Victory Acres hosted our annual Urban Leadership retreat May 28 – 30, 2021. We welcomed families from Detroit, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. Each of the six families that participated shared details from their lives, families, and ministry. Following those times of tearful sharing, we would gather around, lay our hands on them, and pray together. Hearing the joys and struggles, the victories and on-going problems helped to strengthen our bonds of spiritual friendship, reminding us that we are not alone in this fight.
A vibrant supportive culture of committed, called, competent disciples ministering among the urban poor are joining our network. We are a family of families. The inner-city can be a lonely and spiritually dangerous place to work. While sin exists everywhere, it is manifestly concentrated in these urban places; you see the signs on the streets and in the headlines. Having a safe, fun, relaxing weekend among like minded co-workers can be a ministry-saving breath of fresh air. Burdens are lifted. Perspective is gained. Vision is restored.
Developing an interconnected network of churches and Christian communities in the 50 largest cities of the U.S. is no small task. While we have a long way to go, we are on the journey. Ten years ago we planted the first urban missionary in Detroit and a little over 20 years ago Victory Chapel began meeting in Indianapolis. There are souls in heaven today as a result of those efforts, and we thank God for it, but new cities and opportunities lie ahead.
Pray for Tonweya and Judy Sherman in Detroit and Joe and Joanna Reiman in Cincinnati, currently serving as EFM missionaries. Pray for Michael and Brenda G, working in Detroit while currently making plans to move to a closed Middle Eastern country. Pray for Pastor Edy and the team in Indianapolis leading the Spanish congregation we helped to start, and pray for the families connected to Victory Chapel.