Several months ago our missionaries identified a list of 15 individuals that we believe are potential church leaders for our community. Their stories vary. Some are Christians; others are not. Some are drug addicts; others are free of addictions. Some are young; others are middle aged. The differences between these 15 individuals seem to go on forever, but they all share a few things in common as well. They are responsive to our missionaries, they are influential to the people around them, and they are in desperate need of the gospel. We believe that each one of them, because of God’s grace in their lives, can be used to effectively build His Kingdom.
Brandon is one of the 15. In his mid-thirties, Brandon has lived his entire life in our neighborhood. Often he and his family have found themselves without a permanent place to stay–leaving him, the mother of his children, and their two young boys wandering the block during the day and looking for a place to sleep each evening. Last fall the boys’ mother was incarcerated on drug charges, sentenced to a year in prison leaving Brandon to care for his two sons.
Although Brandon has always been friendly and open to us, most of our time with him has been brief conversation as he drops his children off for Bible Club. Two weeks ago, something different happened. Instead of dropping his boys off at Bible Club, he brought them and stayed with them the entire time. He volunteered to help lead songs, listened as we shared the Gospel lesson, and participated with his boys in games and activities. It almost seems as if a barrier came down that day. Rather than only speaking when spoken to, he now initiates conversation, often yelling his greetings from down the block when he sees us outside.
Brandon doing crafts with his boys & niece
God is working in Brandon’s life and in the lives of countless others in our community. I believe that God has a specific plan for each of the 15 individuals on our prayer list and for many of our other neighbors as well. Thank you for joining with us in prayer. Pray for Brandon that he will continue to be open to us and that he will accept the gospel message that we share with him. Pray for our missionaries to have wisdom and courage in sharing with all of our neighbors. Pray for individuals to accept Christ, to grow in their Christian walk, and to become church leaders that are so desperately needed.
Thank you for your continued support of our family as we minister in North St. Louis. Please continue to pray for Hannah during her pregnancy and the birth of our new child in December. Also, pray for us as we continue to raise financial support. Your prayers and support are a blessing to us, and we thank God for your faithfulness!
I want to thank you for ur caring and prayers god puts people in our paths for a reason and im glad we crossed paths thank you for all ur help with chugg it seems to be working and for that i am deeply greatful u can call me at 421-7269 or6219617 to talk or what ever i hope to be able to come see u, randy and mona more when i can come out longer i love the picture too it is sooo cute i am soooo grateful for you and ur family words cant even express THANK YOU!!!!!!