A new weave...

A lot has happened since my last entry. God has been stripping us down and clothing us with a new weave.

God had given me a word about a year ago to go listen to Bill Johnson speak - that there was something important there for me. I tried going to Bethel and then Harrisburg, but it was not to be. We went to see "Father of Lights" at Temple U in July and that was a great night. The movie was awesome, but that was not the only reason we were there. I met one of the organizers for AwakeNow in the lobby and he gave me a pamphlet on the event with schedule of the speakers. The event was to be held in late September and Bill Johnson was one of the speakers. The event was in Pennsauken, NJ - about 15 minutes from here. That was so doable! So we went. The host church was HUGE and there was thousands of people there. To make a long story a little shorter, Poppa arranged seats for us the the 3rd row front. 

The worship and all the speakers were amazing and although I was blown away by Bill Johnson's message, I really had no idea why God had sent us here until we went home. I had posted an iPhone photo I took while there on Facebook and I wanted to see how it looked on my Mac. Much to my surprise and delight, not only was my photo there, but there was also a photo of Diana and me worshiping! As it turns out, Ben Osborne, 3000 miles away, saw this photo on his FB feed, grabbed it, and then posted it on my page. WOW! I instantly got what God was saying; what He was setting us up for. We have been intrenched in trails and tribulations so so many months and God was telling us that He saw us! To keep going! Again, WOW!

The photo I took.

The photo AwakeNow posted

I was so blessed at the Friday night dinner/birthday party here on the Oct 12th. Above and beyond what God usually surprises us with at these dinners, so many words of encouragement were spoken over me as we celebrated my birthday. And Rebekah Howell, bless her heart, wrote a poem for me. How great is that! But what was really cool is that God used all this to reveal Himself to two of my neighbors who are not believers. They both got to hear His name spoken and the love we have for Jesus and they were clearly effected by that. Yay God!

 

And then there was The Voice of the Apostles. This weekend radically changed our lives. So much learned, so much inner healing! Even tough we crashed our car! God so used that to bring deep, deep healing. We are still processing everything that happened there. God is indeed good!

The battles continue, but breakthrough has begun and victory is coming. Please continue to pray for us. If it is on your heart to help us repair our car, you can make a donation by check or by clicking the donation button. Monies can be sent to:

Victor & Diana Atkins
PO Box 29273
Philadelphia, PA 19125

Additionally, a credit card or PayPal donation to our mission can be made directly on the this link below.
 

How far can you drive a car on empty?

We have been pouring out so much since we moved here and it's by God's grace that He sent Phil and Jill here for a visit. Their testimony of how God moved in their sabbatical so moved and inspired us. As we remembered their testimony the day after, the Holy Spirit  reminded us that if we keep doing what we have been doing, at the pace we have been going, burnout is inevitable. There is only so far you can drive a car on empty. We prayed for a word from the Father and He answered. He called us to seek His presence.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

We started Friday night dinners again. That was great fun and God's presence was here. Good food, great conversation and fellowship, plus Greg and Brian, Carl (a new brother from the Circle), and Kris all shared their music and it was awesome! In a way, it looked a bit like the Art center we have been dreaming of.

Saturday night we went to a worship celebration at the Circle of Hope and that was so good. I cried out for the Spirit to come and He did not disappoint. So sweet to be with Him! I have almost forgot what that was like.

After the worship, I prayed for a homeless man (I think his name was Darryl) on the street just outside the Circle. God revealed that demons had this man. I told him just how much God loved him and then prayed for a renewal of his mind. Then I began to pray for a casting out of these demons and this man's eyes went wild. He shouted AMEN! and ran away in fear. I finished the prayer as I watched him run down the street and until God shows me otherwise, I am convinced a mustard seed was planted.

Yesterday morning was a huge blessing. Diana and I went to Eastgate WC and we were blasted in a God way. So, so good. Worship was beyond amazing led by Demetra Stallings and the guest speaker, Bob Hazlett was on fire. What a good message God placed in his heart! As Bob spoke, I received very specific words from Poppa about our struggles here. He pointed out what the enemy was trying to steal in our lives and that these were the very things that we needed to turn back to Him in worship and thanksgiving for.

After the service, I was blessed by prayer from Jenny Collins. I love that woman so much! Then I had a chance to pray for Bob and a few other folks. It is so easy to go to these meetings looking for a blessing. I think God more calls us to look for who He wants to bless.

I forgot just how hungry I was for God's presence until I was completely filled in His presence. Now I am starving for more. Yay God!

The good, the bad and the...good renewed

It has been a while since our last post and a lot has happened. The good news is that God keeps revealing His hand in putting to death many of the battles here. The enemy has come after our car twice, attacked Max, and has repeatedly try to steal the joy from Diana and my relationship, but to no avail. The victory is God's! Please join us in  prayer for protection for Diana, me, Max, our household and all of the possessions Poppa has entrusted us with.

About three weeks ago.

8/25. Remains of the car window - nada!

8/27 All better! PTL!

God has been so teaching us about sonship and stepping out in boldness. And as we go, He has consistently reminded us, like Moses, to ask for His presence to come with us - and that we must not go out unprotected. Good stuff in such an intense, dark place. Yea God!

I had the good fortune to pray in God's light and anointing on a local business that is opening soon. It is wonderful how prayer is round-robin, as they were blessed, I was blessed by His presence, His teaching and His grace!

I met a homeless man outside the supermarket the other day. He was late 40ish, very disheveled and had only about four teeth. He asked me for money and I had none, but I told him about Jesus; that Jesus loved him and as bad as things seemed, Jesus would provide for him. This man looked my square on and told me that he knew Jesus and that was the only thing keeping him going. Another way Poppa blew my mind and taught me humility! 

Diana and I have been talking with a man at the dog park who converted to Islam while in jail in the 90s. The startling thing that came out in conversation is he grows and sells marijuana for a living. I asked what Islam speaks to about this and he said he pretty much keeps it from them to avoid judgement This conversation to continue... Please pray!

Some more good news... A Circle of Hope commissioned me to do two paintings to hang at the Frankford and Norris church for a month or so. The paintings would then go up for auction and the funds from the sale will go to commissioning other artists of faith. So awesome! Hopefully we can do more things like this together.

"Dream" acrylic on canvas 50" x 38"

"Renew" acrylic on canvas 50" x 38"

Money is still a major battle. The work is finally starting to trickle in but it has been a long two month dry spell. I have added a Paypal donate button on the Support Our Ministry page of this blog. So if the Lord nudges you to give, that would be a major blessing. Also, please keep your prayers coming. They are so appreciated, needed and received.

If you are free on September 14th, please join us for a potluck dinner & music fundraiser around 7pm here at the loft.

2424 Coral Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125

I will be sending emails, texts and posting a Facebook invite as a follow up. We so look forward to seeing you all then!

A prayer for Caleb...

Before moving to Kensington, the Lord had put it on my heart to work with children as a volunteer in a children’s hospital. Though I’ve applied to CHOP, as of today, they have not responded. And hospitals like St. Christopher’s require their volunteers to pay and manage their own inoculations, vetting and background searches, which, in this dry financial season we have not had the money to do. So I’ve been waiting and praying. Yesterday, the Lord literally brought an ailing little baby right to me.

Liz Marvin and I were driving out of town, on our way to a doctor appointment. The light had just turned green at the intersection of 5th and Roosevelt Avenue, when the car behind rammed into the rear of Liz’s car. We were shocked and frightened, especially when Liz saw a large man step out of the offending car and head in our direction. But as we all got out to inspect the cars he turned out to be more upset then we were. “City driving, I hate city driving, the car just got away from me!” We asked him if he and everyone in his car was okay. He thought so but went over and yelled out “is the baby okay?” Yes said the mother, who was juggling a cigarette while trying to rifle through papers.

Turned out no one was hurt, no apparent damage to anyone’s car but the driver that hit us was pretty shook up. As Liz and he were exchanging info, waiting for the woman to find the current registration, the baby was placed on the sidewalk, in his car seat. After calling the accident in I walked over to the baby.

He was a tiny little thing, looked like a new born. Eventually, I learned this little boy’s name was Caleb and he was three months old but was born three months premature! He had been in and out of CHOP and St. Christopher’s wrestling with all kinds of health issues since they’d taken him home weighing only 5 lbs. They had just come back from a doctor visit, this time for his digestive system that was giving him terrible distress.

I asked if I could pray on little Caleb and his mom said sure, that she prays for him every morning. I laid my hands on his little tummy and prayed for the Lord to pour his living waters of healing life into little Caleb, heal his body, so he could be the very important man the Lord designed him to be. To bring him comfort, refreshment, refreshment for his family, peace and provision. (they drove a beat up old sedan with cord holding the front bumper in place, front directional lights broken, they looked frazzled and dazed). Such an intense experience of love filled me, for this child, these parents. This mom was so anxious for any encouragement for this new child, so eager for prayers.

Little Caleb’s mom ended up exchanging emails with me, told me she’d keep me updated on her little one. I said I’d continue to pray for him, to pass his name to our prayer team. We hugged. She was so encouraged that here was a friendly face, someone who cared, someone positive, even in the face of an accident.

I will continue to pray for Caleb’s continued rapid development and healing, and mostly for his mom who was smoking in the car with her new born baby and for the man who may be his dad, who Liz told me afterward, had track marks on his arm. I prayed so hard when I heard this. It’s not hard enough for little Caleb to have entered the world three months early but to have parents who are themselves so broken broke my heart. I pray for them all, I ask you to pray for them all. God so loves each of them. I felt that so strongly. So strongly.  Please pray!

Love you,
Diana

Still kickin'

We saw an amazing film last night, "Father of Lights". It so convicted me in a good way. And as an added blessings, I had a chance to have some much needed prayer after the film. The dvd is out in October and it is a must see!

Click here to go to the website.

I finished a painting today.Yeah! It's the first in a creation series and I am very excited about it and the series. It is called "Day Zero" and it is 46" x 60". Stay tuned for more photos.

Click the photo for larger image

I also just finished a new website for my drawings and prints. You can actually buy one on the website and that money will go to our ministry.

Click here to visit the website

The transition to life here is still hard, but it is getting a bit better. We having been meeting new people and that's good and the heat - for now - has calmed down. Even with the squeaky old air conditioner it has been brutal in this loft. God bless the thirty brave soles that came to the first Friday night dinner here! It was an amazing night - Poppa's presence was so thick! We are so looking forward to the next one - probably in September when the weather cools down.

Our spinning top ministry continues. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it feels like if you blindfold us, spin us around in circles and then take the blindfold off when we stop - there's ministry! Poppa has an incredible sense of humor.

The most touching time was when Diana and I met a homeless man begging on Columbus Blvd. His name was Rick, he looked to be in his late thirties - early forties - and he was slim and pretty sun burnt. We gave him the few dollars we had then asked him his story, he said was trying to raise $18 for a motel room so his wife and 3 year old daughter Ashley could get off the streets for the night. I asked him if he had tried any of the shelters and he said it was nearly impossible to get in one - too long of a line - and he couldn't risk seeing his family on the streets another night. How sad is that. He told us that his wife was not doing well physically and his daughter was worse - that she suffers from seizures.

It was about 4 in the afternoon when we met him and he said he had been there since 7am and had only raised a few dollars. Poppa's voice was loud and clear to give him the money, so we went to the ATM. We went back and before giving him the money, I asked him if we could pray for him - I asked him first so he didn't feel obligated to pray - he said absolutely and then grabbed my hand. Diana and I prayed over him for several minutes and when we were finished, Rick was clearly very moved and he thanked us and called us  " Angels from Jesus! " We all three had on one those moments of silence from God and then I handed enough money for two nights. He thanked us again in the name of Jesus and then we left.

Diana and I were blessed beyond words witnessing that even in Rick's poverty and seemingly darkest time of his life, he had unwavering love for the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul. Please pray for Rick and his family.

So the darkness and the battles are plenty here. And the spirit of loneliness still hovers over us. Thank you all for your prayers, they mean the world to us. Please keep them coming! 

Blessing to you all. We miss and love you so, so much!

Nothin' special... Just being real.

My heart, the one inside my chest, is just a normal heart. It beats. It pumps blood, It does all the things a heart is meant to do. Nothing magical. Nothing mystical. Just a heart. Yet amazing words have often slipped from my tongue about what God has done with this heart. That this heart, God's heart, has often been full beyond words and empty beyond those same words. Loneliness plaques me here. I sometimes feel like a stranger in a strange land. As if I am on the perimeter. Far out on the outer ring. Like Jupiter, I do not belong with arms wrapped around this earth, around this Kensington, wrestling to fill my loneliness with a youth that no longer knows me. Where then do I belong? Who's voice shall fall upon my ears? What eyes will smile at me? My heart longs for the Father. But do I seek Him here tonight?

I am starving, but I am not hungry. I am asleep and I am blind to a banquet that stands before me. Take my hand and lead me. I really do not know the way. I am greedy for love. But is it His love? Or is it a hunger for that which never was? For that shadow of unworthiness that lurks over my shoulder. Change me. Use me. Fill me. I want so to share your love. But do I know that love? I thought so. But tonight it is a ghost in my memory. Forgive me. Forgive me.  Please forgive me. Please show me how to risk a risk that leads me closer to you.

"Risk" acrylic on canvas 44" x 58"
Click picture for larger image.

rel·a·tive·ly

rel·a·tive·ly - in a relative manner; by comparison to something else; "the situation is relatively calm now"

That is what today has been; relatively calm . The rest of the week, not so much. For a day, Thursday to be exact, the lies have won the day. It was an awful day of persecution, character assassination and humiliation because I so fell into the trap of not trusting Him  enough - Numbers 20:12. And despite having an absolutely wonderful inaugural Friday night dinner here, it took me till late last night to understand that. Better late then never, right? But of course you have no idea of the context of this, but I am not sure it matters. Today, I am relatively healed; sort of, relatively...

The good news is I finally redid my website; also sort of. Have a look and write something lovely in the guestbook. I still have to add an eCommerce page so I can sell my prints and drawings online. Mañana, or there about, maybe. Sorry, all these gen y kids have clearly had an effect on me. I am also about to start the next painting and I am very excited to see where God is taking me and how many stops there are on this train ride (that's kind of an inside joke between Him and me).

Great service tonight of the Circle. Yea Good! The worship and the word were awesome. I love it when that happens! Had a word for the speaker, shared it and I sorta felt it fell on the floor. Oh well...

Went to the Lost Bar after and it was empty. Eerie. Guess 'cause of father's day. It was good though. I got to think and write a bit. I rarely have a chance to do that outside of the loft... Write that is. I try and think at least once a day wherever I am.

As always, my apologies for typos and bad grammar, but it is my ramblings afer all ;) 

So a most happy Father's Day to you all - and be sure to give thanks to the Father of all fathers.

Love ya!
Victor

"Risk" Photoshop study on paper

The good and the not so good...

What a strange few days. I am happy to say things are changing for the good. But the battle is far from over. Money is still disappearing in the mail - not so good. We are still feeling somewhat isolated here, but it's better. Several warriors have agreed to intercede for us and that's huge. It so helps in the work that needs to be done here. I sometimes feel like one of those spinning top toys - wind me up and wherever I stop, there is ministry that needs to be done there. Please pray for Poppa to release provisions and for the increase of awareness of faith He has already given us to do this mission.

I chatted with several peeps this weekend and I had a chance to speak into the lie that there is more then one God. I had a chance to share just how amazing it is for me to have an intimate relationship with the God I worship and that I know of no other God that will do that. It consistently blows my mind that the God that created this universe has the time to hang with anyone who takes the time to know Him. And that I had a chance to encourage folks that they can have the same... Is just awesome. When I am at my lowest, Poppa finds a way to cheer me up.

I finished my first Kensington painting yesterday. It is raw, rough, energetic and since I am my worst critic, I am glad to say that I am happy with the piece and it's direction. I see so many possibilities and I can't wait to see what is next. Yea God!

I had a great time chatting with Hilly this afternoon an Panera's. But when is it not good to see him? He so cheered me up. And tonight was great... I met with what I hope is a new friend and it was a true divine appointment. We had a great talk at what's quickly becoming one of my favorite places - the Lost Bar. God is so good and He has done such amazing work there. Please pray for more building of relationships.

It's 11:30 pm and the drummer downstairs just started... Not so good. I guess it's an earplug night :( . Please pray for rest.

Love you all!

"Eden" acrylic on canvas 38" x 50"
(Click for larger image)

It's the little things...

It is first Friday here and much like last month, it is raining and the heavens are groaning with thunder. Maybe that's a spiritual metaphor. Maybe not. I went out tonight, like I did last first Friday and this time I was prepared. Lord, what ever you have - bring it. So I went out fully expecting something big and amnazing to happen, just like last time. But God, being so much smarter then me, had something else planned - He worked in small, subtle ways - ways that if I would have blinked, I would missed them.

After a very rough day of painting, I went out to see what the local galleries had to offer on this first Friday in hope of being inspired. Nada. Clever, well done stuff, but sole-less. Some even vile and quite offensive. One piece was so defiling, I won't even bother to explain it. Another work was an alter that had a row of candles and a knee bench to worship a collection of old encyclopedias. Like I said, clever but.... So I asked the artist what he thought the effect would be if he used bibles instead if of encyclopedias and he seemed very interested in the idea. God did a small thing.

I gave up on the idea that roaming the streets and getting soaked in search of even one uplifting work of art and I went off to the Lost Bar to dry off and to see if God had a big thing planned there. Nope. Small things...Like... A man I know from the local coffee shop asked if we could meet and chat later in the week; I met some new people and had a chance to step out of my shy comfort zone and talk about my art, I saw a woman who I had prayed for and her continence has totally changed from the last time we met. She was depressed, without hope and feeling useless then. Tonight she was happy and on the mend. Yea God! And most importantly, this time I was not alone. I sent out a text asking for covering and I felt it.

It's around midnight now and that's early for me. I am just really waking up now so I will spend some time praying for a deeper understanding of God's small miracles that change to course of our lives.

So as I am typing this last bit, God is saying go back to the Lost Bar and after a few "really, now?" I went back. I mean, who am I to say no to God.  So I sat at a table with a woman I sort of knew and struck up a conversation with a guy friend of her's. The long and short of the chat was he was an ex Catholic, ex atheist, who now believes in "something", but not a deity and certainly not religion. I told him that the single most thing that kills faith is religion and PTL, that got his attention. The rest of our talk was easy. He was in a place of searching; he was hungry and God was at work in him. I left him with the thought: " How can you believe and/or not believe in something that you haven't explored? And wouldn't it be a good idea to go to the Circle of Hope ( he is friends with many peeps who go there} and see what the conversation is really about. The good news is that he agreed and said he would think about going. Yea God!

So, thank you Poppa for allowing me to partner with you in this big thing.

As always, please forgive any typos :). Editing kills it for me.

The scripture of the day was brought to my attention by my awesome wife and I have to share it with you. For me, it so explains why God has you here:

Four Horns and Four Craftsmen

Then I looked up, and there before me were four horns. I asked the angel who was speaking to me, “What are these?”He answered me, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem. Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen.  I asked, “What are these coming to do?”

He answered, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise their head, but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter its people.”
-Zechariah 1:18-21
 

Love you all!

Sweet dreams...

It's late, but I am awake. It has been unbearably hot here, so I am awake. Had a great time at cell group, but that was hours ago and my mind is still reeling. So much to think about. Painting is almost good. The idea is there, but not the vision on how to make it work. Will start again in the morning. Praying.

Money but still sucks. Praying.

Looking forward to having the first Friday dinner night here. We will be doing two this month. One for the peeps in the building here and one for a mix of Circle of Hope and West Chester kids. Can't wait ti see what God has planned.

It's been a week or two of anger and disappointment and I expect I am not feeling much different tonight. Praying.

Went to the Lost Bar with friends from the cell. Love these peeps. Couldn't sleep and went back by myself around midnight. God, in His o so strange ways, opened my eyes to just how ridiculous my temptation is to seek ministry without that "go" is. I love when His voice is so clear. So I went home and worked on a drawing.

Miss you all. Praying for you.

Sweet dreams.

Peeling away the layers...

God has so wrecked me this week - in a good way. There has been drama here causing us great pain and anger. I have been in a state of unrest since my last post. I have found it very hard to paint. I knew in my heart that a new thing was about to begin, but I impatiently ran way ahead of the Lord and the art that come out of me was awful. But He is so good. So, so caring. He revealed though Diana and Robb what I could not see by myself and I am again excited about this part of the mission. Yea God!

That said, my heart is has been burdened after so many days of staring into the eyes of the hopeless when ministering. Too many times I have heard the words: "I don't know why I am alive" or "I don't have any reason to live." Praise Him for giving me words of hope and encouragement for them. But dealing with all to real life and death situations wears very heavy on me and I have felt so uncovered and alone here.

The hardest part of the week though, the single most thing that threw us into a tailspin is that the very validity of our mission here and our ability to carry out that mission was challenged and under attack from the last people in our lives that we could have ever expected and that shattered us. It is not right for me to go into details - it would be gossip - but I feel it is important that we share our pain; that we can share that even with the best of intentions, that even as laid down lovers of Christ, we can speak death on each other. That has to stop.

But God used even this to bring me closer to Him. We cried out for help and He answered. What touched us the most is how He sent His kids to our aid. So many dear friends reached out to us, confirmed the value of the work here, encouraged us, blessed us, spoke truth to us and just loved on us without judgement.

But much still needs to be healed, so much work needs to be done, so please continue to pray.

Gwen

Atlantis... Lost.... Updated...

I spent some time at Atlantis, curiously also called the Lost Bar with a writer friend I met at net group. Great guy with great questions; searching, yet somewhat confused but so hungry for truth like so many of the peeps I have met here. My heart goes out the the kids here, your kids who struggle with the word, your word. It troubles me that perhaps there is a need to redesign the word. Are they trying to make what fits fit and discarding what is too uncomfortable? I don't really know. It is a futile argument. I was thought that the word is the word, not a poem, not merely a good story. Was Paul so wrong that he is easily ripped to shreds? I pray, sweet Jesus, for the truth to pierce the hearts of all the seeking, no matter how uncomfortable. I pray Poppa for the wisdom and the unclogged ears to hear their hearts and for me not rush to judgment; to not preach.

These are good kids. Kid who love you. Aren’t I called to loved unconditionally? Aren’t I called to love as you loved? It is so new here, so raw. Am I letting you down? I feel the need to just love. Is that okay? Is that enough?

Please dream with me and let me know.

Unpacked

Hi all,

Diana and I want thank you all so much for your support for our mission in Kensington. We are happy to say that for the most part, our season of unpacking is over and we have begun doing life here. We visited a local church last Sunday night called The Circle of Hope and that was great for our spirits. The people there very nice and welcoming of us old folks. The majority were in the 20/30 age group and looked pretty “hip” - lot’s of tattoos, piercings and cool, funky clothes. It is so interesting to see how each generation “brands” themselves.

We have been meeting many people in the building...musicians, painters, glass blowers, photographers, print makers, furniture builders, sculptors, you name it. For the most part people seem very receptive to the idea of an open house dinner. So now we are waiting on God to provide provision for food costs and to be clear on when He wants us to start. We’re taking things slowly. In a building with over a hundred starving artists, the idea of free food is.. well...you get the picture. We’re thinking that if you have any canned or dry goods to donate that would be a blessing. Please call or email and we’ll make arrangements to pick it up.

Initially, we thought the the majority of the work we had to do here was to love on children in hospitals and to spread the gospel amongst artists - to speak the truth about creation and God’s heart. But in the short time we have been here Poppa has led us to that and so much more. But isn’t that so, God?

Diana has submitted her volunteer application to CHOP and is joyfully and a little impatiently, anticipating starting work with the children. Diana’s deepest desire is to see the healing of these little ones thru God’s love and touch. She’s also going to be looking into applying to St. Christopher’s Hospital, co-partnering with ministries that work thru the arts with inner city children, and other local ministries. We’ll keep you posted.

We have had the joy of doing a bit of ministry to the homeless folks along Columbus Boulevard. Their stories are heartbreaking but they are beautiful and God’s light is so on them. There is one woman who’s name is Gwen that God has so put on our hearts. She is in her early 30s, drug and alcohol free and on the streets because she lost her job and could not find new work. Diana and I are working on getting her clothes that are suitable for job interviews and we are also reaching out to local churches to help her find transitional housing. Please pray for her. There but for the grace of God...

A couple from the Circle of Hope invited us out for a beer the other night and the crowd there looked very much like the congregation at the Circle. As it turned out we learned it was an interesting mix of believers and non-believers. It was such a divine appointment. We shared testimonies with them and got a peek of how God is building community in Kensington. It was amazing to boldly speak the name of Jesus in a hipster bar. The reaction to us was no different then if we were loudly chatting about a Flyers game.

But God didn’t stop there. After a beer of two it was off to the mens room for me. On route, I noticed a young man quite badly attempting to play a game of pool. As I drew closer, I overheard a young woman sitting a few feet away shouting out instructions to him (I think his name was Jim). I found the scene very funny and out of curiosity, I asked what was happening. The woman, who turned out to be his wife, explained to me that he was legally blind and she was “telling” him how to play pool. I was somewhat convicted about my quickness to funny, so I smiled and scurried off to the restroom.

On my way back to the table, God poked me to pray for Jim for healing for his eyes. So I took a deep breath and asked Jim if that would be okay and he said sure. I explained that I loved Jesus and that I would be calling on Jesus to restore his vision. Jim said cool, go for it. I laid hands on him and prayed for about five minutes for a full and complete restoration of his eyes. When I stopped, he almost fell over and asked: “What was that heat running through me?” I told him it was Jesus and to go home, get on his face and surrender himself to Him. He agreed and I pray that he did. I started back to my table and Jim’s wife stopped me, grabbed my arm and pulled me toward her. It was an Uh-oh moment. But to my surprise, she wanted me to pray for her aunt in Paris. So I did, gave her and Jim a hug and went back to the table. Yea God! Please pray.

A few nights later I took my dear friends Fred and Ellen over to the tavern. It was a first Friday night and it was mobbed. Unfortunately it was late and Fred and Ellen really couldn’t very stay long, but I am grateful that they had a chance peek at the thriving community meeting there. I so felt God wanted we to stay there after they left, so I did and I sat at a small table by the door waiting to see what He had in mind.

After about fifteen minutes, a woman, 30 ish, clearly very buzzed walked right over to me, stopped, took a sip of her drink and then asked me my name. She singled me out from over a hundred people. We talked for quite sometime about her brokenness, depression, her hopelessness and the all demons in her live. Sadly she felt she had no understanding of why she was alive, what her purpose was. I told her that God so loved her and if she would make the choice to enter into a  relationship with Him, He would reveal that to her and through His amazing love, she could again feel hope and purpose. She thought it over for a bit, grinned and said “ I need proof.” Now, being somewhat of a silly man, I tried to give her some. I asked the Lord to point out a place on her body that might be hurting and I got nothing. So I guessed and asked: “Are your knees bothering you?” and she shouted NO! I could almost see Poppa shaking His head at me in mild amusement. I pulled myself together, called on the Holy Spirit for guidance and He told me what to do. I just loved on her. I told her over and over that Jesus loves you, you are a good person and you deserve to be loved and it was exactly what she needed to hear.  A few tears came, but she held them back. She hugged me and smiled quietly for several minutes. Then she went off to the restroom (clearly a common experience at this bar). I wanted to stay and talk more, but the Lord told me to leave before she came back; that it would have more of an impact. So I did. Please pray for Sarah.

There’s so much more he’s calling us to do. There are fallen people and pot smokers we spend time with at the dog park; homeless people on the way to Home Depot, the families across the street that drink all day long, sick and dying babies that need to be held, there are discarded needles in the local park and there is poverty and brokenness everywhere. But God is good and He is faithful and He is sending His troops here to fight the good fight. 

The enemy is not happy with us and there has been too much battling here. Transition at best is difficult; adjusting  to such a radically different place has made it worse. We have so terribly missed our brothers and sisters in West Chester and the comfort of church there. Yes, the enemy has had his way for many too days: we had been without internet service for over six weeks leaving with zero income since we are totally reliant on the internet to make money (a very long story about the lunacy of Comcast); our old landlord has refused to refund over a $1000 of our security deposit and we will have to take him to court. Praise God that we finally found some form of internet access and we are working again, but all this has left us in a very scary place financially.

That said, we know God is faithful and He will bring us out of this. Diana and I so thank you all for your prayers and your support. The way you all co-partnered with God made it possible for us to answer His call and build a place where kids can meet Poppa. But as we move into the next season, we need your prayers, help and support even more. Please continue to intercede in prayer. And if you have peace with giving, we really need your financial support. If you can help, we are at:

Victor & Diana Atkins
PO BOX 29273
Philadelphia, PA19125

We love you all so much and we miss you dearly. It is so good that we get to see you on occasional Sundays, but it just isn’t the same as being there and knowing you are just a few blocks away.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."- Galatians 5:13-14

Blessings,
Victor & Diana

Atlantis - The Lost Bar

I hear you knocking... And you can come in!

Robb, Nate and Liz came over last night and we had an amazing time chatting, laughing, praying and worshiping. I was so encouraged and blessed by their presence and friendship. God was here big time and I say more please! 

It feels sooooooo good that this season of unpacking has finally, sort of ended. We could not open another box with screaming: "Where am I going to put this stuff!" So we rented a very small storage space down the hall and just dumped all the "whatevers" in there. The plan is to unpack a box or two a week, then sell, give away or use what is absolutely needed to help in this mission to serve Poppa.

Speaking of serving Poppa, I have been praying to hear His voice on what's next here. Oddly enough, most of my ministering has been outside this building. I have been praying with a homeless woman and Diana and I are doing what we can to help her. I have been speaking His name to a young pot smoking drug user at the dog park - and like Jesus at the well, I let him know about a much better, lasting high. And until he went into a drug rant... Well... You know...

That said, I know He wants the Gospel spread here in this building - that a thunderstorm of the Spirit is about to be unleashed here, big time! I pray for the boldness to speak when He has speak.

Creativity has started here! Yea God! I started a drawing for the next painting and so far so good. It seems like forever since the last painting. And Liz has been painting here - love it! It brings light to Kensinngton. Kensington is dark, but it is real and the people are hungry - especially the young ones . We rejoice as we dream with God about the awesome work He has planned here.

Please pray. Pray for the light to demolish the darkness. Pray for a thunderstorm of His presence. Pray against the spirit of addiction. Pray against the spirit of poverty. Pray for abundant life in this place for His glory.

And please continue praying for Diana and me. Your prayers are felt and much needed. Pray that we do ALL things unto Him. Pray that His small miracles will continue to lift of out of those dreadful moments of doubt. Pray protection - we have been under constant attack. And please pray for provisions. We are finally back to work and it is catch up time and the lack of funds is ridiculous.

Love you all!

How deep is your love?

God's voice was clear and loud all day yesterday. When we moved here, one thing I was certain of was just how much I in love I was with our family. Well, it has been about three weeks since we moved and wow, I was so wrong! We missed you all so much that despite feeling the horrible fatigue of moving, we had to come see you. We visited home church, Providence, went to Nate's birthday party and throughout the day, God increasingly revealed just how much deeper the roots of my love, the love He gave me for you went and I was undone. I was sure this old heart was going to explode.

It's been really hard understanding why Poppa took us away from West Chester. Our life here in Kensington has been about unpacking boxes and desperately seeking His peace, especially about all the noise here. We have three bands right under us and they play whenever they want, as loud as they want and as long as they want. So the ongoing cry here is: "What were you thinking, God?!!!" and all He says is seek His peace and rest. So frustrating ;)

So many of you have been praying into this and sharing words of wisdom and we are beyond grateful. It is a true blessing knowing you have our backs. The spirit of loneliness overtook me one morning last week and I screamed at the Lord to take this from me - to have someone, anyone reach out to me. About 10 minutes later I received a text from Shawn sending us love. Then Ben called, then John G called. Then Sue sent a text that she, Carrie and Liz were praying for us. God is just good. He is and He will always will be and I so thank Him for showing me how to rejoice in His small miracles. He heals when we are alone and He heals when we gather together.

Last night at Providence, His Spirit all but knocked me over during worship! I had no idea how much I missed corporate worship. I felt like a hungry baby drinking the must wonderful mother's milk. God's shalom was so thick and so present it brought tears to my eyes and a healing to my heart. Yea God!

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. - Philippians 1: 3-4 

 

I have no words...

I asked God for a word of encouragement for us and for the body before we went to Providence to testify and He spoke "Presence. Be in my presence". I can tell you that His presence was indeed thick and rich last night. This was a night so filled with love I was certain my heart was going to explode.

I am so filled with mixed emotions today and I truly have no words to express the amazing, overwhelming love I feel for this family. Diana and I will so miss seeing your beautiful faces.

Thank you Lord for remembering us and for your grace, shalom and your mind blowing love. We go forward expectant of the great things you have planned.

  

Moving is fun?

Ah... The joy of moving! We are so, so blessed by the generosity of time given by Liz, Jen and Jana this weekend. Thank, thank you, thank you. We love you all so much!

We have a busy day today. We are going to pick up Ben's truck (you are awesome, Ben!) and grab a drawing table from Miho and a dishwasher from Judy. We are continually humbled by how giving this body is. Again, thank you all so much!

Then it's off to the loft for me and Diana. We are going to install a ceiling fan, two lights in the kitchen and give the floor one last mopping. It hard to believe this move is only two weeks away! Lots and lots of mixed emotions.

It's been an amazing few weeks. The loft has been painted; the "doors of death" have been sealed (YEA!), for the most part, the electric is finished and the loft got a good scrubbing. Another mopping or two and it's move in time. Thanks you so much to our dear family! The majority of the work done at this place was done by your hands. I know I have said it before, but - This is just so God. He constantly blows our minds with His goodness and grace!

I will try and post more photos next week.

It has been a very busy two weeks since the walls came down and it is so amazing how fast things are happening and to witness God's grace in motion. The new walls went up in two days; dear, dear Sue came by and we wrote scripture on the floor and the studs, our incredible family came by and painted everything in one afternoon! We are soooooo blessed!

What has really been awesome is how Poppa has provided. As each expense has come up, He has sent just enough money and then a little more! He truly is always on time. I so love how He has confirmed time after time that this is from Him. Whenever there has been doubt or worry, by being totally honest with Diana, by immersing myself in His word, by time with friends and listening to endless hours of Bill Johnson, Poppa has calmed my heart.

Today I will start the electric. Pray for me! Haha!

Here is some photos from the last two  weeks: