Look Up

Our mountains are overflowing with snow! The idea that 110-degree weather could exist in this place seems impossible as we look at the beauty around us and a forecast that predicts another week of rain. We have been in a drought, and suddenly we find ourselves in a place of abundance that seemed impossible a few short months ago. It is not hard to “lift our eyes up to the mountains” and so clearly see that our help has indeed come “from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). David goes on to assure us that He is not asleep, that He watches over us to keep us from harm, and He knows our coming and going.

We dig into these verses as we pray for Charlie* and Marcus*, who have the potential to be incredible leaders in the community. Manuel spends time with both. While playing basketball, the real stuff of life gets shared—relationship problems, finances, and more. Pray that Charlie and Marcus will lift up their eyes from the stuff of earth and see that the Lord is there and that He is their help. Pray that they will be able to find a job to support their families.

Josie* has joined Kim in attending a Faith & Finance class being taught by Neighborhood Church and Bethany Church. Upside down on her bills, Josie is finding hope as she listens to real life scenarios that match many areas of her own life. She is thinking differently about whether or not to take a payday loan and has found herself saying no to purchases they don’t really need. Even more than the everyday wisdom she is acquiring, Josie is connecting with God and His word in an area that has been a source of pain and hardship. During one class she commented, “I had no idea God had so much to say about money.” Pray for Josie as she continues to grow in Christ.

Planning is in the works for our West Coast Men’s and Women’s Retreats. Our theme this year is Stronger Together. We will also be hosting an Evangel School of Urban Church Planting in the fall. Pray with us that we will find the leaders to share and help shape these times of training and rest. We are inviting several Survivor-leaders in our human trafficking partnerships to help with planning and look forward to welcoming more survivors to the women’s retreat this year. We pray for you that as you look up, you too will see the Lord watching over your coming and going! You are a gift to us!

*Names changed for privacy.

Read more from Kim Contreras.