MUCH is developing! God is speaking to us these days about structure. About how to build a structure for MUCH that will stand through the many applications and situations we encounter in this ministry. We are convinced that the structure of Heaven is family. Fathers and mothers, sons and daughters.
As we see the poor, it is with the heart of parents who want to see their kids fed. I have a photo of Jubilee Blanc, Haiti, which shows the kids outside the feeding area. The ones that didn’t get to eat that day because we ran out of food. It just happened that our son Sam was standing with them. In the picture, the kids are all silhouette, but Sam is easily identifiable by us. I think that is how it is for God. We see a bunch of hungry kids. He sees His sons and daughters. He knows them by name and knows when they get to eat.
SO, we press in to the “family” structure. We are Papa Beaver and Mama Kathy, and there are others. Casey and Natasha, two of our missionaries are true “mamas”. Though in their 20′s and as of yet not married (applications must be turned into Papa Beaver!), these young ladies are global mamas.
Casey Nichols’ call is to restoring childhood innocence and dignity to those who have lived through severe trauma. She is gifted to work with widows and orphans. Casey has just returned from working five months in Haiti with Faith Hope and Love Infant Rescue. She is also the queen of drywall hanging (complete with tiara).
Natasha Taylor is an activist for justice awareness. Her call is to motivate people to action on behalf of the “captives”. In May, Natasha led a group of students to campaign on behalf of the Invisible Children, child soldiers of Uganda. This month she is partnering with area churches to bring in Sally Rymer, a modern day abolitionist working with International Justice Mission. Sally speaks on behalf of those captive in human trafficking.
Mark and Kelly Taylor are with us for a season at The Market Place. They are another “Papa and Mama”. It is great encouragement to us to have these two add their strength to ours. They bring a loving, safe, nurturing strength to all of the staff and volunteers here. Also, they are a huge blessing to Beaver and I as their presence allows us to get days off together! Thank you Taylors!!!
MUCH Love Community: The mission of MUCH Love project is to give people coming out of cultures of addiciton, poverty, crime, and abuse an opportunity to redefine Who They Are and How They Live through on-the-job training, classes, and an environment of hope.
Our program is for individuals working their way back home. We are truly a “3/4″ community. Not a rehab center, not a detox hospital, and not a community for those who feel they need no help at all. We are a place for those who have already done a lot of the work in sobriety and stability. This is their next step.
We know this is the heart of God, just like feeding the kids in Haiti. He sees individuals.
