is Thursday and I haven't started my sermon for Sunday yet. I have several meetings today which will limit my time to work on it today. Tomorrow we are having internet installed at the house and our new bedroom furniture is being delivered. Amy will be gone on Saturday visiting her mother and attending a lady's day. However, there is a gathering of my friends on Saturday from 9 to 4 I want to attend. Saturday evening at 5pm I have a Just Brothers fish fry. When/How will it all get done?

Here it is Friday night and I think that I am not going to make my gathering of friends. I need to stay home and take the time while Amy is gone to work on my sermon. The problem is that this is how life has been for me recently. I am need to slow down. I need to learn to say "no."

Building Update

Back in early December I posted about a couple of things that Wonder City needs to be able to grow. (Go to http://urbanminista.blogspot.com/2006/12/needed-for-growth.html to read the post). One of those was a larger facility. I mentioned that there was a proposal before the Missouri Street elders to purchase the First Church of the Nazarene as a new home for Wonder City.

At that time the elders were in the process of adding new elders and decided to wait until they were on board to make a decision. Two new elders have now been added and they are ready to move forward with making a decision. Although nothing is official at this point, everything looks positive. I have met with them several times to discuss the building and answer questions. I have also met with several of them individually over the past couple of months.

Please continue to pray that God’s will will be done. I am hopeful that we will be in our “new” building no later than middle July.

Depending On God

This week I was speaking with a Missouri Street church member who was asked by another church member, “Do you depend on God in all areas of your life?” At first he answered, “Yes.” When pressed on the issue he had to admit that he didn’t. His wife had cooked his breakfast that morning and he hadn’t depended on God to provide for his physical needs. He had to admit that he only depended on God for the spiritual areas of his life. My guess is that is true for most middle-class Americans. Even if we live paycheck to paycheck we still don’t have to rely on God for our physical needs. We have our jobs and we know that we will have food on the table every meal. It may not be a fancy meal, but there will be food on the table, clothes on our backs, and roofs over our heads.

However, it is the opposite for those ministered to by Wonder City. They depend on God to meet their every physical need. The challenge for them is to depend on him for their spiritual needs as well. Many we minister to don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Many don’t know where they will sleep that night. I have even noticed this year how many people are wearing lightweight, early fall or late spring, jackets during these extremely cold winter days—because that is all they have. They depend on God for everything they have—from the shoes on their feet, food on their tables, and clothes on their backs (as one song we sing says).

However, for the poor to depend on God spiritually is another story. Addictions run rampant in our neighborhood. Addictions to drugs and alcohol are the most evident. But, there is also gambling and sex addictions as well. These are used as coping mechanisms for the daily struggles of life. When life gets to be too much to handle, many in our neighborhood turn to these vices to escape reality. The bottle or the joint becomes the spiritual answer to life’s problems—not God. Every Sunday we have a time for church members to stand up and say what God has done for them that week. Over and over again we here things like—“healed me, paid this or that bill, etc.” Rarely do we hear—“forgave my sins,” or some other spiritual answer. However, in my experience in more traditional church settings this is exactly the answer that is given, and rarely does someone answer “by putting food on my table this morning.”

As this distinction was brought to the forefront of my mind again, I realized that the struggle for each one of us to is put God first in all areas of our lives. Where we struggle is different for each of us based on where we are in life. Some need to hear the words of Jesus found in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (the physical needs Jesus spoke of in verses 25-32) will be given to you as well.” Others need to hear what Jesus said to the rich ruler, “Sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Lk. 18:22). The rich ruler needed to learn dependence on God for his physical needs and not rely on his wealth.

I would like to challenge your dependence on God, as mine has been challenged by this question. Do you depend on God in all areas of your life? Are there areas where you depend on something or someone, instead of God to fulfill your needs? As you ask yourself these questions, take note of the areas in which dependence on God is lacking, and strive to depend on God in every aspect of your life.

A Commitment Fulfilled

Back in the summer of 2003, Amy and I didn’t know what God had in store for us. We had made the commitment to Wonder City to finish the year. By that time I would have also completed graduate school. But then what? We would be free to go anywhere in the country we felt God leading us. At the same time we weren’t sure God was calling us to leave. And we weren’t sure that he was calling us to stay long-term at Wonder City. So after praying about it and having several conversations, we made the decision to stay and go full-time with Wonder City in January, 2004. We decided that we would make a three-year commitment. We figured that would give us enough time to further seek God’s will, and would allow us to make necessary preparations if he was calling us to plant a church somewhere else .

The lessons that I have learned through this process over the past three years are patience and dependence upon God. There is a saying in the neighborhood, “God may not come when you want him, but he will always be right on time.” The first year-and-a-half was very tough for Amy and me. There was no financial backing to our full-time work from Missouri Street. I had to raise my whole salary. Things for several months didn’t look good. In fact, only a few people know that during the summer of 2004, I sent a resume to a church that was looking to hire an Outreach Minister. I didn’t see how Amy and I could make it the way things were looking. Nothing materialized out of that resume, and Missouri Street also stepped up with some money. We were making it, but barely. The three year commitment still loomed over us. Would we be able to fulfill it? Would we have to go elsewhere? We loved Wonder City, but also had to do what was best for our financial future and stability.

Then the news came in early June, 2005 that the Mauldin’s were leaving. That changed everything for us. The elders at Missouri Street asked me to be the Interim Director for Wonder City. With that came more compensation. Then in November, 2005, they asked me to remove Interim from my job title. Again, financially things looked even better for us. God was making himself known to us and what he wanted for Amy and me. It would have been nice to know what God’s will for us was back in 2003. But without the process, the ride wouldn’t have been as much fun and the lessons that Amy and I have learned would have gone unlearned.

As I was lying in bed Monday night, I realized that commitment we made has now been fulfilled. I haven’t thought about that commitment much since the summer of 2005 when the Mauldin’s told us they were leaving. We now know that God wants us here at Wonder City. How long, only God knows. But we are not looking to leave. We love being in Arkansas. We love being at Missouri Street. We love being at Wonder City.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Amy and I are normally suckers for movies with inspirational messages. We love movies like Remember the Titans; Radio; and Akeelah and the Bee. So when we first saw the previews for the new Will Smith movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, we both immediately wanted to see it. However, after seeing the movie this past Saturday, I wasn’t thrilled with it.

There are very positive messages in the movie. Will Smith’s character (Chris Gardner) talks about not knowing who his dad was until he was 28 years old but that his son would grow up knowing him. Throughout the movie Chris is making sure he maintains his relationship with his son—even when his wife/girlfriend (the movie never really tells) leaves and moves across the country. There is also a scene in the movie where Chris has just told his son, who loves basketball, that he will probably not be any good at it. Chris’ son immediately puts his ball away and is ready to leave the court. He realizes what he has done and then tells his son to never let anyone tell him he can’t do something—even his own dad.

However, the overall message of the movie is what I disagree with. The message of the movie is that money is the key to happiness. Do whatever it takes to be successful—including cheating and lying. The movie teaches that everything is up to you if you are going to be successful and happy.

These messages are all contrary to the gospel message. Christ teaches that because of sin we can’t do it by ourselves. Doing it ourselves and our way and not relying on God has gotten us into the mess we as a human race are in. Christianity is not a “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” religion. We are dependent upon God, the blood of Jesus, and fellowship of fellow Christians to be “successful.”

Jesus teaches that we cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Those who have served money have stated how empty it left them feeling and no mater how much they had they always wanted more.

If the movie makers really wanted an inspirational story about the key to happiness they would have found one with a very Christian theme—forgiveness. According to a December, 2002, USA Today article “‘Materialism is toxic for happiness,’ says University of Illinois psychologist Ed Diener. Even rich materialists aren't as happy as those who care less about getting and spending. The article also quoted University of Michigan psychologist Christopher Peterson, who indicated forgiveness is the trait most strongly linked to happiness. Peterson said, ‘It's the queen of all virtues, and probably the hardest to come by.’ ”

Vacation

Last week I was on a much needed vacation. I did abosulely nothing!!!

Well that's not entirely true. I read a book Amy gave me for Christmas--Clive Cussler's The Treasure of Khan. (Cussler is my favorite author and has written many books with a central character--Dirk Pitt. His Pitt novel Sahara was turned into a major motion picture.) I also watched as much of the 4th day of 24 as I could. I love 24 and Jack Bauer. I was hoping to watch all of season 4 and 5 before this season starts, but I don't think I am going to make it. I still have 2.5 hours of day 4 to finish. And lots of ESPN! But other than that--nothing. Just books and TV. It was great!

Yesterday, it was back to the grind though. Although, I was ready to get back to work. So here I am back at work. This looks like one of the busiest January and Februarys in several years. More on that later.

Honoring My Grandma

Christmas week was tough, but God brought us through it. Now that a few days have passed I want to take a minute and honor my Grandma and tell the world why I love my Grandma so much. I originally wrote the following for the Missourit Street Church of Christ bulletin (Jan 7, 2007) slightly edited for the different context.

As the family gathered over Christmas week to honor and remember my Grandma several things stuck out to me. First, my Grandma was a person who deeply loved her family. This was demonstrated in many ways. She made it a point to be at anything that was important to her family. She was at both my graduation from college and graduate school and at my wedding to Amy. She did the same for my sisters. I heard other family members talk about their special events that she made it a point to be at. She also showed her love by sending us cards on our special days—birthdays, anniversaries, etc. She never missed one. In fact, my Grandma would mail over 1000 cards per year—all at her own expense.

Second, was her Christ-like character. She never complained. No one in the family ever remembers her complaining about anything. Even in her last days when she was in pain all she would say was, “God is in control.” When we were children running around her house, Grandma would never get on to us—Grandpa, that’s another story—but not Grandma. In fact, several of us made a decision while at Grandma’s celebrating her life that we were going to strive to follow her example more by not being complainers.

Why else did I love my Grandma. Well, simply because she was my Grandma! I will miss her. I will miss her enthusiasm for life and her humor. (Remind me to tell you the Y2K and “Happy New Ear” stories sometime.) I will miss her at all the important events in my life in the future. I will miss seeing Christ through her. However, I know that she is now with Christ, and I look forward to the day when I will see her again.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and my family over the past two weeks.