Back from da Hood

This past week Kate, Griff, myself and 10 teenagers where in the inner city of Philly. After a couple 14+ hour drives, 6 11:30 pm curfews, 1 stolen camera, 3 trips for Water Ice at Rita's, 50 2x3 studs, 1 skinned toe, 4 blisters, 18 little kids who came to know Christ, 1 Rainy trip to NYC, 1 open air meeting on a drug corner, 3 tons of crap cleaned up in back of a mosque and 5 pounds heavier we are back and more tired than ever. That makes me tired just reading it!

Kate and I agree that this trip was the best one yet. We have taken 3 trips total to Philly and this one sticks out the most to us for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that on this trip we learned more about the community and what it takes for the church to reach it. We spent more time on the streets like walking down to Rita's, canvassing the neighborhoods and walking to the mosque. We got more insight on the community from a former muslim and a former drug dealer who now both claim the blood of Christ. It is amazing how much different cultures cane be. There is no less evil here in Holland than there is in Philly. The difference is that here in Holland it is behind closed doors and there it is out on the streets.
The second reason it stuck out was that we got to know some real people out there. Ron and Maher are two awesome guys that love the Lord and are not afraid to get their hands dirty for the sake of the Kingdom. We got to spend some awesome time with them and got to know a little about their history. Just awesome stories. I will get their permission first before I publish any of them. Look for them in the future.

All in all it was very tiring between the work projects, the day camp, the walk to Rita's and the late nights but I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else than spend some time in the inner city with 10 teenagers. What a great opportunity we had to see God and people in a different light. Thanks you God for using us to bless those people but even more for the blessing you bestowed on us!

~Hosh~