The Lord called us to the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia three years ago. The Frankford community is very diverse ethnically and economically. The effects of gentrification in the North and West parts of Philadelphia has caused an influx of people in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. I met World Impact missionaries Bob Engel and Keith Wilks two years ago and I knew that I had just met two men who knew how to minister in the urban context. Since partnering with World Impact I have been able to call Bob or Keith at anytime for counsel or prayer. It is so good to know that my wife and I are not alone and that we can serve with people who understand God’s heart for the poor.
The Lord has shown us much favor in the Northeast section of the city. We have been able to establish several key relationships in our community through our partnerships with the public school and the local recreation center. We host “Dad and Me” nights at William H. Ziegler public school because we have a heart to see the family restored and men present in the lives of their children. This community event was established with that in mind. When we had our first Dad and Me night 50 men attended with their children. At our last Dad and Me night we had over 100 men attend with their children. This has become something that we believe our God and King is using to help us to establish relationships with the men in our community. It is so amazing to see so many men spending a night playing board games and “minute to win it” games with their children.
We have hit several detours in our church planting journey. The area that we are serving in has difficult soil, 32% of the families in our community live below the poverty line. Only 10% of those living in our community have a college degree. The unemployment rate is over 20% and there is a high rate of crime. What keeps us pressing on is that we believe the promise that Jesus Christ made in Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” It is humbling but also comforting to know “neither the one who plants nor waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7). It is humbling to know that we can not make anything grow but it so comforting to know that our God can do more than we can think or imagine. What keep us pressing on is our belief that God’s ways are better than ours.
We have a heart for outreach ministry and service to the hurting in our city. We love God, we love people and we want to show His love to our community. As we share hope and help with those in need, we are living out the true heart of the Gospel. God blesses His people so that we can be a blessing. He has given His Church the mandate to care for the hurting and helpless in our cities. This incredible responsibility can only be accomplished as we come together and think creatively and use our resources to make a difference in our city.
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