The Thought of You

If only things were as they were

When mist would rise from the springs of deep

We walked with you in perfect peace

Yes even then,

We were on your mind

If we could’ve seen what was

From lands formation when waters merged

The command of “Let” as all things heard

Yes even then,

We were on your mind

Since you are truly one

As Father, Spirit, Son

When you were all that was

Why then,

Were we on your mind?

What great love

What great power

Oh blessed God

You Are!

A Canvas of God’s Glory

            Tattoos once were taboo, not liberating expressions. To the conservative Christians, “marking” the body was frowned upon. I’ve heard older Christians with tattoos say it’s wrong once you’re saved. This generation is different. Chris Zanarriego, a young adult, has eight and he began to getting tattoos until after becoming a Christian.

            Chris is a freshman at the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. He converted to Christianity in high school and after graduation moved out of his home. “I wanted to push myself to see if I could be independent.” Chris got his first tattoo at 17, an African Tree over his heart. “Nature is a gift from God…” he told me, “God uses trees a lot in his Word…it represents many analogies.”

            Each of Chris’ tattoos represents a “glorifying story of God’s testimony; a stage of time and things accomplished”. From shoulder to shoulder you find “Faith” and “Family” on one side of the tree and “Love” on the other as the most important things to him. The third tattoo of a “heart with a crown” and the words “Pray and don’t lose heart” that surround it, sit on his right thigh reminding him of faith and the power of prayer. A fascinating “geisha” with a Samaria sword, a lotus flower under her, two coy fish at the sides and a portrait of the great wave in the background were his forth; The honor and sacrifice of a husband, a lifestyle that runs against the grain, beautiful things emerging from tough situations and his favorite painting. The right inside of his bicep spells L_VE with the “O” as an outline of Africa. An anchor on his left wrist, John 15:13 across his lower left bicep he matches with 7 other friends and on his feet, “live in”, “the spirit”; two words on each foot “like being in Africa” he said.

Contrary to some, Chris sees no long term effects of tattooing. Rather, he focuses on “the heart of it”, like a canvas of God’s glory. I’ve witnessed young people who have seen Chris’ tattoos and asked what they meant. He shared what they represent along with these words, “The greatest testimony I can have is that as a sinner, a God of mercy can, will and does use those who seek and desire for Him, just as He has done with me.”

when "help" is all I can say.

So the saying goes "closed mouthes don't get fed."  Well I ain't that hungry right now, but I am broke. So I'm sure you get the picture. and that is what this particular post is all about. Me in need of your help. It is really that humbling. But God has taught me much about being humble and how dependant I really am. Not an unhealthy dependancy, But a Godly dependancy. Praise the LORD! so here it is.....

  My name is Delroy Martin Jr., I am 24yrs old, and I am in need of your support and prayers. I have come the halfway point of pursuing a degree at MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE in Chicago, IL, for the Fall/Spring year of 2011-2012.                       

At this particular school, federal aid provided through FAFSA goes toward the already paid tuition fee that partnered donors and businesses worldwide have committed to so that every student accepted here can be blessed for seeking to impact the Kingdom. Aside from tuition, the unpaid room & board and extra fees in past years, have cost $4,800 - $5,000 but in recent days, economic troubles have caused this price to grow to $5,800 –$6,400.

I desire to focus completely on my studies and growth in the Lord as well as the work of ministry. The truth is that working a part time job of 24hrs, studying full time and doing ministry, will not cover the $1000+ school bill that I am to pay each month. With a donation or financial gift of any amount you can help further my education. I am studying for a degree in Communications Studies/Bible, as well as studying to participate in the ministry of Evangelism.

I plan to complete my four years of college and use this degree working in full-time ministry speaking, writing, training leaders, and organizing churches and their leaders and benefiting the Church and various communities around the United States and the world.

I am humbly asking you to take an interest in supporting me. Will you? In all things, I am most grateful that you took time just to read this. I pray God bless you in a tremendous way.

If you would like to know how you could support me through prayer and financially, please see the page that follows; my mailing and contact information is below. The school website is Moody.edu feel free to visit the website to gather any further information about the school.

With Sincere Thanks,

Delroy Martin Jr.

First of things, I thank you, for your time, your help and your prayers toward me.

I ask that you would join me in prayer for my studies, ministry, and relationships that I am building here while in school as I seek to glorify God with everything.

I ask that you visit and subscribe to my Blog that you might be able to keep up with what I am doing here to see and know for yourself that what is taking place is real and true.

http://generationofeagles.blogspot.com  

Financially,

I know times are hard for people to give but I do not have the means to pay for college on my own. I do seek alternative ways of financial help. You can trust that I would not be asking if there were not need.

I ask that you would send what you can spare, even if only $5, $10 or $20. I need all the help I can get. If you choose to bless me with more I could be no more grateful than someone who spares a dollar to my educational cause. I thank you all the same in humility, with love and gratitude.

All checks must be made out to MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE, with my account number on them (4047671) to ensure that all moneys will be directly deposited into my school account.

Please send all checks or money orders to the address below.

My ID# must be present on the check (4047671)

Delroy Martin Jr. CPO 562

820 N La Salle Blvd.

Chicago IL, 60610

My number:

951-445-8688

My email address:

delroymartinjr@gmail.com

And my love:

Living to Make HIM Known

It's goin down in the Hood

Specifically on the West Side of Chicago. To clarify any confusion. As I've spoken before of the things that are going on around West Garfield. Remember when I talked about living out there for the summer? Well it is getting close to a year of being apart of ministry with Reborn Community Church, so I am much more aware and familiar with "some" things that are going on; and where they go on. This is just a few blocks south of our church.

Now, below is a link that you can copy and paste to your browser and check out the article that is on page 10 of the Chicago Sun-Times paper. Check out the photos on the site. It can give you a better look (partial) to what part of the West Side looks like. The title will tell you everything you need to know for now so check it out.

Chicago gang rivals band together to control neighborhood drug trade

This is where I'm at. Me, Korey Lewis, Gabriel Perez, Kia, Kyle and a few others that I know; of whom have been called to minister to the people and experience God's working. Continue to pray for us and West Chicago. God will have His way, we labor towards the day! Amen

 http://www.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/7259451-417/chicago-gang-rivals-band-together-to-control-neighborhood-drug-trade.html 

Back to Schoolers, We Are!

I bet you like my Yoda jargon; don't you? The first week back to school have come and gone. That was fast. Now I only have 15 weeks to go. One things that I know, attitude makes a grave difference to the schooling endeavor. I know there were some adults in my past (mom and dad will get credit first) that told me this before. True this is (in my yoda voice). Not only do I love my professors this semester, but I love all the classes too. It is quite unfortunate that I feel like only a handful of us students here out of 1,500 plus are actually saying that. I've literally been waiting at least a month to get back to school. I had to read more than 200 pages for my first class back the weekend before classes even started. That's what comes with school. No easing in, no warnings, and no grace; at least for what it seems. Still I must interject that if you were as excited for class and work as kid that just learns how to read, you would not dread being the back to school. Instead you would be driven for the knowledge you obtain and not just the people that sit in dread with you wondering what you'll all be doing once your class ends. So think about it, stay busy, and work hard.

Just As It Is!

So I seen someone get shot on Sunday. Luckily for him, he was grazed at the head. Now that there, is close proximity. A family in our church also had there car stolen this past Sunday. Pray for them.
School has started and I love my classes. It seems that I'll have a bit of work to do unlike my past three semesters and I thoroughly appreciate it. I look forward to it. I can't afford to stay after this semester, nor will I have enough to pay the current one, yet I am not worried as I trust in the Lord to be my provider. So be looking out for a support letter very soon. Love you guys. talk to you soon. Be looking out for the next survey.  

Stages (Poem)

 Stages

No Lord no…

I’m not ready…

I don’t even know where I’m going

If only you would answer that second prayer

I’m not comfortable here

Yes Lord yes…

I do trust You…

But why this place

This will be too hard

I’m not equipped to handle this

Why Lord why…

I do remember what You’ve done…

This just ain’t the same thing

I can’t relate here

Who would want to hear me

Ok Lord ok…

My hope is in You…

Well maybe things will go well

We’ll see how this works out

Who knows what will happen

Sorry Lord sorry…

I give up fighting…

You are in control

This is your working not mine

Your will be done God

I SURRENDER! 


And here's something from Propaganda. Enjoy it!

A Survey on Un(married) Relationships- How Do You See It? {PT. 4}

Question 3. (All is fair in Love?)
Lots of people asked me "what's this suppose to mean?"
Some said "NO! somebody's gonna get hurt either way"
Some said "just because you think its love doesn't give people the right to act how they want"
This is one of those questions that made me laugh. No offense to anyone. But the saying, "all is fair in love(and war), is reference to the idea that when it comes to love, you go as far as you need to to win...were not talking about fornication and lying, being deceitful and whatnot. So let me use two a few examples to help you out. Take "the notebook", in the end, male from past takes girl from guy in present. Fair? you decide. Or, how about a favorite, "500 days of Summer", girl chooses no strings attached approach with the guy "in love" with her. Then, when he gets attached she leaves, finds the right man, invites boy to the wedding party thing; and it seems that he's left sad and lonely but she's in love and married and happy. Fair? you decide. Or my favorite movie ever, "HITCH", now tell me these men are wrong for getting help! I dare you! But women got mad that men hired someone to help them in their pursuit? Sounds odd to me. But hey, don't take any chances for love. That would not be fair? or is it? I mean, you ARE individuals. You are NOT married.

Question 4. (Leaving one relationship to be with another)
Depending on the situation, No...may said
That's the persons choice...said others
Yes. How can someone just up and leave?
Considering the fact that you don't have all the info, might not know the situation, and that a person can choose to do things without explanation; I think the expectations we have aren't far fetched, though I do think that when those expectations aren't in some way honored that we should not be so disappointed. We want to have some control, we want to know all the whys and hows for the most part if we can right? We want things to make some reasonable sense in our own minds. And if it happened that way it would suck, it would hurt, c'mon now keep it real, i know. Still, that person IS an individual. They are NOT married. So, "come what may", I say. Don't let it take your life away.

Question 5. (oppressive, possessive, cooperative)
"Definitely possessive" hahaha
"I don't know, but oppressive sounds soo baaaad."
"I think most relationships are good. at least the ones I've seen"
The current state. Ummm, well, what we do know is that the divorce rate is the highest ever, but this isn't about marriage. You're absolutely right, but that relationship does start somewhere right. OK then. So what does an oppressive relationship look like? It may be the type that affects either persons life where their personality and character changes to something they truly are not. Sometimes the "relationship" affects others in a way that friends or family, work, school or whatever ends up being sacrificed at the expense of the particular "relationship." Basically in truth the relationship just is not healthy.
A Possessive relationship is the "my girl", "my boy" type deal. The "I belong to you/ you to me type thinking" As if this person really does. Again, as Christians, looking at this as God might; why do we place "so much" value "in" this person to the point that they no longer stand next to other valued things but instead supersede them. The attachment that happens is not likely how God intends, if it is really examined, the intimacy, the so called "right to", hold, touch, talk to, think about this person in a way that you act towards or allow another to act towards you; because you two are a "couple now". Or  maybe you ARE just two individuals. That are NOT married and should not act as such.
A Cooperative relationship is one that runs like freeway lanes... same direction, side by side, sometimes it merges but then separates again, has a place to pull over for rest or fixing and has exits that allow cars to get off or join...they parallel. A cooperative relationship must remain in there individual state "working together/ with one another". What it's not is a joining or crossing of paths like many believe it to be. They cooperate; not consummate!


Question 6. (describing a relationship status)
What does "Being" mean?
Just Together? I don't like the way that sounds.
I think courting is the best method, it's biblical.
Dating for sure. What courting doesn't sound right.
Because I cannot fully elaborate without going into speech mode, I'll do my best to make this section quick and to the point. 
Let's talk about BEING: Me being me, you being you, us being us. Its a good things to BE. We can BE together without losing ourselves. Not basing the relationship on what you "do" or only who you are together but simply that you want to, like to, can BE; and choose to "BE".
What if you're JUST TOGETHER: Much does not differ from being. You acknowledge that you two have chosen to have a relationship with one another; just as all people do. You've stayed far from labels that begin to mold that relationship to an idea too commonly known to be something that is pure and without outside influence as much as possible. They do not want to be defined by some unclear label that is not unique to themselves. Rather, they are alright with simply being, JUST TOGETHER.
If you're going to call yourself to be COURTING. Understand that this is a biblical principal from the Word of God, not ancient culture. Culture changes but God does not; nor does His Word. Commitment to the end goal, the preparation, once ready and able. Involves family, community, and accountability; TIME. Not necessarily a formal structure, but there is a way that a Man must go about pursuing a woman and guiding the relationship they are going to have. With guidance as he and she maintain what is already in place and have mutually agreed to. This way if things are not as anticipated, there is a healthy deciding and a healthy breaking of what is being pursued without feeling damaged. It is wise, steady and clear and should not be taken so lightly; likewise it should not carry the burden of force or complete obligation as if it cannot be broken.
Last and least of all. DATING.  What is dating anyway? Getting to know someone? Naw...you can do that anyway...Preparing for marriage? Not really, it's too fluid for that... Finding out if things will work out? UUhhgg, that's a horrible way to find out. You should probably know first....Or is it just the only known and most common term we have for two people in a "relationship"? Well if that's the way the majority do it right? Wrong! Christians are suppose to be the minority. Do things different. Just because it's "Christian Dating" doesn't make it any better, nor any different. We can't even come to common definition of the word. People get confused by it. Coffee date, friend date, man date(ridiculous), intimate dating, dating around. COME, ON, PEOPLE! What's this really all about? Dating is a form of exchange, money for time, time for emotion, emotion for care... etc... etc... etc... sometimes it's heavier than thought, sometimes it's not...The word itself can generate different thought and emotions in people...A guy wants to take you on a date(nothing to serious), the girl hears the word date and is years ahead thinking about what marriage might be like... See the problem; And vice verse... Plus , the word dating also can come with expectation, a form or ideal type of feelings, passions, disgust maybe. And it often leads to exclusivity of the two who are dating. A recipe for disaster, because we all know, two people aren't THAT strong. HA! dating. I personally hate the word for all that it is and means...(it's become personal; I refuse to do it)....So the question is? Is there a better way? Probably. What do we call it? You decide? How do we do it? Unmarried relationships, that is?

according to the majority answers on this survey...this is just an example....sounds like
"its not wrong for a guy to pursue a girl in a relationship, because she's committed, and no, all is not fair in love, although it would not be wrong if that person left the relationship to be with another, the state of the relationship is possessive anyway, yea, and they're only dating!"


How does that sound to you...try it for what you chose and see how that sounds. So what's the right answers then.

Glad you asked!
I don't fully know. But it is not and cannot be the way it's been going. I know it'll never get perfect. But what is the Body for?  and I mean the Body of Christ! I'm asking for Your help. When will men be men? Because I want to be a better man. When will women stop falling for crap. Probably when men start being men. If we're single, we're all in unmarried relationships, and I think we need to handle them better, we need some guidance. There's too much on the line. We're talking about my Life! I ain't gone play with it, you shouldn't either. Learn to love each other, I mean really love one another, molding and sharpening each other. I can't even do that because most exclusive has replaced community. The entitlement we feel, what means we care, how long until we are "in love" and all that jazz. We've got to be more careful. God will make us really stand out if we really are and want to be different. The choice is up to us. Let's continue to explore these things.

THANK YOU FOR READING. I HOPE TO LEARN FROM YOU AND POST MORE. EXPLORE MORE... sorry if it was long...I get excited sometimes..hahah...so until the next post...Live To Be Known...Live To Make Christ Known!

A Survey on Un(married) Relationships- How Do You See It? {PT. 3}

What I'll be doing here is an analysis of the survey...I (AM) looking to make a point. What I am (NOT) doing, is to try and draws conclusions as if I've got all the answers. This was meant for fun, this was done in fun, have fun with it. Agree, disagree, write your own analysis, make sure to comment, follow if you dig my style and help support ya boy in a quest to always keep it real and stir things up.Now, as one of my favorite Disney movie quotes would go, "Leeet's Do This Thing!".....(who can tell me what movie that is ay?) trivia question!

I loved the reactions from this survey. I specifically had couples do this survey too. Discussions began at lunch tables and in the fellowship hall. I felt like I had accomplished my mission.

When it comes to analyzing this survey what you need to know is that the questions were specifically ordered so that each would be hinged on the previous. For some, it caused people to seem as if they were contradicting themselves in their answering, but that's not entirely true because all people have their reasoning, right? Well, that's what I would like to explore. There is a reason that the answers are the way they are. There is also a reason why the questions are left open ended with no explanations or situational attachments.

I for one do not think that they are necessary for answering (at least i this case). I caught some flak from people who were upset about having people answer questions as if they're black and white answers; they wanted to know how far the relationships were because it mattered to them and background info about why someone would do what was on the survey.  Claiming that they could not or would not make a judgement call based on lack of or faulty information.

On the contrary I see people make judgements, say things and answer questions based on little to no information daily. The hard part about this survey is that people are pulled in and faced with answering and being confronted with some (what has been described as) hard personal questions. I mean, if you keep from imagining these as extreme situations then it does sometimes. These things happen in real life. You'll fill in the blanks for yourself. But, it happens, and if it does, you will, have to answer the question.

Let me define an unmarried relationship. There are many definitions. But, here we say that a relationship (kept in context) is: two individuals who choose to have some form of connection to one another.

Question 1. (about a man pursuing a woman in a current unmarried relationship)
Some would argue that doing this doesn't respect the other guy or the girl...
Some say "its not a sin, and not necessarily wrong, even if they don't like that...
Some say "go for it, you may be better, she may need/want something else....
Well, the decision IS hers; to reject the guy, say she has a man, or actually talk to him. Why must there be a weight on a girls shoulder to not, when it's her right and freedom to make her own decision. And for this other guy, why should he care who she's supposedly with? What if he actually wants and cares for this girl more. He doesn't have the right take that chance? He does not have to care about the other guys feelings. In the end, people will do what they want, that's why men and women cheat. What if, just what if? Men and women kept it real, made a decision, stuck to it and were truthful about it. They ARE individuals, they are NOT married... So why can't you accept it, or maybe we should ask. Why can you?


Question 2. (about two people in a (UM) relationship being...?)
Some would argue that two people are bound by their word to each other.
Some say that they are committed because they "chose" one another.
Some say "hey, not married equals single to me; at least when it's all said and done"
So let's keep this in line. As Christians, if we are looking at this from a Biblical perspective, as God may see it, what would we say. Are two unmarried peoples bound to each other. I think not, so I'll cancel that out. When we think of commitment, to whom are we committed. God? or this other person? and in what way. To edifying one another right? to helping, praying for, ministering to? To Timothy "a young man himself" Paul said instructed him to act towards young ladies like sisters in all purity...Although we as people commit to one another for many different reasons. As believers it comes out of love; you know the two greatest commandments , which should come from our commitment to God and His Word right... So would God say that two, unmarried, with a relationship are single? or committed to one another. Maybe they ARE just two individuals; that are NOT married. Are they single? You decide.


I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO THANK YOU FOR READING AND PARTICIPATING....THE LAST FOUR ANALYZED QUESTIONS WILL BE FOUND ON THE LAST AND FINAL POST!

HOLLA!

A Survey on Un(married) Relationships- How Do You See It? {PT.2}

 The demographics of those I questioned do not reach beyond my campus really. All unmarried young men and women, all professed believers/followers in Jesus Christ, and Bible school students with a single digit percentile of those being affiliated with the school. Ages range from 17(early bloomer) through 26. (mostly 18-23 because of the demographic.)

Now we get to see some answers. Who will be revealed first. Guys of course, I 'm sorry for the stereotype but I assume that ladies read blogs far more than fellas....So here you go ladies.

The total number of single men
103

Question 1.
No - 55                [53%]
Yes - 48                [47%]

Question 2.
Single - 21            [20%]
Committed - 79    [77%]
Bound - 0              [0%]
Omitted - 3           [.03%]

Question 3.
Yes - 13                 [13%]
No - 90                  [87%]

Question 4.
Yes - 20                  [19%]
No - 82                  [80%]
Omitted - 1            [.01%]

Question 5.
Oppressive - 10     [10%]
Possessive - 62      [60%]
Cooperative - 28    [27%]
Omitted - 3             [.03%]

Question 6.
Dating - 78             [76%]
Courting - 14          [14%]
Being - 3                 [.03%]
Just Together - 3    [.03%]
Omitted - 5             [.04%]

The total number of single women
125

Question 1.
No - 71                [57%]

Yes - 52                [42%]

Omitted - 2          [.01%]


Question 2.
Single - 23            [20%]

Committed - 95    [77%]

Bound - 3              [.015%]

Omitted - 3           [.015%]



Question 3.
Yes - 20                  [16%]

No - 103                 [82%]

Omitted - 2            [.02%]


Question 4.
Yes - 23                  [18%]

No - 100                 [80%]

Omitted - 2            [.02%]


Question 5.
Oppressive - 9       [.06%]

Possessive - 66      [53%]

Cooperative - 45    [40%]
Omitted - 5             [.01%]


Question 6.
Dating - 98             [78%]

Courting - 15          [12%]

Being - 6                 [.03%]

Just Together - 2    [.05%]

Omitted - 4             [.02%]

The total percentile of total male and female young adults
228

Question 1.
No - 55%
Yes - 44 %
omit - 1%

Question 2.
Single - 20%
Committed - 77%
Bound - 1%
omit - 2%

Question 3.
Yes - 14.5%
No - 84.5%
omit - 1%

Question 4.
Yes - 18.5% 
No - 80%
omit - 1.5%

Question 5.
Oppressive - 5.5%
Possessive - 56.5%
Cooperative - 33.5%
omit - 4.5%

Question 6.
Dating - 77%
Courting - 13%
Just Together - 3%
Being - 4%
omit - 3%

So there are your numbers...Wonder if as a Christian you fall into the majority or one of the minority mindsets...bet you also wonder how people on the street would compare in answers huh? well maybe I'll get to do that this semester...but think about how I answered this, because I made it, we'll talk about all that in the next post....until then...

A Survey on Un(married) Relationships- How Do You See It? {PT.1}

OH THE JOY!!!
Can you tell that I'm a lil excited about this?

Right off the bat I've got to tell you how I'm thinking to go about this.....I've got the numbers factored for the survey, Split up by question and by gender. Ive got the numbers for each, including the answers I had to omit, and the percentage of what that is. I would have made some type of graph for you all but I haven't done much of anything with this since last semester ended. (If I get extra time I'll make up a graph alright.)

Now the last survey I did had three parts and a few people said that that was too long. I don't care though, so however many parts this take will have to do. That way I can do a few broken up post rather than one super fricken long one...So How should we begin...Ahhhhh, OK.

I'll show you the survey and you can take it yourself if you'd like to right now...
Then we'll follow with post 2 on the numbers in short and then post 3 on some philo/social/psycho/anthro.....pology type business. (that's actually the best part-that's why it comes last).

Please remember that this whole survey is about "UNMARRIED RELATIONSHIPS"... so don't ask me questions about them, my answer will be "They're not married!" (that's the basis of it all)

How Do You See It? A Survey (choose one answer for each)

1. Is it wrong for a single man to pursue a woman in a current unmarried relationship?
    Yes     No

2. Two people in a current relationship are?
    Single   Committed   Bound

3. Do you agree with the statement, "All is fair in Love & War"? [sidebar: "&war" wasn't the original survey]
    Yes     No

4. When a person in a current relationship leaves to be with another are they wrong?
    Yes     No

5. Which best describes the current state of most relationship? (as you see them)
    Oppressive   Possessive   Cooperative

6. How would you describe a relationship status?
    Dating   Courting   Just Together

THERE YOU HAVE IT....HOPE IT WAS FUN....SEE YOU ON THE NEXT POST!

The Quick Update.

Man, This summer has been long, festive, intense, calm, and any other adjectives that can be thought of I'm sure...(those, are, adjectives......right?) hahahah

Well I Start back to school on the 22nd of this month of August. That's exactly one week and 2 days yall.....SOO EXCITED.

I have much to catch you up on...so there may be a flurry of post, poems and pictures...well, maybe

What I think I'm most excited about is the two surveys I have yet to publish but had promised since last semester... haven't even looked at them. So that means I just need to get it out and get them over so I can move on to more for this up ans coming schoolyear.....

so that's all you get for now...I Love Yall....keep up w me. holla at me....comment...show me you're there. This is my imperfect, intentional, sporadic, jumbled, if you know me I be goofy/trippin/serious/mistaken for bipolar self............

Then that's what you can expect....if not. you've just been warned...
We gone love Jesus, have fun, be real and be us......Ready!

Don't Matter...HAHA! im gone

In the midst of it all!

Every Sunday, or sometime mid-week I like to catch up on the sermons from my home church back in California. I at times take time to meditate on the scripture from which the message came and pray for my home and that God even here in Chicago would work in hearts the same way. So as I listened to what I heard from the Chaplain and Minister Coates, I thought to myself, that I was sure to see something happen soon of the similar portion. (Specifically speaking to the conflict the Chaplain had mentioned that would probably take place the very same day, even though I was a week behind.) You know, the Word of God, a Word from God, is so powerful to transcend our time because of it's timeless aka eternal truth.

On Thursdays I rotate as a teacher for our outreach ministry C.R.I.B.S., for our teens. Our focus lesson for the next few weeks, I decided, will be on Peace.
1. Peace with God
2. Peace of God
3. A Piece with God

So last Thursday I taught that first lesson. Divinely as the world is run, Jamie, our pastor here at Reborn, preached on the peace of God, giving testimony, sharing the gospel, stressing how fighting on our knees in prayer is the one of the greatest battle that we fight. Being in need, dependent on God who is our King and humbled with a holy fear.

How far from understanding we are. That what faith is we lack. We don't have peace, but rather we take on a calmness. I hope you don't miss that. That when you say you're at peace, you really are; that you not really be saying that you're just calm. Peace can be a trip you know, at may actually make you uncomfortable at times. Make me think of  Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And I can say that I have experienced such a peace that has tangled me to tears and laughter simultaneously with a grief that was painfully numbing(if I could somehow try to paint a picture). I'm just saying that "the heart is most deceitful" Jeremiah 17:9.
Now, as to what I was trying to get to.

In light of what I was saying about peace. It seemed that Sunday was completely set up for such a moment as what was to take place... Right after service about 15-20mins. Just as every week seems to presume we adults linger and talk, some of us clean up and mosey about like so. But the kids, the kids play. The smaller one inside running around, the 8-13 pretty much play games or run around outside. But today was different. We began to set up for kids camp for this week. kinda like the VBS ministry for children. And in the midst of cleaning and moving things lil Jaquan runs in and shouts "Jujuan just got hit by a car!" Now everyone for a moment thought he was joking, and as we all began to follow we then heard the screams. Just like a scene from a movie. a kid hit by a car, alive and in shock, taken in an ambulance. So pray for Jajuan, for recovery and peace and that the testimony of how God spared his life will become real.

He is OK. Two fractured bones in his foot/leg. But in that moment. All the words of peace were tested. and in the midst of the chaos. We prayed. me, jamie, michael david and flavio. We prayed for peace, we praised for life, we thanked for mercy. we surrendered the rest. because life doesn't stop for us. and in the wake of spiritual warfare what we must do is pray. So that moments of testing and trials don't distract us and push us further away from the Lord, but rather draw us ever so closer....Like the seed that falls on stony ground or thorny ground.
 Matthew 13:3-9
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. ⁴ As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. ⁵ Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. ⁷ Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. ⁸ Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! ⁹ Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

God is in West Garfield!!!

You may be thinking to yourself in this moment that "OK, since that last post here is some good news!" 
Well, you thought correctly, I have great news. That God is in West Garfield, because we are in West Garfield. Reborn Community Church will preach the gospel, love people, pray hard and will live transformed lives by the Word of God which will transform lives.

Is that it? Uummm! Yea.

God sent, His Son, JESUS, the Christ, to die, for sinners, so that, all who, believe in Jesus(Son of God), Who He IS(God), What He Has Done(came, died,resurrected) and What He Has Said He'll Do(save from sins/one day return). That these who believe will have new life, changed life, Truth, Faith, Hope and above all these Love...

Then discipleship will begin. I believe God will do a work in this community. Because God is in West Garfield!!!

PRAYING FOR 'WEST GARFIELD'

you can take the green line or the blue line if you'd like to. head west toward Harlem(green) or O'Hare(blue). Get off at the Pulaski stop; and you will see what i mean. recently, about four weeks ago i moved into an apt out here in this black community just a block away from my church where i serve. we can say that there is definitely a more surreal reality of living than being downtown; but that's the hood for you right. I surely cant begin to tell you of all the things that go on on this side of town, as i'm sure you can easily figur out if you just listen to some rap music. because everything the industry rapper talk about is what is actually happening over here. except that you probably bet that most people dont have industry money. but ill give you some tid bits. 

1.couple weeks ago one of my kids from c.r.i.b.s. gets jumped in front of church standing rt behind me. a first for him, i prayed for him, ans spent that weekend w him.
2.me and a co-laborer in the faith break up a fight between 2 older 'high' ppls, one and older man and the other a woman. by the time we got there he was on top of here ready to lay a heavy hand. we broke it up an talked, then prayed w her.
3.last week three kids were killed and found in an alley. kids meaning, at or under eighteen. 
4.community drug ridden, homelessness and violence on a high scale
5.on the corner of my church a woman tells me i look good, ask if she can ___ my___, and when I tell her "no, you cant, babe" as sincerely as I can. she then asked me for fifty cents, that's $.50 cents. AND I AINT LAUGHIN RIGHT NOW!
6.seen a man ans women strung out on the sidewalk, half past out, snot drippin and slumped over.
7.men and women walk up and down the streets sellin "loose square"(cigarettes) and anything else you need from bootleg movie, music, socks, pants, CTA cards and jewelery.


People ask me if I'm scared walking the streets and living out there. Although tense the first two weeks, I can say that I'm not. Being in this environment is not new to me. Most people cant tell the difference as I walk around other than im a fairly new face. But God has led me there to minister and not be afraid. (reflecting the "Jeremiah 1:8-10" tatted on my left shoulder). I love being there, I love my people. God is always at work and im honored to be included. He will remain faithful. And I depend on my Lord Jesus fully. so do not be discouraged, good things are also happening here. you just pray and see....Pray w me, pray with us, pray for us. Pray and dont cease. 

PRAY FOR 'WEST GARFIELD!!!

NO OPPOSITE (POEM)

No Opposite

I often wonder why exit signs

Lead us (on) to off ramps and streets

Why walking out of doors

Brings us (in) to new scenes

Why sitting down holds us up

And getting up only shows us what’s below

Starting one thing

Stops another

You might lose a friend

To gain a brother

When the world’s full of hate

God becomes a lover

The only opposite to nakedness

Is to be covered

If you’re crying

The tears will dry

If it’s sorrow, then joy

Feel better inside

My life without God

Compared to having Him now

WOW!!!

Me not deserving His love

No parallel

HE! JUST! DOES!

61st Street A's (gametime) photo's

61st Street A's

"Start a riot!..start a riot!..start a riot!..start a  riot!"


Yeeeeaaaa! Now if yall know me, you know I'm inclined to start dancing when I hear some chanting. That's what was going through my head at least, but I didn't want these girls to think I was a weirdo or something. Though I do get goofy w/ it at times(don't twist the meaning).


Last Wednesday I went to see this team play some softball. My homegirl B, short for Britt, short for...well, you get it right. She one of my closer friends from the other side of the gender. Don't let your head go there though. She had asked me a while ago to come and see her girls play and I told her that I would sometime. Of course after a month and more she didn't believe me. I'm sure there have been plenty of people who said they'd come but still hadn't just as it seems to be a trend among human beings to do so. And somehow I had a free Wednesday, and really couldn't avoid it(whisper voice), so I went. I was just playing about the really couldn't avoid it part; trust me I could have.


So now I must tell the truth and I cannot lie. I love these girls. They're animated and funny, smart and cool. Girly and thugs none the least. Young beautiful black ladies, minus one, also beautiful, with good hearts and a more than common upbringing. They played a great game. I had a magnificent time watching them and talking to B and Nikki. They gave me the honorary coach title for the day....PART OF THE TEAM YALL!  The girls played a great and exciting game. It was back and forth, intense, too fast, sporadic, fluttered, full of chants and then quiet, frustrated and jolly<<you like that word huh?... In the end the girls did not win. But it definitely was not because they weren't better. They just had a few.... moments. Fluke was that they one lost by a couple runs. They were passionate about how they played, it's just the attitude that gets us young folk sometimes where we can see past any certain moment. Afterward we exchanged some words and a couple laughs, I think I'm due for a lil talk about boys to these girls...We'll see how we can make this happen sometime soon hopefully....B? haha


But yea! SHOUT OUT TO THE 61st STREET A's....yall keep startin riots...in a good way though.
I'm out.
P.S. Pics on the next blog...just a few.

Lancaster Wedding!

Ill let the photos speak for it in just some moments i tried to catch.

Michael David Bachelor Party!

Michael David Lancaster is the worship leader at our small churchplant in West Garfield Park.  I felt honored not only to be invited to the wedding but also the bachelor party. I've only know Michael David since about Aug/Sept of the previous year 2010. He had a small gathering at a frriends home of some of his closest friends and some family. And I was included. This was not a heavy task or an excessive night of doings, but rather a laid back time for men to enjoy one another. Although he is a young man just as old as I (24), he definitely is making a step that requires the responsibilities all men with families bear. The early evening started with a BBQ and gathering. We ate just fine of course. But then we gathered in the living room to do what I hope can be done for me when the day comes. Everyone in the room encouraged Michael with words of affirmment, hope, thanks and admonishings towards him and from him as we have come to know him in his life.

After this we all went out bowling and had a great two hours of fun. It was a late night tho. I slept pretty good, I admit.