May 23, 2002
A year ago a mission’s team from Florida was in town working with us. We had the opportunity to prayer walk the Giants stadium with the help of a friend who works in the operations department there. Later that night we returned for the game.
After the game I dropped the group off at their hotel. It was late, real late and I was exhausted! The streets were busy with the Friday night crowd – some shady characters and lots of drifters. Little did I know that my bus driver and the ride home were going to be one of my more memorable San Francisco experiences. The driver was obviously not in a friendly mood. The bus jerked from side to side, the stops were abrupt, and several conflicts with passengers arose. As we approached the mission, a family of three boarded the bus. They were a treat. The couple was loud and fun. Their boy was half asleep. We spoke briefly and laughed a little, forgetting the chaotic bus ride. Suddenly the bus driver stopped the bus, got off and began flirting with some women on the street. Only in San Francisco! That was a first for me, but anything can happen in the city.
Last month, a year after that bus ride, another Florida mission’s team came to serve with us in our neighborhood. It was a Saturday and the day was beautiful and unseasonably warm. We loved it. The team took off to the two Bart stations where they performed dramas and handed out invitations to the evening rally. The rally was a success. Nearly 200 people showed up to join the Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur youth kick off. Pastor Marcos and his team did a wonderful job with games, a cook out and music. Our team had the privilege of ministering to the youth through a drama and message. As we finished the evening, I invited anyone in the audience who was interested in giving their life to Jesus and learning more about Him and His love to come forward. There was little response in the crowd, but one boy came forward. He prayed to receive Jesus and asked if he could have a Bible. As I came to greet him, I was immediately reminded of our previous encounter a year ago on that bus. His mother and I locked eyes and we realized that our paths had crossed before. That crazy bus ride was not just a crazy experience! That encounter with those people was a brush with God’s deep desire to woo that boy to Him.
The mother and I rejoiced that night over her son’s salvation. As I reflect on that night, I am reminded that our call is to simply be here in San Francisco, for God is at work all around us, day and night. We often only get glimpses of small portions of God’s work. Our call is to simply be connected and stay aware of God’s work, whether we are riding a bus or preaching a message. We are God’s people and we are invited into His plan. Every person we encounter is someone God knows and loves, even the crazy bus driver.
Our life in San Francisco continues to piece together like a puzzle. Often the pieces don’t seem to connect at all, but we later discover God’s greater plan. Our spring has come and gone in a flash. Since I last wrote, we have hosted two missions’ teams, celebrated Easter, finished a soccer season, gathered for our third Festival of Faith Community, traveled back to Florida to visit churches, family and friends and most recently participated in the birth of a second Faith Community in our Neighborhood.
February was a tough month. We felt attacked spiritually but God’s grace was sufficient for us. March and April were the two busiest months we have had yet in the city, yet we feel these months have defined our being here in the city. We are beginning to see signs of fruit. Our desire is to be known as God’s people “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3).
Kayla is finishing her school year at Glenridge. She has done quite well and is sad to say good-bye to a community that she has grown to love. God has expanded our influence by way of her experience there for we have gained and developed so many dear friendships. Our next step with Kayla is Fairmount Elementary. She has been accepted into the Spanish Immersion program. This will be a new stretch for Kellie, as she is committing to learn Spanish with Kayla. Chase is doing extremely well also; he is now putting words together and growing out of the baby stage.
There is so much more to tell you about, however we will wait until our next letter. This summer will be a season of “new life” as we anxiously await the birth of our daughter Hannah McCord. We are also hosting several summer interns who will partner with our work, while learning and gaining a heart for an urban ministry. We expect to continue our learning process with Faith Communities. Our work with Reimagine is being redefined as we embark into a new phase of work.
God is opening doors, deepening relationships and confirming vision. We are working on posting new websites that provide more information on some of the different areas of ministry we are involved with. If you have access to the web check them out… www.mccordonline.org , www.faith-communities.org and www.urban-eyes.org.
Thank you for your prayers, your generosity and the constant love you pour into our lives. Please know that your belief in us and the Heart of the City is making a difference in San Francisco. Please pray for the health, safety and finances of those who we minister with here in the city. We simply want to continue to live by faith, so we continue to ask God to provide the faith needed. He is gracious.
Please know that we are praying for you and your life. Please write us at heartofcity@aol.com and let us know how we can further partner and pray with you and your world!
Blessings,Ken and Kellie McCord
posted by Ken McCord @ 4:53 PM
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