On Wednesday night we gathered at our church for a prayer meeting and had the opportunity to write prayers for our church inspired by parts of scripture. The scripture I was given comes from Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, …
As some of you may know, I am a big fan of Relevant magazine! I also follow them on twitter where I was able to find this gem of an article… Just something I wanted to share with everyone about young people building community. I know, it’s totally copping out of writing a new blog myself, but seriously, I enjoyed reading it so I hope that you will too! “The Great Escapism: Why this generation needs to learn how to …
Hello blog-o-shpere! I’ll start by apologizing for my long delay on this new blog post – life in English Avenue has been all kinds of crazy, and finding time to blog was quickly put on the back burner. There are so many stories I wish I could share with you but at times I struggle to find the words. I’ve been meeting so many wonderful people here, and every day it seems that a new side of our neighbourhood is …
Written the first night of our Solitude Retreat. I’ll fall like the leaves I’ll cry like the rain I’ll howl like the wind Still You love me I’ll shine like the sun I’ll dance with the waves I’ll sing like the birds For Your glory I’ll move to Your rhythms I’ll feel how You feel I’ll touch every moment I’ll let Your scars heal I’ll pray what You’re praying I’ll surrender to You This world is Your canvas I’ll let …
Some of you may have recently seen or heard about a three-part news story about English Avenue called “The Bluff”. The newscast spoke of crime an despair, abandonment and “home-icide”. It even went as far as to compare English Avenue residents to zombies. These are our neighbours they’re talking about. Many residents including myself, my housemates, and fellow church members were hurt and insulted by such an inaccurate report of where we all live. All of this news reminded me …
As many of you (hopefully all of you) know, I have been volunteering daily at Cafe 458 and doing lots of cooking! Cafe 458 is a restaurant-style soup kitchen that caters to homeless men and women with a physical disability, mental disorder or addiction of some sort. Each day the cafe serves lunch at 11am, and on Sunday’s they are open for brunch to the public. All proceeds and tips on Sunday go towards funding the cafe during the rest …
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NIV) I wish you could meet Calvin. You may recall his name from the story I posted about our clothesline. Calvin has been in English Ave for years – longer than my own lifetime. He tells of the struggles the community has …
Step 1: Find some thin twine that is bound by knots. Step 2: Unwind said knots to find three short pieces of twine. Step 3: Attach all three pieces of twine – you should have one long, rather sketchy piece. Step 4: Tie one end of twine to your porch, the other end to the fence. Attempt to keep tension on said twine. Use Caution When Hanging Garments to Dry Well, it did KIND OF work. But our neighbour, Miss …
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in potion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach’ if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 It’s …
I was reading my Bible one night and I found myself in the book of Isaiah. The following is an excerpt from Isaiah 61 that I found to be an inspiration for the upcoming year. May it bless you as it has blessed me! The Lord’s word is Good! “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, …
We have all heard of soup kitchens, and know the important role that they can play in lives of those who have no access to food or a balanced diet. In some cases, a daily visit to a soup kitchen is the only nourishment that a person may get. I can’t imagine having access to only one meal a day. The folks at the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency have a soup-kitchen program that offers citizens an opportunity to have …
Hello ! I want to start by saying how beautiful it has been outside the past few days here in my home town! It is HOT and sunny and wonderful! Weather like this really is a great reminder of how good God is, and how BIG He is. Just think – all of the beautiful things we see in the summer: the flowers, the sunshine, the birds and the bees – He created it all! Wow! Anyway, the point of …
Hey All! Thank you for visiting my Mission Year blog! Can you believe that we’re here already? It is such a blessing to be able to write to everyone and introduce myself and what I’m going to be up to for the next year! My name is Andrea Pang and I am extremely excited and honoured to be able to join the Mission Year team starting in September 2011. It is an answered prayer, and a great opportunity that I …
