Part of what I am enjoying is that I get to be in class with people from our community. I get to participate with them in class and watch their knowledge and understanding of the Word come alive. It has been great to hear their questions, to observe them connecting the dots, and to see the excitement in their eyes when they not only understand the Word in a new way but can also share it with confidence. It has also been great to see classmates become a family. Although they have a history of being in opposing gangs, now not only are they willingly sitting in the same classroom but they are also praying for and supporting one another through the class.
I have been reminded over and over again through the New Testament that God does not always call those who are seen as the most “qualified” to do His work. Let us remember that Jesus’ disciples were rejected by other rabbis. They were not seen as good enough to study under the rabbis so they were sent to work their fathers’ trades. Then we come across Paul who previously was known as Saul, a persecutor of Christ followers. God chose to speak to Saul, and He poured His Holy Spirit into Paul, who was used to form the early Church. I want to draw our attention to this because all too often the misfits, the down and out, and even the urban poor are seen as trouble–the group society would rather ignore than “deal with.” If we view the poor this way, we are clearly not seeing the world through the eyes of Christ. I must admit that I have at times felt this way in the past but am thankful that God has changed my heart to see the potential in the lives of our neighbors in North Saint Louis.
We truly count ourselves so very blessed to be a part of this work that God is doing. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Pray for leaders to be raised up among the urban poor and specifically for those students currently taking classes at The Urban Ministry Institute. Thank you for your continued prayers and support which allow us to continue in the work to which God has called us.
New Testament Survey Class
