Rebirth International

Keep Praying…

Posted on August 5th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

A number of folks are asking, “How’d the weekend go? What’s the update?” Well, I can’t respond to everyone, so here it is: KEEP PRAYING.

I had a last round of interviews with staff, elders, search committee and the entire congregation. I delivered a sermon. Now the search committee is saddled with a decision to make. They have sent out a mass e-mail to the congregation for feedback. Tonight the committee is meeting to discuss whether or not to recommend me to the congregation to become their pastor, or to widen the search.

If the committee recommends me to the congregation, the congregation will vote on that recommendation on August 17th. School starts on the 18th.

I’ve made clear that my interest in the position expires at the end of the summer. I cannot, after everything my family and children have been through post-Katrina, ask them to enter new schools in New Orleans, form new friendships, extract them from said schools in two months and adapt academically and socially in Tallahassee.

So pray for the search committee tonight, that they would hear from the Lord - that they would have wisdom from above and that the Lord would lead according to His perfect plan!

0 comments.

Of Plans, Passions and the Will of God

Posted on July 25th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

As much as I may like to pretend that I’m in control of my life, I’m not. My life is not my own. It has been purchased - and I surrender my soul to God. It has pleased Him to shake up my life over the last few years. And He’s apparently not done.

Sometimes planning is advisable. Other times it only gets in the way of God. My plans are just that - my plans - and they sometimes overlap with His. However, God is sovereign and I am a subject in His Kingdom.

For the past 18 years I have enjoyed a love affair with the city that care forgot. It is my heart’s desire to remain here. But it is becoming clearer every day that God may be leading me away from the city of my affections.

Often I’ve thought - the Lord needs me here. He clarifies - I need no one. Often I’ve thought - I want to finish the task I began. He clarifies - the work is not yours to finish. Often I’ve thought - I will not abandon those who depend on me. He clarifies - I am the only One worthy of their dependence.

You see, there is an ambitious church called Centerpoint, in the great city of Tallahassee, who has dared to pry me from New Orleans. And despite my resistance, their efforts appear to be prompted by the Spirit.

I did not aspire to the position, but it sought me. I put out fleeces. The Lord met them. I was sure my family would buck. They haven’t. My closest counselors agree - “this is an ideal fit for you”. Many who want me to stay, nevertheless acknowledge the Lord’s hand and timing.

I preach to the congregation on August 3rd. They decide August 17th. School starts August 18th.

That would give us 24 hours to sell the house, to move our stuff, find a place to live, get our kids in school and the many other unseen things that would need to be done!

Rebirth International would come with me. Our vision for expanding urban ministry initiatives across this country and beyond has not dimmed. We believe that God’s purpose in calling me to pastor a church would not be to diminish the work of Rebirth but to anchor, expand and under gird it.

Richard Johnson has agreed to take the mantle of leading Rebirth - New Orleans. And Richard is more than capable of doing so!

In a little more than a year and a half, we have no less than 4 urban ministries in the oven - New Orleans, E. St. Louis, Mobile and Tallahassee. A pretty good start.

Rebirth’s financial position continues to be weak. Nevertheless, we know that God has purposed for us to remain steadfast, patient and confident - trusting in Him.

Will you pray for me, that I would have wisdom, discernment, assurance and more wisdom?

We cherish our friends and partners daily. Please feel free to contact me with wisdom, feedback, questions or concerns.

3 comments.

Please Help Send Clark Kids to Camp!

Posted on July 11th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

A Ministry Request from Richard Johnson - Rebirth International

Blessings!

Would you consider giving a contribution to help Rebirth send kids to camp?

We have an opportunity coming up July 20-23 for the senior players at Clark to attend the LSU football camp. Some of the kids I believe have an opportunity to land scholarships, and it will be good for them to get the exposure.

Also, it is always great to be able to give kids the chance to get out of their regular environment and meet different kinds of people, and to see what a college campus is like. Some of these kids have never even been outside of New Orleans except for evacuating for the hurricane, so a trip like this is a pretty big thing for them.

I plan to also use this opportunity to have Bible studies with this smaller group of kids and hopefully develop some spiritual leadership in the team. Most if not all of them have already given their lives to Christ!

This camp costs $300 per student, which covers their room and board for 3 days and 2 nights. If you are interested in giving towards helping a student attend this camp, just send the contribution to:

Rebirth International
P. O. Box 62600
Dept. 1395
New Orleans, LA 70162-2600

Or you may go directly to the website and make a contribution on line.

Thanks for your help.

Coach Richard Johnson, Jr.

0 comments.

Mastering the Art of Pressing On

Posted on June 27th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

Today, I’m sporting a T-shirt designed by my beautiful daughter Maggie - who, along with her sister Lacey, is my world’s favorite artist! It has a beautifully crafted rendition of our ministry name - Rebirth International - on the front, along with a wooden cross and spiraling vine. On the back it has our website clearly spelled out - www.myrebirth.org, along with her personal recommendation - GET INVOLVED! (more…)

0 comments.

Punting Perfection

Posted on June 19th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: blog, ministry updates.

I was a punter in high school and college. Nobody likes a punter. The punter only comes on the field when the offense has failed. Punters are most despised by perfectionists - persons who think failure an unacceptable option.

When we consider the men of the Bible - we get a picture of the nature of achievable spirituality. Often they fail. And yet it is wrong to hyper-moralize their failure. Their failures not only open the door for grace, it demonstrates what is non-achievable spirituality - perfection. (more…)

1 comment.

First Presbyterian, Augusta

Posted on June 19th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: events.

July 20, 2008

Mo will be speaking at the First Presbyterian Church in Augusta on July 20th.

0 comments.

Keeping Perspective

Posted on June 18th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I woke up this morning mostly focused on bodily weariness from the almost 30 hours of driving through the panhandle of Florida, consulting with churches in Quincy, Tallahassee and Orlando, Florida.

I know when I’m pressing too hard - I tend to get sick, overwhelmed, excessively forgetful and disengaged. My symptoms today are evidence that I’ve been pressing too hard.

I’ve been pressing, though, because of our present dire financial situation. My inability to make payroll was causing me to feel vulnerable, anxious and afraid. Money issues are larger than maybe they ought to be, but they loom large nonetheless. (more…)

1 comment.

Pray for Rebirth

Posted on June 13th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: blog, ministry updates.

Rebirth International is an organization in a launch mode. We are still raising the awareness of our work to the general Christian community. And we are developing a new donor base.

Our purpose is to advance urban ministry initiatives in pockets of poverty stateside and worldwide. In service to that vision we are focusing on three primary objectives: 1) REVIVING indigenous ministry in post-Katrina New Orleans; 2) RESOURCING the church in urban ministry consultation services; and 3) REPLICATING incarnational ministry in specifically targeted communities across the country. (more…)

0 comments.