Much to be Thankful For

“We need to get together again soon.  We want to talk more about your faith!” 

I mean…what?! 

This is what our neighbors said while leaving our house.  Kristy and I were floored.  We did not expect that!  While we had a wonderful time sharing stories, cookies, and tea, these are not the “kind of people” you would expect to want to hear more about Jesus. 

But God is flexing over here in Portland.  And you are a significant part of that!

Is Portland a Missionary Jackpot or Church Planters’ Graveyard?

Portland is the most secular city in America.  It’s post-post-Christian.  That means many people here have no functional experience with church.  It’s not even something Grandma used to do. 

Over the past year, we’ve been privileged to visit dozens of churches.  A typical worship gathering rarely has more than 50 adults. 

On account of this, and many other difficult dynamics, we’ve repeatedly heard that Portland is a church planter’s graveyard.   And there is certainly some truth to that. 

If a church planter’s goal is to create a traditional worship gathering with all the church amenities you might find in the Bible belt – then you’re in for an uphill climb. 

In the snow.

With the wind in your face.

And a hole in your boot.

While vultures start circling.

Which is why we are so grateful for you.  Your support makes it possible for us to NOT be in a hurry.  We can meet people right where God has them on their faith journey, just to love them. 

Further, because of the faith-filled, generous, and sacrificial support of so many, we can prioritize caring for “the least of these.” 

And I tell you what –

The fields are absolutely white for the harvest in Portland – if.  And this is a big if. 

If we are willing to live like missionaries, aim to make disciples, and trust Jesus to build His Church, then in time, we can watch the Holy Spirit create new and beautiful expressions of the church. 

Meaningful Ministry Movement

How ‘bout that alliteration 😉

God has opened four doors for us to follow Jesus as He brings holistic restoration to Portland. 

·        Our Neighbors

·        At-Risk Youth

·        Rivercrest Community Church

·        Additional Church/Ministry Networks

Love Your Neighbor

A few weeks ago, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to spend at least one hour a week investing in building relationships with our neighbors. 

During this time, Kristy and I have had multiple neighbors share their entire life stories with us.  Including some tender, painful, and vulnerable experiences. We are so honored to be invited to stand on this holy ground.

They have also ASKED us to share our faith with them.  We have 100% needed to “be prepared to share the hope that we have,” because people want to know. 

Whatever You do for the Least of These, You do for Me

God doesn’t play favorites.  And yet, in my experience, God’s compassion for and pursuit of vulnerable people on society’s margins – man.  It’s palpable. 

In early November, a few friends, our daughters, and I took some intentional steps to start reaching out to the at-risk youth in our neighborhood. 

We made 50 breakfast burritos and hit the streets with care packages.

Spending time with people living without a home is humbling.  The challenges are real.  And so are the people.  When you regularly drive by homeless camps, you have to fight to keep your heart soft. 

It’s heartbreaking.  Intimidating.  And paradoxically – numbing. 

But when you share a burrito, hear someone’s story, offer some essential goods – and pray – God shows up.  He has directed our steps to engage with His heart for the young people without a home. 

Only Jesus could make this happen.  Check this out. 

Kristy has been invited to serve as the Outreach Coordinator for Transitional Youth.  It’s a part-time position – and an absolutely perfect fit for her and our church plant. 

Especially because – Transitional Youth has moved their offices to the Rivercrest Community Church building.  Outreaches will begin in that space. 

And that space, well.  My goodness.  You have got to hear this story.

Jesus will Build His Church and the Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail Against it

The Church will last forever.  But no local church will.  Every local church has a lifecycle.  We don’t get to determine the length, breadth, or depth of a local church’s lifespan of impact. 

That’s up to Jesus. 

On Sunday, November 17th, the courageous, wise, and generous leaders of Rivercrest Community Church took a massive step of faith along with us, Restoration Church.

We signed an MOU, agreeing to a three-year plan for Rivercrest to become a legacy church and transfer their assets to Restoration Church. 

Starting in 2025, Restoration Church will be able to utilize the Rivercrest facility for our ministry purposes.  Which includes outreach initiatives with Transitional Youth! 

The story Jesus is writing for these churches is unreal.  Restoration Church will be gifted an unbelievable mission base.  And Rivercrest will leave a legacy that, Lord willing, will bless Portland for generations to come. 

No Church is an Island

One of the surprising things about ministering in Portland has been how supportive churches and ministries are of each other. 

Expand Northwest gifted Kristy a weekend away with other women in ministry.  The ladies at Revive Ministries went above and beyond to ensure that these strong, faithful women had a chance to breathe, laugh, and be refreshed. 

We have been invited to speak at multiple churches, share at different gatherings, and explore partnerships, like with the Portland Rescue Mission. 

You know, I don’t often feel much is happening.  But when I take a minute to reflect on just the past month – my word!  God is doing exceedingly abundantly more than all I could ask or imagine. 

Would You Like to Partner with this Work in Portland?

It’s not an exaggeration to say that this work does not happen without you.  While both Kristy and I have jobs outside of ministry – the work of this ministry is entirely funded by outside support and fueled by prayer. 

(So if you’re looking for help with website or interior design, hit us up!)

We are trusting God for the funding necessary for me (Pete) to be fully dedicated to the work of the ministry and for Kristy to be part-time starting in 2025. 

Is this something you feel God is stirring your heart to invest in?  If so, you can give a tax-deductible gift here.  Just look for the box to choose where your gift goes, and choose “Pete and Kristy.”  If you’d like to hear more, we’d love to connect!  Just reach out here. 

Is this ministry something you’d like to pray for intentionally?  You can sign up to be kept in the loop through blogs and other updates here. 

You have many wonderful and worthy initiatives to invest in.  Thank you for choosing to share some of your resources with us.  Your generosity so humbles us. 

We want nothing more for you than to experience more of God’s great love for you! As you prayerfully consider how Jesus may invite you to engage with this work, may you engage more with His heart and hear Him say, "Well done.” 

To this end, we say – “many thanks!”  Happy Thanksgiving, friends.