Coast to Coast in 30 days
Dear Heart of the City Friends, April 10, 2003
It is amazing to know that in today’s 21st century America, a family can move from the west coast to the east coast, set up a home and office, and begin a partnership with an emerging church in only a months time. Most exciting is to see the impossible made possible by the grace of God in our lives. From our last days in San Francisco to our first days here in Hollywood, we have watched mountains moved in a clear and present way. And each mountain moved brought us to a place of praise and thanksgiving.
Our last week in San Francisco was a week of many emotions. Many good byes and tears were shed amongst friends and those with whom we journeyed in Christ.
The truck was packed and gone, the house locked up behind us. Only our car was left sitting in the drive way packed with the travel bags. Kellie, the kids and I breathed a sigh of relief, but also of sadness. Our hearts were well aware of what was to come. Door by door we traveled knocking and saying our goodbyes at each neighbor’s home. Three hours later we returned to our car having visited with over a dozen friends and neighbors. Just two years earlier we had arrived and opened our home around meals to connect with our neighbors and on our last night it was they who wished us well in the same fashion, by opening their home and sharing their table with our family.
As I stood on the street a rush of emotions came upon me, a sense of sadness. I knew then that I would miss the houses stacked side by side on the rolling hills of San Francisco, the cars bumper to bumper and the many different sounds and smells that are unique to this city we had come to call home. Most of all, I realized just how much I would miss the people of San Francisco.
As I sat in the car with my family and turned the key to the engine we all began to sense a great rush of expectancy – expectancy rooted in what was to come. Just days later we arrived in South Florida and were greeted by many that we know and love.
Within a day we signed a lease for an apartment just a few blocks from the center of town. The apartment is a unique community experiment that is emerging in South Florida in the downtown area – a blend of smart growth and new urbanism. We are excited to live in a place that provides such valid research on an emerging trend.
After arriving, Kel and I immediately began engaging the city through prayer, seed planting and organization as we joined hands with the Church of Pembroke Pines in the start of the Church of Hollywood Downtown. On April 20th, 2003 we will launch our first service. There are many more details to come, but we ask that you pray that God will bring the right people together to be a church in Hollywood committed to seeking the well being of Hollywood.
Our family is adjusting. Kayla is enrolled at Hollywood Central Elementary, an overcrowded school of 1,200 kids, yet a public school with great academic records. The first weeks were difficult for her as she reflected on the many differences between her old and new school. Little by little she is adjusting, building friendships and making new memories. Kellie and I are pleased with the school. Within less than a month, Kellie has found herself walking a handful of children from our complex to school and back each day.
Chase is doing well. This summer we will start him in a local pre-school that is within walking distance. We can’t wait for that start date, as Chase is so full of energy and needing a place to release it! He is an adventurer and a lover. Kel and I are so proud of him.
Hannah is also doing well. She is now 8 months old and crawling everywhere. We know that our greatest ministry is to our kids and we believe that the city is a wonderful place to raise them in the ways of the Lord.
One of the greatest challenges of coming back to a familiar place has been to keep a renewed focus on our calling to South Florida cities. Our churches, family and friends have been very gracious in understanding that we are planting ourselves in an area that is foreign to our past.
I am spending much of my time networking with our base of churches and contacts here in the South Florida area, planting seeds for future mobilization. Many doors and contacts have been opened and established in amazing ways. Pray that God will grant wisdom and grace in this area.
Another area of prayer is our finances. As a ministry of mobilization and resourcing we are praying that God will give us direction for the long-term sustainability of our finances. For now we are simply praying for direction and wisdom. As many of you end your three-year commitment at the end of 2003, we thank you again for praying and being so generous. Our work is made possible through your generous love offerings. As we make plans for our future ministry, please continue to make all donations to First Baptist of West Hollywood/Heart of City Ministries. Our home church continues to graciously act as our clearing house and board of accountability.
As you pray for us, if God gives you an idea, a question or a thought, please e-mail us or call us. Our new address and information is:
1900 Van Buren Street
Apartment 118
Hollywood, FL 33020
Home (954) 926 7430
Cell (954) 600 6230
www.mccordonline.org
heartofcity@aol.com
Many Blessings,
Ken McCord
posted by Ken McCord @ 6:00 PM
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