March 1, 2002
What do dear friends, an emotional down time, a demoniac, the gathering of God’s people, a baptism and a murder all have in common? For Kellie and I, these are the ingredients to a February weekend of ministry here in San Francisco.
Two of our closest friends in the world brought their three girls to visit with us and to experience our ministry here in the city. God’s timing could not have been better. Kellie and I had reached a point of “urban fatigue.” The challenges of life, a pregnancy and a ministry all shaken together in an urban container had brought us to our knees. I in particular had reached a low point that Saturday night. After venting some of my emotions, I found myself on my knees crying out to God. “Lord, why? Why am I dissatisfied?” After searching and wrestling with God, I discovered fatigue and fear in my heart. What a joy to confess and be restored by God.
The next day was Sunday and I cooked a big breakfast for our family and friends. The strength of the Lord was renewing my spirit. We were excited about gathering for worship that morning.
Later as we prepared for the service, a man named Dietrich entered the building. This man whom we had never seen was dressed in black and carrying a bottle of diet coke. We greeted him and welcomed him realizing that something was wrong. Throughout the service, he began to disrupt and move about. Edward, one of our ministry partners stood near him while Michelle and I led worship. Later I sat with him as Edward preached. It became obvious that he was reacting to the word of God spoken. As he reacted we prayed. Soon he began to squirm on the pew and Edward asked him to quiet down as he continued preaching Jesus. Our heart’s desire was to see this mentally ill and addicted man delivered, but soon after the service we realized that multiple spirits were controlling him. Each of the spirits that seemed to control his mind and body spoke to us by way of different personalities and languages. While we wanted to help him, it became obvious that he was there to disrupt. He soon vanished and we have not seen him since.
As we reflected on that experience, Edward and I prayed for the man, for wisdom for the future, and for God’s protection over our Festival of Faith Communities that night. It was obvious that this disruption was a direct attack on our lives and the work of God in our neighborhood.
After lunch, we began preparations for our second Festival of Faith Communities and our first baptism! After clearing out the baptistery that seemed to be unused for years, we rejoiced over the first of many baptisms to come. Making this baptism extra special was my joy as a father to be baptizing my own daughter Kayla. What a special moment. All around the baptistery, our faith communities gathered representing the church. It was a moment we will never forget as we shared the Good News of God’s love through baptism.
Later that night as we reflected on the day, it became obvious to us that a “new thing” was happening amongst us. While we are only a small part of this “new thing” it is a privilege to serve our God – a God who loves our city. While the challenges and trials are intense, we know that God is with us. We also realize that the enemy will fight back and seek to discourage us through fear and fatigue. The events of this weekend were clear evidence of the spiritual battle we walk in.
The following morning the sun rose up over the hills that line the bay just outside our kitchen window. We celebrated the start of a new day. Kellie was already scheduled to work at Kayla’s school, so Chase and I showed the city to our friends. The day was spectacular. It is always good to be back on the streets amongst our neighbors throughout the many San Francisco neighborhoods.
As we returned home that night the enemy was waging a new kind of war – a gang related murder. Just hours before, a young boy named Nick was brutally beaten and run over by a rival gang. Nick died at the scene. All of this happened in broad daylight in our grocery store parking lot. Our neighbors were shaken. It was evident that anger and fear pervaded Bernal Heights. My heart once again cried out to God, “Oh Lord, make us your beacon of hope and light amongst our neighbors. Lord strengthen us.”
We share the story of this weekend with great respect for the complicated city we live in, but with great joy as to the presence and influence God has already given us. This is why we live in San Francisco. We are here not as the solution, but to serve the God who is. We believe that He can remake and restore this city that is so broken and in such need of abundant and everlasting life. Our work is slow. Our work is tedious. Our work at times seems to be in vain. But at times like this, we know that God’s Kingdom is like a wind blowing throughout our city. It has taken us a year, but we know that God is giving us a glimpse into His work amongst the people of our city.
We continue to learn, partner, and cultivate the soil. As we sow seed we realize more and more the need for strong community leaders. Our city needs the dwellers of the Kingdom of God to be strong families, great teachers, ethical public servants, and above all, salt and light. We can no longer simply worship and abide within four walls of a building. The church must go on and make disciples in the neighborhoods, in the streets, on the job, and wherever we live out of our existence.
March and April promise to be busy months. We will host two mission teams here in the city. These groups have committed to learn and serve with us. Please pray for their safety, finances, and God’s leading for their lives while they are here. Our hope is that someday they will call a city like San Francisco home.
Our work with the Faith Communities and REimagine continues to mature and grow. Our family too is growing as we prepare for the birth of a third child. I will be coaching with a ministry friend for a third season as we continue to interact with our community neighborhood and recreation centers.
Our children continue to grow. The story of this weekend makes raising a family tough, but we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Kayla is doing extremely well in school. We continue to pray for next year’s schooling as we are hoping that she will be accepted at Fairmount, our neighborhood public school. Chase is growing and developing his personality. We are so blessed to be parents.
Many of you have asked how our Christmas party went. We had over 40 neighbors come through our home to celebrate the holidays! It was awesome! One of our neighbors described us as the family that brings the neighborhood together. Another described us to her daughter as “God fearing” people. Thank you so very much for you’re continued prayer and support.
We are amazed at how God provides the resources and the strength each month. You are such a vital part of God’s provision. We celebrate all that God is doing as partners with you. We could not be here without your prayers and our shared belief in the city’s need for “salt and light.”
Blessings!
posted by Ken McCord @ 4:52 PM
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