So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7
In September of 1984 we began Washington Cathedral with the dream of building the “Greatest Caring Network the World Has Ever Seen.” For us, that describes the church in Acts. We do not feel that Washington Cathedral is “the” church as if we are the only church, instead we are “a” church. Meaning - we see ourselves as a piece of the puzzle, which is a wonderful mosaic of Christian churches and movements worldwide that are working to become great caring networks. That’s what the body of Christ should be. Our friends have a degree of patience with us because they know that in our family tradition, this dream runs three generations deep. We do everything we can to be all that we can be in loving people - not to give any individual the credit but to give Jesus the credit. We believe in our cause! That is why Jackie and I (along with the rest of the staff pastors) work so hard. It is why my mom and dad dove into this project with all their might.
This dream runs deep in our family! That’s why my nephew, Kyle, who plays college football and is going to medical school, spends his summers working at the Buntain Hospital in Calcutta, India. It’s why my nephew, Joey, (who played on our church basketball team when he was going to college) called the other day from the White House where he’s working as an intern for J.C. Watts before starting law school next fall. It is why our daughter, Becca, who is an honor student at Seattle Pacific University and works as a waitress, a barista also volunteers her time as an intern-pastor. Our entire family is just radical about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ by loving and caring for people! Sometimes we feel like a lot of people just don't understand us. But, Erskine and Melinda Austin seem to. Their son Eric is on his third tour of Iraq. Their family has been committed to defending the freedom of our Nation for three generations and you have to believe that at least one of their grandchildren (that they love to brag about) will end up spending some time in the Marines.
Some of you may have read the blogs of Pastors Rey and Elise, two of our staff members who serve Jesus by living and working with the people in the Tegucigalpa city dump. Two weeks ago, Pastor Rey witnessed a robbery and shooting. Several days later a riot took place outside their house and they went without water for three days. Elise recently blogged about what it was like when she was robbed by a man with a machete just outside their home. When she called right, after the incident, we prayed and thanked God that she and Elijah were safe. Some may think the ReCreation Center seems like a radical; maybe even an impossible dream. To them I say, “Please be patient with us. We really do believe with all our hearts in what we are doing.” We believe that the love of Jesus is the only real hope for peace in this world. Despite feeling stress and anxiety, like anyone else, we are filled with the joy of this lifetime adventure. God is doing amazing things and know this-- we believe in what we are doing.
This dream runs deep in our family! That’s why my nephew, Kyle, who plays college football and is going to medical school, spends his summers working at the Buntain Hospital in Calcutta, India. It’s why my nephew, Joey, (who played on our church basketball team when he was going to college) called the other day from the White House where he’s working as an intern for J.C. Watts before starting law school next fall. It is why our daughter, Becca, who is an honor student at Seattle Pacific University and works as a waitress, a barista also volunteers her time as an intern-pastor. Our entire family is just radical about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ by loving and caring for people! Sometimes we feel like a lot of people just don't understand us. But, Erskine and Melinda Austin seem to. Their son Eric is on his third tour of Iraq. Their family has been committed to defending the freedom of our Nation for three generations and you have to believe that at least one of their grandchildren (that they love to brag about) will end up spending some time in the Marines.
Some of you may have read the blogs of Pastors Rey and Elise, two of our staff members who serve Jesus by living and working with the people in the Tegucigalpa city dump. Two weeks ago, Pastor Rey witnessed a robbery and shooting. Several days later a riot took place outside their house and they went without water for three days. Elise recently blogged about what it was like when she was robbed by a man with a machete just outside their home. When she called right, after the incident, we prayed and thanked God that she and Elijah were safe. Some may think the ReCreation Center seems like a radical; maybe even an impossible dream. To them I say, “Please be patient with us. We really do believe with all our hearts in what we are doing.” We believe that the love of Jesus is the only real hope for peace in this world. Despite feeling stress and anxiety, like anyone else, we are filled with the joy of this lifetime adventure. God is doing amazing things and know this-- we believe in what we are doing.
“So please be patient with us - God is not finished with us yet!!!”
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Tim White
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