July Prayer Letter- Keith Wilks

July 1, 2015

Greetings,

The Lord is moving mightily throughout the World Impact East Coast region and by His grace we look forward to seeing the manifestation of “good fruit.”

The third session of classes for TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute) inside The Harbor House, a Department of Corrections Facility in Newark, NJ, concluded and by God’s grace twelve of the students successfully completed the Bible Interpretation module.

We are also pleased to announce that we held our first World Impact youth worship service in the month of May. The congregation was comprised of kids from World Impact’s “Timothy” and “Barnabas” youth ministries. It was truly a joy and a blessing to see the service headed up by our young future urban leaders. They led prayer, read scripture, and led praise and worship for the service. Discipling urban youth is one of the staples of our ministry efforts. And in doing so, we feel it is imperative that they understand the call to “not forsake the assembling of themselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another…” (Hebrews 10:25)

Unfortunately, our joyous service was a prelude to a tragedy. For that following Sunday, on Mother’s Day, one of our fifteen-year-olds from “Timothy,” was killed by gunfire between two rivaling gang members. Al Shakeem, or “Monk,” as he was affectionately known, an innocent bystander, was one of four victims. He was the only victim to succumb to his injuries. It was with great sadness that we attended his funeral. We were graciously given the opportunity to read a letter from the ministry and to offer our condolences to the heart-stricken mother and family. As I stared at Monk’s open casket remembering the worship song that he led in the worship service just two and a half weeks prior, I was reminded of just how vital our mission is.

For no one knows the day or the hour of their passing. We, the church, must therefore serve and witness with an urgency that may surprise those who do not understand why we do that which we do. We, who know the sovereignty and saving power of Jesus, must seek to “save the lost” as if others’ lives depend upon it. The simple fact is others’ lives do depend on it. Thankfully, Al-Shakeem had accepted Christ as Lord. However, there still remain those whom the Lord would call into His fold. We are encouraged to partner with you in our continued efforts to evangelize future urban leaders. There is still much mission work to be done and we need your continued prayers, connections, and support.

Peace and Blessings to you,

Keith and Tiffany Wilks

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