DavidGodbout.com

As I look over my shoulder at the events and efforts of 2010, I have to admit that I am somewhat discouraged at the amount of progress that is visible on the surface of our church planting efforts.

However, as I look toward the horizon of 2011, I am very encouraged at what I sense brewing just under the surface. I can’t fully explain what I am feeling, but Paul’s words to the Galatians (6:9) come to my mind – not growing weary in doing right, but knowing that in due time a harvest will come.

I am truly looking forward to all that the Lord will lead us into in this coming year.

Having come from a large inner-city church  in Kansas City, Sherri and I understood for the most part what we were getting into when we signed on with God’s call to the inner-city of St. Louis. However, being on staff of an inner-city church and becoming a missional part of an inner-city community are two different things, as we are discovering.

Over the course of our time in St. Louis, two thoughts permeate our minds: 1) it shouldn’t be this way, and 2) something must change.  What is “normal” in the urban core should not be so. And the one place it stands out the most is in the lives of the children.

Mike** is 8 years-old, and lives with his mom in the second floor apartment of a two-family building about 8 blocks from our home in south St. Louis. They have been a part of our lives for almost two years.

Within the past 2 months, Mike’s home has been broken into 3 times; each time the thieves took whatever valuables they could find (twice taking a video game system that his mom had bought him – the 1^st one as a reward for good behavior and the second one to replace the 1^st one that had been stolen).

Within the past few weeks, two individuals have been shot and killed on the corner just three buildings up from Jarell’s home.  Both happened while Mike and his mom were at home.

A few Monday nights ago, as they arrived home after one of our small group meetings, Mike & his mom were robbed at gun-point as they got out of the car to go into their apartment. The thief took her purse & cell phone along with what little sense of security that they had managed to hang on to.

It shouldn’t be this way.

Ashley** is in 6th grade, has a warm and engaging personality, and has a heart for the things of God. She loves school and is a part of a community cheerleading squad in her neighborhood. However, her mom recently pulled her off the squad.

During a recent practice session in her apartment community’s common area with the cheerleading team, a man came running through saying, “You ladies need to leave, and leave now.”  Bullets began to fly as two individuals rounded the corner moments later.

You must agree: It shouldn’t be this way.

Josh** is 7 years old and lives with his mom and older sister.  I received a message from Josh’s mom last Monday evening saying that they would not be able to attend the Home Gathering that night because Josh had been awake since 3:00am, and he had just fallen asleep. In reply to my question as to why 3:00am, his mom told me, “They started shooting on the street outside, it woke Josh up, and he was too frightened to go back to sleep.”

The next day, one of the moms overheard Josh & Mike talking:  Josh – “Man, they were shooting all night long last night.” Mike – “You gotta get moved out of that block for sure.” Josh – “I know, I think I’ll just move in with you if it doesn’t stop.” Mike– “It ain’t any better on my block.”

Something Must Change

** not their real names

Sherri and I, along with ten friends and members of Novation Church, were privileged to attend Faith Community Church (House Springs, MO) last night at the invitation of the pastor, Ed Shirrell.  It was an opportunity to speak to that congregation and communicate the things that are happening in and through Novation Church.

I appreciate the opportunity on two fronts.  First, it is always great to get to see and talk to Pastor Shirrell and his wife.  They are an inspiration as pastors and leaders.  Personally, I listen to the podcasts from Faith Community Church as a part of my spiritual growth.

Also, I appreciate the opportunity because it caused me to step back and think about where we are, where we have been, and where we could and should be going.  This time of introspection has caused me to be very thankful – thankful for the path God is leading us on, thankful for the people we have met and with whom we are building relationships, and thankful for the roots that God has allowed us to establish.

It was also great to have a few of our folks share what God has been doing in their lives; this has intensified my passion and desire to see God continue to work through our lives.

Earlier this week Sherri and I had a conversation with a young couple who live in a very challenging neighborhood. The discussion had to do with what we might do to see the Gospel influence the community and God reach the people.

“I can’t speak for everyone in the neighborhood, but I know that the guys on the block, they will never be interested in what the Gospel has to say,” this young man told us, “It would take them losing someone close to them before their hearts would be open.”

Later that evening we received a phone call from that couple: a 26-year-old man was stabbed to death on the corner.

We shall see if hearts open.

I have come to believe that if the enemy of our soul had his way, it would be to get us to do what is easier.

It is easier to live in the past than to live in the present.
It is easier to live in a place of security than to live in a place of risk.
It is easier to live for the moment than to live for eternity.
It is easier to live in the world than to live in the Word.
It is easier to do what I’ve always done than to do what I’ve never attempted.

But doing what is easier will never maximize the potential that lies within me and/or within the opportunities that lie before me.

My heart and my hope is to have the courage to not take the easy road.