She called from Louisiana today. She grew up a United Methodist and even attended a small town church in Iowa. Many years later, she teaches kids in a rough, low-income neighborhood in Louisiana. In her spare time, she has kids come over to her house for a Bible Study. She doesn't make a lot of money, but for at least the next year she wants part of her offering to go to helping kids in Cedar Rapids.

So, she decided after a brief conversation, she will send $80 per month to help however she can. Maybe it can pay for a kid from a flooded home to go to pre-school or have some toys they lost. I asked her, "How did you find Matthew 25?" She said, "I was just searching the web for a way I could help and found you." Rest assured we will put ALL her money to use helping a child in need. It is amazing what people will do to help and how their story is connected to our story. Really, I guess it is all God's story of coming together in the face of adversity.

There have been many who have asked what Matthew 25 looks like right now. If you look at the video below you will find a 6 minute walk through video of the space as it currently exists. It is not a pretty sight. We hope you will pass this video along to others. They can access it on YouTube as well. Obviously, we are in the midst of regrouping, but are also continuing to minister as best we can.

Thanks for all the support, whether through cookies or through showing up and walking the neighborhood. Your prayers and concern mean a lot. Beginning tomorrow (June 25th, 2008), we will be joining Vista workers in assessing the Taylor Neighborhood. Our plan is to go from 1:30pm-3:00pm. Meet at Sharon UMC, corner of 18th Ave. and 9th St. if interested in helping. We will also be looking at some evening times in the next week and will let you know those as soon as we can.

May we all be a blessing to one another during this time of trial.
God's Peace,
Clint