Block Party 2009

Here is just one story that happened something like this…

“…A man came up to me to ask me why his stuff got picked up under the freeway and how we threw it away. About two to four minutes into our conversation, not expressing any anger towards me about it, said something like, “Man, I pray.”

I asked him if he prayed last night and he said, “Yes.” I then went on to tell him the story of the man who got lowered down through the roof to get in front of Jesus. Specifically mentioning how Jesus then told him to pick up his mat and go home.

So I told him that if he prayed to the Father last night and just possibly the LORD would now say, to pick up his mat and go home. This homeless man, in his late 40’s then went on to say how he had unfinished business with his mom. I told him to go home and honor his mom and get right with her. I then told him to go home and honor his father too.

He told me that his father had died the year prior. I responded, “Good, now go home and honor your father by being the son the he and you wanted to be.”
He stopped, with a shakiness with his voice, was blown away and shook my hand and said “Thank you. I am going home”…”

Praise God, one more prodigal was sent home.

Here are a few pics from the block party, in which about a thousand people represented from all walks of life showed up.

Thanks to all the volunteers! We couldn’t have done all this without all you 700 that came out to serve!

God’s Work in Us

Keep in mind that not only is there physical transformation happening in this city, but spiritual.

Preparing the Way

A team from Lifechurch came in today to help out with trash pickup, edging & mowing. We are getting to know more and more of our neighbors leading up to the block party that will be happening on Oct. 24th.

Rooftop Worship

Our first rooftop worship! What a sweet experience to praise our God with the setting sun.

In other news, we have our first layer of gravel laid down!

Ichthus Weekend

This weekend, we are blessed to host our friends from KState. Trash pickup continued despite the rain. Worship leaders went to Bridgeway for a workshop. We will be having a worship session here tonight!

Tim praying over group & giving them intro to Refuge.

Further Transformation

We have been given approval to put rock down for the parking lot. This is huge as we will no longer have to deal with the mud. Please pray in the rock supply to cover the lot. We are reminded that whatever we ask for in His name, He will give it to us.

Saturday, we had a guy who is working towards earning his eagle scout badge. They put together some stuff for the outside which includes:

• adding sod to expand the grass area

• putting in more wood boarder around the fence

• putting in shrubs and what not for more curb appearance

Eventually, we will be adding spot lights/outdoor lighting along the sidewalk and outdoor speakers for music in the grassy area and garden. This work goes in step with the efforts to transform the parking area for upcoming events that are happening in October.

$2.5 million hardscaping

$2.5 million is going into the hardscaping around us. This change from a one-way street to a two-way street has long been in the works for our city. The corner, center of the epicenter, is being restored up towards the county jail just north of us. Restoration is happening around us!

view of corner

sign

corner

Refuge Rhythm of Rest

This month, we are taking a break from bringing in major work groups. Instead, we are spending time together as a community including activities such as road trips, kayaking, and picnics.

Also, we have been blessed to have people come in to install A/C units. A big thanks from us! We are so grateful. We are also thankful for those individuals and groups that continue to come in to serve!

Here is a fun picture of the Refuge from its glory days.

Continued Blessings

We’ve been blessed with different groups coming in to help us. One of them came from Tennessee through a group called SLAM (Students Living a Mission) this past week.

Today, we got to work side by side with Lifechurch and the City Rescue Mission. Afterwards, there was a time to celebrate together as one big family. We are honored to be in this together!

Saturday work day

Today, we had a group out from Cherokee Hills Christian church. They had camp last week where Tim, Joe, and Jeff went out to speak about what’s going on here. Last night, a group came out for our weekly intercessory prayer. Today, they came out for the workday along with Life church.

Next Friday evening, on June 19th, the youth will be leading the session starting at 7pm, so please come out for a time of prayer and worship!