No posts since spring. Much has happened since then. I was overwhelmed by some recent events in the new project I’m working on called GPS Tulsa. I’d like to share some of them in this post and the next few ones as well.
I miss working with the kids and volunteers from my old youth pastor job. I don’t miss working at the church. I do miss the paycheck. Actually, my whole family misses the paycheck.
Our canopy tour is doing well- lots of folks going through with very positive feedback. You can search Buffalo Outdoor Center on facebook or go to www.buffaloriver.com and check it out. I am spending 4-5 days a month there unless there is building going on- which will be taking place in December and January. We are expanding. We served 100 people over Labor Day weekend.
I’ve been amazed by how things are shaking out with our new GPS program. We’re serving at Kendall Whittier elementary school which is a “community school” in Tulsa. That means, amoung other things, that they have a full time community service liason staff person who helps the school keep its doors open for all kinds of community service (the median annual household income in the neighborhood is $18K a year). We are helping with 2 cooking classes and one archery class after school as a part of my students’ experience. I want them to have more responsibility- and I am putting together a proposal for the school where we will run a program that will live and die by our students’ involvement. The children at the school are beautiful. and, when waiting outside at the endof the program last week this woman walks up to me and says “Chris King!” and I say “I know you, you worked for me at New Life…and I can’t remember your name.” (i’m a loser.) Its Bridget Brock, and she was on summer staff 1997. Turns out she is the school counselor- and is really pumped about what we’re doing. God is at work.
So, I tell that story, amoung others about our GPS kids, on my fund raising warpath in a sunday school class this past sunday. Monday I get a $1000 scholarship gift for Imran, one of our students. Tuesday I get another $1000 scholarship gift. Wednesday I get a confirmation of another monthly supporter. Its been a good week on that front.
On the “we’ve got the right idea” front- well, we’ve got the right idea. There is stuff to tweak for sure, but GPS works. I met with most of the parents Tuesday night and it was powerful. They want to come back to download with each other each month. I am thrilled to facilitate it. Our kids are trusting each other now- so its time to stretch them a bit more. Their life stories were powerful as well- many themes of hurts from childhood, broken families, and a common shifting sand for everyone involved in their present circumstance. One day we sat at a corner booth at the route 66 diner and talked about the history of that road, and what the waitresses might say to people driving across the country over the years. ”hows the trip? what do you need? you tired? you getting close to the destination? can i get you some water, or some sweet tea?”
We asked each other- “On your journey- hows it going? Are you headed in the right direction? what do you need? Where are you on the trip?” Answers were all thematic- lost, stuck, wagon ruts, gravel and bumpy road…. we have a group brought together by each individual’s “lostness.” The beauty of it is that they are all speaking of the reality of that, and they are willing to take on the adventure of getting found. they do indeed have a destination, and a role in God’s story to embrace. They are people worth believing in.
I found out tonight that I am a “controversial figure” at a church here in town. It didn’t bother me. I am tired of trying to look good for people. I am wondering more and more- what does Jesus want from me? I am getting stripped down to a life of thanking God- and trying to love those people in my life the best I can. I used to say things like that and believe I was doing it- and the whole time I was the center of that story. I would like to believe that I am moving out of the center bit by bit. God help me.
Good to hear what is going on, Chris. It sounds challenging and exciting and not vey easy. Good for you and the God who is leading you. As you know, Jesus was a pretty controversial figure around his parts–and since–too.
I’d like further information about your work. It sounds a little different from what you launched a while back. Explain GPS, please.
I like that you are working in schools. I’d like to hear more of what that is like. Our 1.5 year-old church plant, The Neighborhood Church, began meeting in a local high school for worship. But we didn’t move there just for the space they offered. Our previous space was fine. We moved in to partner with them and support them in their goals to produce healthy kids. Since then we co-ordinated giving a back to school survival kit worth about $35 to each of the 150 staff at the school. We are building a really solid relationship with the school.
Also we are beginning a mentoring organization to help fatherless students at the school. Again the school is more than willing to let us come along side them in this. It is really exciting. God is at work in ways I’ve never experienced in the church
Keep up the good work, my friend. In Christ, Eugene