As you know – the purpose of Rebirth is to advance the cause of the Gospel in urban poverty here and around the world. Â The calling God has placed on my life remains certain in these uncertain times.
I am presently in a Red Roof Inn in Montgomery, AL awakened and heading to the East side of Birmingham where one of my prized interns is contemplating the launching of a new Rebirth effort. I am coming up to help him get his bearings – to assist him in developing an initial strategy and to sell it to a base of supporters in the area. God is on the move.
I will return later tonight to lead a men’s retreat for my beloved church here in the Big Bend (Tallahassee).
The Spring was a flurry of activity – in addition to hosting an intern for the year – in addition to pastoring a church through transition – I had numerous speaking and singing engagements which help keep Rebirth afloat financially and advance its cause in recruitment of next-generation urban missionaries. I also spent a large portion of time consulting with indigenous leaders and staffers at my former ministry who intend to relaunch the ministry they enjoyed at Desire Street. Â Please pray for their success and encouragement.
I will be teaching at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando in January and speaking in Omaha, NE in the Fall as well as other assignments. Due to lack of funds I’ve been unable to fulfill some commitments – like visiting Shane and Kristen Fast who are leading the Rebirth work in East St. Louis – and traveling to Columbia to meet with a missionary friend I had committed to help there.
I must dedicate some days and hours to a frontal attack on the fund-raising effort. Perhaps the summer will afford me that opportunity. Â So if you are interested in hosting a concert – even a house concert of potential friends to Rebirth – don’t hesitate to call me. There is much availability in my schedule in the summer and fall!
CenterPoint Church has endured a difficult transition from founding pastor to me. We’ve renewed and crystalized our commitment to the South East quadrant of Tallahassee to build an incarnational mosaic of grace – a church wholly committed to seeing the word and work of the gospel planted in the life of this community. Pray for the Lord’s clear direction over our exciting work here.
Our family is doing well. Lindsay will be a full-time college student in the Fall and moved out of the house. Lacey is planning to duel enroll at TCC as a home-schooler. Maggie is headed to high school and Manning to middle school. Â Manning is enjoying playing All-Star Baseball right now – and his Dad is enjoying being his form of transportation and fan club. Ellen is taking coursework to prepare her for a new career in medical information systems – she’s such a diligent student and is excited about moving into this new phase of life. We’re all doing well – prospering in love.
Hope to see you soon in your neck of the woods or mine! Â Many blessings…
burt
It was obviously a successful trip; you’re a celebrity at Charlie’s BBQ in Odenville – here was today’s facebook post:
We were honored to have a special guest at the store today. Christian recording artist and Director of Re-Birth International Urban Missions Mo Leverett made a cameo today. You may have heard some of his music over the speakers at Charlie’s, a very New Orleans Style blues-y Christian music. Glad you stopped by Mo, looking forward to getting that signed picture from you!
http://www.myrebirth.org
