AN UPDATE FROM SETH RHODEBECK ON A NEW YEAR
OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT CAPITOL HEIGHTS

It is time to begin.  A new school year has begun here in Montgomery and it is time to get back to work.  Of course, work has been happening behind the scenes this summer, but it's time to get back to ministering to our people. 

It is time to look the lost, helpless, and harassed in the eye and offer them the love, compassion, and mercy of Christ.  It is time to speak the words of the gospel to dead ears.  It is time to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the marginalized and oppressed.  It is time to reengage in prayer, and cry out for God to have mercy on the lost and poor of this city.

It is time to begin.

AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING

On August 25, the After-School Tutoring Program begins! 

Victoria Campbell and our friends at First Presbyterian Church have been working hard to prepare for this new school year. 

Our three students from last year are returning, and we're adding 5 more students this year!  I'm blown away.  Please pray for our students.  Pray that they would come to faith in Jesus Christ.  Pray for their academic and personal growth.  Pray for their families, that the peace of God would rest on their homes and that they would be beacons of God's glory in their neighborhoods. 

We are so excited to reconnect with our students and families from last year, and to meet our new students and their families. 

If you'd like to get involved with the tutoring ministry, the most immediate need is for people to provide or sponsor weekly meals for about 30 people;

   * * * Sign up HERE to bring a meal * * * 

Also, email Seth if you're interested in tutoring.

CHMS Backpack Program

On August 26, the CHMS Backpack Program begins! 

Rachelle Whatley and Lynette Smith faithfully lead this ministry in partnership with Mrs. Henderson, the Capitol Heights Middle School (CHMS) Social Worker.  So long as the Lord provides the resources, we'll be providing 10 backpacks each week to be distributed by Mrs. Henderson to the students in greatest physical need.  These backpacks will provide food to students who may not have food at home over the weekend.

Can you imagine?  There are children in Montgomery that attend the school located just blocks away from my home that do not have food to eat over the weekend.  God have mercy!

Thank you for giving to make this possible.  You are feeding children who would not have food otherwise.  God bless you, what a kindness.

CHMS Bible Study

On Tuesday, August 30, the CHMS Bible Study begins!  For the 12th year in a row, we will go to CHMS, every Tuesday morning at 7:00 a.m, and proclaim the gospel to the students of CHMS. God is faithful.

This Bible study has been the catalyst and foundation for everything else that has happened at CHMS.  It is where the love of God has been faithfully taught through the consistent teaching of the Word of God and demonstrated through countless acts of compassion to numerous students.

We have a great group of volunteers lined up to serve this year.  Joseph Falcione is going to lead out in teaching again, and I'm really excited about what he's got planned.

We can always use more volunteers to help us share the love of Christ.  The conditions are not ideal (too little time, distracting behavior by some students, the room we meet in leaks water when it rains, etc.), the fruit is not immediately evident, the rejection is real ... but the rewards are eternal.  God delights in this work.  Come join us; email Seth if you want to be a part.

Thank you for reading these updates and praying for this ministry.  Pass it along to someone who you think might be interested.  Please continue to pray that God would be glorified, it's all we want.

I am praying Numbers 6:24-26 over you:  "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."  

May God bless you,
Seth