Last night was a scheduled prayer walk for the Sunnyslope area. We had about 15 people show up which was awesome, even some new faces! (they had heard about the ministry through people at there church) AJ divided everyone up into groups of 2-4 people and assigned each group a different block that kids who attend our programs live on. Our group canvassed the area around Sunnyslope Elementary School which is the school that hosts our 'Good News Club'.
It may seem awkward/unnecessary to take your prayers out to the streets but for me this time was very meaningful as it allowed a connection from the neighborhood we work in to the reason why we work in that neighborhood! Prayer for continued good connections and acceptance of the school staff was high on my priority list but as we circled the streets surrounding the school the needs beyond the short time we spend with these kids at 'club' became so evident.
Gated yards are normal but as we passed by it made me wonder what spiritual walls have these people built up in there own lives? Dogs barked ferociously from behind closed doors and I wondered again what kind of fear are these people living in that a good guard dog provides peace of mind? The further we walked away from the school and up the side of North Mountian the nicer the houses got and it made me wonder about the vast diversity in this neighborhood...do these neighbors that are obviously better off interact with there less fortunate fellow neighbors? Is there a sense of community that supersedes language barriers, poverty, and social status?
As the sunset and we made our way past the school again I was overwhelmed with the power God has given us to impact these young children in there own neighborhood--their own comfort zone. It is not only the children but also the families of these children that will be impacted possibly even there neighbors maybe even there community! What a responsibility!
Programs were not high on my list of things I was looking forward to this fall (baby due in October) but as we walked and prayed last night God did more than bring things to mind to pray for He brought the passion in my own heart back as well! I became so excited to be able to hang out with these kids on a weekly basis once again to see how they have matured and grown, to be able to teach not only with words but also with examples! I also was reminded how much these kids have taught me! How there child like faith so often shames me. How they remember far more than you remember saying! And how true the saying is, "More is caught than taught!"
SO thank-you to those of you who pray for this ministry without getting the privilege to walk these streets, to see tangible spiritual growth, and to witness prayer physically working! Thank-you!
Continued prayer for:
Kids Church starting this week!
Aim Rights Prayer Walk Downtown tonight
Teen Bible Study every Monday Night
Interns/volunteers willing to serve!
Good News Club (hopefully) starting September 26th (more volunteers needed)
Praise Report:
Funds were acquired for the purchase of a 15 passenger van to replace the wrecked/stolen one.
