Common Ground Update

We are in our new building!................
 

After over 11 years of dilapidation, abandonment, and literal darkness and inactivity there is ‘life’ on the corner of Mobile Road, Early Street, Terminal Road, and Hugh Street again. Our building, which has been a beautiful picture of resurrection, is teeming with children, volunteers, our staff, and teenagers and young adults. We finished most of the renovation and opened the doors a few weeks ago. Please come and visit us. We opened up our doors for after school tutoring and had over 100 kids show up the first day! We have now settled in with around 85 kids that are enrolled in tutoring Monday through Thursday (and Friday fun days!) and who participate in Wednesday night bible study after tutoring.

We have 5 different bible studiesthat the kids break up for by age and gender. The bible studies are going very well. Tutoring, on the other hand, needs some attention and help. We REALLY need you and/or others to come one day a week for an hour and a half or so. Engaging with our neighborhood kids will do a lot in you and to you. They are wonderful kids. Many of them are more than a couple grade levels behind in reading and math. Please consider this investment in our community and in their lives. We tutor from 3:30 to 5:30 Monday through Thursday.

                                                                                         

The redemption of a young family………..

 

Charles and Yashika were deeply committed to and involved in gang-life for many years. I met Charles a few years ago and we began to get to know one another. A few months into our friendship he was shot in the stomach. He lived. Later I found out he had retaliated in like manner. Both Kevin and I have been involved in their lives for a few years now. Back in January, Both Charles and Yashika received Christ. It has been overwhelming to see their lives change in front of our eyes. They have been baptized, joined a church, and have led other family members to Christ. Charles is in incredible street evangelist. He is fearless. He recently told me, “I spent all of my life ‘going hard’ for the streets and have led many people the wrong way. Now I will lead them to God”. I have never seen anything like it. God has redeemed and gifted this man. After living together for years Charles and Yashika will be getting married this weekend! They are deeply committed to seeing their relationship continue to be redeemed as they seek God’s blessing in marriage. This marriage will be a powerful example and picture in our community. This is exactly what we have been praying for years. We are committed to andtrust God to raise-up leaders like Charles. Charles and Yashika’s reception will be held at our new building and we are going to celebrate this beautiful picture of restoration with our community! 

Grand Opening………..
 

 

Our Grand opening for our new building will be held November 19th from 5-7 p.m. You will receive an invitation later this week. Please make plans to come celebrate this defining event with our staff family and neighbors. Danny Wuerfful (former Heisman Trophy winner) will be joining us as well as many others from around our city.