Never Say Never

"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" Ephesians 3:20 The Message (The Key Verse for The Dream Campaign)

I never thought I'd be typing this update. It has been a little over a year since we started The Dream Campaign. It has been one of the most exciting, stressful, amazing adventures I've ever been on. At times we felt like we hit a dead end. There were lots of closed doors and open windows. Today was one of those days we have prayed for since the beginning.

In the beginning, we were going to try to keep our organization school friendly, meaning we weren't really going to propose it as a Christian organization so that we could get into schools and places where maybe they wouldn't let us in otherwise. One of our dear friends and mentors, Pastor Kenny Grant...yes, I'm calling him out....challenged us on that. He really kind of bluntly said that God can do anything and we should be bold. This seemed to be the theme of many conversations and after praying about it, we decided to take his advice and be bold - that this was God's ministry and HE could get us access to the places HE wanted us to serve. Nothing is impossible WITH God.

Fast forward....last week our local missions pastor and I met with a principal of a local inner city high school. I told him about our program and he was very interested. He said that we needed to go through the school board and get the appropriate clearance, but that he wanted it in his school. I took Glenn to meet him earlier this week and he shared his testimony with him. After hearing it, the principal said, "Will you pass a background check?" We said...we thought so..(never really sure with Glenn's past..it is sometimes the consequence of past actions) but we wanted to be upfront and honest with him so that in case anything was flagged, he didn't think we were trying to be sneaky. He said he appreciated our honesty and would say a prayer that it all worked out. I left him with a 6 page proposal for the school including our bible verse and God was all through out it. We went to the school board and filled out the appropriate paper work and got finger printed. We waited...and today....we got the call we have been waiting on. Nothing is impossible WITH God.

The principal left a voice mail that said, "I just wanted to call and let you know that you AND your husband have both been approved to volunteer at our high school. We are so excited that you chose us and we are looking forward to working with you. Please call me as soon as possible." I could sense his smile through the phone. Nothing is impossible WITH God.

I immediately had tears of JOY. I called Glenn and shared the exciting news and when I got home I walked straight to him and hugged and sobbed because these are the moments when God is made famous. ONLY God could get us in. ONLY God could redeem the past and use it for good. ONLY God could jump the hurdles that we thought would be too high. ONLY God could use two broken vessels like us for His plan and purpose. Humbled does not even begin to describe our feelings. Grateful. Thankful.  Nothing is impossible WITH God.

On the hard day, I have prayed for moments like this. And I think it is just the beginning. The local housing authority has ASKED us to submit a proposal to do a Dream Campaign program in the local housing projects...starting with one of the most troubled. When we did not get into the apartment complex months ago..I was so confused as to why God was shutting those doors. Nothing is impossible WITH God.

I never imagined a year ago that we would be living in an inner city neighborhood in Savannah. A place I always drove around prior to living here. I never imagined we would be working with homeless families. I never imagined the joy that the kids would bring to my heart. I never imagined what my heart could feel when Glenn and I shared silent glances as we were serving along side of each other. I never imagined a church that would be so supportive. I never imagined experiencing the body of Christ in such a sweet way as people joined together to meet needs. Nothing is impossible WITH God.

I know a year from now, I'll be typing a similar blog about the incredible things GOD is doing. I don't know exactly what is ahead but I'm excited. God is calling together an army of people to bring light into darkness. To bring hope to the hopeless. To bring love to the hurting. To bring truth to the lost. To bring encouragement to the worn down. Nothing is impossible WITH God.

THANK YOU for your encouragement, prayer and support. We will need more of it as the days approaching will greatly increase the number of kids we are working with. 

If you would like to learn more about mentoring and our program, please email me: morgan@helpmedream.org

If you would like to support us financially, please use this link to give: DONATE

And more than anything....please continue to pray. We so appreciate you standing the gap!

Thank you, Pastor Kenny, for loving us enough to speak truth to us that day.

WITH God.

Blessings, 
Morgan

Dear Future Gang Member.

Yes, this is for you. The one who is highly anticipating or carefully considering the day you join a gang. Or wait, maybe you have already gone through your initiation.

Maybe you are the kid who throws up gang signs in all your Facebook pictures or refuses to wear a certain color....

I wanted you to think about your little sister or someone you would consider very close to you. Now imagine looking down at your phone and getting this text message from her: 

"All 3 of us are fine, but I just want to let y'all know what happened... At about 10:50 last night, we almost died from an attempted carjacking/murder. At a stop sign about 3 blocks from campus, 3 men approached our car, and one pulled a gun and shot at My husband through the window. The bullet entered through the window around his shoulder/elbow, passed through the cab, and hit the interior frame between the windshield & passenger window at about eye level, MIRACULOUSLY missing both of us. (Pieces of the bullet were found by the cops in my seat) it was only by a MIRACLE from GOD that it missed us. My husband has over a hundred tiny cuts over the left side of his face & body, (from the glass exploding) but nothing severe, and his hearing seems normal. I have a few cuts on the left side of my face, and  the baby was untouched. I was VERY shaken (and still am) but we are alive and ok. 

Those are the main details, and ill fill in more later. God was protecting us in every detail, and we are so thankful to be alive. Please pray for us as we process through this emotionally & legally. We love y'all."

Did you catch that? There was a BABY in the car. I have a feeling if this was your sister there would be hell to pay. So why is it ok to do it to mine? Do you so desperately need to be accepted into this organization that you find it worthy of potentially taking someone's life? An innocent person? A person who gives monthly to help kids just like you have the chance at finding a different path? A person who would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it? 

What were you feeling that night when a car approached the stop sign and the two older men sent you towards the car with a gun as they split and walked away? Was it power? Fear? Abandoned? 

You are looking for family? Someone to have your back? Kiddo...that's not gonna meet that void in your life. Family.... Is not the right word. 

At the end of the day everyone is watching his own back and you may wake up one day paying the consequences of not only your actions but everyone else's.  You may think its funny to beat up an innocent kid and get it on video but the scars you are leaving on them inside and out will be on you! 

You see... All this territory, earn you way in, beat your way out, all about you and your boys stuff..... That may make you feel like you belong... For now. But at some point you'll be throwing deuces and you will stand before the ultimate leader. The ultimate judge. And this time... There will be no probation or parole. It's a life sentence ... An eternal sentence. You will answer for what you have done on this earth. 

This is real life. You are living for today for the moment but there is a much bigger picture. 

I don't know what your reason is for wanting that lifestyle. Is it to belong? Because a parent walked out? For protection? Because its all you know? Power? 

I'm sorry if the circumstances of your life, pain of rejection or fear or the lack of role models have pushed you to this place but let me throw you the life jacket before you drown or cause someone else to. 

There is a different way to experience ALL of those things you so deeply desire....His name is Jesus. 

He is the ultimate leader. He is your way out. He is your way in. He offers an army of Angels to protect you. He has more power than you could ever hope to achieve. He has a big family. And here's the kicker...no one has to die for you to be a part of it. That's right.... Because He already has..... For you.

See he knew you would be where you are today long before you got here and he knew the price you would have to pay for the sin that is in you. He loved you so much that he took that sin, wore it, died on a cross in your place. But he came back to life. Many may die for you, but who has been resurrected? 

That is what you call mad love... And he offers you the opportunity to walk in a life of peace in the midst of turmoil, love in the midst of hate, truth in the midst of lies and a true family where people help each other do life one step at a time. 

The bible says: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

You know the crazy part? My sister would welcome you into this family. Because forgiveness lives here. 

You have to choose the path YOU will take. No amount of pressure can MAKE the decision. But I just wanted you to have the facts and know... There is a different path. 

Praying for you.

Morgan 

The Chasm Between Head and Heart

Tonight, I find myself stuck in a chasm between what my head knows and my heart feels. I spend a lot of time sharing stories about what we are doing. Most of the time there is a need that is filled by generous people and we rejoice. Although today was filled with some of those same stories. I am overwhelmed with frustration and sadness. My marriage probably mirrors many in the sense that my husband is a much more logical thinker than me and I have to wade through emotions before I get to the place of reason because I FEEL so strongly. Today is no different.

I put a post up earlier and took it down but after stewing over it, I feel like if I'm going to share our journey, I need to share the reality of what we do on a daily basis. Good times and bad times. It's all part of the story. Any  good book has a dilemma which is what makes the solution so good. 

 We were told we have to press pause on our involvement with a local tutoring program because there was some concern of a conflict of interest in our involvement since we have a separate non profit that works with youth in the neighborhood. Should this not be the exact reason why we partner? Are we once again faced with the issue of competition rather than unity? We thought we would support by providing volunteer help with their program that focuses on tutoring and we would do our program in a different time slot that focuses on leadership development and mentoring. Need I mention that we LIVE in this neighborhood as well?

And the issue is not even my biggest frustration...it is the fact that in the way in which it was handled we literally were called into a meeting in the middle of tutoring and not given the opportunity to say anything to the kids we were working with which A) made it look like I walked out on a boy in the middle of tutoring him after I had told him I would run home to get index cards for flash cards and B) made me a liar to the little girl who asked me if we could please play UNO today after homework. These are kids with whom we have been trying to earn trust, practice consistency and build relationships.  So honestly...I'm battling anger, frustration, resentment and all things ugly tonight.

My husband however, so simply and truthfully said..."Morgan, this is not our battle, it's God's."

Why does He always have to be right in those moment? Sometimes I just want to feel what I feel. I got mad. Defensive. Shut down. And now I'm having to confess that in those moments of reaction, it's usually because he's right and the chasm between truth of head and feeling of heart is one of the most painfully honest places to reside. 

I wish I could program myself to respond accordingly in those moments. To so simply and boldly proclaim that God is in control without a skip in my step. I know the more I grow and practice walking by faith and not by sight the more natural that reaction will become and some days it feels like I am bringing up the rear in that race.  I also know that those same deep feelings of frustration with injustice are the same deep feelings that drive me to act on behalf of those who do not seem to have a voice, are not being heard or are simply tired of trying.

Sometimes our strengths are also our weaknesses. That same burning adrenaline in my chest at the end of our meeting today is similar to the rush of passion I get when God's people unite and serve and meet needs in our community. It is the flood of joy I got today in taking two sweet girls to pick out a brand new pair of shoes so they could start school tomorrow (all they had was flip flops) and that does not meet dress code.

It's the bittersweet feeling of having to say goodbye to a precious family we have been serving at a local motel but knowing that we were able to impact them in such a way that the one thing the kids had to do before leaving was see us to say goodbye. Glenn and I were able to pray with the mom and encourage her in a step of faith she needs to make in taking care of her family. She told me the 12 year old told her I was her "sister."

It's the stirring I experience when I stand upstairs and look out on our neighborhood and see innocent children in the midst of a community filled with gangs, drugs and absent fathers. It's the strength I feel in knowing that God has placed us here to carry out a vision that HE has put in our hearts to share His love, grace and truth. 

We desire to be seen as team players, not the enemy. We hope to support our community and its people in any way we can.  

I am praying that God will continue to renovate my heart to reflect Him more every day. It is a daily refining process but my hearts greatest desire is to be more like Him.

We were doing ministry before this little snafu and we will continue to do it despite it. It does not hinder our current ministry efforts and future plans. Families are being served. Kids are being loved. Students are being mentored. Stomachs are being fed. Children are being clothed. We will continue to be obedient to God's call on our lives and thank you for standing in the gap with your prayers and encouragement.

Sorry Glenn, You were right. ;)

Blessings, Morgan

Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Two weeks ago, I was on the verge of burn out. I was exhausted physically, mentally, spiritually. Looking back, I can't even tell you why, I just know that I felt like I wanted to crawl in a hole and disappear for a good long while. I felt like everything I did was wrong, everything I said was wrong. I was completely and utterly overwhelmed with what was before me.

I went over to a friends house and confessed all of this and she told me she was going to hold me accountable for "soul care." I basically needed to make sure I was taking care of me and my heart while pouring out on a daily basis. Then something happened that totally blew my mind and changed everything. A family showed up on our doorstep...homeless.

Glenn and I had been talking a lot about boundaries and even a sign or something we could put on the door to signify when we were open for "Dream Campaign" and when we were just having family time. I think I was focusing so long on how to keep people from invading our space 24/7 that I missed the point all together.

When a mom with 4 small children is looking to you to help them in the midst of crisis, you just go into action mode. You don't think and analyze, you just act. We knew that the task was bigger than us and we had to put the needs out to the church..not the church building, but it's members. In the past 12 days people have served, donated and made the following possible.

1. Provide groceries for 2 homeless families in need
2. Provide monthly support of diapers and wipes for a 10 month old
3. Provide a hotel room for a homeless family of 5
4. Provide clothing, new underwear, socks and shoes for 2 homeless families (8 children).
5. Provide financial support towards several meals
6. Provide financial support towards a fun afternoon for 2 homeless children to Monkey Joe's
7. Provide tickets for children to a baseball game (2 of the 3 had never been to a baseball game before)
8. Provide finances for gas to transport family around for a week to meet needs. (we literally spent over $200 just in gas the past 12 days) and even cover a ride here or there.
9. Provide sound bible teaching and love through children's church
10. Provide board games for kids stuck in a hotel room as well as other kids in the neighborhood
11. Provide a tremendous amount of school supplies for the start of the year
12. Provide resources to wash and store laundry for homeless family.
13. A precious boy who does not have a Dad got a great godly role model/mentor.
14. Provide incredible prayer support and encouragement
15. Provide support for us as inner city missionaries to have the flexibility to meet these needs

And that is just scratching the surface.

This past week has been one of the more busy and demanding weeks of my life, but it has also been one of the most rewarding. I wish I could adequately describe what its like to give a child a pair of shoes who had no shoes. To give a teenager a bag of boxers who had no underwear. To give a pack of uno cards to children stuck in a hotel room all day. To drop kids off at their first day of school with a smile knowing that their physical needs were met. To witness a 10 year old read the bible to you and recount what he learned in kids church. To encourage a mom that she is not a failure but a loved daughter of God who is NOT forgotten. We have the best job in the world.....and we could not do it without God's provision...many of which is people.

In the midst of a crazy week, I made sure to take time to read, date my husband, study God's Word, laugh and cry. It was when I stopped trying to protect and guard that I found freedom in the "unforced Rhythms of Grace."

I spent an hour of uninterrupted time with God on Sunday night and here is how He spoke to me:

"Throw yourself into this work for Christ." 2 Timothy 2:1

"This is a large work I've called you into. Don't be overwhelmed by it." Matthew 10:41-42

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now. Don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:33-34

"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." Matthew 6:31-32

"Walk with me. Work with me. Watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 12:28-30

I'm not gonna lie, there were definitely moments this week when I was like, "Ok God...this is so far outside of what I was expecting to come across my radar today." The second night we were helping support a homeless family, one of my dear friends and missions pastor leaned over to me at church during a worship song and said..."This is God's message to you and Glenn."

Here is the line that stuck with me:
You have called me higher, You have called me deeper, and I'll go where you will lead me Lord.
You can hear the whole song Here.

Sometimes it feels like we've jumped into the deep part of the ocean and now God is saying...put on the scuba gear...we're going deeper. But you see things in the depths that you can't see from the surface and it's really a breath taking, beautiful thing.

If you would like to support us as missionaries or the work of The Dream Campaign, this is our fundraising website: http://www.gofundme.com/HelpUsDream, but more than anything, we appreciate and love your prayers. If you are interested in volunteering or being a mentor please email me: morgan@helpmedream.org

Blessings,
Morgan

The more things change the more things stay the same.

The more things change the more they stay the same. Ever heard that phrase? I've always associated it with something negative such as "two steps forward, two steps back." 

I've been thinking of this phrase in different terms lately. What if it meant there being an unchanging thing in the midst of constant change?

When change and chaos swirl around you and you don't have a center to come back to, it can leave you a hot mess. This past week has been one of change and chaos swirling around me and around those we work with.

Part of the reason we moved into an inner city neighborhood was because we wanted to be a place of refuge and source of consistency to kids who may not have that in their own life. This week when a family found themselves homeless, many members of the body of Christ worked together to help meet needs and provide that example of peace and consistency in the midst of change.

On Thursday nights when we (The Sunshine Girls) go into the strip clubs to minister to girls, we are being that example of consistency. Lately we have entered into a season of change with the girls, their location, the level of communication, etc. 

I am feeling very strongly that The Lord is calling us as the church (collective) to press in to Him, work together and display that in an ever changing world... One thing remains the same... The love of Jesus. 

I am thankful that I can depend on Jesus as my Rock and center of all... A place I can return and retreat. I know I could not do it without Him.

What about you? Do you feel like life is spinning around you and you are grabbing for something... Anything to hold you up? Hold on to Jesus. He is THE SAME... Yesterday, today and forever.

Blessings, Morgan

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like These

When my husband rolled over and said "Someone tried to break in our house at 2:15 am," I should have known it was going to be one of those days. We were pet sitting for a friend and the alarm company had called our landlord who had relayed the message to us. I threw my hair in a ponytail and with hands shaking attempted to throw on whatever clothes I could find. A thousand thoughts were running through my mind. Thankfully, whoever it was did not succeed and our home was safe. We decided we would go out for breakfast since we were up with our boy "A."

Somehow in that conversation we ended up taking him to Monkey Joe's to get out some energy and have some fun. Such JOY on his face.

I spent most of the day making phone calls trying to find a place for his family to stay. They were going to be completely homeless at 8 pm tonight. Every call ended the same...."we can put their names on a waiting list." It was infuriating to know that to many it was going to have to be ok for a Mom and her 4 kids to be on the streets tonight.

As the hours ticked away, it became more pressing. I did the only thing I knew to do....call on the church...both as a collective body and individually. I have to tell you....if you knew the amount of people working all around the country to care for this family in need...you would be amazed. We have been left speechless at the generosity of those who have done everything from send board games to purchase underwear. And tonight some men lived out their call to "Choose Compassion" and purchased a week at an extended stay for the family to buy them some more time at a safe place. They provided groceries, love, laughter, support. So many others were involved in making that come to pass.

When we went to pick up the family and reunite them with "A", it was a moment I will never forget. Pure joy. Joy that only comes when all is right with the world. The siblings were so happy to see each other. "A" had gone from crying tears of worry for his mom being held in an embrace. When we got them all settled, "A" said he wanted to come home with us for a few more days. I saw the look of sadness on the mom's face and I sat down with her and said, "You've really missed him haven't you?" She simply nodded. I knew in that moment I had to do the hard thing and tell him he needed to stay with his family. They needed each other. It was evident that he was an important part of this family unit and there was an element of laughter and joy that everyone else needed.

I praised God for this insight and then grieved all the way home. I had come to really love this little boy and we had some really special moments. Times of bible study and bedtime prayers. The night before he had asked me for a bible and wanted to look up a bible verse . He read it to us and little did he know it was our Dream Campaign verse: Ephesians 3:20 " God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" 

Last night we said our bedtime prayers together and tonight as I folded up the pull out bed and put the sheets in the wash, I found myself grieving the absence of him in our little family. I knew it was right. Now we continue to offer the family support in getting them set up for school and hopefully transitioned into a more long term housing solution. Please continue to pray for this family. I finally got around to that shower about 9 pm. I gathered "A's" belongings to drop off to the hotel tomorrow. I don't know why God allows us to bear the heartbreak of loving kids the best we can to send them back home again. I know it is an honor, but it hurts. But then I think....did God not do that with His own Son?....for us?

We live in a flawed world, with flawed systems. God has equipped us to take care of one another. To bear one another's burdens. I think if we would all try to do that a little better.....we would see a tremendous difference in our world. The blessing comes in giving. I can assure you that as tired and weary as I am, my heart is abundantly full.

Thanks again to those who have helped, are helping and will help in the future. We are the BODY of Christ...all hands, arms, eyes and ear are so needed.

This was the last picture "A" took on my phone....had no idea it was there until after I left. I treasure it.

Blessings,
Morgan

Things Just Got Real.

Shortly after I hit send on yesterday's blog, there was a knock on the door. There stood one of our precious girls and her mother. This was part of the family of 12 that was supposed to move into the 2 bedroom house yesterday...only....one half of the family moved without the other. The mom got home from work and found her children including a 9 month old left behind with the water turned off. She stood on our doorstep and said, "Ms. Morgan, we don't have anywhere to go." I can't even tell you which thoughts passed through my mind first...probably a mixture of nausea, panic and compassion. Yes, we live in a big house. Yes, we have an extra room, but given our background of homeless shelter work, we also have a healthy dose of reality. We knew that letting them move in with us would fix a temporary problem but would potentially create an even bigger one. I told her to let me make some phone calls and I would get back to her soon.

Everything went in slow motion after that. I sat on the couch with Glenn in silence...eyes locked. We didn't have to say anything, we were both trying to process our role in this part of the story. I finally broke the silence with, "What are we going to do?"  He knew as well as I did that at 6:30 on a Friday, we weren't going to be able to get her into a shelter and the thought of sending those kids to the shelter broke my heart. Our biggest dilemma is that we have commitments this week that will make our time at home sporadic and not knowing much about the family, we were not comfortable leaving them here alone.

I called back and asked her if she had ANY family here in town they could at least stay with until Monday when we could get someone in an office. She said she found an extended family member they could stay with until Monday but they had all of their stuff they had to move out of the house. I told her I would back my SUV up to their door and they could load it in and we could at least store their things. A family of 5's belongings fit in 2 little small loads. No beds. Nothing but black garbage bags and a few boxes. No toys. This was telling of the fact that the kids had probably been sleeping on a floor. The mom was trying to process, "Where are they going to go to school? Can they start school on time?"

We loaded them in the car and took them to a family members home in another very rough part of town. I told her that her son (who was at a neighborhood kids birthday party) could stay with us for the weekend. I'm not even sure that he knows they have moved out and no longer live there.

I have no idea what the future holds for this family or the role in which we will play. But I do know that until a family showed up on our doorstep, I thought we had a plan, but it got real. Although true to some degree the suggestion to call someone else became frustrating. Here's why: when business hours end. When you have resources. When there is no one else to call. We may be that call. We may be the ones that have to help. We may be the ones that have to put the words of the bible into action:

• He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17
• "If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered." Proverbs 21:13
• "He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." Proverbs 28:27
• "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35
• "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18 T

The problem with this is that it does not say..."Agencies that deal with the poor." It says  "He, You, ANYONE."

I'm not condemning anyone. I'm trying to process this all for myself and just asking the question: What is our role? Are we exempt from helping because of our fears? Concerns? I'm not sure I want to have to answer to God for that one day.

Taking it one step at a time. Praying for extreme discernment. Please continue to pray with us.

Blessings, 

Morgan

The Eye of the Storm

"3 shootings, 2 teenagers dead."

"Runaway Teenager last seen with older man in drug house."

"Family of 12 moves into 2 bedroom house."

"Kids eat their first meal of the day at dinner."

"Baby living on chips and candy."

"Traffic stop leads to capture of 3 armed felons, AK 47's, semi automatic hand guns, pictures of police officers and drugs at a house one street over."

These would be the headlines of our week. It has been incredibly heavy. Honestly, I have felt numb at some points, not to mention exhausted. I was telling a friend today, "How do I not feel burdened? Broken? How do I rest in the midst of such chaos?" I can't "unlearn" what has been learned. Casting our burden and cares onto God is the answer, but I struggle with how exactly that practically plays out when the chaos of brokenness continues all around us." This has been a defining week for Glenn and I as well. Trying to figure out how to nurture our marriage and take care of ourselves with boundaries and rest. We have also had to try and  make some final decisions about the Dream Campaign and about really focusing in on putting down roots in our community, committing for the long haul, digging in and cultivating relationships.

It's funny how in the midst of crime, heartbreak, coming to the end of yourself every day and tears, we feel peace. Our purpose has never been more clear than it is now. We are here to be a light. To be an instrument of peace. To be shalom. To be consistent. To be brave. To be the hands and feet of Christ.

I personally, have never been more dependent on or thankful for the Holy Spirit. The level of discernment and peace He has provided has been incredible and I know that we are here, and we will continue to be here because of Jesus. 

I am so thankful for the body of Christ and the support, prayers, encouragement and love we receive. Y'all are teaching me how to care for myself as well as others. The week has been heavy with heartache but with equal blessings from friends who choose compassion and walk with us on this journey. When you are in full time ministry....this is sometimes the hardest thing to do and lack of it leads to burnout. God did not call us to be saviors. He sent HIS son as a Savior to all. We are simply willing vessels. Chipped, broken and held together by the grace of God.

Sometimes it feels like we are in the eye of a storm. Everything is swirling around us chaos, yet with Christ we can have peace. We pray that our home will be a place of peace in the storms currently plaguing our neighborhood.

At the end of the day...God is Sovereign. He sees. He cares. He provides. 

We cherish every prayer and you help combat the heaviness of the situations by fighting back with the covering of prayer. We feel it. We rest in that.

If you would like to help support the work that we are doing in inner city Savannah with families in our community, please visit: Support the Paddocks

Here are the links to our neighborhood news stories:

Neighborhood Bust

Teens killed in Shooting Spree

Keep Praying,
Morgan