Week 9 - The Mill Church

Rosamond 

In college, I learned that "Spiritual Formation" is "the process of allowing God to conform us to the Image of Christ". It is a process because it happens over the course of one's whole life. We must actively and willingly allow God to conform us, instead of sitting stagnant in our faith or struggling against God's directions. And throughout the process, the Image of Christ - his love, his compassion, his patience, etc. - becomes all the more evident in us. I have had the joy of seeing the fruits of a similar process occurring at Bible club Rosamond and in the lives of many of our kids.

Three apartment boys surprised me these past few weeks with how expressive and articulate their words can be. Having spent the first few weeks of the summer without so much as mumbling despite being 6, 8, and 10 - it is incredible to see such developmental growth in such sweet children. And little Kyleigh, who couldn't so much as sit in her group without crying to go home, now not only LOVES all things bible club, but helps other new children to find friends in her station. And even in more spiritual matters, children's lives are being changed. I have LOVED, this whole summer walking with a devotional work book with one of the older kids whom I've known since last year. And how could I forget the day (several days after) giving Joshua his new bible, him running up to club with it in hand - eagerly awaiting to read the next chapter in the book of Joshua!

And even across summers, watching Tri-Tri and Ni-Se grow taller and kinder (for the most part), or seeing the fruits of Amira's salvation two years ago and how she is becoming a kind hearted leader among her peers... it's all so sweet. And among the club as a whole, God has blessed it with lots of kids who do feel like club is a safe haven, and do enjoy each other's company, and do learn about Jesus! Our God does big things, things that take time. He has never changed my life in a day, but rather one day at a time. That is how God works here also, but none of it would have been possible if not for God's sending of workers - teams of churches and families. Every week, of every summer, of every year, and more.

Big thanks to all the teams I've gotten to work with this summer, and to the Mill Church for giving us a FANTASTIC Week 9 to end the summer with a bang. I'm talking 106 kids on Monday with an average of 94 each day! They were even kind enough to buy lunch for our kids all week in absence of our usual lunch program. But having ministered to nearly 200 different kids at Rosamond this summer, with 5 noted salvations and almost double that in returners receiving further discipleship - it's time for Street Reach Summer17 to close. Continue to pray for these children as life happens this school year. God is still here and He is still working, continue to pray for their Spiritual Formation and the advancement of His Kingdom near Rosamond Ave. In the Words of Jesus himself, "The time has come. The Kingdom of God is near." Mark 1:15

Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets to dwell. Isaiah 58:12

We are so thankful for each church, mission team, and missionary who came to serve in Memphis this summer! We had a total of 1,909 kids come out to the 12 Bible Club sites we were able to run, including a brand new site. What is even more amazing is that 30 of those kids accepted Christ this summer and 39 kids are beginning to ask questions about what it means to follow Jesus. Many of these children were discipled through the Discipleship Club this summer and are already taking what they have learned back out to their community.  

We truly could not have reached this community at this capacity if it was not for church groups coming to serve and for each of you who have been earnestly praying. Thank you for answering the call!