I’m writing this Duluth update between making espresso drinks in the coffee trailer while listening to Burning Dog at the Street Level House and talking with students who actually read the Word on the Street magazines that we mailed to them. At this moment, it is abundantly clear to me how incredibly good God has been to us and how blessed we are to serve Him through all these different avenues. As I think back to last year and even further back in Believers Church history, I am reminded of God’s sovereignty to get us to this moment. What a journey it has been, and how many people have been involved all along the way.
This past Wednesday at church (at the Street Level House!), Pastor Justin said that everything we do should have an impact on generations to come. It is easy to forget that in the day-to-day routine of life, doing tasks that don’t seem directly related to furthering the kingdom of God, that everything we do does have a purpose behind it. I know I will be eternally grateful for those who have pitched in, doing those day-to-day tasks all along the way, and who were faithful to do what God asked of them.
The past month has been a whirlwind, but it sure has been an enjoyable one. After preparing the Street Level House all summer, we were thrilled to have church service there for the first time this past week. Now that students are moved in, we have also been trying to cross the street to get on campus as much as possible – playing kickball, attempting hackysack, and letting students know we are here. Our rummage sale combined with a plant and espresso giveaway for students was been quite busy. We would appreciate prayer for the interactions we have had – that us handing a student a latte or plant would be the start of something that will have a lasting impact on their lives, long after the caffeine has worn off. We are looking forward to the rest of the semester with regular SLM meetings on Mondays, church at the house on Wednesdays, and something happening in the yard every Friday. We will also be doing a live radio broadcast at the student organization fair. Our first Friday event was an outdoor movie. Please keep Street Level in prayer – specifically that we are in tune with what God would have us do, and who He would have us meet.
Street Level isn’t the only facet of the church that has been busy. The Community group has carried on with weekly outreaches at local parks and beaches as well as blanketing the greater Twin Ports area with posters. They also did a coffee giveaway right in front of the church. Currently, they are gearing up for a large festival in Duluth where the coffee trailer will be used to let people know who we are and, Who we are all about.
If you tune your TV to one of the local stations, you might see our faces in our latest commercial for the church: Live Like You Mean It. That slogan is plastered on billboards, city busses, online, and on posters all around town. This is one of our most intentional and widespread ad campaigns for the church that we have ever done. The message is clear and something we believe wholeheartedly, which is that there is more to life than just getting through it.
-Chelsey
