I am 5 feet, 11 and 1/2 inches tall. And that is the story of my life.
For men - or maybe I should only speak for myself - being 6 feet tall feels like a significant threshold. And I never met it. My children remind me periodically that I used to claim 6 feet - and I did. That was my tall tale. A particular nurse garnished me with the cherished title, but she was either rounding up or simply failed to discount the half inch attributable to the sneakers on my feet. So I admit…I am only 5 feet, 11 and 1/2. (I guess the half is similar to children who add 1/2 to their age. You’re almost the next number and you’re way removed from the previous one. So it helps just a bit in the ego department.)
In most ways, I am an exceedingly average guy. I do many things, but in an average way. I play the guitar and write songs, I even record them, but I’ve never won an award for it, and likely never will. I’ve never filled an auditorium. I usually receive tepid ovations - but that could be because I often play for Presbyterians who turn tepid into cool. But I can’t blame it on my Presbyterian brethren, truth be told, my music notoriously arouses introspection, if not a deep depression.
I’m an OK athlete - but my football friends remind me that I was just a punter. Even if you punt the ball better than anyone else, in the football world, you’re still average. And no expert has ever brandished a punter - an athlete. You’ll not find many cocky punters…not many of their teammates would allow it…no reporters sticking microphones in their faces…no body asking for their autograph.
I’ve always been an average student, an average preacher, an average photographer…just fill in the blank, I can probably be counted on to do it in an average way. And so, even though I know it is wrong to do so, I nevertheless find myself envying the abilities and talents of others.
There are some things that I’ve developed a reputation for being really good at, like fighting my way through traffic, but I don’t think it is especially good to be talented at that. I’ve mastered the art of selfishness, among many other vulnerabilities I’m too embarrassed to reveal, but none of these superior traits are to my credit.
Perhaps, you can identify with me. Perhaps you find yourself envying the talents of others in their spheres. Maybe you’re an engineer and have been successful, but you know some other engineers whose skills tower over yours. Maybe you’re a businessman, and you’ve had some success, but you’ve never come close to reaching your goals. Maybe you’re a stay at home Mom, but your best friends mini-van is plastered with bumper stickers highlighting their honor role kids. For all of you, my friends - those of you who do average in the most excellent way - there is some really good news that I’m eager to share. Just hang on. I’m getting around to the main point.
First, did you know that pastors play the envy game too? I recently met a person who admitted that he possessed a "man crush" for Tim Keller. Tim Keller is a Presbyterian Pastor in Manhattan, NY who exudes excellence and intellect. There are an abundance of contemporary pastors in my denomination that envy his towering gifts. Many folks order his tapes, name their churches after his and spend their down time with fellow pastor friends talking about him. And if you’ve never heard of him - attend at least three or so of those churches - and you will. At least one of the pastors is likely to be re-preaching his material.
I on the other hand respect Tim a great deal, but have never envied his gifts. Tim is really smart. I mean REAL smart. But I’ve never desired that particular burden. And I never wanted to embarrass myself by trying to create the impression that I was a man of his intellectual caliber. Most persons with at least an average intelligence and who know me well would know I was faking it.
The truth is many of us succumb to the the thought that it is only the highly talented who can make a difference - those who are gifted that can change the world. But this is not the case. In fact, Jesus did not recruit highly talented people. He took average people, just like you and me, and taught them how to live radical lives. And through these average people, Jesus turned the world upside down!
Jesus himself suprisingly did not appear to be an extraordinarily talented person. Or at least the Bible doesn’t make record of his special talents. But his life continues to be the most historically and redemptively important human life ever lived.
And the lifestyle that Jesus calls us to, is in fact the stuff that changes the world. And that lifestyle is not limited by the lack of talent, nor is it especially enhanced by talents either.
So there is good news for the average person out there - good news for those who are devoid of incredible talent. YOU TOO can play a big role in the building of His Kingdom. Suffice it to say for the time being that we - the average person - can make a tremendous impact in the Kingdom of Christ by making ourselves willing to take the radical step of simply following Jesus. For when we come to a true understanding of what that means - to follow Him - we’ll find our lives becoming anything but average! And in the eyes of those that really matter, we’ll be standing taller than we could ever thought possible.
I hope you are all deeply encouraged and walking with Him!
Keep praying for us in New Orleans and for my travels. I’ll send out a detailed update on my activities soon.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Giving Thanks…Even for Shattered Dreams!
All young boys dream of their lives in heroic terms. I was no exception. Nor have I thoroughly outgrown this childhood fantasy.
But it should be said that most of our biblical heroes lived tragic lives of shattered dreams. For instance, Moses didn’t make it to the promised land. David didn’t build the temple, nor did he step foot in it. Elijah’s ministry ended in exile. Peter was crucified. Paul was killed. John was deserted on an island.
I, on the other hand, have sought to write my own more satisfying script. I imagine and I always envision happiness and heroism in the final chapter. In my mind, my life ends with the completion of many goals and then the inevitable and proverbial riding off into the sunset. I imagine myself finally aging in a front porch swing next to my bride, Ellen, with periodic visits from young folks seeking and soliciting my wisdom.
Laughable, huh…
Truth is, I sometimes believe that I am entitled to that kind of resolution. I’m a helpless believer in happily ever after. And I sometimes erroneously think that faith is the sacred formula for securing that kind of affirmative final chapter. Never do I envisage burning stakes, angry mobs, or betrayal from friends.
I sometimes wonder why God does not ensure the certitude of happy resolution in this life. Is not the Bible the Divine formula and prescription for our joy and contentment? Are we not promised, that if we live in a certain way, that if we walk on the suggested path of wisdom and righteousness, that our lives will be better, abundant and prosperous? Did not Christ come that we might have life and life more abundantly?
If this is true then we must explain the aforementioned heroes of the faith. We must account for the book of Hebrews showcase of exemplary persons who suffered to the end in indescribable ways - whose lives finished miserably at the hands of wicked oppressors.
It is true that Joseph’s injustice led to spiritual redemption. It is true that Job’s suffering ended with greater blessing and deeper understanding. But they were the lucky ones. It is also true that some folk’s lives ended tragically for no apparent higher purpose or outcome.
I remember when our childhood home burst into flames, just months after the death of my Father. Sitting on embankment, my bowed head in clasped hands as the flames grew higher, I pondered the purposes of a sovereign God - who conforms everything to His purpose and will. "What possible purpose did he have for me through this pain?" I thought.
I also remember the seemingly senseless passing of my first son.
I recall the difficult demise of everything I owned and had built in a 100 year storm.
I recollect the unnecessary termination of many friendships in the course of a long ministry.
And so, it is true that sometimes life hurts for no reason that we can imagine. I have learned one thing through this though - that we were never meant to envision permanent dwelling in this place nor to have enduring affections for this life. In addition to discovering the temporal nature of all things on this side of the Jordan, we find the permanence and higher quality of His love, grace and mercy. In the midst of an otherwise miserable existence, His love and enduring faithfulness has become for me my only real home. In other words, it is through pain that God purges the yielded of inferior affections and shows Himself the only deserving object of our primary passion. For that purging, that pruning…I am thankful - yes thankful even for shattered dreams.
Moreover, as a result of these trials and many other disappointments, I have come to visualize my life as being hidden in the life of another - a vicarious life - where true heroism is finally and fully found.
So, today I say again that I feel thankful. Deeply so.
"Why?" you might say…
Not because my life is blessed, as many would quantify blessing.
Above all else, I am thankful to be an adopted son of my own personal Hero, who loves perfectly and perpetually - Abba Father.
I am thankful to know, that due to the heroism of King Jesus, no single sin from my deeply flawed life is registered in God’s ledger.
I am thankful, that through His suffering and sacrifice, my Hero extends eternal hope beyond the grave.
I am thankful that on that day, I will wear my Hero’s robe in my new and luxurious home.
I am thankful to know, that in this life, my Hero watches over my every breath, my every move, my every thought with sovereign care and abundant mercy.
I am thankful to be the humble and temporary under-hero of a beautiful quiver full of children and the undeserving partner of a sweet and gentle woman who enables and supports me in simple service to my Savior.
No matter how my life ends - whether in pain or in prosperity - I know that it will return to its Source. I so long for that day. And through faith I know that it will come. Until it comes, I hope that you will continue to be the encouragement that you already are to me…that I might persevere in His grace and in His purposes!
May you all enjoy Him in His fullness during this season of Thanksgiving and rejoice in the one gift that is greater than any and all others. May we together glorify Him - the only real Hero the world has ever known.
But it should be said that most of our biblical heroes lived tragic lives of shattered dreams. For instance, Moses didn’t make it to the promised land. David didn’t build the temple, nor did he step foot in it. Elijah’s ministry ended in exile. Peter was crucified. Paul was killed. John was deserted on an island.
I, on the other hand, have sought to write my own more satisfying script. I imagine and I always envision happiness and heroism in the final chapter. In my mind, my life ends with the completion of many goals and then the inevitable and proverbial riding off into the sunset. I imagine myself finally aging in a front porch swing next to my bride, Ellen, with periodic visits from young folks seeking and soliciting my wisdom.
Laughable, huh…
Truth is, I sometimes believe that I am entitled to that kind of resolution. I’m a helpless believer in happily ever after. And I sometimes erroneously think that faith is the sacred formula for securing that kind of affirmative final chapter. Never do I envisage burning stakes, angry mobs, or betrayal from friends.
I sometimes wonder why God does not ensure the certitude of happy resolution in this life. Is not the Bible the Divine formula and prescription for our joy and contentment? Are we not promised, that if we live in a certain way, that if we walk on the suggested path of wisdom and righteousness, that our lives will be better, abundant and prosperous? Did not Christ come that we might have life and life more abundantly?
If this is true then we must explain the aforementioned heroes of the faith. We must account for the book of Hebrews showcase of exemplary persons who suffered to the end in indescribable ways - whose lives finished miserably at the hands of wicked oppressors.
It is true that Joseph’s injustice led to spiritual redemption. It is true that Job’s suffering ended with greater blessing and deeper understanding. But they were the lucky ones. It is also true that some folk’s lives ended tragically for no apparent higher purpose or outcome.
I remember when our childhood home burst into flames, just months after the death of my Father. Sitting on embankment, my bowed head in clasped hands as the flames grew higher, I pondered the purposes of a sovereign God - who conforms everything to His purpose and will. "What possible purpose did he have for me through this pain?" I thought.
I also remember the seemingly senseless passing of my first son.
I recall the difficult demise of everything I owned and had built in a 100 year storm.
I recollect the unnecessary termination of many friendships in the course of a long ministry.
And so, it is true that sometimes life hurts for no reason that we can imagine. I have learned one thing through this though - that we were never meant to envision permanent dwelling in this place nor to have enduring affections for this life. In addition to discovering the temporal nature of all things on this side of the Jordan, we find the permanence and higher quality of His love, grace and mercy. In the midst of an otherwise miserable existence, His love and enduring faithfulness has become for me my only real home. In other words, it is through pain that God purges the yielded of inferior affections and shows Himself the only deserving object of our primary passion. For that purging, that pruning…I am thankful - yes thankful even for shattered dreams.
Moreover, as a result of these trials and many other disappointments, I have come to visualize my life as being hidden in the life of another - a vicarious life - where true heroism is finally and fully found.
So, today I say again that I feel thankful. Deeply so.
"Why?" you might say…
Not because my life is blessed, as many would quantify blessing.
Above all else, I am thankful to be an adopted son of my own personal Hero, who loves perfectly and perpetually - Abba Father.
I am thankful to know, that due to the heroism of King Jesus, no single sin from my deeply flawed life is registered in God’s ledger.
I am thankful, that through His suffering and sacrifice, my Hero extends eternal hope beyond the grave.
I am thankful that on that day, I will wear my Hero’s robe in my new and luxurious home.
I am thankful to know, that in this life, my Hero watches over my every breath, my every move, my every thought with sovereign care and abundant mercy.
I am thankful to be the humble and temporary under-hero of a beautiful quiver full of children and the undeserving partner of a sweet and gentle woman who enables and supports me in simple service to my Savior.
No matter how my life ends - whether in pain or in prosperity - I know that it will return to its Source. I so long for that day. And through faith I know that it will come. Until it comes, I hope that you will continue to be the encouragement that you already are to me…that I might persevere in His grace and in His purposes!
May you all enjoy Him in His fullness during this season of Thanksgiving and rejoice in the one gift that is greater than any and all others. May we together glorify Him - the only real Hero the world has ever known.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Of Bitterness, Baby Ruth's, and Butterfingers
Ministry updates are peculiar things. I’ve written a ton of them over the years and have read many more. As a result, I’ve become somewhat cynical regarding flowery and embellished reports. Therefore, when I write, I make an attempt at redemptive transparency, so that you can believe what you hear. However, one friend said in response to a recent posting that “it sounds like everything is going so well.” Then I realized, maybe I’m doing too much embellishing of my own. So here’s an attempt at a little honesty.
As one of my childhood heroes, Popeye the Sailor Man, would say, “I am what I am.” And sometimes that’s a good thing. In my special case, however, it’s often not. Truth is, like my friend Popeye, I don’t always eat my spinach. And as a result, I too get beat up by Brutus…
I’ve learned after 18 years of front line urban ministry, that when things are great, trouble lurks. And when things are tough, God is especially at work. The anchor for me is this: that God is sovereign at all times, that He is intrinsically and perfectly holy, that He is always good, and that I am unconditionally His.
I’d love to be able to report to you that I remain steadfastly encouraged by that truth - and that when I hurt or am discouraged, I run to Jesus. Some times though, I run to dry wells that do not satisfy. Some times I choose bitterness. Sometimes pain is so great and seems so powerful that I exchange what little power I have just to feel better. On and around Halloween my pills of choice are those little packages of Butterfingers and Baby Ruth’s. I can’t tell you, or maybe you already know, how medicinal a Butterfinger is when you have the blues. Bitterness and butterfingers give me that immediate rush that all is right within. When that rush is over, I rediscover the art of repentance and thus taste the only thing that really satisfies. (Something tells me I’m going to be doing a lot of repenting tonight!)
Truth is, I’m on the better end of one of the darkest epochs of my life. I remember crying out to God during the height of my pain and the only thing I could feel from God was His severe absence.
That is no longer the case. God has used that pain to elicit in me a newer and deeper longing for and dependence on Him. Honestly, I am reluctant to yearn for and rely on Him when circumstances are more to my pleasing. And now I can say after these difficult few years post-Katrina that I’m proud to be in the fellowship of broken vessels. I’m most thankful to be a Husband and a Father. And I’m grateful to be entering into the second phase of my ministry life - a deeper man - not knowing what this phase will bring, but nevertheless continuing by faith.
At the end of this week I’ll be headed up for a long weekend in the Northeastern United States to speak to a group of Ivy League students. I intend to speak on the love of the Father for our orphaned souls, God’s poverty mandate, His heart of mercy for the lost and distressed, our unique opportunity to suffer with Him and the unique privilege of joining Him in His ongoing mission of redemption in this world. I hope that you will pray for me during this opportunity to effect the lives of these potentially influential young people.
I’m excited about the prospects of a few staff additions. All of these folks found Christ in my previous ministry endeavor and are considering coming on board in the areas of fund-development, high school ministry and administrative coordination. I’ll send you more information when we’re ready to move forward on these critical growth opportunities. However, you can already begin praying with me that the Lord provide the necessary funds to advance the cause in this way. Frankly, I’m looking forward to having partners in the cause. I’ve been a little bit lonely trying to do this stuff all alone.
So in summary, how are things, really? Well, we’re paying the bills. We are, I believe, making an impact. And we’re building the staff and infrastructure that will posture us to be a conduit of much ministry from our Lord. The Leverett’s are working on our move back into the city. I have a growing number of speaking opportunities throughout the country. I have a new CD out! I’m married to the cutest 60 inches of femininity the world has ever seen. I have four amazing kids. So while I may struggle a bit with the shouldering of this new effort, I think all in all, things are good.
We developed a budget for this year of $250,000. As I’m discovering, that was an ambitious goal. After three quarters the Lord has provided through honorariums, CD sales and contributions a total of about $140,000. And we’re a little bit in the hole. However, we’re postured to do very well in the final quarter of ‘07 and be in good position to hit the ground running in ‘08. Continue to pray!
By the way, we are trying to have family meetings every Sunday night. Some singing, some giggling, some Bible Study and some serious family business. Listen to some of the comments that my kids made this past week. “We’re spoiled.” “We have too much allowance.” “We want a smaller house.” “We have too much stuff.” “We watch too much TV.” “We’re on the computer too much.” “Can we reduce our TV’s to just one so that we will spend more time together?”
My Lindsay told me today that she wants to join the National Guard, to serve our country and to help pay for college when she graduates from high school. She also is sensing a call to give herself to the Lord’s work in Urban Ministry.
My Lacey’s pet kitten was run over this past week. We wept together. I buried Dash in our back yard. I remembered my two pet dogs who were killed in like fashion when I was Lacey’s age. We’re trying to discern whether to get another dog or cat to replace it.
My Maggie just finished up her volleyball season. She made amazing improvement this year and she made her Dad awfully proud. They came within one point of winning their final tournament this year! Maggie is organizing a garage sale for the benefit of her school.
My Manning and his team had their first play-off football game last night. He’s playing tight end, full back and defensive end. However, he was doubled over with the stomach flu on the side line. Despite his absence from the line up (and my presence as the Offensive Coordinator) we were able to achieve our first playoff victory!
Clark High School plays its final game of the season this week. I’ve been their volunteer Special Teams Coordinator throughout the season. If they win this weekend, and they should, they will advance to the playoffs as well. Richard Johnson and Sam Rauschenberg are busily managing Bible Studies for these boys on Thursday nights.
Oh well, that’s all I have time for. I hope you all enjoy some Butterfingers and Baby Ruth’s tonight. And as you are repenting on the scale the following morning with me, remember to pray for Rebirth and our cause in New Orleans and beyond to glorify Christ among the urban poor!
God bless you all and thank you for enabling us to serve our Savior!
As one of my childhood heroes, Popeye the Sailor Man, would say, “I am what I am.” And sometimes that’s a good thing. In my special case, however, it’s often not. Truth is, like my friend Popeye, I don’t always eat my spinach. And as a result, I too get beat up by Brutus…
I’ve learned after 18 years of front line urban ministry, that when things are great, trouble lurks. And when things are tough, God is especially at work. The anchor for me is this: that God is sovereign at all times, that He is intrinsically and perfectly holy, that He is always good, and that I am unconditionally His.
I’d love to be able to report to you that I remain steadfastly encouraged by that truth - and that when I hurt or am discouraged, I run to Jesus. Some times though, I run to dry wells that do not satisfy. Some times I choose bitterness. Sometimes pain is so great and seems so powerful that I exchange what little power I have just to feel better. On and around Halloween my pills of choice are those little packages of Butterfingers and Baby Ruth’s. I can’t tell you, or maybe you already know, how medicinal a Butterfinger is when you have the blues. Bitterness and butterfingers give me that immediate rush that all is right within. When that rush is over, I rediscover the art of repentance and thus taste the only thing that really satisfies. (Something tells me I’m going to be doing a lot of repenting tonight!)
Truth is, I’m on the better end of one of the darkest epochs of my life. I remember crying out to God during the height of my pain and the only thing I could feel from God was His severe absence.
That is no longer the case. God has used that pain to elicit in me a newer and deeper longing for and dependence on Him. Honestly, I am reluctant to yearn for and rely on Him when circumstances are more to my pleasing. And now I can say after these difficult few years post-Katrina that I’m proud to be in the fellowship of broken vessels. I’m most thankful to be a Husband and a Father. And I’m grateful to be entering into the second phase of my ministry life - a deeper man - not knowing what this phase will bring, but nevertheless continuing by faith.
At the end of this week I’ll be headed up for a long weekend in the Northeastern United States to speak to a group of Ivy League students. I intend to speak on the love of the Father for our orphaned souls, God’s poverty mandate, His heart of mercy for the lost and distressed, our unique opportunity to suffer with Him and the unique privilege of joining Him in His ongoing mission of redemption in this world. I hope that you will pray for me during this opportunity to effect the lives of these potentially influential young people.
I’m excited about the prospects of a few staff additions. All of these folks found Christ in my previous ministry endeavor and are considering coming on board in the areas of fund-development, high school ministry and administrative coordination. I’ll send you more information when we’re ready to move forward on these critical growth opportunities. However, you can already begin praying with me that the Lord provide the necessary funds to advance the cause in this way. Frankly, I’m looking forward to having partners in the cause. I’ve been a little bit lonely trying to do this stuff all alone.
So in summary, how are things, really? Well, we’re paying the bills. We are, I believe, making an impact. And we’re building the staff and infrastructure that will posture us to be a conduit of much ministry from our Lord. The Leverett’s are working on our move back into the city. I have a growing number of speaking opportunities throughout the country. I have a new CD out! I’m married to the cutest 60 inches of femininity the world has ever seen. I have four amazing kids. So while I may struggle a bit with the shouldering of this new effort, I think all in all, things are good.
We developed a budget for this year of $250,000. As I’m discovering, that was an ambitious goal. After three quarters the Lord has provided through honorariums, CD sales and contributions a total of about $140,000. And we’re a little bit in the hole. However, we’re postured to do very well in the final quarter of ‘07 and be in good position to hit the ground running in ‘08. Continue to pray!
By the way, we are trying to have family meetings every Sunday night. Some singing, some giggling, some Bible Study and some serious family business. Listen to some of the comments that my kids made this past week. “We’re spoiled.” “We have too much allowance.” “We want a smaller house.” “We have too much stuff.” “We watch too much TV.” “We’re on the computer too much.” “Can we reduce our TV’s to just one so that we will spend more time together?”
My Lindsay told me today that she wants to join the National Guard, to serve our country and to help pay for college when she graduates from high school. She also is sensing a call to give herself to the Lord’s work in Urban Ministry.
My Lacey’s pet kitten was run over this past week. We wept together. I buried Dash in our back yard. I remembered my two pet dogs who were killed in like fashion when I was Lacey’s age. We’re trying to discern whether to get another dog or cat to replace it.
My Maggie just finished up her volleyball season. She made amazing improvement this year and she made her Dad awfully proud. They came within one point of winning their final tournament this year! Maggie is organizing a garage sale for the benefit of her school.
My Manning and his team had their first play-off football game last night. He’s playing tight end, full back and defensive end. However, he was doubled over with the stomach flu on the side line. Despite his absence from the line up (and my presence as the Offensive Coordinator) we were able to achieve our first playoff victory!
Clark High School plays its final game of the season this week. I’ve been their volunteer Special Teams Coordinator throughout the season. If they win this weekend, and they should, they will advance to the playoffs as well. Richard Johnson and Sam Rauschenberg are busily managing Bible Studies for these boys on Thursday nights.
Oh well, that’s all I have time for. I hope you all enjoy some Butterfingers and Baby Ruth’s tonight. And as you are repenting on the scale the following morning with me, remember to pray for Rebirth and our cause in New Orleans and beyond to glorify Christ among the urban poor!
God bless you all and thank you for enabling us to serve our Savior!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Urgent Need Request
Urgent Need Request - Helping a Katrina find Dignity at Long Last
- a ministry update of Rebirth International - by Mo Leverett
Her story is one of the many stories of the ongoing struggle of post-Katrina New Orleans. For the sake of those involved, I’ll call her Mrs. Welch. It began like this:
Mrs. Welch grew up in Desire. Life in Desire is its own kind of storm. Everyday was a pushing against the pressure of poverty, crime, drugs violence and disintegration. It was a contending with broken families, schools and churches. It was a place that hope had long since abandoned.
Then came Katrina. She was stuck in the storm. She fled the rising flood carrying only a phone book pressed against her chest, hoping that someone might be able to find her and call her daughter.
(Her daughter was one of the first to come to Christ during our ministry in Desire and certainly one of the most endeared of all. She became a spiritual mentor and friend to her mother. As a result, Mrs. Welch began to walk with the Lord in a new-found intimacy and sincerity.)
She was found unconscious in New Orleans some three and a half weeks after the storm, and was helicoptered to a hospital in Baton Rouge. The details have come to me sparsely - I don’t understand them completely. But some hardworking social worker began to go down the list of numbers in the phone book and eventually found Mrs. Welch’s daughter who was some number of states away worried sick and had assumed the worst. She was overjoyed that her mother was still alive! But her health was declining and her body had absorbed a significant blow. FEMA helped her relocate to a town over 500 miles from New Orleans. Separated from her family, friends and community, she only got worse.
The stress of Katrina led to a failing heart, as well as many other physical ailments. She finally fell victim to a new and intense round of depression, and her body finally gave way. She is now three states away, in a town morgue where no one knows her.
Then I receive a phone call for help from her sweet daughter - and my daughter in the Lord. I’ve offered as much as I possibly can. She has asked to have Mrs. Welch buried in the city of New Orleans, which was her request. However, the transport costs of $3,900 which includes preparing the body for transport, are more than she can handle. Her request is for the dignity of her mother after so much personal suffering. I let her know what I was able to contribute through the thin resources at Rebirth and the Leverett family. But she also gave me permission to let all of you know of this special and urgent need.
If you feel moved to help, let me know immediately. I am more than honored to facilitate your generosity towards this urgent need. Thanks in advance for all your help!
- a ministry update of Rebirth International - by Mo Leverett
Her story is one of the many stories of the ongoing struggle of post-Katrina New Orleans. For the sake of those involved, I’ll call her Mrs. Welch. It began like this:
Mrs. Welch grew up in Desire. Life in Desire is its own kind of storm. Everyday was a pushing against the pressure of poverty, crime, drugs violence and disintegration. It was a contending with broken families, schools and churches. It was a place that hope had long since abandoned.
Then came Katrina. She was stuck in the storm. She fled the rising flood carrying only a phone book pressed against her chest, hoping that someone might be able to find her and call her daughter.
(Her daughter was one of the first to come to Christ during our ministry in Desire and certainly one of the most endeared of all. She became a spiritual mentor and friend to her mother. As a result, Mrs. Welch began to walk with the Lord in a new-found intimacy and sincerity.)
She was found unconscious in New Orleans some three and a half weeks after the storm, and was helicoptered to a hospital in Baton Rouge. The details have come to me sparsely - I don’t understand them completely. But some hardworking social worker began to go down the list of numbers in the phone book and eventually found Mrs. Welch’s daughter who was some number of states away worried sick and had assumed the worst. She was overjoyed that her mother was still alive! But her health was declining and her body had absorbed a significant blow. FEMA helped her relocate to a town over 500 miles from New Orleans. Separated from her family, friends and community, she only got worse.
The stress of Katrina led to a failing heart, as well as many other physical ailments. She finally fell victim to a new and intense round of depression, and her body finally gave way. She is now three states away, in a town morgue where no one knows her.
Then I receive a phone call for help from her sweet daughter - and my daughter in the Lord. I’ve offered as much as I possibly can. She has asked to have Mrs. Welch buried in the city of New Orleans, which was her request. However, the transport costs of $3,900 which includes preparing the body for transport, are more than she can handle. Her request is for the dignity of her mother after so much personal suffering. I let her know what I was able to contribute through the thin resources at Rebirth and the Leverett family. But she also gave me permission to let all of you know of this special and urgent need.
If you feel moved to help, let me know immediately. I am more than honored to facilitate your generosity towards this urgent need. Thanks in advance for all your help!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Praying for Mountain Brook Community Church
God’s plans and workings are always mega-dimensional in nature and go well beyond our own conscious awareness of them. And so when I pray for instance for Mountain Brook Community Church, where I had the opportunity and privilege of serving as their keynote speaker during their first annual local missions conference, I am encouraged that God’s response to my prayer is much greater and wider than my capacity to articulate or imagine. Nevertheless, I do pray for them, that God might bestow them with blessing upon blessing for their kindness towards me and their generosity towards Rebirth.
One precious lady told me that she’s been following my ministry from the early days and just sensed the discouragement I must be experiencing in post-Katrina New Orleans, and so, she has prayed for me every day since. I can’t imagine that any person would desire to pray for me at all, wretched rascal that I am, but the fact that she never really even knew me and yet brought me before God’s throne consistently means more than I can begin to describe. And so I pray that the Lord bless her and answer her prayers, even for me.
The Lightfoot family extended wonderful hospitality to me and were a great encouragement - they scored big time with a dinner of fish and grits! That’s way better than the Red Roof Inn, let me tell ya! The entire local missions committee were so gracious and bent over backwards for me during my stay. And thanks to Pastor Tim for the comfort of his couch! And so I pray that God would grant them their heart’s desires in their city.
Those who came to my concert were so kind. I’m not sure I’d give up a night with my family to go hear a Mo Leverett concert, and actually I’m quite sure I wouldn’t, but it meant the world to me for so many to have made that sacrifice. And so I ask God to tend to the safety, security and prosperity of their families.
I will pray for the supported ministries of Mountain Brook like the Foundry, which assists individuals to recover from addictions, pointing them to Christ, Who is the only One in this life worth becoming addicted to. I’ll pray blessing and increase for Restoration Academy and Cornerstone Schools, both who are serving an amazing group of kids, but whose families could never afford the stellar education that they deliver. I’ll pray for the Sav-a-life organizations as they advocate for the most vulnerable and minister to ladies who need to hear of God’s delirious love for them. I’ll pray for God’s blessing on the Medical Missions group that is supplying missionaries with medical equipment. I’ll pray for the alliance of churches in West Birmingham, that God will bring much community transformation out of their partnership with one another. I’ll pray for FCA, that God would help them to reach the athletes of this great city to become the type leaders that honor Christ. I’ll pray for UCF, which may be the coolest campus ministries I’ve ever seen, that God will replicate this ministry template across the world.
For all those I met, I pray that God would renew you so that you become a source and conduit of renewal for others. Thank you again for the privilege of being with you. I hope that we will continue to co-labor for our Lord in the years to come for the sake of His glory!
One precious lady told me that she’s been following my ministry from the early days and just sensed the discouragement I must be experiencing in post-Katrina New Orleans, and so, she has prayed for me every day since. I can’t imagine that any person would desire to pray for me at all, wretched rascal that I am, but the fact that she never really even knew me and yet brought me before God’s throne consistently means more than I can begin to describe. And so I pray that the Lord bless her and answer her prayers, even for me.
The Lightfoot family extended wonderful hospitality to me and were a great encouragement - they scored big time with a dinner of fish and grits! That’s way better than the Red Roof Inn, let me tell ya! The entire local missions committee were so gracious and bent over backwards for me during my stay. And thanks to Pastor Tim for the comfort of his couch! And so I pray that God would grant them their heart’s desires in their city.
Those who came to my concert were so kind. I’m not sure I’d give up a night with my family to go hear a Mo Leverett concert, and actually I’m quite sure I wouldn’t, but it meant the world to me for so many to have made that sacrifice. And so I ask God to tend to the safety, security and prosperity of their families.
I will pray for the supported ministries of Mountain Brook like the Foundry, which assists individuals to recover from addictions, pointing them to Christ, Who is the only One in this life worth becoming addicted to. I’ll pray blessing and increase for Restoration Academy and Cornerstone Schools, both who are serving an amazing group of kids, but whose families could never afford the stellar education that they deliver. I’ll pray for the Sav-a-life organizations as they advocate for the most vulnerable and minister to ladies who need to hear of God’s delirious love for them. I’ll pray for God’s blessing on the Medical Missions group that is supplying missionaries with medical equipment. I’ll pray for the alliance of churches in West Birmingham, that God will bring much community transformation out of their partnership with one another. I’ll pray for FCA, that God would help them to reach the athletes of this great city to become the type leaders that honor Christ. I’ll pray for UCF, which may be the coolest campus ministries I’ve ever seen, that God will replicate this ministry template across the world.
For all those I met, I pray that God would renew you so that you become a source and conduit of renewal for others. Thank you again for the privilege of being with you. I hope that we will continue to co-labor for our Lord in the years to come for the sake of His glory!
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