July 31st, 2009

Day 9: Monday, July 20, 2009
Nashville, TN

"Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember and remember more than I have seen."
—Benjamin Disraeli

Ernie and Ivan drove us to LAX yesterday. (Wow, that was just yesterday wasn't it?) We said our airport goodbyes like all friends do—curbside, with everyone awkwardly waiting their turn for a hug. My heart is so heavy as I relive the patchwork memory I have of this moment.

Why can't we keep memories locked tight, with each integral detail fixed in place, waiting for the moment when we want to bring them back to life? I want to freeze conversations and glances exchanged and know that they will be with me always.

I never want to forget that after everyone had walked away from the van, I hung back and hugged Ernie again. I never want to forget that he looked me in my eyes and said, "Take care of yourself, sister. Seriously, take care of yourself."

Will I remember his words when I need them most? I don't want to forget.

About Set Free Skid Row
Set Free Church began in May 1993 in a storefront building in Yucaipa, California. Pastor Willie Dalgity and his wife, Marsha, made it their mission to take the message of hope in Jesus to the streets of their community, ministering to the homeless, hurting, addicted, hopeless, and desperate.

Today, there are 22 Set Free daughter churches scattered throughout California and the United States. This year, Set Free Church Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles, is one of our Hope for the World Missions Offering partners.

Set Free Church Skid Row takes those living on the streets outside and sends them to a discipleship ranch in the desert to help them detox and get help. It's not a program. Instead, they teach Jesus in the morning, at noon, and at night—all day long. Because of their efforts, many lives are being changed and these people, most of whom have hit rock bottom, are placing their faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

We are now working with Pastor Ron Thomas, who also once lived on the same streets as those do that he now ministers to, to start a Set Free Nashville. Brentwood Baptist now has an opportunity to be a part of this great outreach movement.

Bob Carlton, Brentwood Baptist's Church Planting Minister, says, "We want to help them put a discipleship ranch facility in the center of Tennessee. And we're thinking bigger than just Nashville. We want to reach those who are hopeless and desperate in our area."

Here are some ways you can get involved:
PRAY: Ask God to lead us in our efforts to start a Set Free Nashville and for protection and wisdom for Set Free Church Skid Row as they continue to reach those outside their walls.

GIVE: You can give to our Hope for the World Missions Offering, which helps support Set Free Skid Row and others, at BrentwoodMissions.com or by filling out one of the blue envelopes located in the pews each Sunday. For more information about other Hope for the World partners, go to BrentwoodMissions.com.

GO: To get involved in Set Free Nashville or find out more about going to help out at Set Free Skid Row, contact Bob Carlton at 324.6174 or click here.

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