Dearest Friends and Prayerful Partners,

It is with great joy that we great you, trying with words to describe the weekend of events surrounding the day for which we have been asking prayer. The Lord met us.

God Bless you for praying.

THE DAY - APRIL 29

The Lord of the weather gave us perfect temperatures, during a week that had been above normal, already in the 100's. It was 87 degrees with a slight breeze. That is so important, because we were asking people to travel acres of barren property with old warehouses filled with activities and events. Food booths (home-cooked Mexican food and Indian fry bread, plus great cookies from a gourmet bakery, kettlecorn to die for, and the best BBQ in town) offered treats to all visitors. And ministry booths (food and clothing bank, Kids Life, Kids Club, Mentor Moms, Barrio Bikes, Iglesia Nueva Esperanza and teen ministries) spread literature and showed off pictures of the weekly and seasonal ministries of Neighborhood Ministries. The health clinic set up a comfortable tent where their new building will be, and did some minor health screening.

THE PROGRAM

From the stage inside the large brick warehouse, local urban pastors came each hour to offer dedication prayers for this gift of a future home and ministry center. Tim Hattrick of KNIX, a well-known local DJ Mc'd the day with laughter and warmth. He welcomed local musicians who arrived hourly, gracing us with music of every kind. He also made the hourly raffles happen. There were great gifts!

THE CHILDREN

The children of Neighborhood Ministries arrived early to have half the day organized around them. The 6,000 sq ft. steel girder warehouse was converted into carnival games, some newly made for this day. There was fun, food and first time discovery of the bike shop on the property. Bikes with children flagged the walking tour, as neighborhood kids explored their new home. Noontime culminated their time with a groundbreaking ceremony just for them. Together we remembered the days when our homelessness seemed to be just a faith challenge, believing the Lord that He would provide a way where there was no human way. We celebrated God's goodness to us. It was precious to hear their shouts when Isaiah Oaks, a veteran urban leader, dug a shovel of dirt under.

THE GIFTS

A new Neighborhood Ministries video was produced just before the event, it was shown at least every hour. This visual aid tells the story of N.M., but also the property. There are incredible endorsements and interviews with many associated with the work. One of our funders made this possible, and actually used it at their wonderful banquet just the week before. Another friend of the ministry produced a fully developed prospectus which tells the story of the development of this property. It is a masterful tool describing the project for future investors. Both these gifts were available for the first time this day.

THE VISITORS

There were visitors all day long, hundreds coming and going: Neighborhood Ministries family, volunteers, staff, workers, board members, N.M. kids and their families, supporters, donors, prayer partners, church partners, local pastors, some dignitaries, neighbors, most of whom are Spanish speaking. Lots of people came from the churches most closely associated with us, Nueva Esperanza and Open Door Fellowship. Two brothers came from the Chicago area to investigate the ministry, another traveled from Colo. Springs, a brother from Guatemala came to visit the leaders of Nueva Esperanza, and two friends came from Texas. Thanks to all of you who chose to visit us this day. We celebrate your love and investment.

THE CELEBRATION

The ground-breaking ceremony was powerful. We closed with special comments, music, prayers of dedication and then twenty shovels, each representing partnerships, ministries, kids and families, schools and government, commitments and the future. The media joined us for this part, replaying the panning of the crowd, shouts of joy, the digging and statements of vision on the evening's news.

THE MIRACLES

The miracles surrounding this property, it's future and the development weren't lost on anyone i talked to. Most, finally, saw what it will look like one day. With all the debris gone, pictures from the architects positioned in strategic places, signs posted at each place where new buildings will be , ball fields, playground, worship center, food bank ... all helped people believe that this old feed and seed mill will one day become a community center. You can imagine what it felt like to hear, "I can sense the presence of the Lord in this place", or "this property has a peace about it, so inconsistent with the violence just outside it's gate".

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SUNDAY @ OPEN DOOR FELLOWSHIP

The following Sunday was probably the most intense but thorough follow-up of the celebration day before. The message was loud and clear, that this ministry is about precious lives and their future. The auditorium was filled with the emotions of thanksgiving for the wonder work of God in rescuing and reaching those so lost to our culture. For there were stories and testimonies which picture the lives embedded in the ministry. The property vision is not about buildings, it is about real lives, in real neighborhoods, who have met Christ, and been highly invested in. Three young people who have grown up in the ministry were the presenters, along with myself and the video.

Nadine Navarro is a 14 year old poet. She tells the story of growing up in the ghetto her way.

Carlos Palomo is another kid who has grown up in our ministry. He is a twenty year old Rap performer in town, he and his crew wrote a rap for the event, performing it also that morning. His is also an insight into the barrio:

Victor Lopez brought hundreds in both services to tears reading his testimony for the first time. The desire of his heart has been to share his story for some time now. It is a powerful reminder of God's redemption work among the "least of these". It begins:

Thanks for taking time to rejoice in an incredible weekend of faith, victory and dedication. We rested and received God's provision with thanksgiving.

Summer is coming. I will keep you posted on ministry and property developments. God Bless you richly.