Once again, it has been way too long. Our updates have been sporadic, inconsistent, and way less in number than they actually should be. So, here we are, again, trying to effectively update you. Please forgive us for our neglect.
So, to quickly catch you up to speed...
It is not that surprising that autumn was accompanied by a swell of change in our community. Mike is newly employed at an after school program just a few miles from our neighborhood. He spends Monday-Friday afternoon/evenings teaching and tutoring third graders. Leah is dedicated to making a successful community garden, even with excessive weeds and a dense Georgia red clay garden bed. Mike and Andra are continuing their Youth Group (ages 12-18).
While, with Katie's help, an additional youth group for the younger kids (9-12ish) of the neighborhood has been added to the mix. Andra is still full time youth pastoring in the neighborhood, helping with both youth groups and at a local after school program. Other exciting news:
In September, after prayer and a "what do we have to lose?", we put in a bid on a HUD house just around the corner from where we are currently renting. Much to our surprise, we won the bid! Things have been moving quickly and we are currently under contract with the mortgage company. Next step: fixing up the house. The previous owners took everything with them (fixtures and all), so the house needs a lot of work.
Owning a house has been a goal of the Jubilee House from its inception. In a neighborhood high in vacant houses, forclosures, and evictions, stability and commitment are characteristics we strive to possess. We also agree on the importance of hospitality and shared space. Owning a house will give us more opportunity to live out this standard.In the end, we are excited for what God has ahead of us! Please pray that we will continue to seek out how God wants to use us in our neighborhood and in each others lives. Pray that we have the strength and courage to stick it out when it gets hard. Most importantly, pray for our neighborhood: for growth, for peace, and for God's presence to be known.
Thanks to everyone for the continuous prayer and financial support!!!
Donations towards Andra's salary, our ministries, or the costs of purchasing the house can be made at http://www.fcsministries.org
Much love,
Andra, Katie, Leah, & Mike
2 comments:
So very proud of you guys! It's a delight to have you in our lives even if we don't see you very often. You motivate me to faithfulness in the calling God has placed on my life, in praying for you and your neighborhood, in my continual personal growth. You inspire me, women and man of God.
May He pour out on you such abundance that you walk in continual stunned thankfulness..
I love you. Mom
Praying for y'all - and I'm still hoping to get together and hang out sometime!
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