Faith Like a Child
As is her custom, she showed up early to church looking for coffee and donuts. This particular lady struggles with alcohol abuse and lives in shelters. Upon greeting her, we realized that she was wounded. She had been violently mugged. While having little to steal, thieves took one of her few earthly possessions, her purse.
This is an example of a complex reality that offers no simple solutions. So much of her pain has been self-inflicted, yet she had suffered an injustice. I think we all responded with the reservation that is rooted in the complex, offering only comfort, encouragement, prayer and a warm drink. But the story changed quickly with my little Chase’s beautiful response to her need. As a little 4 year-old he knows the value of loss. His solution was simple. “Mom,” he said, “You have an extra purse don’t you? Why don’t we give her a new purse?”
Chase and Kellie walked back to our house and brought back a purse. The woman’s face lit up! Her smile was radiant. Chase understood one of the most basic principles of obedience to Jesus – Love in action. It was much like the story of the Good Samaritan, a story Jesus told when describing the kind of Love that brings us near to the Kingdom.
All around us we see the obvious – people self-destructing. Yet if we look a bit closer, we discover the injustices and pain that are at the root of the self-destruction. With our eyes we discover an open door for God’s grace and mercy to be proclaimed. I believe that this is why Jesus loved without demanding repentance, and yet from His love repentance flowed.
It has been over a month now since this happened and we have seen the greatest amount of transformation in this woman’s life since we have known her. As I observe her on Sundays, she seems to be sober. However, I noticed an even greater change after the purse incident. For two weeks in a row, when the offering was collected, she plunged forward to make a contribution. Do you ever wonder what happened to the man who was cared for by the Samaritan? I do. I can only imagine how his perspective on life must have changed. I am not sure that this woman has repented and believed in the good news yet, but this I know, she has tasted the goodness of God’s love. The Kingdom is near.
Recently I walked through a brand new development in the city of Orlando, an amazing place. Everything was new and everyone was boasting of the “perfect reality” being developed. Yet as I walked in the restroom I noticed that someone had already tagged the wall. This reminded me that we can run but we can’t hide. For our family, the city is a backdrop that offers no illusion of long term hope emerging from the minds of this world. We in America have the best technology and science any human has experienced, yet all around the world the poor are poorer than ever. Mankind’s good ideas are noble, but do not guarantee a better future. On the other hand, as followers of Jesus, we see glimpses of God’s plan for a better future through a new hope birthed in Jesus’ invitation to receive abundant life and the opportunity to become a citizen in the real realm of God.
The city is a place of great pain, yet great hope. In the city, we see glimpses of what we hope for when we receive Jesus and long for His Kingdom to come. The city is no utopian escape from the reality of this world. Because of this, we are driven to better understand the power of Jesus’ words giving us hope for that which he promised. These are not a new set of beliefs. When the church realizes it’s purpose in this world it runs to the hardest places because it knows that while we are in this world, we are not of it. When the church runs from the fire, it finds itself losing its identity and quickly realizing that it has surrendered its citizenship to this world.
Our passion and vision for the city continues to be the heart beat of our tired souls. Here we stand, refusing to retreat on this battlefield, believing that God is our great leader and will not forsake the work of His servants here. We are learning to be better followers of Jesus by living in this place, being equipped for the ministry as we ourselves equip others.
Often I am asked why I write to you in story form. For many reasons, I suppose. However, the most important reason is that I desire that you realize the same adventure in your own life and city. All around you, the opportunities exist. Our world of missionaries often calls you to be supporters of the action that is distant, but we believe otherwise. You are called to the action, not just to the support. One family will never change a city, but that is why Jesus invites ALL of His people to walk in His way and to experience the real realm of God that is often unseen to the normal eye. For us, it all began when we surrendered to the simple call of Loving God and Loving our Neighbor – not as missionaries, but as followers of Jesus. No matter where we live, this is the great command.
Thank you for your continued support. We are carried forward by God’s grace through you. My trip to Brasil was a success. It was a privilege to see God’s movement amongst His people in a country that I love. We hosted several visitors this month including Pastor Russell and Bev Johnson, from one of our sending churches. I am offering some consulting time and resources to a church start in Millbrae, the Peninsula Church (third generation Latino), and also to another start in Orlando. We are continuing to discuss our future opportunities here in San Francisco with our partners, including the establishment of a new church. I love how God’s army is a mosaic of people, visions, locations and perspectives. What a God of love to include us!
We have posted some new pictures on the web at www.mccordonline.org. Like so many missionaries who’s first order of business is to arrive, settle, learn the language and customs of the their field we have done so also. We are excited to cast a vision for our future from this perspective of greater understanding and awareness of this soil we have been called to. Our works continue to yield fruit and our partnerships to deepen by God’s grace and leading.
We would love to hear from you also! Let us know how you are doing. We love to stay connected by email.
Back Home
Heartofcity@aol.com
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
A season of Completion
Dear Heart of City Friend, June 15, 2004
The day was sunny and bright. It was the second day of summer for the kids and the mood in our car was high! After cleaning the church for Sunday, (a trademark of the Missionary Kids life), we shared a meal on the Mission, the street on which the church is located, then continued on to Kayla’s school to pick up a tray left from an end of the year party.
Leaving the school, we rounded the corner ready to begin celebrating the summer evening. Suddenly, Kellie hollered, “Stop, that’s Mr. Evers! I slammed on the brakes, fearful for my life, not knowing I was about to encounter a gift from God. For weeks Kellie had been telling me of Mr. and Mrs. Evers, a Christian couple in their mid 70’s of great reputation at Miraloma Elementary.
If you have been tracking our work in San Francisco, you are familiar with the complexities of being a Christian in this town. Not only are we a group that is almost extinct in church form, we’re often avoided when it comes to our beliefs and branded by the voices of a few Christians who have yet to realize that the America of the 50’s is yesterday’s news.
However, the Evers give us hope! While I only spoke to Mr. Evers for three minutes, the fruit of his life overwhelmed me with hope. You see, he has been a pastor in the Bay area since 1961. During that time he served in several different church situations while also raising a family. Yet, it is his reputation at Miraloma Elementary School, an urban public elementary school, as a husband who volunteers in the classroom three times a week that has touched our lives. Mrs. Evers, who is retiring after 40 years of teaching, has the reputation as the best Kindergarten teacher the school has ever known. Recently, one of Kayla’s schoolmate parents described her as, “A bit religious, you know, and her husband is a pastor, BUT she is wonderful with the kids!”
You see, the Evers are people of peace; people who understand the power of presence and how significant it is in the realm of eternity for those living in a post Christian and postmodern world. As we spoke to Pastor Evers he said these simple words, “Hold out your Light! Just hold it out and GOD will do the rest!” We live in a society of quotes, opinions and ideas, but those words have power. Therefore, we can say, “Yes, Mr. Evers, we will continue to hold out our light, and trust that God will do the rest!”
“What are God-worshipers like? Arrows aimed at God’s bull’s-eye….” Psalm 25:12 (Message Translation)
Attached we have listed some updates on our work, our family, and our direction. Would you continue to pray for us? We are praying for a harvest! So many seeds have been sown and watered. We are praying for a house we can call our own with a garden we can plant as we seek the peace of the city. We are praying for others, who like the Evers, will consider planting their lives with the same excellence and purpose in the spiritual deserts of our land – especially San Francisco.
Many of you were moved by God to continue your financial support for our work. Thank you. While one of my longer-term dreams is to discover ways of financial sustainability from within the city as a missionary, God continues to reveal that this will come in time but the time has not yet come. For our family to remain in San Francisco, we will continue to trust God to provide through the faithfulness of those who believe that we should hold out our light as missionaries here. As you read the accounts below know that this is the fruit of your holding out your light with us through prayer and support!
On May 23rd a second service was birthed to accommodate our growth in two languages. Casa de Barro is the re launch of the historic Free Methodist Church we have been working with for 3 years now. While we have enjoyed bilingual services for the past five months, we have begun to sense the need to establish clarity in our communication while also celebrating the growth that God has given us as a birthing church.
We also have been completing the renovation of the building. Most recently the bathrooms have been expanded significantly to accommodate the current reality. This was an intense project led by Pastor Edward.
We continue to establish the culture and the leadership of the congregation for the public launch in September. Kellie and I continue to celebrate the integration of our ministry friends and partners, David and Marcia Lantow. By the grace of God they assumed the pastoral and teaching roles of the English congregation. David is not only called out to this role but is also extremely gifted with the urban realities. Marcia is transitioning into the worship lead role and is breaking ground with our children’s ministry.
The Peninsula Church (Church-Plant)
I have also had the privilege of contributing, as a friend and consultant to another church start slated for September. It is exciting to participate in the beginning stages of a wonderful vision led by Pastor Marco Manriquez. With his eyes set on the Bay Area, God has placed a vision within him for a church planting movement geared towards the second and third generation Latinos. Also in the works is a ministry that will seek to inspire, train and release others for the cause of church planting throughout the Bay Area.
It seems as if God continues to reveal to us that our city is a place for learning and exposure. Over the past six weeks we have hosted over five different groups of people, exposing them to our city, our work and all that we continue to learn about reaching the postmodern urban reality. What a privilege to be in a place that is a laboratory for the way we interact with our culture and the emerging trends that shape our world views. It was a special privilege to host Pastor Carlito and Leila, who pastor one of Brazil’s fastest growing churches and then a small group from the Book of Hope who were visiting after a week of ministry throughout the Bay.
The end of an era! An amazing run with a group of young men started when we first arrived here in the city. I joined a friend and fellow pastor, Dieter Zander, as a coach to the Mustangs. The boys are four years older and have not only learned the game but also won several championships! On June 6th we played our last game and won the PAL championship! This picture is of the players and their families. The boys will have a profound impact on their world! What a privilege to play a small part in their formation.
Recently I ran my first foot race. Another “never” that I have realized! The race was 7.5 miles and an amazing experience to run with over 70,000 people (runners and walkers). The challenge of getting fit for this race has been a profound experience and a reminder that life is truly about the training. In the training we recognize our need for God as the Trainer.
It is hard to believe that we have arrived at the end of another school year. Kayla and Chase are excited about the time off. While we are planning a short vacation around my sister Rebekah’s wedding and the ordination of a group of special friends, our summer schedule will be busy preparing for the official launch of the Casa de Barro/Clayhouse in September.
As a family we are excited to be celebrating another year in San Francisco. By God’s grace we continue to be a part of His activity here in the city as missionaries representing Him, His love and His Kingdom. We would love to hear from you. Feel free to email us at Heartofcity@aol.com or phone us at 415- 425-0964.
Blessings,
Ken, Kellie, Kayla, Chase, Hannah
Dirty Hands
April 26, 2004
Dear Heart of City Friends,
Are your hands dirty? Probably not if you are reading this letter. Do you remember the last time your hands were REALLY dirty? Were you building, planting or fixing something? Behind every dirty hand is a story of someone who invested time laboring on something (hopefully something worth while J).
When we think of church, we don’t think of dirt, do we? We think of clean. In fact in my experience when one is not clean, the church becomes alarmed and uncomfortable. Yet it is the dirty hands of ministry that create the environment for the gospel and inspire its understanding and practice. By dirty hands in ministry I mean “surrendered to the mess of life”.
There are two truths that stand out about my life. First, that my destiny has been redeemed by the gospel, a gift delivered by the hands of those who sacrificed for me. As a result I am now a child of God, living in His realm with an eternal hope. A second truth is that my growth in the realm of Jesus has always required dirty hands!
If these things are true for me and for you, why then do we so often hide from the dirt and fight to keep our hands clean? I won’t try to answer such a profound question, as I am seeking to understand that about myself. But I have learned, as a follower of Jesus, that life comes from surrender and abandonment to His authority in this world. You and I are the hands and feet that reveal and deliver the love blow into the soil of this world. It is our love that invades that soil.
As we continue our fourth year in the Heart of the City, we can now better understand the phenomenon of loving a world that we are no longer a part of. By living, learning, and loving, we continue to see God’s work revealed. Is there a blueprint? Ha! I wish. No room for the pragmatic personalities. But one step at a time God continues to reveal Himself.
While we have not officially launched the Casa de Barro church publicly, we rejoice over the report from Easter Sunday. We had over 80 adults and kids! Can you believe it? Truly the work of God. Each and every week the life transformation is evident in the lives of those who are encountering Christ. Many are seeking, others rediscovering their faith, and some have professed Jesus. As we evaluate and assess our reality, we continue to hone in on what kind of church Casa de Barro will become. Please pray for wisdom as we consult with Edward and our Free Methodist brothers in this process of deciding. Our commitment has extended through the summer of this year. From there we will continue to discern God’s leading.
Heart of the City continues to form as the work in Hollywood and San Francisco evolves. Partnerships with Guy Melton, Jeremy Cox and those who lead on in Hollywood provide a tremendous platform for learning and networking. David and Marcia Lantow have joined in as we partner in the Casa de Barro church start with Edward Paulino and the Free Methodist. While the dream of Heart of the City continues to form, and the horizon could be our lifetime, it is a joy to see the beginning pieces to the puzzle take form.
God continues to water our burden and call for cities with a renewed vision. We look forward to sharing more as it forms later this year. This we know, our cities will require the helping hands of those who live on the outskirts. While not all of us can live in the complex urban reality, we need prayer and resources invested with a long-term perspective.
I continue to make many plans, yet it is God who truly directs my steps. No business has been started, no new support raised, yet so many of our churches and friends have felt led to continue to support our family and work. For that we thank you. According to my calculations, our funds should have dried up, but God through many of you has revealed that He has, and will continue to provide. Praise the Lord! As we continue to transition and work with the church, at least through the summer, we will trust God to provide monthly. For those who are able to continue support and participate during this season of transition, First Baptist of West Hollywood continues to oversee our work and ministry. Checks can be made payable to FBC of West Hollywood to the attention of Heartofcity, 1708 N 60th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33021
Our family is growing and prospering. For those of you who have raised kids, you know the speed at which time moves. Kayla is finishing the first grade and is excelling in school. Reading has been her great achievement this year. She loves to read. What a blessing! She is such a witness to those she lives amongst, and her little tribe of friends experiences the love of Christ through her presence. Oh yes, she is also playing soccer and loving every minute of it. One of the great treats of living here is the beautiful scenery. Can you picture her playing on the Marina green with the Golden Gate Bridge on the horizon? God is good. Amongst the many challenges of urban living, He graces us with the beauty of the water, mountains, and the magnificent sunset shinning over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Chase is completing his first year at Glendridge, and is approaching his 4th birthday. It is amazing to see his growth, energy and spirit. He, like Kayla, is also quite the athlete and just recently discovered the joy of a bicycle.
Hannah is our little roadrunner…full steam ahead! She is full of energy and charisma. Her intensity excites and challenges us all.
Kellie, well what can I say? Mom, wife and friend. She is truly a life entrepreneur. She seizes every moment of the day to enhance the life of our children, a friend or a neighbor. She diligently serves the women of the church, carrying the burden of being alone during this season of start-ups, believing that her faithfulness will inspire those she influences to live a new kind of life.
Me? Well, I am humbled by the complexity of life, ministry and the city. This combination is as challenging as any I have ever lived. However, I am reminded that at the end of the day, dirty hands share a story, one of a family hard at work in the Heart of the City. Do I always like to have hands in the dirt? Not really. But at the end of the day I am certain that I was made for this, and that this is exactly what Jesus meant when he said, “Follow me.”
A fellow follower of Jesus,
Kenny
Can you pass me that Bible?
February 4, 2004
Dear Heart of City friends!
The rain was falling and the wind blowing as churchgoers arrived for the service. The day was cold, but the building was warm and filled with energy. Children were playing and friends greeted one another. As the service started I realized one of the most beautiful aspects of a new church - the discovery of the Bible. As Nelson asked everyone to turn to John 15 in Spanish, and Edward translated into English, the crowd erupted into conversation and the turning of pages:
“Can you pass me that Bible?”
“Is John in the front or back of the book?”
“John is the book of the Bible after Luke.”
“It’s on page…”
As I looked over the audience, I was overwhelmed with joy to see 30 to 40 adults and children all discovering this book we call “The Bible.” During our time together, heads nodded, laughter erupted, and tears flowed. Our congregation was discovering the hope found in the pages of the Bible. They were discovering a God who cares enough to have made provision for them and acceptance into His Kingdom by way of His son Jesus.
Kellie, the kids and I are overwhelmed with joy to see the activity of God at work in the start of a new ministry called, “Proyecto Mi Familia,” and the restart of this historic church. In partnership with Edward Paulino, we continue to establish this work by the grace of God. In conjunction with the recently started radio ministry, five people made professions of faith over the course of a week! And there were several others the following week. It’s been fun to see the bilingual culture forming as people that speak Spanish or English learn to be the church together.
Recently, roof work has been started and the entire building re-carpeted. The restoration of this building has been a 3-year project of love, sweat and tears. God has provided, and thousands of volunteer hours have been given. As we look to the future, there are many challenges ahead, but we know that the fruit of the present is God’s way of preparing us for the future.
While April has been set as the official launch of the church, we have already seen tremendous growth from just a handful of people to over forty faithful who attend. Half of them live within walking distance of the church.
The McCord family is able to contribute through the generosity of folks like you and churches like yours. As we update you with this letter, our desire to establish the Heart of City Ministries as a ministry committed to the start and restart of urban ministries grows stronger. As we embark on our fourth year of ministry, we can see that much fruit has been produced, and now we see new fruit developing. However, we are still unclear as to the funding of the ministry. While we have scenarios and know that new strategies are needed, we are simply unsure.
We want to thank you for praying with us, and to thank those who have contributed financially beyond your initial commitment of three years. As God leads you to give, First Baptist of West Hollywood is still receiving contributions. We remain under the church’s supervision until the plan for our next phase is established. What we are clear about is this: God has given us the same house and the same neighborhood for a reason. We believe that only God could have arranged this and that He is at work in the heart of this neighborhood. While we desire to participate in church starts in other cities, we sense that our long-term place is here.
Just this past week we discovered that the median home price in San Francisco requires twice our income, and that the city continues to resist organized church. But we know that the power of God’s love is greater than these obstacles, so we remain in Him believing that He has something special for our lives and our neighbors’ lives. Would you pray that God would not only provide the resources, but also that others would join us? We need followers of Jesus who are mature in Him and would chose to travel the harder route for the sake of the Kingdom.
Thank you for believing in us and with us! Together we are experiencing the opportunities for mission work in our own cities!
Kel and the kids are doing well. Hannah is beginning to verbalize her perspective on life. Chase loves life and all the more when he can climb and throw a ball. Kayla is learning to read, write and bead. Kellie is running the house, the children’s ministry and shepherding the emerging group of women at the church. Our family is healthy and glad to serve together.
We always enjoy receiving updates from you. Our hope is that 2004 has begun as a year of great possibilities and opportunities in your life.
With love in Christ,
The McCords
Can you pass me that Bible?
February 4, 2004
Dear Heart of City friends!
The rain was falling and the wind blowing as churchgoers arrived for the service. The day was cold, but the building was warm and filled with energy. Children were playing and friends greeted one another. As the service started I realized one of the most beautiful aspects of a new church - the discovery of the Bible. As Nelson asked everyone to turn to John 15 in Spanish, and Edward translated into English, the crowd erupted into conversation and the turning of pages:
“Can you pass me that Bible?”
“Is John in the front or back of the book?”
“John is the book of the Bible after Luke.”
“It’s on page…”
As I looked over the audience, I was overwhelmed with joy to see 30 to 40 adults and children all discovering this book we call “The Bible.” During our time together, heads nodded, laughter erupted, and tears flowed. Our congregation was discovering the hope found in the pages of the Bible. They were discovering a God who cares enough to have made provision for them and acceptance into His Kingdom by way of His son Jesus.
Kellie, the kids and I are overwhelmed with joy to see the activity of God at work in the start of a new ministry called, “Proyecto Mi Familia,” and the restart of this historic church. In partnership with Edward Paulino, we continue to establish this work by the grace of God. In conjunction with the recently started radio ministry, five people made professions of faith over the course of a week! And there were several others the following week. It’s been fun to see the bilingual culture forming as people that speak Spanish or English learn to be the church together.
Recently, roof work has been started and the entire building re-carpeted. The restoration of this building has been a 3-year project of love, sweat and tears. God has provided, and thousands of volunteer hours have been given. As we look to the future, there are many challenges ahead, but we know that the fruit of the present is God’s way of preparing us for the future.
While April has been set as the official launch of the church, we have already seen tremendous growth from just a handful of people to over forty faithful who attend. Half of them live within walking distance of the church.
The McCord family is able to contribute through the generosity of folks like you and churches like yours. As we update you with this letter, our desire to establish the Heart of City Ministries as a ministry committed to the start and restart of urban ministries grows stronger. As we embark on our fourth year of ministry, we can see that much fruit has been produced, and now we see new fruit developing. However, we are still unclear as to the funding of the ministry. While we have scenarios and know that new strategies are needed, we are simply unsure.
We want to thank you for praying with us, and to thank those who have contributed financially beyond your initial commitment of three years. As God leads you to give, First Baptist of West Hollywood is still receiving contributions. We remain under the church’s supervision until the plan for our next phase is established. What we are clear about is this: God has given us the same house and the same neighborhood for a reason. We believe that only God could have arranged this and that He is at work in the heart of this neighborhood. While we desire to participate in church starts in other cities, we sense that our long-term place is here.
Just this past week we discovered that the median home price in San Francisco requires twice our income, and that the city continues to resist organized church. But we know that the power of God’s love is greater than these obstacles, so we remain in Him believing that He has something special for our lives and our neighbors’ lives. Would you pray that God would not only provide the resources, but also that others would join us? We need followers of Jesus who are mature in Him and would chose to travel the harder route for the sake of the Kingdom.
Thank you for believing in us and with us! Together we are experiencing the opportunities for mission work in our own cities!
Kel and the kids are doing well. Hannah is beginning to verbalize her perspective on life. Chase loves life and all the more when he can climb and throw a ball. Kayla is learning to read, write and bead. Kellie is running the house, the children’s ministry and shepherding the emerging group of women at the church. Our family is healthy and glad to serve together.
We always enjoy receiving updates from you. Our hope is that 2004 has begun as a year of great possibilities and opportunities in your life.
With love in Christ,
The McCords
FBC Update/Thank you
Dear FBC partners in Ministry,
As the 2003 comes to a close we wanted to send you our love and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
In 2003 God allowed us to experience so much of Him in the start of the Church of Hollywood and our return back to San Francisco. Our ministry was made possible thanks to your faithfulness as friends through prayer and financial support. Thank you!
We rejoice in the news of God’s continued activity in the life of the church and are thankful to be a small part of you in San Francisco.
As we look to 2004 we see new opportunities and challenges for ministry. We are seeking God’s guidance and provision. Please pray for us and we’ll continue to pray for you.
May God bless you during this Holiday Season!
With Love,
The McCord’s
September 03
September 24, 2003
Our food has just arrived to the table as we celebrate the Florida Fall at a local restaurant on the Boulevard. The day is beautiful and the celebration of reunion is special. My phone rings once and then a second time. I don’t recognize the number so I pass the call to voice mail. Now with the third ring I realize that someone is serious about getting a hold of me. It’s Kellie. She asks if I could hear her. Her voice was crackling with emotion. Ken she said, I am at Chase’s school and we have been robbed. The food, the company and the beauty of my setting shrunk into a narrow panic. I am 3000 miles away, why now God? I quickly ran down the details and confirmed that she and Chase were ok. The broken window and the stolen purse were the extent of the damage.
This happens each and every day all across the world and yet until it happens to us, we are truly unaware how hard hit our emotions are when another violates our lives. We live in a broken world. No matter how hard we might try to soften this reality it is a reality that looms and one that will continue to exist until God fully in Jesus Christ restores order. Understanding our world to be this way, the question we ask is how then should we live?
As Christ followers we are learning what it means to turn around and walk in a new direction. To place our hope in a new way and a new authority, one that is not run on the currency of this world but a currency that cannot be harmed or taken. Seasons such as this bring perspective to our faith. Funny enough, amongst all the call made to creditors, banks, phone companies and the rest we made no call to God. He knows, He promises to take care of it, vindicate, protect and provide. It is in bearing this cross that often we proclaim our allegiance to the way. Is this God’s way of teaching us and proclaiming Good News to the world? Through times like these I seem to grow most and yet these times seem to profess to others our relationship to the Creator. By the end of the day in complete exhaustion we thanked God for the trial and the lessons learned through it.
Aside from this incident, our return to San Francisco has been another testament to God’s goodness as we live under His rule and reign. Here are some points of celebration…
Housing -- as we arrived in the city a friend phoned us and offered temporary housing at reduced rate. Within the month we received a second phone call from our previous home in San Francisco. The owners who are also our friends wanted to let us know that the house was available again! What a miracle to think that we could live in the home and on the street that has become so dear to us! The timing and circumstance are truly of the Lord.
Schooling -- while Kayla was not able to re enter the Spanish immersion program, she was accepted in our first choice of an English school. We love the school and have found it to be a great San Francisco community to be a part of as we seek to be light in our city.
Chase also was accepted to Glendridge. What a privilege to continue to nurture a relationship in this community of over 50 families. With Hannah coming up behind Chase we have a five-year outlook with Glenridge.
Kellie is happy to be home. While our season in South Florida was a tremendous blessing and one of clarity, Kellie truly left her heart in San Francisco. Together we have been visiting with our ministry network and also our friends from the Bernal Neighborhood. Reconnecting and experiencing the fruit of God’s movement in the city harvested in our absence is amazing.
As we look to the future we see seasons. We believe that God will move us through many different seasons right here in San Francisco. For this season, we see ourselves learning to live strategically and sustain ably from the soil. Several existing churches have asked us to pray about possibly helping them restart or start as churches. We are excited to serve God’s people this way as church planters. We also have been praying about the transition from full time ministry support to developing business that might be strategic to evangelism, while also serving as a source of funds for ministry.
As a friend and a partner to our work here, you play a special part in this new season of ministry. Many of you have graciously continued your support and we thank you. This is a blessing to us. But most of all we would covet your prayers. In the New Testament there was a story of a child that the disciples could not heal. After Jesus healed the child the disciples asked why they couldn’t accomplish that task and Jesus said that this healing could only come through prayer and fasting. In many ways we see this as a similar reality for our city. A place that will require a life lived and poured out for God’s glory combined with our prayer and fasting. Only the power of God can break the hard soil and unlock the spiritual prison that so many live in.
Ephesians 4 has been a rich well of learning and inspiration for me over the past month. The words of Paul have haunted me with the reality that my role is truly to serve by preparing others for works of service, and that together in unity we pursue all things like Christ and grow to Maturity. Whether 20 or 1000 people we must grow mature together in order to fully experience and engage the work of God for where live.
It is a privilege to be your sent out ones to cities and San Francisco. We look forward to fully experiencing all that God has for us in our city. We also pray for you and deeply desire God’s best for you and your church. While distance often separates us, our faithfulness to our calling in Jesus brings future hope of celebrating together in His presence.
Many blessings,Kenny
Church of Hollywood Launch
With our transition back to South Florida we have had many questions. In our heart of hearts we knew that God was moving us for a new season of ministry and learning.
This Sunday, we received a glimpse of why we came back. Around 8AM we arrived with a team of people to begin setting up the performing arts center for our 10AM service. The day beautiful, our start team excited and all of the set up was complete without a hitch.
As we prayed for God’s blessing on the morning, we were prepared for whatever the “nets” of prayer and planning brought that morning. As we began to welcome people we realized that a sea of unknown faces began to pour into the building. A family with children, young people, old people, and most beautiful of all was the diversity of people social economically and culturally. They kept coming in! A good friend of mine told me “Ken you should have seen the picture outside, people were walking towards the performing arts center from every direction. Just as you dreamed.” You see the most beautiful piece to the puzzle for me was that the response was local.
My redeemer lives was our first song. As it ended, I was up to welcome the crowd. I jumped on stage and looked out at an auditorium full of people that I did not know. Filled with emotion I welcomed them. After a few words I went on to explain who we were and why we were here. I explained that amongst a group of some 25 start members that a bunch of us were “Hollywood Kids” who have felt a burden to return home and start a church. The crowd roared! We realized at that moment that God was giving us a glimpse of His moving and power. That day we worshiped, got to know each other and heard a message about the resurrection from Guy Melton. At the end of the day we gave thanks to God as over 350 people came and some 20 people filled out cards stating that they were ready to place their faith in Jesus.
Thank you for having a part in this! You as a friend, a prayer partner and a supporter have believed in the vision to return to cities. Our first stop in San Francisco confirmed our call and future, as we were able to learn about cities, while sowing seeds amongst our neighbors and friends in San Francisco. Returning to South Florida has proven to be a once in a life time event, as it is the ONLY place in America that Kellie and I together with a band of other Hollywood kids could return to a place called home.
Amazingly enough over the course of the past two months we discovered that being from the soil of Hollywood, natives, has played a vital part in our preparations, communication and the response to the start. The political and economic figures have all welcomed us with open arms as returning “Hollywood Kids”. This area has gone for decades without a glimpse of a new start.
Kel and my role with the church start is catalytic and strategic. The next year will be an exciting adventure as we watch God grow His church on the streets of Hollywood. The team truly desires that the Church of Hollywood would be local to Hollywood while releasing others to live, love and be the church amongst pockets of people all around South Florida.
For Kel and I our dream is two fold, to help others start churches up and down the coast from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami while also living in an urban neighborhood on mission with God as we have done in San Francisco. While living in Downtown Hollywood is essential to this season, we are praying for a pocket of people and a housing opportunity that would enable us to be a part of community development closer to Downtown Miami.
Thank you for praying! While we know that next week, God will begin to raise out of the crowd a nucleus that will emerge as the Church of Hollywood, we are so excited to have seen the favor towards God here. As we take the next steps we are praying that Faith Communities would emerge from the crowds, locally in homes and in the neighborhoods of Hollywood. For now we celebrate a journey begun!
Many blessings! More to come. Kenny
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
