September Prayer Letter

September 1, 2013

Dear Friends,

It was dark the first night I (Tom) followed my friend Don into Chester nine years ago. I was on a missions trip with my church and began wondering what I had gotten myself into.

The next day I was invited to go prayer walking with the church plant team. We travelled to an area of Chester known as Highland Gardens. We walked through a dark alley that cut along the back of some houses and came out onto another street that was filled with broken and abandoned houses. As we walked I learned more about the neighborhood and the people who lived there and my heart was broken for them.

It has been six years now since I moved to Chester and my heart is still overwhelmed with love for this city. I have also witnessed many changes in Highland Gardens; some of the people we knew here have moved out of the city or to other parts of Chester and some of the abandoned houses have been torn down and new ones put in their place.

God is at work here and we get to see it all the time. Especially with the kids who come to our house. We have seen them change the more they are exposed to God’s love. We also have the opportunity to meet their parents. Our vision for this community is to see God change the lives of the families that he has brought across our path.

Without you, our partners in ministry, change in these families’ lives is not possible. We are very thankful for the many ways that you come alongside us. Over the next three months World Impact has given us the opportunity to increase our team of partners. During this time we hope to connect with many of you through letters, phone calls or visits.

As we begin this partner building journey, please join us in prayer for:

• Safety as we travel in our local area, as well as in Virginia and New York State.
• Clear communication of our vision with our many friends and supporters.
• God to bring people across our path who are interested in joining our team of partners.

In Him,

Tom, Vicki, Lizzy, and Lilly