...this I know....for the Bible tells me so!June 12 - LATEST NEWS with a new blog about "m2m: Mission to Michigan," hosted by WordPress. Click here to see it now.
News of the 2010 Mission to Detroit
A combined effort of Christian Churches and Faithful Believers in Christ
A problem has developed in the acquisition of a house in Detroit. All email regarding the situation begins on Page 8.
A phone conversation with the seller regarding the problem was recorded and is available on Page 5.
The eBay page showing the content of the ad and images of the house which was misrepresented. (Opens in a separate tab)
The full story of the mission, its goals and obstacles we have encountered begins below.
DATELINE: Mission to Detroit, February/March, 2010
One of the results stemming from the recent Alpha Course presented at Calcium Community Church (Calcium, NY) was to consider the undertaking of
a mission to the City of Detroit, MI, for the purposes of taking ministries in Jesus' Name to economically challenged persons and communities. Several
possible methods of creating a presence there were discussed among interested Alpha participants, most notably securing a house or other property and
rehabbing it for use as a base from which to continue in the development of other Christian ministries to affected communities.
Our purpose will be to assist residents and local businesses of Detroit in maintaining and rebuilding their neighborhoods and the community at-large
through direct involvement in their labors while presenting a Christian-oriented stabilizing influence in their religious and social culture. Lest anyone
think differently, we go as humble servants fully dependent upon our Lord Jesus for all things. That we go confidently should be seen as justified.
At this time, this is considered an open-ended mission. We intend to begin at the earliest possible date and continue our support and involvement
wherever possible through our abilities and the love of Jesus until such time as it may be deemed appropriate to conclude the mission.
Our intention is to send persons who possess essential skills in varying construction trades, ministerial skills including Bible training and study, music
and/or sports backgrounds for service as volunteers to affected communities and individuals, churches and charitable organizations. Secure lodging
or other accommodations will be sought to serve as a base of operations for our missionaries and for storage of equipment and supplies.
All funds required for the pursuit of this mission shall come from churches and individuals, giving cheerfully as to the Lord. Special fundraising events may
be planned in the event of shortfalls or unexpected necessity. Specific requests may be made to appropriate organizations if, or as, required.
Team leader and initial contact person is Len Hamilton (email) of Pleasant Meadows Baptist Church, Evans Mills, NY. Pastor Mark White (email) of
Calcium Community Church has agreed to serve as primary advisor and spiritual counselor for the mission. Numerous other individuals have come
forward as financial contributors and resource suppliers Other persons have offered to serve in roles as deemed necessary and appropriate but have not
yet been named to any particular function. All persons are respectfully asked to consider, through earnest prayer, whatever contributions of time,
resources or other support they may feel led by God to provide. All gifts, of whatever nature they may be, will be used exclusively in the progress of this
mission. All persons are asked to seriously consider their individual participation and level of involvement, and then to respond appropriately and swiftly.
To God be the glory! We ask that you join us in praying that the Lord will provide spiritual encouragement and essential resources as we go forward.
DATELINE: Mission to Detroit, May 10, 2010
by Len Hamilton (email)
There has been much discussion about finding a place to base our ministry in Detroit, and it was suggested that we watch Ebay's real estate section
for structures in the Detroit area. A variety of buildings including stores, warehouses, churches and homes are being placed in online auctions for sale
to the highest bidder. Properties move rapidly through this auction, and new offerings appear daily.
After following the Detroit residential section for several weeks and learning a bit about the actual process of registering to bid, we have viewed over
70 homes as possible locations for establishing our Mission. Some of them sold for literal pennies on today's devalued dollars. Finally, a house was
offered at bid in an established east Detroit neighborhood that appeared to have the basic requirements we considered minimal to begin a work
there. Several of us have prayed regularly about this, and made a bid in faith that God would support our decision and price range. We won the auction
today with a bid of $1,025.00 (plus closing costs of $395.00) against 19 other bids.
The house was listed as a two-story brick bungalow, with a full basement and detached garage. It is located on 4421 Fischer Street in Detroit's east
side. However, the images on Ebay show a single story home but it appears it may have a finished attic and that would still suit the purpose. I believe it
should have a lower annual tax rate as well, being a single story structure. Condition of the attic, basement and garage are unknown but I assume the
worst because of vandalism occurring across Detroit. Actually, nearly all American cities are experiencing decline through similar actions.
I will gather the images from the Ebay auction and get them on this page as soon as possible, along with additional information about the house and
surrounding neighborhoods. I have started researching churches and various community support facilities (hospitals, clinics, shopping and others) and
will try to get them posted here soon.
Deep appreciation is given for all those who have assisted in the process thus far; for those who have contributed financially, and for those who sincerely
and frequently pray that God will lead and provide in all ways through His people. Our team is growing, in faith and in focus. Praise God!
(more to follow - click here)