Earlier this week, we were invited to have dinner at the home of a couple who is planting a church in our area, specifically within our downtown culture. They actually went to the same university that we did, but our paths rarely crossed. With tons of mutual friends, I found myself wishing I had had the opportunity to get to know them back then. But what is awesome is that the time we have now is a glorious time to minister together.

Their church is really new, just in the beginning stages, only 4 or 5 weeks in the making. And there is such a tender, humble spirit birthing their endeavor. I am impressed with their efforts so far and feel very strongly that they are setting themselves up for success, which has proven to be a difficult feat for all but one or maybe two of the churches downtown. Our downtown is unique. We’re in the South East of the United States, but our city, especially downtown is so eclectic, it’s almost hard to discover what the target demographic actually is. It’s the hippies, the new-agers, the green-conscious, the traditional, the artsy, the professionals. There is so much diversity, which is certainly beautiful, but it has brought a dark cloud of messy spirituality that hovers overhead. This oppression will break though! Because of kind and good people like the couple we met with, we will be able to penetrate the city with a Light so bright and overcoming. It is an exciting time, indeed.

During our time with this couple, I also got to talk with the wife about my heart for youth girls ministry. I’ve written about this before - talking with another minister about my ideas. But I’ve realized, though, that it’s time for me to stop talking about it and actually pursue my goals in this area. The idea about Theophilus, the shop uptown, is still in the works. It’s only been slow-going because I lost the owner’s email address. But even though I may not be the best and organizing and pulling off events, it’s marvelous how God’s grace has helped me in keeping relationship with several of my girls from our former church. I love them so much. They are remarkable young ladies who inspire me. I hope I inspire them. That is true Nurture.