So... There is evil in the world.  But that does not stop the work - ministry to street kids goes on, and we adjust to the new reality.  We can rebuild the shops along the access road on land that belongs to us - the Team will decide about that soon.  If you want to help us with this rebuilding, let us know - charles@madeinthestreets.org

There is also good in the world - an excess of good that comes down from the Father of Lights, who redeems and makes holy and keeps on loving.  This picture shows Charles and Francis Mbuvi with Dereje Aleme and some young men in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Made in the Streets will "export" our style of street ministry.  

In our fundraising campaign to fund both the ministry in Ethiopia and the building of a Christian Camp near Nairobi, we are seeking "the 99."  You know who they are - the 99 are at home with Jesus, they are safe, they have a job and a house and a car, their retirement funds are growing, they are comfortable in their faith.  But...the 99 know where Jesus is - He is out there looking for THE ONE, the homeless and helpless and unredeemed one.  And the 99 want to be out there with Jesus, standing at the giving edge of human need.  We are looking for "99" who have been blessed by God and will give $10,000 each in 2015 and 2016 to further the development of street ministry. 

So...if you have been blessed, you are welcome to take part.  Send to Made in the Streets, 409 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027.  Write us for more info - charles@madeinthestreets.org

On Tuesday, June 16, at midnight, some of the MITS property was bulldozed by an unknown group. Founder Charles Coulston posted this to the MITS Facebook page at 1:45 p.m. the next day:

"We ask you to tell God you love MITS and ask for His blessing of courage and perseverance. Some thugs - saying they represent the City Council of Nairobi - or some corrupt City Council members came at midnight with a bulldozer and pushed down the shops belonging to MITS. This is where we let skill students get experience with the public. We also have guards living there. The team has salvaged some of the equipment and furniture, but much was destroyed. There is evil in the world. But we are reading Nehemiah and remembering that it is about people,  not property. If you want to help us recover in any way, please write me charles@madeinthestreets.org. Thanks..."

As I read Charles' words, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 came to mind.

We know as Christians we will face adversity. It's a guarantee. But we find peace in knowing that though we may be hard pressed, we will never be crushed with God watching over us. As we face opposition in this world, let us continue to illuminate Christ's light through the way we live.

Lord, let this experience strengthen our faith in You so we may be a living testament to your faithfulness and never-ending grace. Help us as we pick up the pieces, literally, and as we look toward Your plans for us for the future.

To learn more about how you can help in recovery efforts, email charles@madeinthestreets.org.

- Michele