mobilizing around youth employment

This article was recently in our local newspaper.  Thanks to Cosby Neighborhood Center and leaders forging collective effort to employ local young people this summer!

http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/youths-a-focus-at-cosby-center/article_4ee419c3-ea72-57ff-a2b2-9bef33d58542.html

The Word on Wednesday

Ezra 1:6-8 “..all their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings.  Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god. Cyrus King of Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.”    

These verses are a great picture of how God works to rebuild and be about Christian community development in His communities.  He calls and sends a group of people to go, to incarnate, to be in the trenches rebuilding; and He also calls a group of people to assist, support, and resource.  Notice that God even uses King Cyrus, a nonbeliever, as a partner and key player in His plan.

Our two teenagers and I are currently planning a trip with friends at church to visit ministry partners in Haiti in April.  As we gather others for prayer and financial support, these verses help tell the story of what God not only did back in the day of Ezra, but is also doing today as He rebuilds this Haitian village.  Take a look at this 3 minute video clip to see God's power in good neighboring and collaboration!