almost June 2009
Dear Friends:
A JOY-FILLED MONTH OF MAY
The month opened with unity and prayer as the region rallied around National Day of Prayer activities. It didn't stop there though; South County Transformation held a special "Ready, Set, GO" event on May 9 which shook Anderson's Bruce Street area powerfully. It was an all day deal, starting with training on Transformational Mindsets, then lunch, prayer walking, street ministry, and a concert with free food. The Bruce Street neighborhood was being saturated with prayer and grace! DeAnna Gallagher, who headed up the effort, writes, “The music and aroma of BBQ hot dogs drew the folks in, and several commented on the peaceful atmosphere. Police Chief, Dale Webb, arrived in his really-cool police car with the flame job and hydraulics. Later, he even made a call to get a fire truck so the children could check it out. There were balloon hats, swords and animals provided by Morgan Majarro, and of course, the hip hop sounds of Gen-14. We were all just having fun! As soon as the Prayer Tent was mentioned, there was someone there within minutes seeking prayer.
It was great to talk with one gal, who was very blessed by our workshop in the morning. "This is just what God is wanting from me,” she said. “It's just so right." I encouraged her to listen to God throughout the concert to see who He wanted her to reach out to. After the concert, she was so excited. She and her husband are going to pray about "adopting" a mom and dad that they got to know. This mom and dad barely make it and have 7 kids. This, I know, is how we change the atmosphere of a community… It's on-going love and friendship – looking for ways to bless people. From there the opportunities to disciple will arise.
…The most dramatic story was this, a young man just got back from serving in Iraq. His wife left him and taken his kids. He was literally on his way, gun in hand, to take his own life at the river. Hearing the Gen-14 music and testimony, he stopped by. He approached the band members with some questions and then broke down, telling his story and talking about his heartache. He changed his plan. Pastor Rich Titus got to talk and pray with him even more while we all packed up. Rich and the Gen-14 team will be following up. Praise God!
…Regional transformation isn’t about just focusing on one neighborhood. This has been a wonderful start, but we want to weave ourselves together, allowing God to show us how to connect strategically, pool our resources, encourage our business people and those working in government and schools. As we come together around the common cause of Jesus Christ, God blesses in a greater way … and He truly affirmed us in this last Saturday!”
EXPANSION
As South County develops wings and flies, new horizons are opening. A call has come from Arcata, Ca. to partner, and a date has been set for me to share Transformation’s practical walk with Hayfork, Ca. Shasta Lake City has been targeted by our recently welcomed interns, John and Jessica Freeborn. John is a graphic artist, musician and worship leader as well as a yard maintenance business owner. Jessica is gifted with organizational skills and has a huge heart for the city, and is heading up the LOT this summer. They both love working with youth and have 3 children themselves. At our board meeting at a local coffee shop, we laid hands on them and blessed their beginning, asked God for favor, supporters and laborers in these tasks. No sooner had we finished praying than a lady who was in line getting her coffee overheard me sharing a piece of ministry update and interrupted saying, “Excuse me, I was eavesdropping on what you were saying and am beside myself with anticipation. You see, I live in Shasta Lake City. God moved me there recently. My daughter is an integral part of the high school’s recent ‘drug free events’ which drew large crowds, but we want to see God take this city for good!” BOOM, major connection!
Our band continues to rumble through the county and declare the Lord’s praises. This month we played at the Convention Center during the city’s “Project Homeless Connect.” The main attraction wasn’t the band however, but our prayer tent, which was hosted by about 20 friends over 6 hours that day. Many were touched there. At one point over 8 Christians from a variety of fellowships were all embraced in prayer just being juiced in the presence of God. Shocking, you say? Not at all! Normal life in this town.
SAFETYNETCOMMUNITY
I met with the director of Public Health and Human Services who administers the grant we were awarded, and he endorsed the effort ever more heartily. We signed the contract to start up SafetyNet, which currently includes Project 18, Safe Transitions and My Watch. The first My Watch informational meeting will be on Friday, May 29. Response from people wanting to help with the Safe Transition homes has been awesome. 3 families, multiple properties and certain rental agencies now stand available, nearly overwhelming the Women’s Shelter staff! They have been pinching themselves, never having known or even seen such favor or fast movement. See what God can do!
Our need for 50 mentors in Project 18 is stretching my faith, but the doors are wide open there as multiple agencies, including the United Way, public schools, Youth Peer Court and others look to us for help. New grant opportunities are on the horizon. Pray for PBJ (Project Better Juveniles), a four year, half million dollar federal grant to be awarded this fall. We are a major player in that grant proposal. Some restrictions apply, like, ‘You can’t use the money to do an altar call or make people feel like they can’t participate if they are not Christian yet.’ But we don’t use the “hook ‘em” approach anyway, so what I’m finding is that these agencies are asking for and instinctively endorsing the Grace Approach naturally!
THANKS TO YOU!
Special thanks to you who have sent special and generous donations. Our bills are up to date and back salaries have been paid, for which we are grateful as we enter our 5th year. We encourage you all to continue to give at this time as the Lord is orchestrating rapid expansions. You can see that everything is bearing fruit. We thank you for your prayers and financial partnership. We are not here without you!
Be generous. Spread hope. Walk in faith. Love.
Enjoying this season,
Jon and Natalia Thompson
WeR1net/Redding Transformation Team Leaders
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