Reporting Progress on Many New Fronts

Posted on November 26th, 2012 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

It is November and almost December, and my pace of work here in Jacksonville is picking up. As you know, I am endeavoring to start a new school for urban boys on the North side of town called King’s Road Academy. We have effectively recruited a group of board members, have outlined a vision and plan for the school, are developing marketing materials, searching for locations, raising funds and are beginning the process of identifying our first potential students. We sure could use your prayers toward this end.

I have forged or am in the process of forging consulting partnerships with existing urban ministries here in the city – particularly The Boselli Foundation (a Christian organization supporting lower income families with enhanced educational services) and River City Church (a church whose four pillars include ministries to the urban poor). I have also served Christ Church (my home church) by assisting them in their food pantry ministry – leading worship and preaching to these needy families. I will be teaching two classes in the Spring for the staff and volunteers for all of these organizations and hopefully partnering with Gordon Conwell Seminary to provide credentials to their pursuits! Moreover, I am partnering with The Boselli Foundation and River City Church to plan summer internships for college students. I will be managing the pastoral care and teaching portions of the program. I continue to teach community development classes through the U.S. Center for World Mission as well.

I have been conducting concerts as often as invited to keep my financial head above water. I am also in the middle of recording my 11th CD – The Wisdom of Rain – and beating the bushes for the necessary resources to finish the project. I have signed an online digital distribution contract with Syntax Distribution which will hopefully widen exposure to my music and ministry – as well as the other artists associated with Justice Road Productions.

I have had the opportunity and privilege to consult with some of the most promising next generation urban ministry leaders. Eric Stites is well on his way to planning out his newest venture to plant a Rebirth style ministry in the great city of Detroit. My friend Scott Moore is launching a new work in Prichard, AL (a needy area of Mobile) and I was overjoyed to see his early efforts prospering there! Though I have not had the resources to visit the other works around the country – I am so excited that my former right hand man at Desire Street – Kedrick Levy – is launching a new work just south of Dallas, TX. Please pray that I would have the opportunity through the provision of concerts in the area to visit him – to help in any way the Lord allows and have my spirit refreshed in his presence and that of his amazing wife and kids.

Please pray for us as we press on with a vision of kingdom building among the poor in this season of Lord’s Advent! We are experiencing the Lord’s blessing as we move forward in faith! Happy Holidays to you all!

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Marriage and Ministry – and other updates

Posted on August 21st, 2012 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

Is it August already? Yes, and almost September. And it has been months since my last update. Between travels, concerts, side jobs, marriages, (mine) – I’ve been a bit busy. But I’m overdue for this I know. I’ll try to be brief.

First, on July 7th I married Ms. Lori Lambert. Lori has three children of her own, is impassioned for mission, is an all around terrific gal and she likes me. We had a small wedding in our backyard. Our pastor John Sittema performed the ceremony which was organized by our daughters – interrupted by a short summer shower – and ornamented with an incredible sunset. Lori and I are both excited about our lives together and grateful for the Lord’s grace.

Our work here in Jacksonville is beginning to take shape around a vision for the development of a school for urban boys. Momentum is building and support for our effort is growing! The name of the school is King’s Road Academy. Partially modeled after Desire Street Academy – we’re excited about the addition of vocational training in construction and mechanical trades.

I have recorded 20 new songs that I plan to distill into a 14 or so song record. I’m praying for the funds to finalize production and manufacturing. I’m also in discussion with an online distribution and marketing company about my music. I’ve been performing concerts across the Southeast and have my Fall mostly booked up with a few additional openings. This is keeping our financial heads above water while funds are developed for our ministry initiative here in Jacksonville.

My kids are doing well. Lindsay enters her Senior year at Florida State University with a major in Sociology. She did an internship at Desire Fellowship in New Orleans this past summer. She’s picked up playing the piano, writing songs and leading worship – so proud of her. Lacey finished high school as well as one year’s worth of college credits through the U.S. Center for World Mission. She did an urban ministry internship in Memphis, TN and has decided to stay there through the next year when she hopes to attend Moody Bible College in Chicago – she’s amazing.

My two youngest – Maggie and Manning – are in Tallahassee with their Mom when they’re not with me. They are both doing great. Maggie is involved in Equestrian activities and art – Manning is involved in all things sports.

I am in a happy place – thankful and in the Lord’s grace and peace.

1 comment.

Rebirth Jacksonville – Growing Like a Live Oak

Posted on March 2nd, 2012 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

The first year of a Live Oak is not outwardly impressive – because most of the work is transpiring beneath the surface. The same is true of the first year of Rebirth-Jacksonville.

My previous ministry launch at Desire Street followed a very similar pace. It takes time to know an area, to develop a contextualized strategy, to build trust with a new base of donors and to let life take root. I’m still in that phase here – but I’m making very encouraging progress.

About three weeks ago now I secured my first handful of Jacksonville donors and my support level has jumped to 17.75%. It doesn’t sound like much – but I’m riding high and confident the Lord’s hand of blessing is on this work.

Moreover, the leaders we have helped groom for other areas like East St. Louis, Mobile, New Orleans, Birmingham and others are prospering in their ministries as well. Eric Stites – is exploring the possibilities of establishing Rebirth in Washington D.C. or other cities like Detroit. Please pray for him as he discerns God’s will. Developing a stabilized headquarters for these growing ministries is also beginning to take root.

Jacksonville is the murder and crime capital of the state of Florida. It is an excellent place to plant a Rebirth work and a great place to headquarter our expanding movement. I’m near my beloved children, involved in their lives and able to continue prosperously in the calling of God on my life.

The last six years have been difficult – but the Lord has my spirit broken and healing – I’ve never been so close to Him. It was difficult to release Ellen per her request and to move forward with my life. Yet Ellen and I are agreeing in support of our children and they are doing very well.

I am not alone. The Lord has strengthened his grasp on me and I have had the opportunity to grieve and heal. I have a strong band of brothers about me. I am growing and helping to see the planting and growth of a new ministry apparatus. I’m encouraged.

I have also met a wonderful woman – Lori Lambert – who has been on a similar path of healing – who shares my passion and excitement for this work, who has a similar background and who is enthusiastically supporting me. I am pleased to announce that we are engaged to be married and looking forward to partnership in life and ministry.

God has been very good to me. Keep praying for His blessing and supply on my behalf. We are moving forward and strengthened by your prayer, support and words of encouragement.

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Beating the Bushes – Rebirth, Jacksonville

Posted on January 11th, 2012 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

As you know, I have transitioned to Jacksonville, FL with three primary objectives: 1) To relocate Rebirth International headquarters here; 2) To develop a training apparatus for next-generation urban mission leaders; and 3) to launch an incarnational ministry on the north side of this great city.

I am settling in – making many new and exciting connections for support and partnership in ministry – meeting pastors, businessmen, other urban ministry leaders.

Each day accords me new and surprising developments and progress. I am encouraged – even if at times a bit impatient. I am presently at about 5% of my total first year fundraising goals – but there are significant prospects that I trust will develop into quantifiable support.

I am in discussions also with Gordon Conwell Seminary regarding the opportunity to partner toward establishing a training apparatus for urban missions leaders. We will be meeting about this possibility next week.

I also am continuing to schedule concerts and advance some of my music business/ministry goals. After a recent visit to Nashville, I hope to have something encouraging to share with you all soon in that department.

Please pray for my continued efforts at fundraising and for general encouragement – that I will keep my eyes on the Sovereign and wait on Him – even as I am out and about beating the bushes.

 

1 comment.

Rebirth – Relocating and Raising Funds

Posted on December 15th, 2011 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: blog, ministry updates.

I am sitting in a Krystal Restaurant – somewhere on the north side of Jacksonville – enjoying my newest corporate office digs – wrapping up ministry obligations in Ocala, FL while also relocating to this cool city and starting a new work. Merry Christmas y’all!

I’m identifying prospective donors, potential board members while simultaneously pursuing temporary residence and exploring organizational ministry partnerships. I am also prayerful that those who have linked with me in the past will consider ongoing investment.

This is a big step of faith for me – not my first rodeo to be sure – but I am starting over – shouldering extra baggage on an aging frame. However, I seek to internalize the spirit of Caleb – taking on giants in the high country – confronting even greater challenges in the second half of ministry life than I did in the first.

I could use all the prayers and support I can get. I hope you will prayerfully consider an investment in Rebirth during this holiday season and before the end of the year. It is much needed and appreciated.

Also remember that I still have many CD’s which would be wonderful stocking stuffers this Christmas. It’s not often that you can buy music that truly advances the Kingdom among the poor. Please take advantage of this opportunity to help twice over.

You can contribute online at www.myrebirth.org or send your tax deductible contribution to:

Rebirth International
P.O. Box 2174
Jacksonville, FL 32203

In addition to moving the headquarters of Rebirth to Jacksonville and launching an incarnational ministry here – we plan to develop a training program for next-generation urban community development leaders and missionaries. I am in initial negotiations with a seminary in the area regarding a potential partnership toward that end.

I am still writing music and will probably begin work on a new CD project soon. My children are doing very well – and I am fat and happy. I miss you all – please stay in touch. Merry Christmas!

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RBJ – Rebirth Jacksonville – moving forward, needing help

Posted on October 10th, 2011 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

As previously stated – I have begun a process of identifying the neediest neighborhood that I can find in which to begin a new urban ministry, headquarter our Rebirth International office in that location as well as launch a training apparatus for next-generation urban ministry leaders.

Toward that end, I am headed to Jacksonville on Wednesday to further get the lay of the land. While Jacksonville is a beautiful area – it is also a city in crisis – having climbed to the top of the nation’s list for homicides. Yet, I have not yet discovered the epicenter of the city’s problems – the heart of its poverty. I intend to tour Jacksonville with a former police officer who worked that particular beat. I hope as well to discover some of the better places in town to get a fresh plate of fried shrimp! Pray for the Lord’s guidance.

I am building a list of possible donors and churches in the area – sniffing out support for this important new work. It is a difficult economic time in which to raise funds – I know this full well – but I also believe the Lord has called and is leading me there. I’m certain that He has worked this all out – it is my adventure now to discover it.

Also, please pray for Eric Stites who is considering locations for a Rebirth launch – most recently considering Atlanta and Washington D.C. Pray also for Scott Moore – who is full-tilt moving forward with a new ministry plant in Mobile’s Prichard community. I am also seeking to leave behind a ministry apparatus and leader in Ocala, FL. I am pleased for the many new ministries that have sprung fresh since I left New Orleans. But I’m also incredibly proud of the work that is continuing in New Orleans at Desire Fellowship. Richard Johnson and Oscar Brown are doing an incredible job keeping the legacy alive in the Desire Community of post-Katrina New Orleans. Please encourage them in their effort if you are able.

I am so entirely thankful for the opportunity to serve my Lord – who has so bountifully served me. Thank you for you partnership toward that end.

mo leverett
rebirth international
p.o. box 2174
jacksonville, fl 32203

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Rebirth moving headquarters – starting new ministry

Posted on October 6th, 2011 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

Rebirth International is committed to advancing urban ministry initiatives stateside and worldwide. And on that front we have some NEW news. We’re moving our headquarters to Jacksonville, FL to launch a new ministry on the north side of town.

Almost 25 years ago, God placed on my life a clear call to the urban poor. After formal seminary training I moved to New Orleans and the Lord birthed through our capable staff a humble yet exciting work at Desire Street – a ministry that resulted in a church, a community center, a private Christian academy for boys as well as many other community development initiatives. The legacy of that ministry endures in many ways despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Former staff, students and interns have since launched new works in places like Montgomery, Birmingham, Atlanta, Dallas, East St. Louis, New Orleans, the Mississippi Delta and other strategic areas including many other continents. I’ve had the privilege to consult with the body of Christ from New Orleans to New Haven – from Corpus Christi to Lima – in traditional urban communities to Indian reservations.

Lately, many of you know, I’ve endured hardship stemming from natural disasters and spiritual frailty. I am a broken man – yet my passion for Christ among the poor has not waned. The deeper the work God does in me – the something wider He will do through me.

I now strongly sense the Lord’s calling to move Rebirth International to Jacksonville, FL – the country’s capital city for homicides – a city similar to New Orleans in many ways. We will headquarter our entire work there – promoting works in impoverished communities around the country and world – helping the church universal to reclaim its divine purpose among the poor – develop a training apparatus and mission lab for next-generation urban ministry workers – while developing a holistic work on the north side of Jacksonville.

I need your help. Will you begin to partner in prayer for me as I seek to respond to the Lord’s continuing call on my life? If the Lord impresses upon your heart to give – this will be a great encouragement to me. Also, I remain available for concerts and/or speaking engagements. If there is any way that I can serve Christ among you – don’t hesitate.

Thank you for your partnership.

Mo Leverett
rebirth international
p.o. box 2174
jacksonville, fl 32203

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Rebirth – a Strong Summer!

Posted on July 28th, 2011 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

It has been a great summer for Rebirth.

I have taught urban missions principles to college interns, consulted with the leaders of new urban ministry leaders, continued to work on the D3 Institute and many other things – not the least of which is to hang with the Leverett kids for most of the summer.

I continue to help with the launch of the D3 Institute for International Development – a graduate level missions training school associated with the U.S. Center for World Mission in Gainesville, FL. I will assist in teaching, coordinating supplementary curriculum, as well as coordinate the spiritual formation of students. The start date has been moved from the Fall to January of the following year – giving us the time to straighten out the kinks. I also teach Community Development and Urban Missions in their Perspectives program.

I have been asked by Good Shepherd and sister churches to explore the possibility of developing an urban ministry launch here in Ocala, FL. I have developed an initial strategy and budget, begun the recruitment of board members as well as staff – including a potential executive director. I and some other volunteers and college interns executed a baseball program at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Ocala to break the ice in this community. The possibility of starting youth ministries in the Fall is strong. Please pray for this movement.

Meanwhile I have had the privilege of meeting with Scott Jacobson Moore who is in the initial stages of launching a work in Prichard, AL (an urban community just outside of Mobile). Dane Boykin – one of my other former interns has seen the Lord’s hand at work in the launch of Narrow Road Ministries in Leeds, AL (west Birmingham). Eric Stites is traveling to Detroit, MI within days for an exploratory visit. He is prayerfully considering a Rebirth launch in that needy city. Pray for all these men who are in the throws of discerning the will of God and executing His Kingdom vision among the poor.

I have taken the summer off from concerts and speaking engagements – but have openings for the Fall. This provides needed resources for the work and vision of Rebirth. Please let me know if you’re wanting a concert or want to financially support this ministry. We need all the help we can get.

I have many CD’s gathering dust in my garage – I’d be happy to send you copies in exchange for any donation. Or if there is a ministry purpose for them – I’m happy to give them away.

Thank you for your prayers for me and for my family. Mo

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Last Minute Opportunity – in Birmingham, AL

Posted on June 20th, 2011 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

Mo will be in concert in Odenville, AL on Thursday night at Charlie’s Barbecue. Other possibilities have fallen through – so he is available to do small house or church concerts in the radius between Montgomery, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville or Tuscaloosa on Friday, Saturday or Sunday night. If there is anyone who would like to take advantage of Mo’s availability and schedule a free concert for Mo – he is available. Please contact Mo directly on his Facebook page or you may call him directly at 850.491.8800. Thank you guys.

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Quick Progress on Matching Grant!

Posted on May 31st, 2011 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

On May 25th I sent out an announcement of a Matching Grant from an anonymous donor of $2,000 per month. In 6 days alone we’ve raised over $1,000 already! Thank you SO much – those of you who have given and those who have kicked your prayers up for us a notch!

I’m very excited about this – let’s keep the progress going! You may make an online donation at www.myrebirth.org. Or you may send a check to Rebirth International, 2285 SW 87th Place, Ocala, FL 34476.

Don’t forget that the new CD is out and available on iTunes. However, if you’d like a copy of the CD itself – feel free to either make a donation of at least $20 at the aforementioned site – or you may send a check to the above address.

I am helping Good Shepherd Church and a sister church (Centerpoint – Ocala) conduct summer Christian Sport’s Clinics at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Ocala. There are a half dozen or so college students providing manpower to this program…young people who I’m also privileged to teach every Sunday evening. This biblical material is so powerful and to watch a new generation of young people molded by it is deeply rewarding and nostalgic! There is a young couple who is considering the possibility of leading an incarnational ministry there and I also have the privilege of mentoring them and calling them friends. My children will be accompanying me in all of these endeavors. Please pray for us all.

I am also on the front end of exploring partnering initiatives with Northland Church in Longwood, FL (on a volunteer basis) to determine if there are some untapped urban outreach and community development possibilities in the Central Florida area, that Rebirth can help Northland to spur.

And of course the D3 Institute for International Development will open its doors this Fall where I will continue to teach principles and theology of Urban Mission, as well as facilitating mission deployments. There is still much planning left to do for this exciting ministry!

I am performing concerts as often as I can to give platform to the vision of Rebirth – and to provide a little “tent-making” revenue to the cause. I have openings in July, August and the entire Fall. Let me know if you’re interested – we could use the support – and the music isn’t as bad as you might assume. I’d rather be doing this than stocking shelves at Wal-Mart. But if that’s what I have to do to keep the ministry alive – you know that I will do it!

As always I stand in the need of prayer, support and good administrative assistance :) .

Thanks again for your care for me and for this vision to advance urban mission stateside and worldwide. I’ll keep you updated.

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