A Word, Some Prayers, And A Miracle

There are polls indicating that fewer people in our nation consider themselves Christians, or even believers. Some people respond to difficult times or challenges with panic and fear, or by saying they question their faith, as if their “faith” is that God will exempt believers from the consequences of human actions and priorities. Even Jesus faced the hard realities resulting from sinfulness.

So, when church folks turn to God and depend upon God’s leading as they grapple with a trying situation, it’s refreshing and inspirational.

Eight years ago, 91 year old Freda Bandle laid it out to her fellow Christians: older women like her struggled to find decent, affordable housing as they tried to survive with limited resources. Like so many other senior women, Freda outlived her husband by many years and life wasn’t always so great.

At first, the members of her Disciples church were more polite than enthused by the prospect of responding to this real human need. No doubt many of them wondered, “How are we supposed to be able to do anything about this? We don’t have a lot of money, and we don’t know how to create a housing situation for Freda and others like her.”

Fortunately, Freda’s lament was interpreted by her pastor as a call from God. Kenneth Kline, minister at First Christian Church, Moline, Illinois also carried the concern to a group of Disciples congregations in the area. And through his persistence over the next several years, relationships solidified between congregations, leaders were raised up by God, and seven congregations were organized into “Disciples United in the Quad Cities.”

Much prayer was devoted to the process of discerning how God was calling and leading the people. Donors of seed money came forward, a relationship was formed with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and land was acquired. Every Sunday, Disciples went to the site and prayed some more.

Now, eight years later, construction will begin next week on a 60-unit housing facility for seniors. Other, future projects are being dreamed, as well.

Rev. Kline notes that the congregations of DUQC are urged to apply their faith in mission, specifically to housing needs in their community. He said, “This reality will transform the way our ministry proceeds. A hands-on local mission project makes a great difference in the health and vitality of any local congregation.”

People of faith, called by God, fostering an ongoing relationship with God and with fellow believers, are participants in a miracle of creation.

It seems to me that Easter will have a special meaning to some Christians in Illinois and Iowa this year.