It has been a long, weird season of trials and tribulations but God's grace rules. It has been bitter cold in the last few months in our loft. That, and the never ending music from our musician neighbors has made life unbearable. There is not much we can do about the noise, but we have been doing all we can do to stay warm. We basically have spent all our time in the loft bundled up in heavy jackets, wool hats, gloves and scarfs - or in bed under a pile of blankets. The two heaters our dear friends Isaac and Rebecca donated helped, but we literally had to stand right next to them to feel any warmth. A third heater was lent to was by the awesome Balliets - but even with all three heaters running - the average temperature was only 42 degrees. Burrr!!!
Just when we thought we would either go bonkers or kill each other, God stepped in. He sent an angel named Carmelita. Carmelita and her husband have a house in Center City that is not in use in January and they are letting stay there. We have been here for almost a week and will stay for at least another week. Lord willing, we might be able to stay till the end of the month. For February, if we can get together some temporary furniture, it looks like we will be able to stay at the in-law house at Emanuele's house. Then it's back to the Kensington loft, but hopefully by then the worst of the winter will be over.
Oddly enough, all the battles with the noise and the cold gave use time to think and time for searching prayer. And in this time of prayer it became abundantly clear that Daddy God was doing some serious "house cleaning". He so clearly reminded us why He sent us to Philly and loving pointed out how we went astray. It is so cool how He gives yo just enough rope to wonder about doing things He never asked you to do then He pulls you right back in and leads you back in the right direction.
Our mission here is in the Arts: to share His voice and His gospel in the art community; in our person art, and to form relationships with artists. The long term goal is to open a faith based Art Center that would hold theatrical events, art shows, films, workshops and do outreach art/music programs for underprivileged kids.
So we have once again heard a GO from Daddy. We are moving out of the Kensington loft in May. We will be renting a smaller loft about ten minutes away that will be work/ministry only and we are praying for Him to lead us the where He wants us to live. We will need a small, VERY CHEAP house in Philly or West Chester. For peace of mind and spirit, to be in a loving Spirit filled community, I so feel West Chester is where He us calling us to live, so we will wait to hear His voice. Please pray for clarity and provision.
