But I recently remembered it, so I figured I should update it, even if only yearly.

When last I wrote, I had moved to the east end of Richmond and gotten a job as the Teen Director for The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club.  Much has happened.

I love my neighborhood.  It’s that area where many have said “You live where?!  Are you sure you want to?  Be careful going outside.”  I’ll agree, it’s not the suburbs (but let us not forget that crime happens even in the nicest areas); but it’s not hard to understand why more things happen when people are in closer proximity, among other factors.  But just as I’ve written in the past, people who have never been to Church Hill, or any inner-city neighborhood, may have a skewed view; if their information is only coming from the news and word-of-mouth, they may not know about groups like UP and C.H.A.T., and about neighbors like those who helped me with that junkie.

I stand by my belief that a lot of the crime that happens here happens with those involved, and the majority of those living here aren’t out to do bad.  Yes, still use common sense.  And yes, innocent people can get robbed or worse; but that’s not a truth solely for the city.

With that said, I feel safe and happy here.  I love my home, and love this community.  So does my wife.  About 6 months ago I married a girl who also has a heart for the inner-city, which was very important to me.  We’ve been excited about giving our home back to God and connecting to the community (it’s a process, of course.)  One way we’ve done that is by hosting a C.H.A.T. group for a few weeks.  Church Hill Activities and Tutoring is an organization, similar to UrbanPromise, that runs afterschool programs, activities, trips, job training, and summer camps.  Check it out: CHATrichmond.com.   We had maybe 20 youth in our home, being tutored and interacting; and while I wasn’t there, I loved giving up our home to God’s use.  This summer, we’ll be using our dance studio (my wedding gift to Becca) for one of their summer activities.

At the start of last year, we met a wonderful couple at a Brunswick Stew event a short walk away, who ran a bible study nearby.  This was the start of a series of connections with amazing people in the neighborhood.  We now have a number of very great friends with whom we can share issues, serve the community, and just enjoy life.

We all are a part of East End Fellowship, a “church” that is VERY committed to community.  It is also committed to not being a “church” in the comfortable sense; it’s not a “meet Sunday and Wednesday” thing.  We do meet Sunday, but it’s constantly made clear that the “Large group” on Sunday is a small part of what the church is.  we are to “Work.Walk.Worship” together, so that means small groups, but even more it means connecting with others daily, intentionally.  For lack of time, it’s an amazing group, with amazing and wise leaders, that I will likely talk about more (if I post.)

So we’re involved in all that, and another day I’ll go into more details.

But I want to close by saying I love my job, and hope to stay in this position for a long time (maybe my own kids will be in my teen program one day.  At least, perhaps, my godson.)  It’s a tough job, definitely.  My teenagers have so much potential, and really are amazing, but the majority of them won’t access that.  They want to sit, text, check their myspace, play fight… but when it comes to meaningful and powerful programming, they get annoyed.  Honestly, it breaks my heart to see such potential paired with such apathy.  But I never assumed it would be a quick easy job; quite the opposite, really.  I knew the first year I would be disrespected; I knew I had to learn the job, as well as build relationships.

A year later, I feel like my place is set, and many of the teens have accepted me.  I know most of them well enough to know how to interact with them, and I have more of an idea what needs to happen in that room.  What’s comforting is that all my experience with UP and the group home brought me to a place where I wouldn’t be easily swayed with the job.  What I mean is this: their last few teen directors left after a year.  I’ve experienced why: this group can be tough.  Yesterday they disrespected a guest speaker, so you can imagine how much respect staff gets sometime.  But when I got hit in the back of the head with a snowball by one of a group of guys who often make their distaste for me known, I knew I wasn’t leaving.  That’s one of those “last straw” things, and I felt no desire to leave.  So I’m in it.

You can be praying for the process of guiding the teens.  There are several teens in there that I really believe could be ridiculously amazing and impacting, and they merely need to make it happen.

I haven’t read through this, but I know it’s long, and I’m ready to simply post.  Perhaps I will add more later?  We shall see.

    Segue: As for work, I have been actively looking for ways to free my schedule for ministry.  This would mean leaving my current job for one that has a consistent schedule.  Currently, there is a position open for me that I would have taken without thinking a year ago.  I would be working with innercity teens with a well known organization, and would be within biking distance.  I need your prayer, as the snag is the hours– 1 to 8– which means I would only get an hour a night to spend with my fiancee.

    Segue 2: I am engaged to a beautiful princess who also has a heart for ministry.  Our time together is important, especially since she’s a first year teacher and could use an extra pair of hands to grade the piles of papers she brings home every night.  Do I lose some of this time with my fiancee, which I value, to take a job that is precisely what I’ve been looking for?  Or do I say “no”, and trust something else will come up?  In the meantime, we’ve been working on planning a wedding, which can be tricky.  We’re looking at July.  We’re both excited about her moving into my new home and being a part of the ministry that will grow from this house.

    Segue 3:  I am a homeowner.  I officially own a home in innercity Richmond.  It is in Church Hill, on the east end of Richmond, a few blocks from my good friends the Case’s, a few blocks from my mentor and premarital counselor Pastor Don, and a few blocks from many wonderful people.  It is located off one of the busier streets in Church Hill, not far from one of Richmond’s projects.  For this reason, many people have gotten that stunned look on their face when I tell them where I live.  Sure, there are issues every now and then; but I actually feel “safer” here than I did in Delaware, and I felt safe in Delaware.  I tell these people that, while I know things happen, there are a lot of stereotypes that get put on these neighborhoods.  In all honesty, there is a higher percentage of wonderful people than those people tend to be frightened of.  There are families, there are mothers doing a great job raising their children, there are older folks who have been here longer than I’ve been alive.  This is a community; that is precisely why I moved here.  I love how close everyone is to each other in proximity, because it opens the possibility of growing closer in relationship.
    I have no immediate plans for officially turning my home into a source for ministry, though I’m open to it if God deems it so.  I am simply happy to relate to those around me, and to see where that goes.  He has already gotten the wheels moving.  I have interacted a lot with my neighbor, who has lived in her house for over 30 years, I believe.  She is very sweet, and very welcoming.  My mom baked her a pie.  I also met some guys who parked in the alley behind my house late one night to fix their car, and as a result blocked me in.  I enjoyed the opportunity to help them out and to talk.  My favorite moment was the 30 minute conversation with one of the builders, who grew up in innercity St. Louis, who was initially shocked when he found out I was the buyer.  We talked at length about working in group homes, about the need to remove the misconceptions on the city, and the importance of reaching the youth.

    In short, things are happening, but they are still in the process.  So pray for my job, that I may make a wise decision (and talk to your rich friends and family about supporting me!)  Pray for my fiancee, and our approaching marriage, and the ministry that will grow from that (we look forward to working together again in ministry…that’s how we met!)  And pray for this home, that it will exist for God’s glory, not simply for my shelter.

This note is long enough. Pray. Pass it on. Ask me questions.

I will update as things develop.

Of course, much has happened in the time I haven’t updated. However, for now, I will keep things simple. Things are well, busy, and encouraging. I’m starting to see the little changes in myself. I’m exploring the possibilities that may exist concerning me and the innercity context.

In other news, I made it official: I leave UrbanPromise in August. This, of course, has nothing to do with UrbanPromise; in any other situation, I’d stay for many years more. But Dan and I are commited to serving in Richmond. We aren’t sure what that will look like, but we know it will happen. So there’s that. As a result, two things must happen; I must ensure I use my time well at UP, and I must begin working towards Richmond. Both are beginning to happen.

We’ll see what happens. It’ll be an interesting journey.

    I have decided that I have been depriving you of updates for too long.  I apologize for the delay, but I appreciate you sticking with me.  Here is the latest:
    I am just about to begin my second year of directing the after-school program at Camp Victory.  In preparation for this letter, I happened to glance back at the letter I wrote a year ago, signaling the start of my first year as director.  It was interesting to read, but one part caught my eye:
        “At this point, I must make it clear that I am only part of this; God is, and will remain, the largest factor of my ministry here.  Had it not been for His guidance and planning, I would not be here.  Without His strength, I will, without a doubt, crumble at some of the situations to come.  God is my reasons and means for being here, and that is encouraging.  It means my work here is not just work; it has a deep purpose.  It means my work is not superficial; it has depth.  It means my work is not solely in my hands; God is pro-actively present to guide me.”

Over the course of the last 15 months, I have found where this has proved true, and where I have proved unfaithful.  Of course I believed it, always, but I didn’t fully commit to it.  There were times I stuck to my strength, and crumbled.  There were times I forgot who God is, and was discouraged.  There were times I went about this as work, and missed the purpose.  There were times I didn’t go deep.  There were times I kept too much in my hands.
    I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but realistic.  But there is, in this, something wonderful; because I’m still aware that God is working, I am confident that paragraph is not lost.  Now, I find myself on the verge of a new year, and the clear opportunity to make that paragraph a reality in my ministry.  That is my goal for the remainder of my time here; my vision is to come out of this a missionary who will live out that paragraph at all times.  A tall order, but one I desire.  I ask for your prayers and encouragement, as this will prove a busy and difficult time.  I must keep myself from falling into the familiar traps of fear and sloth.  I must, MUST, strive for more.  And I must rely on God throughout.
    This is also a very difficult time for the ministry.  As our SLer Director puts it, we are going through “a financial desert.”  Due to rising prices, added expenses, and lower support, we are having to make big decisions and certain sacrifices.  Of course, we trust God in this; He led Israel out of the desert to the Promised Land, and Jesus from the Wilderness into a richer ministry.  Further, we understand that ministries face times such as these.  However, any support you could offer would not only be greatly appreciated, but would find much use.  Feel free to pass this letter to others who may want to help, be it an individual, church, business, and so forth.  We do appreciate your support, and hope to make this clearer in the future. 
    Again, thank you for your continued support, even if it is simply keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.  Ministry can be a difficult thing; but I wouldn’t choose a different path.

June 2006

    302.425.5502

Dear Friends and Family,
    I apologize for the lapse in writing; I went from being very busy to a much needed and appreciated break.  However, I am back in Delaware, and I am very glad to be here.
    We have just finished the first week, and I am pleased.  I have remained the director at Camp Victory; but this served as a point of anxiety, being that I had never directed a summer camp.  The stakes are higher than the after-school program: there are over twice as many kids, almost twice as long, and much more extensive.  I knew I was excited about the summer, but that excitement was muffled by the pestering thoughts of all the ways I might not be prepared.  In fact, our first work day was pretty rough for my confidence.  We spent a Saturday preparing the camp, and I found that I was very ineffective when leading the StreetLeaders.  I began to recognize reasons why I would not make a good director.
    But I knew God had brought me here, and intended me to be a director.  I got my confirmation in the laundry room.  It’s not uncommon to find scripture posted in random places throughout the house.  I happened to notice one on a cabinet above the sink, one that I seemed to have never seen: “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:9.  The apostle Paul had just finished talking about his weaknesses when he wrote this verse.  He was well aware that he was not perfect, and that he was not worthy of the privilege and responsibility of the task God had given him.  He also knew this was precisely why he was chosen, because then it would be clear that God was behind it all.
    Before camp started, I felt equally unworthy; when preparation began, it was confirmed.  Then God gave me a verse that reminded me how this ministry thing is supposed to work.  God never intended ministry to be us doing something; it was always meant to be God working through us.  God does not intend me to simply direct a summer camp; I could have done that anywhere.  But he brought me here to UrbanPromise to first serve Him, and then to have a camp run as a result of that obedience.
    I am excited about this summer; how I will be changed, how God will work through me, and so forth.  I will try to keep you all updated on what happens, though it is a very busy summer.  In the meantime, thank you for your prayers, and for your support.  The summer is a very expensive time for the ministry, since we strive to keep camp free for the children in our areas.  Your continued support helps make all this happen; you help pay for the interns, for the supplies, for the expensive gas, for the StreetLeaders, and so on.  It is truly a blessing that many of you have chosen to impact the city in this way, and it is greatly appreciated.
    I hope you are all well.  Remember that God is always working.

    In Him,
                               

    Paul Granger
                                Director, Camp Victory

This week has been a good week, especially when compared to some specific days. In fact, one of those days was Monday. Put briefly, any day that the kids don’t have school will be a difficult day. It seems to me they sit at home until camp, storing up both their hyperness and attitudes. I’m fortunate to get it handed to me once they walk in the door.

But I digress. Monday was hard, and gave me a poor expectation for the rest of the week (it doesn’t help when a chunk of the kids say, “I’m not coming to camp tomorrow” or “this week” or “ever again”). Tuesday, I expected 5 kids. This is when God showed that He’s still working. The first shock, the kids started coming on time (instead of the usual 45 minutes late). The second shock, all the “I’m not coming kids” came (honestly, I figured they were bluffing). The third shock, some previously absent kids came. The fourth shock (yeah, I’m still going), some of the kids brought friends, who already had permission from their parents to come to camp. The fifth and final shock, I had 16 kids in camp. 16. That’s a record. In all, attendance was great this week (save for one day), and I have 4 new kids, who seem like they will come regularly.

But this isn’t what made me the “proud parent”; that came Thursday. Thursday was the other extreme in attendance: 4 kids. This was partly do to the fact 4 of them were involved in some talent show. I’m not sure what the other part was. Though there were just four kids, it was a good day. Mid-way through, I got a call from the office. The mom of one of my girls had called to let me know that her daughter was in some dance thing that night. I thought about it; on one hand, it would be good to go as her director. Plus, she has yet to come to camp this year, so this might be a good way to show I miss her at camp. On the other hand, it was at 6:00 (I don’t leave camp until 6:00) and at a school I had never been to (nor did I know where it was). So, I wasn’t sure what to do.

The end of the day comes, and I decide I will go if the school is in the city. It turns out to be just a few blocks away. So, I head over, 5 minutes late. I was a bit scared about parking (wasn’t sure where the parking lot would be), but, by “chance”, there was a spot on the street in front of the main door. I parked, and went in; the auditorium was extremely dark (they were already onto the third part of the program), so I just sat in the first good seat I could find. By “chance”, I came in just as one of my girls was presenting a piece on MLK JR. By “chance”, those four kids and that one girl were in the same show (I had thought the talent show was during camp.) That’s about when I heard, “Mr. Paul”. By “chance”, I had sat on the same row as one of the boys from camp, and his mom. She seemed impressed to see me there. The show went on, and I saw one of my 6th graders on the drums, having a great time. Then I saw the other girl, dancing. Watching my kids up there made me smile, made me laugh, and made me very glad I had gotten that call, by “chance”. That’s when I heard another, “Paul”. By “chance”, I had sat just across the aisle from one of my 1st graders and her mom.

The show was great; your typical elementary school performance, but I think that’s what makes it great. I loved seeing my kids on stage, and seeing my kids in the audience. I loved seeing the parents and talking to them. It was just a great night that I had no idea would happen until 6:00 that night.

The message here is clear, and can be summed up nicely: there is no “chance”, there is only God.

God led that parent to call the office, and the office to call me. God led me to have an open night, and to find a spot right in front of the school. God led me to sit by my kids, and had the kids be in the same show.

God’s working in my camp, He’s working in my life. He’s made that clear, once again.

It’s the most threatened I’ve felt, but I’m holding onto that experience. Why? First and foremost, it reveals God’s power. Is it just coincidence it all happened on a familiar block, across from people that knew me? Is it coincidence there were people out there ready to help? Is it coincidence the junkie didn’t try to do anything?
No.
Second, I learned. I learned that there are people in the east side that have my back. I learned that I am, in fact in a dangerous area (but guided by a powerful God). I learned a bit more about how to canvass.
Third, this relatively uneventful event has given me experience. There’s nothing like a situation that tests you but doesn’t harm you to prepare you for the future. I suspect, the next time something like that happens, there will be less shock and more focus.
Fourth, anyone who saw what happened, and sees me back on the block later, will gain more respect for me. After all, I’m not running away.

To my mom, my girlfriend, and any others that wish they hadn’t read this: I’m okay. Yes, it could’ve been worse, but God made His presence known. Besides, this is the life I have chosen(or, perhaps, that He has chosen for me), dangers and all. I doubt this is the last time I will face such a situation, but I am not afraid. God brought me here, and He will no doubt carry me through.

So, there it is, the tale of Paul and the Junkie.

You can breath now, Shannon.

Dear family and friends,

The new year has begun, and it has begun roughly, to say the least. Such is the ministry, you never know what will be thrown at you. The most troubling thing that has been thrown at me is epically low attendance. My last camp day in 2005 was a day of full attendance; it was wonderful having all 15 regular kids. All but two days the last few weeks have been below 10; today I had a grand total of 4. It’s discouraging, I’ll admit; it makes you think, “Am I doing so little that they’d rather be at home than come to camp?” Of course, there could always be other factors. However, the fact remains that a large portion of my camp has not come, and I want to understand why.
I have also run into the problems of attitudes. For whatever reason, the first couple weeks were filled with arguing and “disrespecting”, if you will. It made me think; I realized that I do, in fact, have a middle school camp. After all, almost half my camp is made up of 6th graders. That, of course, brings with it all kinds of adventures, that I do not need to go into at the moment. However, I am understanding more readily that I must make adjustments, since my camp is not elementary age as the others are.
Now, problems like these, when allowed to engulf one’s thoughts, can lead one to believe that the past few weeks have been bad. In fact, it can lead one to miss the good that happens constantly; let us not forget that God is continually working. Fortunately, he’s kept my eyes open, or at least squinting. The first good thing; my numbers have gone from 15 to 22. True, of those numbers, there are about 6 former kids that have yet to show up, and many more that haven’t come regularly; but there are new kids. 2 were a result of going through the east side and looking for kids. 2 were a result of siblings moving from the west side (they had gone to Camp Promise) to their grandmother’s house on the east side. However, 2 were a result of my kids doing their own recruiting, and that is the most exciting part. Plus, it isn’t the first time. One child, who we’ll call Andy, is a wonderful child. One of the tiniest 1st graders I know, he has proven to be very polite, very smart, and very fun. I love having him at camp.
Plus, the lack in numbers has proven very helpful during a time when we are understaffed. I must sadly report that two of my StreetLeaders have left; one had to quit, the other had to move. Not only is this quite a loss, being they were wonderful workers, but it makes it a bit harder to run a camp. But we have managed, and I will admit that 4 kids is easier than 22. True, I would still like 22, but I can’t complain as much about the relief. However, I have a new girl StreetLeader starting Monday, so here’s to hoping the numbers rise.
So how would I sum this up? There are always valleys in ministry; however, it is foolish to constantly see these valleys as low and dark. The sun still peaks through, it’s a matter of how open one’s eyes are to see it. The past few weeks have been discouraging, but it’s pushed me. I’ve made a number of home visits, and have been to every child’s home at least once, some multiple times. I have gone through the neighborhood, and plan to do so again this weekend. I’ve even gone to a community meeting. When things are good, it’s easy to settle; but when times get rough, you can either give up or push harder. I’m not giving up. So here’s to struggles, and their ability to make me more of whom I need to be.

In Him,

Paul Granger
Director, Camp Victory
UrbanPromise Ministries
302.425.5502