Manning (my 9 year old son) and I have been reading through The Cross and the Switchblade together, the story of Pastor David Wilkerson’s work with street gangs in New York City many years ago. I remember reading the book, as well, when I was in high school. I found it deeply inspiring, and the story may have had more of an impact than I’m even aware on my sense of call to the Desire Projects of New Orleans. My prayer is that Manning might want for himself, after hearing the story, a radical expression of his own Christian faith.
Some have urged me, like Wilkerson, to also write a book. My wife is included in that number. Most recently, my daughter Maggie has urged the same. Up to this point, I’ve resisted. Besides my fear of appearing presumptuous and narcissistic, I have believed that few persons should venture to write a book until they are in their 40’s if not their 50’s, for obvious reasons. I’m approaching mid 40’s. So I’m beginning to consider the prospect more seriously now.
Everyone loves a good story. My son Manning is no exception. He asks me regularly to tell him a tale. I’ve made up a series of stories for instance about Mutt: The Adventures of a Three Legged Dog and another series called Ralph: The Wolf of the Eskimos. I’ve told and retold the narrative of a pilgrim’s puppy that fell off the back of a wagon going west. The puppy was lost and alone, stranded in the North Georgia mountains. He would have died, but was fortuitous enough to be adopted and raised by a good natured and nurturing black bear. The puppy eventually earned the title: King of Hutch Mountain. His various adventures became for my wide-eyed kids the folklore of many family vacations.
The latest series of tales I’ve told Manning is about a young black baseball player named Jackie. His father Louis, was considered by his contemporaries to be the greatest baseball player the world had ever known. Jackie never knew his Dad, in that he gave himself for his country in World War II to fight Hitler. Jackie was a chip off the old block if ever there was one. You would hear many of the old folks reflect with pride that watched him play: “The boy is just like his old man…just like him.” It’s fun to watch Manning’s world expand as these stories unfold before him.
I just recently returned from Yazoo City where I was invited to sing songs, tell stories and share about our new venture at Rebirth to a house full of folks courtesy of one of my former interns, Carol (Hughes) Hill. I have more friends than I deserve around the country - Carol and her husband Scott are among the best of them. My whole family was able to come and enjoy their radical hospitality and fellowship.
I will be preaching at Lagniappe Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis, MS - one of our most supportive partners and friends - this Sunday. Next month I will be performing concerts, conducting seminars and preaching throughout the Christian community of Corpus Christi, TX. Already, my most recent visit with those folks has spurred much new partnership at the community level and new ministry among the poor in that great city. I hope to continue that work and fan what embers have developed into fuller flame.
I also intend to return to East St. Louis in the month of May to assist Shane and his wife Kristen in exploring the possibility of launching an incarnational work in that part of the country.
In June, I will be preaching and concerting in numerous churches in Alabama from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Ridge. I hope also to take my family on vacation during those months. (Anyone want to sponsor a concert to help me raise the funds for such an opportunity?)
We’re attempting to sell our house in New Orleans on the West Bank, but as you know, the housing market is not in our favor at the moment.
Bible Studies at Clark are going well. We’re looking for more permanent ministry space in that area of the city. There are a few different options, but we are low on resources and want to make sure that we locate ourselves right where God would have us.
I’m excited that Christian Angeletti has joined my staff as the Administrative and Accounting Director. She replaced Kiva Barrow who needed to give greater focus to her educational and family responsibilities. I’ve also coaxed another beautiful girl to come on staff, named Ellen, who just happens to be my wife. She is going to assist me in organizing our fund-raising efforts.
Please consider, if you haven’t committed already, to support us in this work. I believe that God has much work to do through us in the coming days, months and years. A new and exciting story is unfolding, but we need your help, you are without doubt one of the key characters. And if you do, you just might get to talk to Ellen on a semi-regular basis. That in and of itself is worth the investment - TRUST ME!
I am hoping to find someone who can partner with me to plant a church in the city in the very near future. While I’ve been asked by many to move forward with that effort, my travels prevent me from being able to do so in the short term. However, when God raises up the right person to compliment my effort in this regard, we will be full-steam ahead.
I hope you will pray for me as I go to tell THE story and as we develop a new story here in New Orleans and beyond. As one of my black pastor friends stated a few weeks ago, “I’m just proud to have a speaking part in the story!” Pray that God would go before us as we go, that He would give us the words to speak, that He would be all comfort, security and strength for my family while I’m gone.
Thanks again for your generous partnering with us in this ongoing effort. May God be glorified.
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