September Update

Dear Family and Friends,

One thing I love about World Impact is that it is an incarnational ministry. This simply means that the staff live in the community where we minister. We like to say that ministry doesn’t just happen between the hours of nine and five. Being here all the time allows us to be involved in the lives of our neighbors in ways we never could be otherwise.

You may have heard something about our recent state of emergency in St. Louis. In late July we had a powerful storm come through which did severe damage to the area. The storm knocked many trees into power lines and caused lengthy blackouts around the city. The block I live on lost power on a Wednesday evening and did not get it back until Saturday evening. In addition to being dark, it was hot. The hottest week of the summer, in fact. And we were uncomfortable, but we tried our hardest to make the best of things.

For example, when all the food in Jason and Nancy Phelps’ freezer began to thaw out, instead of tossing it, we had a grilling party. There was enough food to share with the neighbors so Nancy and I began walking plates of burgers and pork chops across the street. We already knew many of the people we shared with, but we also met a few new faces that night. As we explained what we were doing we chatted for a few minutes about our circumstances. Since we were all going through the blackout together we could empathize with each other about sweating through the night and losing all of our refrigerated items. Our new friends saw that we are just like them in terms of our physical needs.

My hope, though, is that they also see something different in us. I hope they are surprised by our reactions to our circumstances when things like blackouts happen, or when our cars are broken into, or when people steal from us.

I hope they see Jesus in me as I live my daily life here. I want my life to be a witness to the God I know. I want them to question and wonder and one day ask me about Him and how they can know Him too.

People tend to ask me quite often why I choose to live in the inner city. They wonder about my peace of mind and if I feel safe or not. I usually respond by sharing that I know I am exactly where God wants me to be right now. I trust Him to take care of me and watch over me. I know this is where He wants to use me and I pray that as He does my life will only glorify Him more, whether the lights are on or not.

For His Glory,

Beth