Rebirth International

Of Bitterness, Baby Ruth’s and Butterfingers

Posted on October 31st, 2007 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: leverett family, ministry updates.

Ministry updates are peculiar things. I’ve written a ton of them over the years and have read many more. As a result, I’ve become somewhat cynical regarding flowery and embellished reports. Therefore, when I write, I make an attempt at redemptive transparency, so that you can believe what you hear. However, one friend said in response to a recent posting that “it sounds like everything is going so well.” Then I realized, maybe I’m doing too much embellishing of my own. So here’s an attempt at a little honesty.

As one of my childhood heroes, Popeye the Sailor Man, would say, “I am what I am.” And sometimes that’s a good thing. In my special case, however, it’s often not. Truth is, like my friend Popeye, I don’t always eat my spinach. And as a result, I too get beat up by Brutus…

I’ve learned after 18 years of front line urban ministry, that when things are great, trouble lurks. And when things are tough, God is especially at work. The anchor for me is this: that God is sovereign at all times, that He is intrinsically and perfectly holy, that He is always good, and that I am unconditionally His.

I’d love to be able to report to you that I remain steadfastly encouraged by that truth - and that when I hurt or am discouraged, I run to Jesus. Some times though, I run to dry wells that do not satisfy. Some times I choose bitterness. Sometimes pain is so great and seems so powerful that I exchange what little power I have just to feel better. On and around Halloween my pills of choice are those little packages of Butterfingers and Baby Ruth’s. I can’t tell you, or maybe you already know, how medicinal a Butterfinger is when you have the blues. Bitterness and butterfingers give me that immediate rush that all is right within. When that rush is over, I rediscover the art of repentance and thus taste the only thing that really satisfies. (Something tells me I’m going to be doing a lot of repenting tonight!)

Truth is, I’m on the better end of one of the darkest epochs of my life. I remember crying out to God during the height of my pain and the only thing I could feel from God was His severe absence.

That is no longer the case. God has used that pain to elicit in me a newer and deeper longing for and dependence on Him. Honestly, I am reluctant to yearn for and rely on Him when circumstances are more to my pleasing. And now I can say after these difficult few years post-Katrina that I’m proud to be in the fellowship of broken vessels. I’m most thankful to be a Husband and a Father. And I’m grateful to be entering into the second phase of my ministry life - a deeper man - not knowing what this phase will bring, but nevertheless continuing by faith.

At the end of this week I’ll be headed up for a long weekend in the Northeastern United States to speak to a group of Ivy League students. I intend to speak on the love of the Father for our orphaned souls, God’s poverty mandate, His heart of mercy for the lost and distressed, our unique opportunity to suffer with Him and the unique privilege of joining Him in His ongoing mission of redemption in this world. I hope that you will pray for me during this opportunity to effect the lives of these potentially influential young people.

I’m excited about the prospects of a few staff additions. All of these folks found Christ in my previous ministry endeavor and are considering coming on board in the areas of fund-development, high school ministry and administrative coordination. I’ll send you more information when we’re ready to move forward on these critical growth opportunities. However, you can already begin praying with me that the Lord provide the necessary funds to advance the cause in this way. Frankly, I’m looking forward to having partners in the cause. I’ve been a little bit lonely trying to do this stuff all alone.

So in summary, how are things, really? Well, we’re paying the bills. We are, I believe, making an impact. And we’re building the staff and infrastructure that will posture us to be a conduit of much ministry from our Lord. The Leverett’s are working on our move back into the city. I have a growing number of speaking opportunities throughout the country. I have a new CD out! I’m married to the cutest 60 inches of femininity the world has ever seen. I have four amazing kids. So while I may struggle a bit with the shouldering of this new effort, I think all in all, things are good.

We developed a budget for this year of $250,000. As I’m discovering, that was an ambitious goal. After three quarters the Lord has provided through honorariums, CD sales and contributions a total of about $140,000. And we’re a little bit in the hole. However, we’re postured to do very well in the final quarter of ‘07 and be in good position to hit the ground running in ‘08. Continue to pray!

By the way, we are trying to have family meetings every Sunday night. Some singing, some giggling, some Bible Study and some serious family business. Listen to some of the comments that my kids made this past week. “We’re spoiled.” “We have too much allowance.” “We want a smaller house.” “We have too much stuff.” “We watch too much TV.” “We’re on the computer too much.” “Can we reduce our TV’s to just one so that we will spend more time together?”

My Lindsay told me today that she wants to join the National Guard, to serve our country and to help pay for college when she graduates from high school. She also is sensing a call to give herself to the Lord’s work in Urban Ministry.

My Lacey’s pet kitten was run over this past week. We wept together. I buried Dash in our back yard. I remembered my two pet dogs who were killed in like fashion when I was Lacey’s age. We’re trying to discern whether to get another dog or cat to replace it.

My Maggie just finished up her volleyball season. She made amazing improvement this year and she made her Dad awfully proud. They came within one point of winning their final tournament this year! Maggie is organizing a garage sale for the benefit of her school.

My Manning and his team had their first play-off football game last night. He’s playing tight end, full back and defensive end. However, he was doubled over with the stomach flu on the side line. Despite his absence from the line up (and my presence as the Offensive Coordinator) we were able to achieve our first playoff victory!

Clark High School plays its final game of the season this week. I’ve been their volunteer Special Teams Coordinator throughout the season. If they win this weekend, and they should, they will advance to the playoffs as well. Richard Johnson and Sam Rauschenberg are busily managing Bible Studies for these boys on Thursday nights.

Oh well, that’s all I have time for. I hope you all enjoy some Butterfingers and Baby Ruth’s tonight. And as you are repenting on the scale the following morning with me, remember to pray for Rebirth and our cause in New Orleans and beyond to glorify Christ among the urban poor!

God bless you all and thank you for enabling us to serve our Savior!

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Building a Family a Home for the Mission of God

Posted on September 20th, 2007 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: leverett family, ministry updates, new orleans.

Building a Family a Home for the Mission of God
- a note from Mo Leverett - September 20, 2007

I’m in my portable office - my trusty Toyota Corolla - in front of a vacant lot that my wife has identified through prayerful search as the potential new Leverett’s family home site. I am joining her in prayer and soliciting yours at the same time.

The lot is near the corner of St. Bernard Ave and Mirabeau. It is just a little ways down from the St. Bernard housing project of New Orleans, close to City Park and not far from the University of New Orleans. It is very close to I-610 which puts us within a hop, skip and a jump to just about every part of the city. There is a gentle breeze, a hint of the oncoming autumn air passing through my vehicle. The faint sounds of construction off in the distance signal the ongoing recovery effort in this area. I am resting in the assurance of God’s sovereign purpose for our family and praying…

In my last report to you guys I conveyed my rather busy traveling schedule. I hoped this crowded schedule would remind you of our commitment to the cause, but I know for some it inspired concern for the precious Leverett family which I am primarily called to shepherd. And so I thought I’d give you a fuller update on the status of the Leveretts as we together pursue the next phase of our lives in ministry.

Ellen has taken a part-time job in the afternoons in the after-care program at St. George’s Episcopal School where Maggie and Manning are attending. She is doing this in order to help defray the cost of educating our kids. She is also home schooling Lacey this year and getting some individual tutoring for herself in sign-language, which outside of being the engineer of the Leverett household, is her other passion and interest. I do a second-rate job of managing the routine in her absence on Wednesday nights when she is with her tutor. Her e-mail address is ellenleverett@hotmail.com and I know she would be encouraged to hear from any or all of you.

Lindsay, my oldest daughter is becoming a young adult. She’ll be driving in the not too distant future and is showing signs of maturity in all areas of her life. We’re even beginning to have conversations about college. She has been a central part of my ministry over the years and has internalized such a huge part of my heart for the urban struggle. She has agreed to write an article for our website regarding our mutual interest in the football program at Clark High School, where I am volunteer coaching the special teams. If you’ve seen the movie Remember the Titans, the curly-haired daughter of the Coach is just like my Lindsay, who I affectionately call Dee Dee Brown! She’s also a good athlete in her own rite, but has struggled with shoulder injuries and shin splints. I will be picking her up in an hour as she insists on attending all the practices at Clark High School with me.

My daughter Lacey, also called La La, or Ooo La La, is going through self-discovery issues and has been the most visibly hurt by our departure from the 9th ward. Our ministry there was so much a part of her life that it is painful for her even to talk about, yet we are working on moving forward from here. She’s struggled with migraine headaches and so homeschooling is giving her reprieve to pursue her education at her pace without the pressure that early morning school schedules seem to be for her. She despises living on the West Bank of New Orleans and is very much looking forward to a move. I was able to coach her in Cabbage Ball and Softball this Spring and she became a very valuable asset to the team and demonstrated the most personal improvement. I’m teaching Lacey to play the guitar and she and I are working on a mission project together, as well. She is an aspiring poet and artist.

I attended Maggie’s, or Mags-a-million’s, first volleyball game yesterday. She started and played every point of all three games. She’s likely to be the tallest of all my girls, who all tower over their mother! She is a talented artist and brings that artist perspective to all of life. She’s a bit silly, loves to laugh and to play games on my computer. She makes excellent grades and endears herself to everyone she meets. She and I are due for a Daddy date soon!

Manning, or Manny Man, is my only son. I’m coaching his football team in his first season this year. I can’t begin to tell you how excited he is to be out there. After I bought his equipment that first night, he slept in it! He talks about football without ceasing. I love him so much. He’s smart, athletic but most gentle. When someone is hurting within the family he’s very caring and sensitive and offers himself for comfort. He loves math and science and thus may become my best hope for a retirement plan!

I just wanted all of you to know how much I treasure this family. As soon as our support is raised I very much intend to resume a more rational schedule. Please pray for me. There’s a significant difference between the ages of 42 and 25, the age I was when I launched Desire Street Ministries. Back then, I had boundless energy, few responsibilities and no children. This time around is different. Please feel free to forward information on to others who might want to help us redevelop ministry in the city of New Orleans, resource other urban ministries and churches and replicate incarnational urban ministry stateside and worldwide. We are committed and are asking for your prayer and help!

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Celebrating 21 years of Marriage and Ministry Together

Posted on August 23rd, 2007 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: leverett family, ministry updates, new orleans.

While it may not sound romantic, trust me, it was her idea. Ellen and I celebrated our 21st anniversary today by enjoying a midday 2 game bowling tournament, followed up by a meal at Steak and Ale - rib eye and baked potato! Every guy should have a wife like this!

I forget who I was speaking to, but when she heard that Ellen and I had been married for 21 years, she said, “Wow! These days, that’s quite an accomplishment!” And it really is - especially on her side of the equation. I am so thankful for her and for my four amazing children who are beautiful and mostly well-adjusted due to the steady, tender and motherly hand of Ellen. Few have better instincts in the whole motherhood department than Ellen Leverett. And very few people would likely endure what I’ve put her through and still, even to this day, be willing to endure more. What a champion she is - and I’m the luckiest guy on the planet!

Now the day is winding down. The kids are in bed. Ellen has drifted off to sleep. I’m at my computer soliciting your prayers as I have mostly packed my bags for a fund-raising trip to Dallas and later a consultation visit and concert in Corpus Christi. I will arise again at 5:15 am and enter another day of building a new ministry. I will be in Houston the following weekend and in Georgia the weekend after that. In between all of this I’m coaching at Clark High School, meeting with pastors, educators and other city leaders. I’m making support calls. I’m trying to stay on top of all the administrative affairs. I am working hard, but as the Good Book says, “unless the Lord builds the house…those who labor, labor in vain.” I hope you will pray for me this week, that the Lord go before me. Pray that He provide all the resources necessary to launch this ministry. Pray for the appropriate administrative assistance to under gird my efforts and compliment my weaknesses in this endeavor. Pray that God would raise up the spiritual leadership to go into the harvest fields. Mostly, pray that I would remain ever diligent in remaining ever reliant and that I not resist the hands of the potter in His ongoing work in me.

As you know, I have been in faith-based ministry for over 17 years now as a domestic urban missionary. Remarkably during this time period, Ellen and I have never missed a paycheck until, that is, August of ‘07. Were this the case 6 months ago, I might would be checking into jobs at the local Winn-Dixie. However, Ellen and I have a strange peace about all of this. With a busy Fall and early Spring, we are confident that the resources will come in to keep us going in the execution of this important vision. Also with the release of our new CD project in the Fall, we trust that we will begin to realize a return on that particular investment. If the Lord lays it on your heart to continue to support the Leverett family in the work of advancing urban ministry initiatives, we will strive to see that your investment have eternal significance.

But right now, rejoice with us that we are enduring in love, progressing in service to our Savior and continuing to push against the darkness with the light of the Gospel!

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We’re Feeling Good

Posted on August 22nd, 2007 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: blog, leverett family, ministry updates, new orleans.

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Peter, The Apostle of Jesus
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! John, The Apostle of Jesus

I’ve been pulling early mornings and so I was nodding off at nine. My wife gently awakened me to inform me that Manning, my nine year old son, has a surprise for me and wants to tell me something. My wife noticing my preference for sleep and reluctance to be disturbed assured me that I would not be disappointed. Collecting myself, I struggled up the stairs and found Manning under the covers with nothing showing but his glowing and compressed grin. I snuggle next to him, place my arm under his head and say, “Hey buddy, what’s going on?” He paused. Then he said, “I’m ready to accept Jesus into my heart.”

I’ve had some encouraging moments in the past year. But as I reflect back, there are none quite so sweet as this one. My pride in that boy is one of the most cherished parts of my life. To impart myself to him is the world’s greatest privilege. For him to believe that I’m the world’s greatest dad is affirmation at its finest. So after leading him in prayer and exchanging some words of affection, I asked him, “How do you feel Manny Man?” He paused. “I’m feeling really good about myself,” he said.

It’s hard to believe that God’s love for me and Manning is greater, far greater than what we feel for one another. But that is the good news. While I love Manning, it is no trouble at all for me and it is my distinct joy to introduce him to His real Dad - Abba Father. While I am a staunch believer in the theological motif of original sin - and I give evidence to it daily - I believe also that because of the Father’s love, we can truly feel good about ourselves.

It was also my joy to introduce some young men at Clark High School recently to my Father as well. It is even greater encouragement for me to know that Richard Johnson, who I had the privilege of introducing to the Father in the early days of my ministry in Desire, is becoming for these young men a real father figure. It also gladdened me to facilitate the generosity of Greg Jacobs, another one of our students and disciples from Desire who now is a young and successful entrepreneur, who almost single handedly funded the camp these boys attended!

While much of the past couple of years have been difficult, I will testify with much assuredness that I would not trade my life for another man’s life or for anything that you could offer me in this world. You could say that I’m feeling really good about myself.

I have a packed Fall and early Spring traveling, speaking, singing and teaching. We are advancing the principles and theological framework that gives rise to kingdom building among the poor. This is resulting in many new works around the country and world. Thank you for supporting me in this endeavor. My new CD project Of Orphans and Kings will be released this Fall. Pray with me that this CD will help widen the impact that we can have in the promotion of incarnational ministry among the poor stateside and worldwide.

Our vision for the city of New Orleans is crystallizing around the concept of replicating the original ministry package of youth bible studies, leadership development, tutoring and camping in every one of the at-risk public schools in the city. We also intend to plant a church into which those young people can be enfolded, nurtured, instructed and commissioned in the Gospel of Christ.

Never before has the public schools of New Orleans been more open to the help that we can provide. We’re excited about these opportunities for the Gospel’s advancement in the city. We’re feeling good. Real Good.

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Rebirth moving forward on city-wide vision in New Orleans!

Posted on July 27th, 2007 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: blog, leverett family, ministry updates, new orleans.

While Katrina did more damage than it is healthy for me to think about at the moment, she also has created new opportunities for the gospel. Please pray for me as I begin to plow ahead in seizing some of those opportunities in the coming months. Pray that God would glorify Himself through the feeble sacrifices of a humble servant.

We are moving forward with a city-wide vision to plant the core urban ministry programs we established in the Desire neighborhood many years ago in other neighborhoods throughout the city. We are hoping to be able to rehire some of our previous indigenous leaders who will emulate my coaching and youth ministry exploits in other high schools in the city. While we’re unsettled entirely on the leadership construct for a new church, we have decided that a new church is needed. We are asking for your prayers and support in the coming months as we in earnest re-enter the devils turf.

Already, some of those indigenous leaders have started a new work at Clark High School in New Orleans. Young men and women have already made decisions to follow Christ. We are constructing a tutoring program for the fall and will partner with the football coaches to execute a combination two-a-day and Christian football camp in the next couple of weeks. I have been asked to coach special teams for Clark and so will be laboring alongside and underneath the leadership we led to Christ many years ago. It has been refreshing to be out on the football field again working with the kickers. It’s been encouraging to see that though I’m old, overweight and out of shape that I still can punt a football a good piece down the field. (I’m getting it together in case the Saints need me sometime this season!) Even more encouraging though is that I am able in small ways to help the next generation of youth from our beleaguered city realize their potential in life through Christ. It’s good to be out there again.

As one preacher said from the pulpit just the other day, “This whole Christianity thing is a Holy Spirit production…I’m just thankful that the Lord gave to me a speaking part!” I too am thankful to be out on the front lines again in a Holy Spirit production.

My Fall schedule is almost completely full. You can check out our calendar of events on the website to keep track with my travel plans. We will release my new CD, Of Orphans and Kings, in the Fall. However, you can download the music directly from our music website. The project will give you a window into how the Lord has worked in my life over the past number of months after Katrina and hopefully inspire you to remember the One who has made Kings from Orphans. It also gives you a tangible way to invest in our new work.

Ellen and I and the kids are well. We are working hard to build the infrastructure for a new movement, to raise the support necessary to do so and to discern with clarity the Lord’s precise call and vision for our future. We are so thankful for our partners in this. Please stay in touch with us. Every note of encouragement and word of support achieves its desired end.

Thanks again for your partnership!

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The Future of New Orleans

Posted on October 11th, 2006 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: devotional, leverett family, ministry updates.

The future of the city of New Orleans is the buzz, not only here, but all over the country. Every family in New Orleans faces the issue at least weekly if not daily. The halls of congress and even the oval office are consumed with it. Some have questioned the wisdom of rebuilding a city that is sinking and already below sea-level. The conditions of the city have worsened to an extent where those of us who remain appear either to be economically trapped, mentally imbalanced, fattally attracted, addicted to good eating or on a mission. At least four of those five apply to this member of the Leverett clan - you can try to figure out which ones.

Truth is, despite prevailing conventional wisdom and deductive reasoning or logic, now is not the time for us to pull anchor and leave. While no one can blame those who have left and put their roots down elsewhere, we have undoubtedly felt the call of God to stay and to finish the work God began through us.

Sometimes the Lord and His ways makes no sense to us at all. And let’s admit that those who are committed to fully pursuing the will of God appear a little looney to the rest of the human species. Take Paul who in obedience to the call of God re-entered the city of men that stoned him and left him for dead. Take Mother Theresa who chose the slums of India as her home and place of purpose. Or more convincingly take our Savior who for joy set before Him, endured the cross. All of the aforementioned were consumed by an unmistakable call to a particular mission that came from above - but none of their decisions made sense according to standards of this world.

When I originally came to New Orleans I remember hearing more than once the comment softly spoken and under the breath of onlookers, “Man, that’s one crazy white boy!” Well I can’t deny it. I am crazy for the city of New Orleans and I’m crazy for the mission of God here. It’s not that I don’t care for other places, I do. But there’s no place on earth like New Orleans and I believe whether others see it or not, Katrina made a way for us to better achieve our goals. And I also believe that it is the best headquarters for a replication movement. It is the center of the country’s attention and what works here can work anywhere. True we were wiped out. True I lost my position at DSM. But things are never as they seem and despite our human frailty God is still at work in and through us.

Until such time that God makes it obvious that we are to move on, that we’ve been called elsewhere and that our work is finished here…you know where to find me. I’ll be somewhere in the city dreaming of and planning for and working toward New Orleans rebirthed. Will you pray with us toward that end?

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Have you been looking for us?

Posted on October 11th, 2006 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: leverett family, ministry updates.

After Hurricane Katrina many changes have occured in my life and ministry. After helping DSM to survive the devastation and relocate its headquarters and operations, it became necessary for me to do some work and reparations in my own personal life and family after 16 years of ministry in the Desire Community. There are times when unresolved issues and personal neglect catch up with you and require of you a radical self-examination and renewed commitment to spiritual healing and growth. I am very thankful to the board of Desire Street for extending to me the necessary time and support for this process.

Upon returning from my sabbatical the board felt it necessary to take Desire Street Ministries into a new direction and with new leadership, and so with much reluctance, disapointment and sorrow I resigned. I have many fond memories, many valuable experiences and much personal enrichment for the privilege of serving the Desire Community through DSM. I am happy that DSM is continuing its effort after the storm and I am praying that God will bless, preserve and expand its efforts.

I am forming Rebirth International with the intent to continue in the calling of God on my life to present the word and work of the gospel of Christ in New Orleans and beyond. The effort to build an organization from scratch once again was not what I had desired but my family and I still feel passionately called to the revitalization of urban pockets of poverty in New Orleans and world-wide. To that end we have committed ourselves and solicit your continued support.

Will you keep us in your prayers and stay in touch with us as we are continually seeking the will of God in these matters. Feel free to contact me if you’d like to talk further.

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