Each year our adventure includes many of the same ministries with some new experiences peppered in to keep everyone moving forward. This year, we experiences a joyful surprise by visiting the Lanier Theological Library for the first time. What a gift to the world! Check it out at www.laniertheologicallibrary.org. It is a hidden gem!
On the other end of the spectrum (on the same day) we shifted from the quiet and ancient beauty of the Lanier to enter a much more difficult setting. We moved from a place of study and reflection to the chaos and confusion of the streets. We worshiped in the dark under a large tree with the folks from Houston Street Reach and Youth With a Mission. For years they have been faithfully building relationships with children and adults who live in the darkness of the inner city streets. Some members shared water and snacks with folks who were sleeping under the freeway while others worked with youth who are locked into prostitution, drugs, and destruction. Others sought to build relationships with people from the transvestite community that lives in secret and struggle. I can promise you this, there was no shortage of people to encounter! Midnight came all too soon. Check out www.joewilliamsministries.org and www.ywamhouston.org.
Personally, after seven years of leading this ministry immersion, the key turning point events always seem to be the same. I am always challenged by the missional life style of Jim and Betty Herrington (www.harborchurch.com or www.faithwalking.com). I am energized by the positive and chotic climate of Mercy Street recovery community. (www.mercystreet.org) And I am always blessed by the calm, clear, biblical approach of Chris Seay and the people of Ecclesia (www.ecclesiahouston.org). This year, the people of Ecclesia are literally lining up to sign up to get a series of body art tattoos that will create a stations of the cross exhibit for Lent! And check out Chris Seay's new book called A Place At The Table if you want to expereince a 40 day Lenten journey with the poor. I am challenged and changed because I sit with these people.
Pastor Rudy Rasmus always has a word that encourages, shocks, and transforms my soul. Rudy and Juanita have demonstrated a long and faithful walk with the Lord in a very difficult situation. Drop on at www.stjohnsdowntown.org to get a quick look at the extensive ministry they have created. But you really need to open the door on the corner of Gray and Crawford to experience the real blessing. Take time to do it, you will be blessed!
Oh, one more thing (maybe two!) that brings blessing to my soul. Have you ever worshiped in five separate settings, under five different leaders, in five unique worship styles, in less than 24 hours? What a blessing! And...we were served the Lord's Supper in three of the five settings! Contemplative and quiet, loud and choreographed, raw and energetic, soft and reflective, along with an AA meeting on steroids with a preacher and a band. That is the heart of the Houston journey that will refresh your soul, add question marks galore, and lift your spirits to soar at new heights. It is good to worship the Lord!
My thanks to our church planting friends, the folks who feed us, the people who lead us in worship, the pastors who teach and inspire, along with the journey of living life together in a van. Peace to you all. We may never meet again, but there will be another group, and you will be inspired to create your own experience in the city of your choice. Start planning it today! Peace!
