Watch Out!!

A few months ago I had a realization: I was no longer putting God first in my life. Despite this realization, I couldn’t seem to see a path toward reconciliation. I was blind to God’s plan, but He was still faithful. God put urgency in my prayers and a constant press on my heart to abandon myself and follow Him. But I didn’t. I didn’t follow Him. I was unwilling.

I have been foolish and short-sided. I have lost myself in the short term struggles of day to day instead of the long-term certainty of eternity. I am still foolish – but now, I am a fool that is seeking after God. The persistence of the Lord has overwhelmed my own shortcomings and given me an escape to a lifestyle that will bring Him glory. I will be forsaking my daily life and embracing the life of a Hope Intern.

A Hope Intern is a missionary in the city of Louisville. We live, serve, minister, pray, learn, grow, and cultivate at Jefferson Street Baptist Center. Jeff Street is a homeless shelter that not only supports the physical needs of the over 11,000 homeless people in Louisville, but also the spiritual. Their mission is to serve and glorify God through a Christ-centered ministry that meets the physical, emotional, spiritual and educational needs of homeless and hurting people in the greater Louisville area.

With over 200 visitors daily and 60,000 unique visitors in a year, the potential impact of this ministry is huge. Jefferson Street strives to build meaningful relationships with each of these visitors, but they do have a primary focus. The Fresh Start Program is a 6 month developmental course that strives to develop healthy habits for its attendees. Those who participate are given residence at Jefferson Street and are taken through a structured course with proven results. The aim is to take significant steps towards finding permanent work and housing. The residents are also encouraged to participate in bible studies, attend church, and are regularly visited by the Hope Interns.

I look forward to this year in my life as a turning point. It is my prayer that I will emerge from this internship with a new appreciation for the life and people with which God has blessed me. I have hope that this year will point my future choices in a direction that will be glorifying to God. I pray that God will give me compassion for the people I serve and a willingness to share, laugh, and grow with them. I am content in the knowledge that this is where God intends me to be, and awed by the feel of his hand in my life.

If you can offer support either through prayer or donation, please send me a message with your mailing address. I will be mailing out prayer requests, monthly updates, and donation envelopes. It means a lot to have supporters committed to prayer, please don’t disregard the importance of that role; it is more important than money. I hope that those of you who choose to donate will also make a commitment to pray. Please don’t feel like you can only donate in large amounts, even a few dollars, especially in the form of a monthly commitment, can make a huge difference.