"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart."
-2 Corinthians 4:1
Let me start with camp last week. Andrew and I were given the opportunity to work on a very special house. The grandmother is in the process of trying to keep her grandchildren whose parents are in prison. In the meantime Child Protective Services have given a list of changes that need to be made to the house in order for the children to stay there. This house fell into the hands of Blueprint through a string of events that could only be orchestrated by God. Everything happened all at the right time. The deadlines for the work have been pushed back a few times, the most recent extension being for September. The groups this summer have already accomplished a lot of work on the house, but there is still a good bit left that remains on the list. Monday was a big day for both the family and DeeDee as they had to go to the court to meet with the judge to discuss pushing deadlines back. Thank God, the judge was so amazed by the work done that he told Blueprint to work at our own pace and the family didn't need to come back to court until December. What?! December!! That is HUGE. What a relief to the grandmother trying to adopt these sweet children. I am amazed at how God is working through Blueprint to help keep this family together. We found out this week that the family was the number 1 spot on the list of work houses on the CPS list.
Another blessing that came out of DeeDee's presence at court is that an officer approached her saying that similar cases are always coming up. Families that are trying to provide for the children, and in doing so put repairs to the house on the back burner. God is expanding Blueprint. My prayer is just that we are able to respond confidently to God's calling for our ministry. I am so excited to see the future of Blueprint!
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
-Jeremiah 29:11
In addition to this blessing of spreading our ministry to others, we have also begun connecting with other ministries in the area. Pastor Clayton has spoke at worship a few times. He serves through Moment of Truth Ministries at God's House by reaching out to members of the community to develop relationships and develop people by equipping them with new skills and discipleship. Pastor Clayton not only gives a powerful testimony, but also preaches with such charisma and excitement that fills the room. When he speaks, you can feel God moving in his life, and through his life into ours. God is using him as such a strong vessel in the city of San Antonio to make the light of Christ more evident and God more known. I pray that Blueprint continues connecting with other ministries and organizations in the area so that we can create a larger body of Christ moving in the city. Each organizations brings specials skills and talents, but serve with one common purpose: to advance God's incredible presence and kingdom.
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples."
-1 Chronicles 16:23-24
Not only is community on a wide scale important to create change and create movements, but personal community is so important as well. As I have humbly learned: I need others. I try so often to do things on my own or without asking for help. However, I have learned that it is okay to let people care for me and take care of me every now and then. Growth occurs best in vulnerable situations. I got to experience this last week when my car died in the middle of the hill country out of cell phone service range. To make a long story short, I had so many people reaching out and helping me. I was, and still am, so humbled by the servitude of those around me. I am so blessed to be living life with people who continually are looking to serve.
As our speaker says one of the nights in worship, we are built for service. God had wired us to pour of to others. As Mark 10:45 says "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life for the ransom of many." Just as Christ came to be a servant, we are also called to do the same in all realms of our life. By serving one another, I pray that community increases and that the city of San Antonio grows to become a place in which God dwells by his spirit.
