the Journey

Mind-dump: November 8, 2009- on time, 2 weeks in a row : )

Really quick this week, as I'm trying to finish a presentation that I have to- scratch that- I get to- give in Kansas City this week. Seems like I've been putting that one off- and, in all likelihood, will be completing it as the airplane lands on the tarmac later this week...

* So, let me start right there. A few weeks ago I received an invite to "city transformational missions" roundtable discussion. Those are like conferences- but different. Better. Less people, more focus, more interaction... more practical take-aways. I was honored they asked me to attend (and that they offered to pay for it, too).

* This week I was at The Lego Store at The Galleria, waiting on the free monthly build that I take the kids to each first Tuesday... received an email right then and there, while we were all killing time on the iPhone. I had been invited to not only participate... but also to present. Doubly-honored. Will look forward to meeting with pastors and other thinkers and leaders this Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss what we can do to make our cities look more like the Kingdom of Heaven.

* I'll post my thoughts on the thing here... and, if I get the presentation canned before I get there, I'll post the slides on this site, as well.

* Enjoyed our worship service this morning at the warehouse. We need more chairs.

* More than that... I feel that people are "getting" what we are teaching... that the Gospel is going forth and intersecting people where they are, and that they are seeing the grace of God open up a whole new world to them. I love those moments.

* Be sure to come pray with us on Sundays at 10:00 am. That time is an incredible time of sharing- and it is growing. Each week, there are more of us there praying. We pray fast- and we pray strong. If you're wanting to learn more about prayer, this is a great on-ramp to participate.

* This week, Thursday, a few things happen... The first is the monthly planning luncheon for Prayer Force United. The last walk of the week takes place on November 21 in Norwood. Directions are on the PFU site. Be sure to attend. If you haven't experienced one of these yet, you need to. This will be the last opportunity for 2009- as there is no walk in December.

* Had an impromptu meeting this morning at Park Place about some future ministry there. I will write more about that in the next week or two. But, let me go ahead and toss out that we're working with a few people outside of our church who have been feeling God's call towards downtown for quite some time. We'll be meeting to pray, bi-weekly, at the Jenkins casa (my house) beginning the week before Thanksgiving. Time TBA. We'll post it here.

* Ohhh... back to Thursday. This week, Theo Soul, a new friend of mine, is coming to the warehouse as part of the men's Thursday study. I'm excited that we're going to be partnering together for long term ministry (as I mentioned above) and short-term ministry in the "now." He'll lead two songs each Thursday before the class that I've been teaching on grace. Then, after class, beginning in December, he'll open up a practice time for a choir and a band. Yes, you heard that. We're creating a band and a choir- open to the men that come to the study. In two weeks (i.e., beginning on Tuesday November 17th, the class will shift to Tuesdays... class will run from 7:00 until 8:15. Band/ choir will run from 8:30 until 10:00. If you're a man, you can make a night of it. 

* We have, as of now, about 60 men signed up for the class... I'm praying for 20 to stay for the choir / band "thing"  we will be doing. Those 20 (or more) will have a chance to lead in worship at various locations throughout the city beginning in 2010 (just a few months away, mind you), prayer walks, etc. And, they'll be cutting a CD about that same time.

* The Downtown Trading Company receives its final touches this week, as well. Once done, we will (finally) hang the sign, open for business... and make some good things happen on the north side of downtown, in that northwest quadrant of the city. There are so many gracious people already there- and I'm looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us. Make note, next year, that will host a thrift store, a church (yes- you read correctly), a computer lab, and more.

* Finally, Pastor Rodney and I had an excellent meeting with Pastor Tom Cannon (from Red Mountain Church) this week on-site at Southtown. We've been laboring up there; they've been laboring... We're going to pool together and create something incredible. Stay posted. It will raise the level of everything that's being done up there by resourcing together. FYI, we need him from our monthly lunch meetings that we host with the downtown pastors... it's amazing the incredible opportunities that present themselves when we simply all hang out, eat, and dream about what could happen.

Mind-dump: November 1, 2009- On time : )

Here it is- fresh, and on time.

* I missed the Talledega races this weekend. Was planning to go, for a hot-minute. We sent 28 of the Village guys to watch the last hour of the last two days of the race. They were treated to a seven-truck crash on Saturday- and more. The more includes a broken-down Turtle (again), riding back with twelve bags of crushed cans that "someone" had to keep to cash (making The Jesus Van smell like beer), and... well... more. In the end, glad I missed.

* Spent the afternoon (Sunday), instead, picking the kids up from my parents (who took them to the Fall Festival at my Dad's church last night). Then, went to attend a surprise birthday party for Eric Felty, one of the- scratch that- THE coordinator for Prayer Force United. You remove Eric, the machine falls apart. It was an honor to pray for him after celebrating his life. 

* I thought Eric was old, by the way. Then, tonight, someone asked him how "old" he just turned. "Thirty-six," he replied. Ouch. He's only a few months older than me. I must look as old as he does : )

* There is something that stirs in my Spirit when my wife and I pray with several like-minded people with whom the Lord has knit our hearts. God is doing something amazing in the Body of Christ... in Birmingham.. and my prayer is to be part of it- and to see it come to fruition. This is, overwhelmingly, one of the thoughts that kept coming to me tonight as I left the birthday party.

* Eric is a prophet. He may not know it yet. But he is. As odd as that sounds to simply post here... He is a prophetic intercessor. It is a mere matter of time until that comes out of the can.

* Later this week, perhaps tomorrow, I'll post a bit about the Pastors' Appreciation Breakfast I attended on Thursday. It relates to the thing above about God doing something here...

* Was honored to present at the Gospel Hip-Hop Awards on Saturday. I was the only guy there with a normal suit on. I mean that. But, wow- what an amazing group of artists and ministers and brothers & sisters in Christ that God is pulling together. 

* I will post more about that later, too. 

* Today, we baptized four more men!

* Anxious to hear the audio from the sermon today. It seemed like I was preaching against an invisible wall of... something... so, mid-sermon, we stopped, prayed, and then moved forward with a new freedom and openness and sense of the Spirit's presence. I think it was the right thing to do and have been hearing good things about the day. God is good and is so gracious to us.

* Today, as well, I know that another man was set free in our service. I could see his face breaking while I was preaching... and, then, I saw him began sobbing as I spoke of God's calling on each of us... He came to the front for prayer and ministry at the end. I will get the full report later this week.

* Was good to see Kenny back. This dude walked in... wanted to apologize for abandoning church for the past 18 months... and, then, during our response time, he got up and prayed for a man that needed prayer. Evidently, he did an incredible job of allowing the Lord to use him, b/c the man to whom he ministered came and spoke with me afterwards for quite some time.

* I'm too busy, again. This week, we're bringing on a full-time admin assistant who's going to be a great asset at The Village. And, our husband is an out-of-this-world guy, too. Sasha and I actually "interviewed" him in the process, since we're getting the family when she comes to work, in a real way. Excited about what God has in store for them...

* I'm going to take the kids to the free Lego-build at the Galleria (we built the pumpkin at the head of this post last month; this month we build a turkey), help Noah expand the playground in the back-yard, and run about 30 miles this week in the free time that I create. That's the goal.

* And, I'm praying for revival in our city. 

Mind-dump- week of October 25, 2009 (just expect them late)

I always try- in vain- to get this thing up on Sundays. It seems each week, something happens to let it slide... then, Monday... the same... 

* First things first- this Sunday, the Lord was very clear with me to lay out a simple message of the Gospel- in a unique way. The result: twelve men were saved! Praise the Lord!

* The picture above is Pastor Ron and "Sweet." From the Bless the Streets event in Southtown last Saturday (25th). We missed the first half of the Alabama-Tennessee game for an event that was incredible, opened up many doors, and showed us many new things. I'll write more about it later this week. 

* The Downtown Trading Co. is getting in order. And, there are many exciting new developments with it. Check back for future posts on that bonanza, as well. Signs go up this week, by the way!

* I'm currently praying through some things that would be, at the same time, big changes and small changes all rapped in one. Maybe... I'll write more on that, too.

* Last Wednesday, we had our monthly leadership meeting at The Downtown Church. We hit, last month, a financial shortfall in the church. And, it was incredible to see many people in that room simply meet the need- by almost double what the need was. I am blessed to walk with them.

* I've got two invitations on the table. The first is to present an award at the Gospel Hip-Hop Awards this Saturday evening at the BJCC. 

* The second is to attend a round-table discussion on City Transformation in November (10-11) in Kansas City. I'm looking forward to both.

* The Village has been blessed lately with a slew of work coming in that has taken a few crews all the way to Atlanta, GA- and others straight to UAB. We've got men, right now, working on a renovation at the hospital, as well as a community center in Norwood- and a Jail in Talladega- thanks to the trust and opportunity granted to us by a local contractor. I am grateful for them; all of the superintendents and foremen and office managers I have met have been extremely gracious and top notch.

* This Thursday, I'm rolling to the Pastors' Appreciation Breakfast with Scott Dawson Ministries. I'll post more about that later, too. It's supposed to be off the chain- so, I've been told. If you're a pastor, I believe you can sign up right here and they'll hook you up.

* Thursday is also the the time we meet- and eat- with the other pastors downtown. It's our hope to create a strong church together than spans denominational and cultural and all other boundaries...

* Again, twelve men were saved on Sunday! We'll celebrate with baptism this coming week- November 1!

Mind-dump- week of October 18, 2009 (yes, late again)

This past week was a bit odd- which is somewhat "odd" and "routine" all in one...

* The 5x8 utility trailer that we used to have was stolen (that's a replica above)... from outside of The Downtown Trading Company. I think we pulled it out one evening to make room for some merchandise, never returned it... and it was picked up by someone who thought they might like to have it... for free!

* The next day, we were loaned a similar trailer that was in much better shape than ours by Joel Williams, a local architect and twitter friend. We picked up about a dozen mattresses that were given to us by a local furniture company, as well as two additional loads of furniture. 

* (He found out about the need b/c I posted the absurd theft to Twitter.)

* And, as the box trailer that The Village landscaping crew uses needed a new tag, we actually used that trailer to hammer out 12 yards in a day- a new record for the crew, just in time for the season for cutting to slim to an end...

* Back to The Trading Co... we had no idea of the vast needs in the area... huge need. Lots of people already showing up for help, even though we have no sign on the building, have made no neighborhood announcements of the opening, etc... We'll likely start some Bible studies in that place and use it as a true ministry outpost for the Gospel being enacted and proclaimed. Signs go up this week, I'm thinking...

* Last week we went to cook for the gracious people of Fire Station No. 1 and No. 2 downtown, as well. This will be an ongoing thing. Read more about it and join if you'd like. We'll be going to the police precincts nearby, too.

* God has blessed the men at The Village with several job opportunities- and we need much prayer for them. We've picked up some work in the Atlanta area, winterizing vacant homes, trimming out the lawns for winter, etc... this has taken 8 men on the road. They are working hard, having a good time... but, need continued prayer...

* Other men will start working at UAB soon. A local contractor has picked us up as a sub for him to provide demolition work... And, in fact, he's starting others in the Talladega area. We'll make the 45 minute drive and work there, as well...

* In another month or so, we'll start painting the exterior of another local church. The greenlight came in on that last week, too- and, it will take about two months, as it's an extensive job. 

* Finally, later this week, I'll post about Short-Tee and the 10/24 event a few times. Plan to join us for church outside this Saturday, in Southtown, 2:00 until 3:30 pm. 

Mind-dump- week of October 11, 2009- better late than never

I'm writing this, because if I don't do it now I'll push it off to next week- at which point I'll be so busy that I'll (again) push off to next week... at which point... 

So, here's a few things I'm dumping on you for the week, as always- in no particular order of importance, some are announcements and some are thoughts, and some are soundbites... It's a open forum for whatever...

* This Wednesday, we're going to Fire Station No. 1 to cook for the men that serve our city. We''ll introduce them all to our trailer. We're right down the street... so we're honoring those who serve us on behalf of God. Read Romans 13:1-7 if you're unsure about the last sentence. We'll be at Station No.1 from 11:00 am until ???? on Wednesday, October 14. If you want to stop by, the burgers are on us. 

* The Trading Co... we had a great push made on Saturday, 10/10. This week, we'll hopefully wrap it up. We'll post pics here later in the week.

* As well, there's a big possibility we're adding cars to the mix.

* Pray for The Village. We have a few major job opportunities that are about to explode (in a good way) that could take the entire thing to "whole nutha level" (never liked that phrase, but it fits here).

* This is the month we're focusing on prayer. Last month, we focused on reading the Bible. I'm finding this month harder to do than last- but God is answering prayers.

* The last two Sundays we have, basically, run out of chairs at the warehouse. And, people are coming early to pray!

* I'm enjoying the new format at the worship services. We've given the planning aspects over to Andy Greenfield- who's integrating more people to read Scripture, to lead responsive readings, to share testimonials like the one Kevin Massie gave on Sunday. This adds no length to the service- but is adding great value to it.

* Saturday, the 17th, is the next Prayer Force United walk- in Wylam. Go to the PFU web site for more info, directions, etc. 

* I did post a video about the prayer walks here last week, if you want an overview of what they're like.

* I know a few of you have blogs. If you do, shoot me the page and we'll post a link from our blog site to yours in exchange for a link to us.

* Next passage in Mark is about the complex character of Judas. I'm reading and praying about it now. Here are some of my initial thoughts. I sense God can do something great in us if we'll wrestle with the text on this one, pray for His Spirit to guide us, and move forward boldly with Him!

Mind-dump- week of September 27, 2009

 [A snap of The Downtown Trading Co.'s garage.]

It's a bit difficult to believe that the final full week of September has come- and gone- but, alas, it has... I am enjoying the Fall (when it's not as humid as it was this past week), the falling leaves, and (dare I say it) football. Here's what else is rolling around right now:

* We have been praying about moving full speed ahead with ministry in the Southtown neighborhood- about 1/2 mile from our church facility. What seemed like an open door was met with resistance early this year. Now, the doors are open again. And open more than ever before. I have a meeting tomorrow to iron out some of the details- and will be sharing more about what, when, how, etc., as soon as possible.

* Pastor Rodney is back from Taiwan (and blogged about the trip thoroughly). He said that he felt he needed to go there in order to learn more about what to do here- specifically in Southtown. Ironically, while he is away praying and seeking the Lord, the doors open. God's timing is great.

* There is discussion, too, as to what to do in North Birmingham.

* We have The Downtown Trading Co. (the website is abysmal- but will be working in full form soon) set to open around 10/10. That's a pic above on this post. This will be a great opportunity to see- and live- Acts 2 & Acts 4 in real life. I'll post more about that later this week. Check back.

* We are a bit overwhelmed with that project right now- in a good way. Monday, we began moving everything to the site (corner of 15th Street North, 8th Avenue North). In the process, our "stuff" doubled. Literally. We received donations that we weren't expecting. 

* I was blessed to attend the 50-year reunion celebration for Hilldale this weekend. I had no idea how much that church has meant to me. It was good to see everyone. Really good. God has been so good to me through them.

* One of the best points about that church were some of the traditions that were created while we were there. I will be talking about this more in the near future, too. I'm now anxious to bring some of them downtown... Sounds odd, I know... but is incredible in actuality.

* It was good to be away and rest. God is stirring something in me, already, though, for next Sunday!

* I am grateful for the new staff hires (Sasha & Pastor Ron) that have taken a great deal of the load off me. This has freed me to study more, to learn more, and to slow down more. Pastor Ron is pastoring the men at The Village; Sasha is directing the day-to-day operations and leading the staff.

* I am enjoying teaching the Thursday night studies for The Village more than ever before. Probably because I have time to prepare, plan through, and pray... Five men were saved this week, during the class. We're going to be baptizing on the first Sunday in October. By the way, we upload all of those classes online.

* The Gospel Hip-Hop awards are at the end of this month (yes, you read that correctly). Pastor Short-Tee (you read that correctly, too) has asked if he can come do street ministry with us, perhaps in an area in which we are trying to break new group. HIs group will partner with us somewhere downtown over the weekend of 10/24. Not sure where... we'll plan it this week. God is good- and He did say that if we asked for Him to send laborers into the harvest that He would. Let's keep praying that He sends more like this.

* Pray for God's resources to flow. There is much work to be done; and He has the means.

Mind-dump- week of September 20, 2009

[Posted by AJ]

Ughh (nice opening, right?)... It seems that I have not had time to post anything as of late. Part of that is because I have been spending some time on the Bible dash. Part of the reason is that I've just been pushing doing other things...

* I'm placing the picture above- it was in our prayer room one morning when I walked in... We had talked about making it a "kitchen" to help serve people- if we weren't going to use it for prayer (it's purpose). At least that way there would be some benefit from the room, rather than just leaving it empty. It reminds me to pray. I'm placing it to remind you that we're praying each Sunday, now, 30 minutes prior to the worship services.

* As of late, I have stepped back from leading the day-to-day operations of The Village- and we have brought on another staff person, Sasha Moore, to handle that part of the job. He is a lawyer who's been around us for quite a while, knows the other staff and ministry really well... so, he's a great fit and has hit the ground running.

* With the "added" time, I'm focusing on doing the "right things" rather than just doing "things right." Did you catch the difference? I'm spending more time studying, getting back into some writing... and will spend more time networking outside of the ministry rather than working on the details inside of it. This has been a great relief.

* In the next week or so, I'm planning to start meeting up with a few good men- to train them for some ministry things that we're doing and plan to be doing in the near future. I'm looking forward to this time. Two of the men are "success stories" from The Village- one was incarcerated when I met him- he had quite a history with running drugs. He actually flew back to the country (he had fled) to turn himself in and do his time. He has an incredible testimony. The other was an addict that has been in & out, on the street, off the street, etc... He is now becoming a leader and a man of character.

* In the next few weeks, we're going to start cooking out for the firefighters and police officers downtown. We're going to adopt the nearby stations, and take "The Trailer" to them, to their precincts, stations, etc... and serve them. 

* The Downtown Trading Company will be opening soon, as well. It will provide another venue to serve people on the north side of downtown (well, really, from all over- but, that's where it's located). Check back to this site- or its own site for update. The "grand opening" is set for a big cookout, party, neighborhood serve day on 10/10/2009- in just a few short weeks.

* I'm pushing on in the Bible Dash- I have 10 more days to go to try to read the entire book in 30 days. Not sure if I will make it or not- but, I am learning so much, regardless! It has been an incredible move shifting from reading so much "stuff" to focusing only on the substance of Scripture. 

Mind-dump- week of August 2, 2009

[Posted by Andrew Jenkins]

Here's what I'm dumping this week:

* This past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Cristy & I took the kids to Chattanooga, TN. It was a short (2 hours away) trip that did each of us a great deal of good (see the pic on the left). Great time recharging, doing nothing except hanging out with all of them.

* I didn't take the mobile phone with me each day- which was incredible. May stop carrying it altogether (or not). I did, though, feel "phantom vibrations" in my pocket from where the phone usually buzzes. Guess that means the habit has gone too far. Need to get rid of it.

* Yes, it's an iPhone. I like Apples.

* Didn't carry it on the off day this week (Saturday), either. Made for an easier day. I can't explain the amount of stress that goes away when you simply put a cell phone down.

* This week, we have a rather large event called A Day to Make a Difference #3. We're praying towards 500 uniforms coming in for school kids in the downtown area. We'll need to network a bunch of churches, business, and friends of all of us to make that happen. Go to the site for the video- and send it out to everyone you know.

* I'm excited that you continue forging ahead to be the hands & feet of Jesus. I'm convinced that our great but sinful and corrupt city will change only when the heart of the city is transformed. You are in the process of being available for Christ to use you- in Southtown, Linn Park... Park Place... the warehouse... the hub of activity is growing and will continue to do so as we continue to be faithful.

* Pray about The Downtown Trading Company. We've been storing some things at a warehouse nearby, and I believe the welcome is wearing out, due in large part to the volume of donations that we are receiving (still unsolicited!). We need to find space quick to begin that ministry. Pray that the doors will be kicked wide open asap!

* I will update a great deal here this week, after being off the computer for most of the week last week. So, check back for more.

Mind-dump- week of July 19, 2009

[Posted by Andrew Jenkins] 

Here's what I'm thinking about tonight, as I look over the calendar (reviewing the past week and planning for the upcoming one):

* That's an image from the Prayer Force United Prayer walk in Woodlawn on Saturday. Pastor Rodney shot this pic of Chief AC Roper preaching in the background from his i-Phoney.

* This week we will place a ministry calendar on this blog-site. It will detail what, when, where, etc... and will have all worship events, teaching venues, ministry-service opportunities, etc... Since so much changes, we'll likely post it in running "bullet point" fashion and color-code it. We'll let you know when it goes live.

* There will be a separate page that gives a detailed list of ministry opportunities (i.e., get on the GED team, serve at the worship service in Linn Park each Sunday morning, etc.).

* This week, I'm excited to promote A Day to Make a Difference no. 3 on the Jon Walden Show- WDJC, 93.7 FM. Please listen in on Tuesday evening, 8:00 pm.

* That same day, I'm going to Cox radio to talk with Shelia Smoot about some of the things we are doing downtown, particularly in the Southtown area. We're still meeting human opposition in that area (from PING), but the Gospel continues to go forth and the residents tend to be incredibly receptive.

* Rodney needs more workers in Southtown for the GED classes. Mark it: if PING doesn't let us back in on Sundays, there will be a worship service going on in the parking lot by midway through the Fall. Already, people are coming for GED classes, getting prayed for, etc... God is working despite their opposition. We need you to be a difference-maker here.

* Last week, the leadership team at our church asked for more chairs in the service this week, due to the crowd. We set out a few... we should have set them all out. I did not have faith enough... and should have.

* Worship rocked! 

* I think my favorite part of the service today was when Melissa Hall shared from her heart between two of the songs, as she was leading. Incredibly insightful and good.

* I actually preached at the Linn Park service today. Several men were saved; one actually rode back with us, was given a place to stay, etc... This afternoon, I saw him serving by working on the food trailer (which is yet-to-be-named).

* This Thursday evening I finish teaching the Song of Songs class at The Village. It's incredible to teach these 50 men each week. In two weeks, I will start another series with them, some new material that I'm developing on The Gospel of Grace. If any men want to come...that's really what it is... a massive men's Bible study. Please, come. We always start at 8:00... and end about 9:15... some guys leave to get ready for work the next day; many hang around, drink coffee, and talk.

* Come get a mattress if you need one. If you were there, you know what I'm talking about.

* Happy 33 to BKR!

* The trailer will be out of the drive thru next Sunday. It will be working, and will serve you coffee! 

* I blessed to be serving with all of you!

Mind-dump- week of July 12, 2009

[Posted by Andrew Jenkins]

Today starts a slower week for me. Not that there's less to do; there's actually more. But, I'm slowing the schedule down a bit. 

* That pic to the left is Levi (my 2-year old son) and Caroline (Sasha's 1-year old daughter). Pic was snapped by Sasha when we were visiting his mom's home- the one that was re-done in the one-day quick renovation project just over a week ago. Feel free to watch the video. I place it b/c I was excited to hear about Ms. Kim's ideas for utilizing the freshened up home for ministry. Seems the renovation was a gift that is going to continue giving and giving and giving... 

* Wanted to toss out two coffee ideas: 1) I'm boycotting the Starbucks in 5 Points- on the principle of a few things. Not that it will matter to them... more about it later this week; and 2) McDonald's on Clairmont (next to St. Vincent's) will not give you a free mocha or latte on Sundays, if you bring a bulletin with you- those are the folded hand-outs we give away when you walk into the warehouse on Sundays : )

* Pumped up about the worship service today. I'm praying we continue to take that same energy out of the time we spend together on Sundays and pour it into the house churches and service projects around town- as you have been doing. You guys are doing an incredible job of worshiping in song and with your lives. They are fueling each other! 

* By the way, the audio from the sermon is already up.

* Next week, I hope to unveil some things we're working on in the downtown area regarding the Sunday morning Linn Park ministry, as well as something that will be of benefit with the A Day To Make a Difference events, as well as Southtown, etc... I know that sounds odd. More later.

* Random. And sovereign. Today I was pulling into my driveway when the man I believe will be the next city councilor in our district pulled up. He introduced himself, and we talked about some of the shared ideas we have for the downtown area (which happens to be district 5 for the city council's purposes). More about this later in the week.

* Excited about the leadership meeting this Wednesday evening. I'm sure we'll post after that, as well.