Summer 2010 Update

Originally written July 2010

We are drawing close to the one year anniversary of moving to Downtown Orlando and what a year it has been! The events of the past year have ranged from the financial struggles of moving to a new city without fulltime employment, to the joys of developing new relationships, and most importantly seeking God’s strength and guidance for living “sent” lives. We see ourselves as missionaries to Downtown Orlando and hope we can grow further in fulfilling the high calling of the Great Commission. We look forward to the months ahead as we seek the many opportunities God has placed before us to live missional lives in The City Beautiful. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for our many requests. We couldn’t do it without you!

One Homeless Night

Since we first began visiting Downtown Orlando in Fall of 2008 we have been impacted by the homeless population. You cannot go anywhere downtown without seeing the signs of homelessness or being approached by someone in need of help. Joy has especially been impacted by the plight of the homeless in The City Beautiful. As we strive to be missional in our community and minister where we live we have been seeking more opportunities to be more intentional in our outreach.

One opportunity that we have been presented with is One Homeless Night. This event is sponsored by the Orlando Union Rescue Mission and will take place this year September 17th and 18th. We will get to see downtown through the eyes of the homeless people who make their beds in its streets every night. We will be sleeping on the ground under the I-4 overpass overnight.

While this will be an awesome opportunity for us to better understand homelessness in Downtown Orlando, it will also be a chance for us to support the great work of the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. For every $24.72 raised, one night of shelter and care (including a hot meal, clean clothing and hope) will be provided for one homeless man, woman, or child. Together we have committed to provide at least 20 nights of shelter and care. Please pray about sponsoring one of these nights for only $24.72. If you choose to sponsor us for One Homeless Night please mail your check to us and make it payable to Orlando Union Rescue Mission and write One Homeless Night in the memo.

Thank you for allowing us to serve the homeless and lost of Downtown Orlando through your prayers and support.
Jason & Joy

Current Ministry Projects:

One Homeless Night
“God Belongs in Our City” prayer walk
Jason continues to lead a biweekly theology group
Jason and Joy are a part of the prayer team and small groups ministry at CCC
Jason also serves through the Implementation Team at CCC as well as occasionally playing bass in the worship band

Prayer Needs:
Pray for us as we seek opportunities to form missional relationships with our neighbors
Pray for Joy as she begins leading a Bible study that will ultimately reach out to lost women
Pray that Jason would be able to witness to the men he works with
Pray for us as we seek to raise funds for One Homeless Night
Pray for Joy as she applies to various organizations to work with the homeless
Joy will begin leading a woman’s Bible study in August