Jacksonville, Day 3

We got back to work today, a little more tired than yesterday from our work, ultimate frisbee, and a few competitive games of spades. Today brought a few more conversations with people from the neighborhood. As a result, we've heard some good reports about the reputation 2nd mile is developing in the community. We heard going in that some people have praised their efforts and asked where they get all the "nice white people." Today we heard firsthand from a lady who stopped a couple of team members, and hearing we were with 2nd mile she glowed about the wonderful things they bring to the neighborhood. this supports our thoughts that while we may not get to preach the Gospel directly, we are supporting the long term health of the team here and helping them open doors for Gospel conversations.

At the school where we volunteer in the afternoons, we also got high praise from one of the principles and several teachers, even though we just gave a little time to move boxes into storage. It amazes me that even small gestures can have such striking impact. One small church that 2nd Mile has partnered with has commented that they have been a breath of fresh air, and though the initial partnership was hesitant, they have had such a change of heart that they are offering a building which they cannot maintain as a rent-free base of operations.

Today sparked not only a greater appreciation for 2nd Mile but also a greater conviction that this Brentwood neighborhood looks a lot like some of the neighborhoods in Rock Hill. We spent a fair part of our downtime dreaming and considering how God might use Manchester and other churches to reach into the lives of people along the Saluda Street/ Cherry Rd. corridor. Those discussions were intensified as we spent our evening devotional looking at the host Scripture that reveals God's commitment to justice and the poor. With those verses ringing in my ears, I'm more convinced than ever that 2nd Mile may be a long term investment for our church. There are plenty more chances to send teams either for work projects like the renovation of the proposed building offered by Pearl Street Baptist (they hope to get the building in use by the Spring) or through service and relationship building (there is a particular need for people who can counsel some of these at risk teens through the host of challenges they face). 2nd Mile probably won't ever be a bedrock or primary ministry for us, but it's a fantastic secondary opportunity to see long term how the Gospel will bear fruit, and it gives a unique opportunity as a training ground for what God may call us to do in Rock Hill. It's impossible to be a part of this and not be excited about what God will bring. So, as we did tonight, we dream, pray, and delight at the hope of Christ's redemption to others.