September 25, 2006
How does one family living in the comfortable suburbs of Tucson, Arizona end up across the street from the Projects in inner city LA? That’s the story of Todd and Jen Grant and God’s calling on their lives which began with a trip to Los Angeles six years ago.
It took awhile to work up the courage to step out. Who would have ever guessed that one of our new church plants in the heart of Watts with an 80% African American and 20% Hispanic mix would be planted by a young Caucasian couple with 4 blonde kids? God does indeed work in mysterious ways!
After planting a church in Tucson, Todd transitioned into the C&MA and began working on staff at the Lyn-Gate Neighborhood Church in southern California. Lyn-Gate as a designated Multiplication Center sent out Rachel Dunham with Todd and Jennifer and they in turn partnered with World Impact and its missionaries, Jodi Harris and Glen and Sharon Gehrety, along with good friend, Antquan Washington in order to establish and launch the new church plant—The Powerhouse. Twelve students from surrounding Christian colleges are also investing their time and energy into this community. Together, their vision is to plant three more churches in the next five years. Because of the lines drawn by the gang activity, each future plant is being designated for a certain area defined by these superimposed boundaries.
Powerhouse is in its early stages. Todd, Jen and their four children have moved into Watts, living right across the street from the Imperial Courts Project. They have been warmly welcomed in the community. Prayer walking and developing relationships are part of their routine. Sunday Bible studies are now seeing 50-60 people in attendance—about 50 are kids, 12 are youth and 15 are adults—and there are mid-week groups for men and women as well. Two elementary schools are in the vicinity. One in particular has one of the lowest academic records in California. Average household income is under $19,000, many are fatherless, and gang tension is a reality. Most people coming to the studies have been incarcerated or have a family member currently in prison. They have already held their first funeral for a drive-by shooting.
With four outreaches planned for this fall, the Grants are looking at developing a holistic ministry. They are hoping to include a medical clinic, dental care, tutoring and a Theological Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI). They are planning for a February 2007 launch. There is not a lot of evangelism is this area. Only a couple of churches are visibly active. Most of their contacts have not had any church background. Powerhouse has done little advertising, people are already coming. Each Sunday they are providing an informal lunch as they begin to build community.
One man was very open, but his wife didn’t want anything to do with Powerhouse nor the gospel. Months later, the wife is now on board and actively involved leading the kids’ Gospel choir. A changed heart! At the local recreation center, the director has allowed them to have a club with songs, crafts and stories as part of an after-school activity. After the drive-by shooting, there were a number of commitments—especially among the kids. And three new young men are now coming regularly to Bible study.
One very special challenge has been transportation. Most of their people do not have their driver’s licenses. About half of their people come from the Watts area, but the other half come from south central LA—several miles away. They have found a school bus and are hoping to be able to come up with the funds to buy it. That will greatly enhance their opportunity to serve their community.
Pray for their team. Pray for funding to buy musical instruments for their worship. Pray for encouragement for the spiritual needs of their young-in-the-Lord, indigenous leadership; that they will stay the course; that they will have patience and strength each day; and that they will deeply know God’s love for them. Pray that they will empower their people, but not overpower them.
Todd says he is “living out a dream with a wonderful wife.” They are confident in the Lord and really ready to go! The unknown created fears, but as they have taken the first steps, they are experiencing so much joy in seeing God work.