________________________________________________________________________
May 14, 2005

Dear Friends,


I hope this letter finds you well. Chris and I write you asking that you will consider becoming a prayer partner for a new ministry opportunity that God has called us to start. Over the past three years I have sensed God calling me to engage in neighborhood outreach ministry. The scripture at the side of this page has gripped me in a way that I can't explain. This fall Chris experienced a similar call and we both knew the time had come for us to step out in faith to begin a new journey with Christ.

We both believe that God is calling us back to Kokomo to live and work in the neighborhoods within the city. God has placed in our hearts a passion to work with people that live on the edge and need to know the love of Jesus. We expect to reach people by living in the area where the working poor might find themselves. Last summer I spent a great deal of time "prayer walking" in various neighborhoods and have since felt that we are to live near downtown Kokomo directly to the west of downtown or to the south of downtown. According to the U.S. Census, these neighborhoods are densely populated with people that are renting homes (most of them by the week), trying to live on minimum wage pay, and are not well educated (though most are high school graduates). As I walked through the neighborhoods, I sensed the Holy Spirit saying to me, “these people need to know me“. When I protested a bit I heard the Holy Spirit say these simple words, "If not you, then who?" In response I said "yes" and Chris followed. We plan to meet our neighbors, practice random acts of kindness, listen and pray for those we come in contact with and hopefully at some point help them see that they are loved by Jesus and others.

I also plan to make myself available (at no charge) to local churches that desire to reach their neighborhood for Christ, as a sort of consultant, helping churches discern community needs and find ways to meet the needs.

I also feel called to remained connected to the United Methodist Church, to be held accountable, and to be a part of the church. I will be connected to the church by serving a small church, Trinity United Methodist in Kokomo, on a part time basis.

What Chris and I am asking from you is to pray for us. Our specific prayer concerns are:
*We need to find a place to rent, in the area of town described above. Please pray that one could be found soon, as we must move soon after June 9 (last day of school in Lowell). Eventually we would like to buy a multifamily house where we could live in one part and use the other part(s) for transitional housing as the need arises.
*That God would open doors for us to find employment to supplement our income from the church.
*That the transition between churches and at both churches (Lowell and Trinity) would go well.

In the Grip of God's Hands


Jeff and Chris


P.S.: Our sons are on board with God's call in our lives. Andrew will be a junior at Kokomo High School next fall. Jonathan has completed a year of college at Olivet University and is going to Thailand for 6 weeks as a missionary. Patric and his wife Laura have been married for nearly two years, Laura just graduated from College with a Music Education major. Patric plans on graduating next year with thoughts of entering seminary. Chris and I celebrate 28 years of marriage today.

Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. 7Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light. "When you enter a town or village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave. Matthew 10:6-11(The Message)