Around the World
Dear Heart of city friend, September 6, 2004
For our family, summer 2004, was a very unique season. Our ministry opportunities expanded beyond San Francisco taking us back to South Florida, then to Russia and Brazil. If left to me I would not have planned such a schedule, yet God’s plans were delivered and in hindsight I can see His hand in all of it.
Our work with the Free Methodist has been transitioning through the summer. My role in development and pastoring has also begun to shift as the redevelopment and restoration of the building is nearing the final stretch. This week the grass is being planted in the back yard and the roof replacement is being scheduled. The inside looks amazing, a true extreme makeover. Our neighbors are taking notice and I believe that the message of redemption can be seen through the progress of this forgotten piece of property. As for the church, our friend and partner Dave Lantow has assumed the pastoral role to the body. It is a beautiful thing to see someone who is clear in his call to pastor and teach simply release what he is made to give. We have great expectations for God’s work right here in this small congregation.
Our trip to South Florida was an opportunity to report and celebrate the work of God in several different venues. I participated in the ordination counsel and service of four very dear friends, one of which was my brother. What a joy to see these friends take on a new role in the body. While there, Kel and I spent two weeks serving with the Church of Hollywood. Their leadership continues to seek Christ’s direction for the body. Kayla said it best, “The Church of Hollywood is growing!” It is, both in health and in numbers. What a blessing. We also celebrated my sister’s wedding, memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re wondering how I ended up in Russia, well the story begins with and organization called the Book of Hope International. I was invited to participate in a youth and children’s leadership conference. We traveled some 1300 miles from Moscow into the Ural Mountains region to work with a band of churches serving that region. The activity of God within the churches we worked with was inspiring. The harvest there is truly plentiful and the movement of God so clear.
For me there was great joy to be a small part of this team. This was not only an opportunity to share ministry experiences and principles, but also to experience and explore a couple of Russian cities. The more I visit cities the more my burden for them increases.
The most striking discovery I made about Russian cities is that the wealth and opportunity of the bigger cities sucks life out of the villages and countryside. The cities are growing while many of the villages suffer in economic depression leading to huge social crisis. The historical nature of the city of Moscow was also overwhelming. To walk in and out of buildings that date back centuries and to consider historical figures such as Stalin, Lenin, Peter the Great, Ivan the Terrible and so many others who ruled in centuries past was awesome.
On September 6th, I will be traveling to Brazil to participate in a regional worship conference involving some 3000 worship leaders. While my role is small, I was able to connect a good friend, who along side my father, will be a keynote speaker. For me, this is another opportunity to study the nature of cities internationally while also serving the body of Christ overseas.
One person in our ministry who goes unnoticed is Kellie. She has held down the fort in my absence serving as Mom and Dad while also watering our relationships and ministries here in San Francisco. We are a team called out together as followers of Jesus. Our success is not in the stories we share but in the life we live with Jesus. Thank you for supporting both of us in prayer and also financially as we continue to love cities and seek God’s assignment for us in them.
Kayla began second grade this year in school. She loves her new teacher and class. Chase has one more year of pre school and then off to Kindergarten. Hannah is doing so well, and is beginning to communicate with clearer words and sentences. Somehow we missed the memo on having three kids. If you have had three you know what a wonderful adventure it is.
As we enter the fall season, the next months are assessment months for us. We are seeking God’s clear direction on our next projects. While our first three years have been productive as to our works, understanding and love for the city, we are sensing the need to go somewhat deeper in our commitment to a city with a larger group of people. We sense that God is preparing to call out others who are serious about learning what it means to express the love of Christ collectively while abiding deeply in Him. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for discernment during this season.
Thank you for loving the city with us through your prayers and support. We would love to hear from you and also invite you to check out our website for pictures and previous updates -- www.mccordonline.org.
In His Love,
The McCords
posted by Ken McCord @ 6:22 PM
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