Urban Promise
There is a guy at Urban Promise who’s name is James. James is from England and James was created to work with the street leaders from Urban Promise. I was blown away by his ability to connect and earn their respect. He does an incredible job in leading them as they lead others.
I met James last September because of a connection that Mary Davis had and instantly we there was a chemistry when it came to teenagers. He is basically a youth pastor to inner city youth and he does a phenomenal job. Every street leader had great things to say about him. He mentioned to me in September about speaking for their street leader retreat and since I like to talk I was really excited about it. On Saturday I had the privilege of speaking twice and seeing 11 students cross over from death to life. To be honest they are so gracious in that very few people from the African American culture go to serve them, typically it is white churches going and they are always so respectful and attentive even though I am sure that they don’t relate to a lot of what we are talking about.
As I would talk about divorce to our teens these street leaders don’t relate because they have never met their parents. If I talk to our teens about a friend committing suicide the street leaders don’t relate because they have to be aware of being killed. Even though we are so different in so many ways we are still in love with the same Jesus who transforms and changes lives. It was such an honor to speak to these street leaders who this summer will pour into and shape the next generation of kids in Wilmington.
GVHS Band Night
For the first time since I have been here we opened up our doors to teenagers and let them own the night. Three bands from Garnet Valley High School showed up on Thursday to set up and check out the “church” they had to play in. As each one walked in they were blown away by the environment. They had never played in something so nice and apparently they play a lot of shows.
The best part was Friday night as teenagers who had never stepped foot on our property other to park and run to class walked in and their faces lit up. They were amazed, shocked, some said it was better than battle of the bands that the school puts on. Kids were pulling out thier phones and taking pictures of everything.
I had a chance to talk to several of the students, they asked what we did, I never pushed it. Parents asked when we met, we never pushed it. Overall they wanted to know how and what we did, without us pushing our agenda. We simply opened up the door to the community and embraced them, engaged their culture and built bridges. I do believe that this approach will not immediately get them involved but the more we do this the better it will become and the more interested they will be.
The band was shocked that they walked out with 100% of the profits from the night, if that won’t bring them back what will? We had a few technical difficulties, we need another amp to power all of their equipment and somebody on Sunday told me they wanted to pay for half the amp. Can’t tell you how excited I am to see this avenue beginning to open up and seeing adults on board and excited about it.
Thanks to all my youth staff and church staff who showed up and helped make that night those bands wont forget soon.
Prayer
- Pray for the Cremeans family during the transition that will happen in their life.
- Pray for direction for their life and pray that God will provide for everything they need.
- Pray for the Gus as he leads Fellowship during this transition. I would not want the responsibility that is on his shoulders right now.
- Pray for the elders as they begin the process of searching for our next lead pastor.
- Pray for the pastoral search team that God brings them the right man.
- Pray for the staff that they can continue to do what they do well and honor God.
- Pray for the volunteers that they continue to support the vision of “redefining church in the Delaware Valley” and that they continue to understand how important they are to Fellowship church.
