Contents

1. 1 Spring 2009
2. 2 Fall 2008
3. 3 Summer 2008 Going Homeless
4. 4 Fall 2007
5. 5 Summer 2007
6. 6 Spring 2007
7. 7 Renovo's Conception in '06

 

 

 

Spring 2009

May 26, 2009
~ By Carrie Hoogland

    So last night I asked the Lord what I should do the next day, and He told me to go on a prayer run.   So today I woke up at 7:30am and first had a little scrap with the devil who told me, "Why don't you just go back to bed?"  But Christ encouraged me to go and I prevailed.  I went my usual prayer route down Maxwell, up Henderson, down Kirwood, and around the courthouse, and as I passed the library on the way back, I felt like the Lord wanted me to touch each stone seat and claim the place for Christ.  After some resistance and conscience prodding I relented.  Then as I just passed Peoples' Park on my way home,  I felt the Lord wanted me to go back and pray over the park.  Again I resisted, but my conscience wouldn't let me keep going, so I found myself sitting in the middle of the park praying, and loking around and asking the Lord what I should do next.  Then Dorothy the bag lady caught my attention across the street.  (She's this little old lady that carries around a shopping cart full of Lord knows what, and refuses to live in a house even though she's rich--the story goes that she went crazy after her husband died...)  The moment I saw her, a memory flashed across my mind that I recognized to be a dream that I must've had recently, but wasn't able to remember; It was a changed Dorothy, filled with light and peace, her carts were gone, and the prevailing sense was freedom. I was startled, so I said Lord, I agree with you and I claim that! What should I do now? He told me to just go and say good morning to her and show her some love by carrying on a friendly conversation.  So I did.  The whole time she was closed, uneasy, and trying to get away, but friendly and polite.  As she excused herself, I asked for a hug, knowing she wouldn't accept, and she said, "Oh no, I don't do that."  So I just replied, "Oh, well someday then," and ran off.  I made it all the way to Maxwell, but the whole way I felt a voice saying "Your work isn't finished yet, go back, I'm not done with you."  I finally had to stop and argue with the Lord about it.  It seemed absured to me, and I was tired, and hungry, and faint, and I was given no objective to go back, but just to go back because my work wasn't finished.  I must've paced back and forth several times, nearly heading home defiantly, but I was encouraged by a couple of thoughts:  I had nothing else really to do that day, so why not?  It was an adventure.  And also, if the Lord used my obedience the first time, why couldn't or wouldn't He do it a second time?  So I gave in and turned back, telling the Lord that I was too tired to run, so if He ad a plan for me, then He was able in all His sovereignty to arrange the circumstances to work out with the timing of me walking.  The whole time the devil was telling me that it was absured, but I kept going, telling the Lord that He better confirm this act of obedience to me. 
    I arrived at Peoples' Park at the very same time as this older gentleman I know from Renovo pulled up on his bike.  He wiped the rain off the picnic table seat and sat down, so I followed suit just a table over.   Immediately, he picked up a conversation with me, and immediately all of my judgements about hime were rocked.  I learned that he was very kind, carried pleasant and intelligent conversation, and that his name is Big Jim.  He talked mostly about music--it's a big part of his life, although he's not a performer--he listens to CDs about 12 hours or so each day, and commented multiple times on his love for the Tchaikovsky ballet Swan Lake.  We discussed Joshua Bell, John Mellencamp, Elton John.  At a certain point early on in the conversation he asked me my last name (which is funny because that was precisely what I had just wanted to ask him).  When he found out it is Hoogland, he immediately brought up Hoagie Charmical, who's real name is actually Hoogland, which I hadn't previously known.  This was very exciting for him as Hoagie was his favorite artist, and he has a very poignant memory relating to him.  It brought him back to the hardest time in his life when all at once his wife divorced him, his favorite cat died, and Hoagie Charmical died.  He said it was too much for him to handle, and he cried a lot, but he also got a phone call the rectified the whole situation.  He had just gotten employment with the gravestone company, and they asked him to set Hoagie's gravestone (you can find it here in Bloomington).  He said, "I believe that was from God,"  and I readily agreed.  After more conversing, I found out that one of his brothers is a mayor or something of Bloomington, and his sister works in the library, and he looks like a bum because he lives off of his army pension and doesn't do much but listen to music.  At the end he said, "I do believe God destined us to meet.  Just meeting a beautiful girl that plays violin with the name Hoagie is really [a blessing] to me," and he said God must've brought him there too.  He left promptly, and I sat around asking the Lord what I should do next.  I decided the Lord had completed his work with me for the time being, and jogged home rejoicing and marveling the whole way.  I praised God knowing that I had listened to HIS voice, and no other, and the consequence was SO GOOD.  I learned that
1)God speaks clearly, if we will only listen, but often we don't want to, and what He asks for seems foolish at first 
2)God wants to bless, and He wants to use His willing servants to do it, and even the smallest act of obedience is of great worth and is never wasted.
3) Faith involves real conversation with God, and pro-acting before understanding--it involves a willingness of sacrifice for te sake of pleasing Him.
4) For the first time, I think, I am realizing that God wants to be in direct conversation with me.  I can argue with him and it's okay--He doesn't hold it against me--He would rather that than have no communication at all.  He actually wants me to tell him my opinions, my requests, to reason with Him.   He broke me from the mindset of servant into the freedom of friend
Galatians 4:7 says, "So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, than an heir through God."  
Ephesians 2:13 says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ...[he has abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances]...and reconciles us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility...so you are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints..."  
And now I have tasted friendship with Christ.  I pray that anyone who reads this and hasn't had this revelation may have it, and seek it out. 
 


Thoughts on Renovo
March 26, 2009
~By Stephen Keefauver

I would guess that anyone who has been involved with Renovo in the past has noticed that the experience of it is so much more than serving a meal on a Sunday afternoon. I believe this is because Renovo represents an honest and loving engagement with the people who make up the Bloomington community.  At its core, Renovo is an opportunity to share life with people and to come to truly know Jesus and his Gospel message more and more.  The way this plays out often varies by person and week, but is continually revealed as a body of people coming together on a Sunday afternoon to share life through the building of a community that strives to honor Christ.  I have come to understand that Renovo’s focus is not on a set of ideas or an elaborate philosophy, but on the practical application of our purpose in this world. When I think of Renovo, I think back to many different instances where my path in life crossed someone else’s. I think of opportunities to pray with people going through difficult struggles, as well as opportunities to laugh and share in the joy life brings. I think of names and life stories associated with those names, and I think of what an unbelievable honor and privilege it has been for me to share a part of life with those involved with Renovo. Ultimately, I think of the many different stories created each week by the way God continually works through Renovo to the purpose of His glory and our ultimate joy found in him.  I cherish the opportunity to be involved with Renovo and hope that God’s grace continues to abound through this ministry.
Renovo is Seeping Out

March 12, 2009
~By Carrie Hoogland

So in the past two days I have gotten random emails from people about Renovo, and I can't help but laugh at how God is spreading the love beyond our territory.  Here they are:


Hey there,
It is an honor to know this team and all the services that you've done. What a great team. I believe that many people have been blessed and thanked God for your cares,loves,shares,prayers... and a lot of activities that bring glory to our Father.

My name is Wenny. I live in Indonesia. I am waiting and hoping to know more about your team activities and I'll be very pleased to pray for you all.
....
I knew Renovo from Andrew Hughes. He came to Indonesia last year. He visited our project in Calang - Indonesia. Calang's citizen is one hundred per cent Moslem. I work with Food for the Hungry International/ Indonesia. Our program is organic agriculture, literacy for kids, and sewing class for housewives.

Blessings,
Wenny Silaen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yo Carrie!

You may or may not remember me. I was in Btown over summer, helped out with Renovo whenever I could, and lived in the same apartment complex as you. Anyway, funny story I thought you may be a bit interested in: while waiting for the bus to go to campus (I'm a PU student), I saw a guy that looked a whole lot like Abraham (the homeless guy who consistently helped out with Renovo). I took a chance and yelled, "Abraham!" It turns out that the guy who looked a lot like Abraham was in fact Abraham. So, yeah, Abraham and his son are now living homeless in Lafayette. We all hung out some over the weekend and plan on doing so more in the future... It gave me a way to make some connections with the homeless that continue still today...even when I'm back in Lafayette. Yeah, so gracias!

Jon Morgan

Love is Hard Work

February 28, 2009
~ By Dan Waugh        
This past Sunday I took Caleb to experience Renovo (Connexion's ministry to the homeless community in Bloomington). Actually, it's probably more accurate to say that Caleb took me - he's been asking constantly for about 3 months, ever since the Renovo video was shown in Underground (ECC's kids ministry). After being there for a couple of hours here are some of my thoughts:1. Loving the needy isn't a part time or one time deal. I'm not a regular at Renovo, not by a long shot. Thing is, you could tell. I got into a few conversations, but I also watched those who were regulars and it was different. The people being served knew them, trusted them, connected with them, loved them. It was evident. I'm sure it wasn't always that way for those who are regulars, but that level of fellowship between the men and women being served and those regular students doing the service has developed over months and sometimes years. That's awesome. So often we volunteer for a soupkitchen or shelter and do it once a year or once a month. We come and get our 'service' merit badge (literally or figuratively) and then walk out feeling good about ourselves. This crew is different. They are there and involved in these people's lives (sometimes against pastoral warnings). I never had a sense that any of the students were their to get their 'service cards' punched. They were there because the loved the people and loved sharing the love of Christ with them.2. Love is hard work. I went home really tired (and I hadnt' done any of the prep work or the clean up). I personally find making conversation very tiring, and this was even more tiring than most conversation making. It takes energy as well as time to love well. In addition, trying to turn the conversations to spiritual matters was not at all easy. Yet I overheard several of the regular students involved in fairly deep spiritual conversations with the guests. My hat really goes off to them for all the hard work that is put in week in and week out.3. College students can make a huge impact. College students are naive, and I love it. They believe they can change the world. While the impact of these students work may not quite have global impact, they are having a huge impact on their churches and this community (do that in enough places and there will be a global impact!). There are now churches involved in
serving the community in ways they never had before. Why? Because some college students showed them by their example that they should!I know I'll be back. Caleb will make sure of it. He loved it and had about a billion questions afterwards (like, "Dad, what's an existentialist?" Thanks Hal!). I was tired and energized all at the same time. Thank you all for the hard work you put into this ministry and the love you pour out. God bless.

No Blood? No Problem...

Saturday January 31, 2009
~By Carrie Hoogland
Psalm 29:11
"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."
This Saturday we had a prayer walk for the city of Bloomington. It was scheduled for 3pm and I was going to meet Andrew at 2:30pm at the Pourhouse to pray early.  I also was scheduled to give blood at 1pm...Matthew was also scheduled at this time, so he drove us to ECC where the American Red Cross had set up a blood donation center.  I had made sure to eat plenty before going because of my past experience when I fainted.  Matthew ended up not being able to give because they couldn't find a vein, so he went to pick up his brother and then came back to wait for me to finish.  I was filled with peace and joy to be among so many goodwilled fellow believers, and to worship the Lord with the praise music that was on while I gave blood.  Fortunately, Matthew was back in time to walk me to the "canteen" area.  After about 2 minutes I felt my body begin to go, and then I was in outer space for what seemed like eternity (dreaming).  When I came to I had no idea where I was, but found that a strange lady was peering into my face and I was on the floor.  I found out that I was only out for about a minute.  They got me to sit up, but in about another 5 minutes I was out again.  Poor Matthew, must've scared him...When I came to again I asked him to make some phone calls to coordinate the prayer walk and let people know that I was going to be late. Bless his heart.  It was about 5 minutes to three when two nurses escorted me to Matthew's car.  They told me to rest.  I almost agreed with them because I was so weak, but I was determined to make the prayer walk, even if it meant doing a prayer "drive" or something.   So my angel Matthew headed us out to pick up Chelsey on the way to the prayer walk.  From the back seat Chelsey, seeing my condition, started stroking my head, and then she began praying over me.  Almost immediately we both felt the Holy Spirit flood our bodies with joy, and especially fill both our legs with strength.  We couldn't contain our laughter and shouts of acclamation to the Lord.  It was a wonderful experience!!  By the time we reached the Pourhouse, we were both praying in the spirit and laughing, and I felt completely strengthened and able to go on the prayer walk!! What a miracle!  I was so grateful and awed that the Lord cares to give strength to His children to fulfill work for His kingdom. 

If that wasn't enough Holy Spirit goodness, I was deeply humbled and touched by the souls who participated in the prayer walk: Ellen, Patrick, Andrew, Mike, Chelsey, and Elaine.  We stopped at Trinity to pray in the chapel first.  Our other stops were: Peoples' Park, the Shalom Center,and the Courthouse.  It was especially fulfilling because the night before I had attended an event at Genesis church that had a guest speaker, who is a passionate apostolic leader, and his message was "How to Take a City--Every City Has a Cry." 


My First Renovo Experience
Sunday January 25, 2009

~ By Caitlin Callahan


The last time Renovo met and served I was able to serve along side the wonderful team. I can honestly say it was a wonderful experience from the time we walked into the door.  The brothers and sisters in this community of servants are unbelievable.  I felt welcomed and I felt like part of the team from the beginning.  My favorite part was serving food and looking out at all the people sitting together, sharing life. I was serving with Patrick when he pointed out to me all of the people sitting and eating, laughing, and enjoying life together. It was a true blessing to see people break stereotypes, get out of their comfort zone, and just share life with those around them.  I loved the teamwork that took place with the Renovo crew, so much got done and so quickly.  It was fun to serve with such willing hearts. This was an experience that I don't want to know as an experience, but as a way of life.  This reminded me that the joy of the Lord comes from serving and loving. I was also reminded that we can be filled with that joy when we look to others and how we can love them.  This was a true example of how The Church should reach out to the world and it made me hopeful and thankful for our generation.

Fall 2008

Hey there!

Andrew allowed me to take a moment to write to you and I am so so grateful because tonight, the Lord reminded me of the power that comes from the Holy Spirit. He brings JOY to the mediocrity of our lives. Amen? This past year, Renovo Ministries has gone through quite a bit of adjustment and change. It has been pretty amazing to watch how the Lord has used this year to prepare and equip us for what is to come!

This summer, by His grace, Renovo lunch will continue and we will be returning to Trinity Episcopal Church, which in the past has served as an amazing place of joy and fellowship for our weekly lunches. I am SO excited about this move! Additionally, the children’s ministry at Crestmont will also continue in some capacity. This amazing group of folks has monthly been going to the Crestmont community on the North side of Bloomington to serve and love the children there. So if you’re going to be in Bloomington and want to be involved, please email us! renovo.ministries@gmail.com.

Recently, it has been really clear that many of us have been trudging through a spiritual swamp. Apathy and laziness have plagued us and it has been extremely tiring, hasn’t it? But the Lord speaks to this in Isaiah 43:18-19 reading, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Declare that with joy, children of God! He is doing a new thing in us and through us.

Here exists a chance for you to pray, serve, and grow in the blessings of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. It has been a while since I personally have tasted the fresh life of Jesus, but I was reminded tonight through watching the Renovo Ministries video.

Check it out and be blessed! Come and serve with us! Our aim is to glorify God, love each other, and learn what it means to actively live out this precious faith that we have been given. He came that we might have life and have it to the full! There is restoration, brothers and sisters. We have been set free…it’s truth. Hope to see you soon!

~Amy, Renovo Ministries Co-founder

Summer 2008 Going Homeless

1. to break social barriers
2. to understand and empathize with them
3. to get out of our comfort zones
4. to become motivated to help more
5. an exercise in trust in God
6. an exercise in shedding materialistic lifestyle
7. to spread the light of Christ in the darkest places of the city
8. It's easy to love the homeless corporately and never get close enough to love them individually.  Merely serving food holds them at  arms length
9. Loving them more completely--knowing the dirt and still loving them

1. Homelessness is a temptation
2. There are different kinds of homelessness--everyone is different and has a different story--there are different degrees
3. There is a feeling of timelessness and it creates a vortex void of motivation
4. There is prejudice among the homeless against students because of the way that the police favor students over the homeless when they are caught in the same act..also because they see our wealth and our indifference to what's around us--selfishness---living off of mom and pop money
5. Bloomington has many resources for those in need--you will never go hungry, it's impossible
6. People are comfortable in their homelessness
7. There are those who claim Jesus but don't follow or truly believe in what He said and who He is
8. People's Park is where people get high and drunk at night
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fall 2007

Dear Friends,

The Lord is doing some mighty things within Renovo. I feel like I say that each month as I watch the hand of the Lord guide us and bring new people to serve along side of us. This mission of going and serving our community is not new. In fact, its something Christ called us to in His ministry. It is so encouraging to see people ignited by His work and love! The most amazing thing is that we don’t have to pretend to have it all together. In fact, God is pretty consistent with using those who are broken or perhaps considered “the least of these.”

As of October, we welcomed a new ministry of a jail outreach to our works. Sunday afternoons, we go down to the Monroe County Jail and hang out with the families of inmates while they wait for visiting hours. This has been extremely touching for me (Amy). We are able to bring music, cookies, and good conversation to an otherwise monotonous place. There are kids of all ages and many men and women hurting. I would encourage you to join us when we do this. It is a really organic way to love people-singing with them and talking with them about life.

We also had another prayer walk during the weekend before Halloween. Our main focus during this time was the upcoming “holiday” and for the safety of our peers, families in Bloomington, and those seeking definition in anything but Christ. We also prayed against the apathetic, lukewarm work of the Dalai Lama, who was visiting that weekend. We rejoiced as we prayed that this man would find salvation in Christ. Even that is possible in name of Jesus!

And of course, we had our monthly lunch. Jerry, a volunteer wrote an account of this meal.

~A Good Day to Serve Christ

Being a new member in the Renovo ranks (for about three weeks now), I have already come to see the God-inspired people that comprise the service group. This last weekend only further exemplified that.

The menu was determined. We would be cooking stuffed potatoes (With chicken, bacon, mozzarella, garlic, and some green thing that looked like pine needles, but wasnt {Im not really knowledgeable on my spices.}), warm salad with peas and grated cheese, and peach cobbler for desert.

Saturday was relatively easy. Good ol Jimmy and I washed a large quantity of potatoes and talked about topics ranging from our hometowns to the Kingdom of God. Needless to say, that hour was more than just scrubbing dirty potatoes. Others prepared the meats and cobbler for tomorrow's finishing touches.

Well, Sunday's finishing touches lasted a good 3 1/2 hours. Beth, Doug, and I cored and stuffed, stuffed and cored nearly every potato. The first pan of potatoes took us a good 30 minutes to prepare, but after a while we had it down to under 10 minutes. We were a ravenous, potato stuffing machine. It was glorious. But, this time spent working became something more than just hollowing out spuds with sharp objects. It was a great time to get to know one another as followers of Christ. We even got into such deep topics as the Bible and evolution, and relayed our personal stories of faith. It's always striking to me how, as a body of Christ, it doesn't take long at all to feel like you've known a fellow believer for years. It's a strange, but wonderful blessing, for sure.

After a while, Andrew came in to help the assembly line along. And in a few small hours all potatoes (barring one pan) were properly prepared and ready to bake. I believe we had 300 some kilograms of potatoes, according to Doug's calculations. (Or maybe it was 30 kg, or 3 my metric conversion is worse than my knowledge on herbs and spices. My spiritual gifts lie elsewhere, it seems.)

More people started to shuffle in as time to serve at the Shalom Center approached. The potatoes were in the oven, the salad was adequately sliced and diced, and the peas were steaming on the stove. The cobbler was also sizzling its way to perfection, albeit a slight mishap where Doug accidentally used pears instead of peaches. (I called it a mishap; later it would prove to be divine intervention. Who knew pear cobbler would be such a success? Jesus? I think so.)

After all was cooked and wrapped and ready to go, we piled the food into an eclectic band of vehicles and made our Merry Way to the church where we would be serving. And here, my friends, is where the story really alters from one Renovo member to the next. I, personally, worked mostly in the back, plopping the potatoes and salad on plates for the bussers to take out to the men and women who had come to be served.

And after a while it stopped feeling like a group of church goers feeding the city’s homeless, it felt, simply, like the church. I remember one sister in Christ playing her violin; one Renovo member (his name eludes me) played his guitar for the guests, and for us, as well. People came to eat and talk, and simply to enjoy themselves for those few good hours at the church.

And that’s how it always is. It’s not just preparing food and washing dishes, it’s about living simply as God would have us to live, in loving service with one another. And in many regards, I was just as much the one being served as the homeless that came in off the streets. I was being served by those around me, with a kind gesture or an encouraging word.

As we circled up to pray, after all the dishes had been washed and the remaining food put away, all of us strangers now friends, grabbed hands and thanked God for the day. Two homeless gentlemen joined in on our closing praises and prayers, as well. Then we said our goodbyes, piled in our respective vehicles, and made our individual ways back to our individual homes.

I’ve done a good number of service projects like this before, and have been blessed into similar groups like Renovo as an undergrad, and the outcome is always the same: Jesus is glorified, and hearts are filled.

Sunday was, indeed, a good day to serve God.
—

Keep praying as our four ministries continue to develop: jail, children’s outreach, lunch, and prayer walks. This coming month, we will be doing a few ad hoc outreaches with Backstreet Mission, host our first ministry seminar, and continue to pursue Him in faith! Are you ready?

For more information, please contact us at renovo.ministries@gmail.com.

Soli Deo Gloria!
~Amy, Renovo Ministries Director 

September 29th, 2007 by Renovo Ministries

So, its been slightly different lately. We decided to serve the homeless lunch once a month to start off the year. It has given us time to refocus and see God’s heart in this ministry, which is not only the people we serve, but from our end, the people who are serving. One of the ways we decided to do this was through seeking out different Christian ministries in Bloomington and providing ways for our volunteers to get involved with them. This month, we served the lunch at our new location downtown, participated in a Habitat for Humanity Build, helped out at Hannah House-a local crisis pregnancy center, and prayed for our university and community on a prayer walk. Here are some reflections on each of the events. We were so blessed by what the Lord did!

-Renovo Lunch-
Last Renovo lunch was already three weeks ago on September 2, and being in the new place it almost seems like a dream. But I remember it vividly. I remember being skeptical about this new space. How could a small rectangular basement compare with our beloved fellowship hall with round tables, and a courtyard? But where Christ goes, we follow, and what has been said about Christ being the life a place over and above anything else was proven dead on at our first Renovo lunch in the United Methodist Church basement. It has also occurred to that it might just be possible that moving Renovo is part of a bigger plan to touch all of Bloomington, to introduce restoration in every corner. But that’s all speculation, here’s what I experienced that Sunday: We are bustling about the kitchen when a familiar head pops in through the doorway, “You’re on our turf now!” Yeah, that’s right,
when Jesus came he pitched his tent right in among us.

After the logistics of where to set up everything got squared away, we all gathered around the kitchen counter to get the rundown, and to pray. As Ben spoke about the significance of this day being the year anniversary of Renovo as well as the first of a paradigm shift in the vision for Renovo, I began to realize how significant it really was. We have a new place and a new purpose. God wants to be close to these people. He wants to step in, into their home, transform their space,
and attend to their deepest hunger.

After eating, I sat back to soak it in. Andrew happened to be doing the same thing so I leaned over to ask him for his thoughts of the new setting. He used the words “more continuity..more like family.” There they were in their familiar place, but now here’s Matthew playing guitar in the toy room, Doug and Jonathan’s delicious food, the Tuszynski children running around with Jared, Andrew leaning in close for a conversation, Rodelyn and I playing violin outside, Ben roaming purposefully, Joyce making coffee, and other beloved brothers and sisters lending an ear, a hand, a smile. It was so wonderful to sit down with Susan again, especially to see her full of joy and enthusiasm. We are family.

“As you come to him, the living stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him–you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priest-hood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”~1 Peter 2:4-5. I miss Renovo, and it feels like it has been too long, but my hope is that this the feeling across the board, and I can be assured that God already had this in mind, along with the purposes He has for this
extended time in between.

In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who makes our joy complete.
~Carrie Hoogland, Renovo Leadership

I was a little anxious about the set up of the new premises we would be using for the Renovo lunch. It was tricky trying to anticipate what facilities the new kitchen would or wouldn’t have, as well as the usual worry over whether the food would go down well with the guests and if there would be enough of it. Apart from an unpleasant abundance of flies (which I will be prepared to do battle with next time), the new kitchen was pretty great – in fact they leant themselves well to serving the guests food whilst seated at their tables, rather than have them queue up cafeteria style. I was also thankful of the willingness of the Renovo volunteers to help me finish with the food prep. But the greatest encouragement of all was seeing volunteers and guests alike sitting together, eating and conversing with one another. That’s what we’re aiming for after all; Jonathan and I are just glad that the food we help provides not only nourishment to the hungry but also a forum for fellowship.

“…let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
~Douglas McHugh, Renovo Chef

-Habitat for Humanity-

I’ve always wanted to do a Habitat for Humanity Build before but never had a chance so I jumped at this opportunity. I’m SOO glad I did. It was definitely worth waking up at 6:30am on a Saturday. There were only a handful of us that went that morning so I didn’t think we would be accomplishing much, especially after I saw the size of the stacks of lumber they had prepped for us. Man was I wrong!

First project of the morning was to make “take-offs” (pieces that allow for other walls to branch off of another wall) and knocked those out pretty fast. After a quick snack break Andrew Hughes and I teamed up and started making special supports that go above doors and windows called headers. This was great for two reasons: 1) my hand was getting a little sore from hammering so I got a break and 2) I got to use power tools!! By lunch we had 2 or 3 walls framed and put together. Everyone was working together great!

We had a few more people show up after lunch and things really took off. We had 3 or 4 teams going and each one was putting together a whole wall in about 20 minutes. It was amazing to see how all of our combined efforts were getting the job done, especially after I had been so skeptical in the morning. Since we weren’t at the actual house site we stacked the walls up as they were completed. It was so awesome to see that pile growing as the piles of lumber were shrinking.

The real meaning of this build was about a lot more than just nailing boards together. It really hit me as I looked at the stack of the finished wall frames. I thought about the fact that a family who was in desperate need of a good home was going to be able to have one because of my small sacrifice. I felt humbled that God would use my small sacrifice of a few hours on a Saturday to help someone who I don’t even know have a much better life. I thought about how much a house really means, all of the great memories that I had at my house growing up. All of the birthdays and holidays I got to celebrate with my family there and how it is a place I can always go back to. I realized I did more than help build a house which is just a structure. I helped to build a home.
~David Pippenger, Renovo Volunteer

-Hannah House-
What an encouraging day! I was really blessed to see our team of ten working
to bless Hannah house. Folding baby clothes (so cute!), organizing rooms,
moving storage, dusting banisters, organizing paperwork, even gardening!! In
three hours our team was able to accomplish so much. The staff and
volunteers at Hannah House are no strangers to hard work, and I’m glad we
were able to reduce their work load a little this fall.

One of the most encouraging things was seeing the community develop between
our team. After the work was done someone suggested we do lunch, then
someone else suggested we hit up the chocolate moose for ice-cream. This is
one of my favorite things about Renovo, as our team spent that afternoon
together I once more saw friendships being beginning on a foundation of
serving and loving our Lord Jesus Christ.
~Benjamin Wories, Renovo Leadership

-Prayer Walk-
Honestly, I like talking to God. Well, maybe I just like talking, but God listens just as much, okay better, than anyone else. I especially enjoy talking to Him with others and listening to them affectionately and passionately beckon the ear of our Lord and God. For the first time, with more chances to come, Renovo offered the opportunity for a group to gather together and talk with God and each other about our campus and this town. As the rather warm September air swirled around us, we made our way from ECC to Kirkwood, stopping at various locations to pray in specific ways about the hurts and struggles, joys and lives of Indiana University and Bloomington. We prayed for the residence halls, the Greek system, professors, classes, campus ministries, the party/bar scene, and the homeless population. As we walked on, friendships were made, eyes were opened, heads bowed down, hearts humbled, and passion ignited. It was a unique experience I’ve never felt before in prayer. I truly felt as if we were quietly raging a war on behalf of others against the powers of darkness of this world. As we stood across from a crowded bar, hands interlocked, something in my heart soared for this place in a way it never has before. God is after this university and this town. He wants it for His glory and it was beautifully displayed through the prayers and supplications of His people that night.

~Leslie Kerchief, Renovo Leadership

There’s something powerful about joining together with other Christians and praying for great things. I think God loves it when we are united and when we trust that he is strong enough to answer even our biggest prayers.

On the Renovo prayer walk last week, about a dozen of us walked all around campus, stopping to pray for various groups and situations along the way. We prayed together for the dorms, the Greek communities, academics, night life, Christian organizations, people of other religions, and more. For me, the best part of the prayer walk was the way a single prayer of faith inspired more faith and more prayers, until by the end of the night we were boldly declaring the truth of Christ and claiming his promises for us and the world. I know God was pleased, and I was certainly inspired to believe God more by hearing the believing prayers of my friends.

I came away from the walk convinced that prayer is changing things at IU and in Bloomington. Like Jesus said, the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. We all must be open to God’s leading in physically ministering with people on campus, but a lot of the work will be done through the fervent prayers of God’s children. God has great things in mind for our community–I hope you’ll join us in praying them into reality.
~Beth Overhauser, Renovo Leadership
——————————————–
As you can see, we’re excited to see what else the Lord has in store. Currently, we are developing an outreach to children in Cresmont, a government subsidized housing location on the outskirts of Bloomington. ECC used to have a ministry there almost 7 years ago and we are looking forward to renewing the minstry there! If you’re interested in getting involved, have any questions, or have an opportunity to share with us, please send us an email at renovo.ministries@gmail.com. Ask for Andrew or Amy! We are PUMPED about Christ’s work and we’d love to serve alongside with you! Be blessed!

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”~Romans 15:5-7

Summer 2007

Family of God~Renovo Sunday 8/5/2007 Part 3

I once read that the best way to get to know someone is to serve together, and I’ll admit that that’s what I had in mind the afternoon that I first volunteered at Renovo. I was brand new to Bloomington, didn’t have cable or internet, and I had run out of minutes on my cell phone. Starved for human connection, I walked up to some people at church and, with heaven-sent boldness, told them that I was looking for some friends. When they mentioned that they were going to serve lunch to homeless people that afternoon, I jumped at the opportunity. Making friends AND serving God in a tangible way? Sign me up.

Two hours later, I walked into Renovo. It was a bit of a whirlwind that day: wrapping silverware, serving food, eating and chatting with guests, listening to stories and music, doing dishes, wiping tables, and praying. But it was indeed the best way to make new friends—I was amazed at the unity that comes from joining together to serve God by serving his people. Friendship takes time to develop, but when I was working with the other volunteers I was struck by an overwhelming awareness that we were already a family—brothers and sisters in Christ.

I’ve come to Renovo pretty consistently in the eight weeks since I moved here, and the friendships I so desperately wanted are beginning to grow. But I’ve been surprised by a different kind of friendship too: friendship with our guests. It took a few weeks for me to begin recognizing the faces in the lunch line, but now I look forward to finding out how one woman’s week has been, or how one man’s important meeting went. When a guest I’m expecting doesn’t come, I worry and pray. When I missed a Sunday, a guest wondered where I had been, too. We’re friends.

For some reason, that mindset is a new one for me. My parents taught me to help and serve those less fortunate than myself, and when I became a Christian I learned that serving “the least of these” is like serving Christ himself. I love to serve, but somewhere along the line I began to believe that there was a fundamental difference between me and the people that needed help. “Homeless” and “destitute” came to mean “foreign” in my mind. It wasn’t a conscious bias, but God knew that it needed to change.

Serving at Renovo I’ve realized that we’re all just people. Some of our guests have life stories just like mine—one even grew up in my New York suburb. Each person that we serve is just trying to make it through life, one day at a time, as best as they can. So am I. If there is a difference between us, it’s not that I have money and they don’t. It’s that I know a God who loves me, protects me, sustains me, and gives purpose to my every move. If they don’t know Christ, I do have something to offer my new friends. We can be family, too.

If you’re new to Bloomington, if you are looking for a place to serve, or if you just want to meet some new people, I invite you to join us at Renovo. Send us an email at renovo.ministries@gmail.com.
~Beth O., Volunteer

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit~Renovo Sunday 8/5/2007 Part 2

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they that mourn shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

We studied the Beatitudes in our ECC small group not long ago and I really enjoyed our discussions as our group poured over the verses together. But today, the passage came to light.

I enjoy being with fellow believers at Renovo on Sunday afternoons. It feels awesome to be able to do something for someone in need, offering a warm meal and a smile. But today as I watch them, I see something different. As each person makes their way though the line I notice expressions on their faces that I have not really noticed before. Some offer a humble smile as they are served a warm plate of food, possibly a smile of relief that they are not going to be hungry today. Some don’t make eye contact; maybe they wish they didn’t have to be here because they had hoped for much more in life than this. Some look tired, and can barely manage a nod as they receive their meal. Others smile eagerly as they share something good that happened to them during the week. One shares a story that breaks my heart and I pray silently that they will continue to be a survivor. Some shake their heads as they describe their week, having been down on their luck due to a lost job or illness. And I know that it could just as easily be me on the other side of the table. The grim look on a few faces reminds me that they have survived a life that few could understand, and are doing their best just to make it through to the next day.

As I continue to watch them, my heart grows warm .I am being changed in some way today as I see their expressions- sad, joyful, hopeless, hopeful, angry, humble, lost, and found. As they allow me into their stories and show me a glimpse into their hearts, I know instinctively, that these are God’s people. I have never felt this as deeply as I do today. I am humbled as I realize that they have much more to offer me than I have to offer them. I want them to see and feel God in my life, and while I am not worthy of this honor, I am so happy to be a part of their world for a day. But they offer me something that is unmistakable undeniable, and beautiful. I have seen and felt God in their stories, in their laughter, in their pain and courage, in their presence. They have shown me what it looks like to be poor in spirit, what it means to mourn, and what meekness looks like in the midst of pain and sorrow, courage and strength.

I am in awe today as I feel and see God moving about this place, doing His work, His love resting on these people. I have embraced the expressions of some truly wonderful, amazing human beings. And I am thankful that He has allowed me to be here watching.
~Lori Mangrum, Renovo Mentor

From the Mouths of Babes~ Renovo Sunday 8/5/2007

“Grandma, I can’t talk right now. We’ll be late for Renovo.”
“Renovo?” Grandma questioned. “What do you do at Renovo, Eric?”
Eric looked up at Grandma with a sly little grin.
“I make friends!”

In one simple statement, my 4 –year-old son revealed not only the heart of Renovo Ministries, but also the heart of the gospel: relationship.

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus didn’t hesitate to say to love God with every part of our being (see Matthew 22:34-40). He went further to say that the second greatest commandment was to love people. And then the clincher: not only were these the greatest two commandments, but they were really the only two commandments. Everything else—all the law and all the prophets—were really there to help us do these first two well. Love God, love each other. Relationship.

When we decided to hook up with Renovo, we really didn’t know how a family with three kids (ages 10, 7 and 4) would be received. So many ideas seem good in my head, but in practice they just don’t translate well. Yet from the moment Amy spoke about Renovo in Sunday morning service, I felt a constant tug toward this ministry. So, after a couple of months of wrestling with the idea, we finally decided to step in and see what God would do.

The following is a small sampling of what I’ve heard coming from my family during the time we’ve been involved with Renovo:

“I growl better than Jake*. It always makes him laugh.”
“But Jonathan started the water fight!”
~Annie, age 7

“I won the game of UNO! But Patrick had to help me.”
“When Ronny* sees me, he’ll probably try to tickle me.”
~Eric, age 4

“I get to help Amy serve ice cream.”
“Can Lily come with us to Renovo? I want her to meet everyone.”
~Brynne, age 10

“These guys are just like me.”
~Scott, aka Daddy

I interpret my world in patterns, so as I look at these statements, I find one pattern that quickly jumps out at me. People. Every single statement is about the people. Relationship. Love God, love people.

And yet there’s something more. I couldn’t quite grasp it at first. Our purpose in getting involved was to follow the two commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” And I hope that in some way we have been able to do that. But somehow we are learning an even deeper truth: we are loved by God. 1 John 4:19 reminds us that “We love because He first loved us.” As I think through all of the people we have encountered at Renovo, from the fellow server on the food line guiding my children as they pour drinks to the guest who tried to give me his last cigarette, I know we are well-loved by God through His children. Eric was right. We do make friends at Renovo.

~The Tuszynski Family, ECC Members

Open all of the Doors~ Renovo Sunday 7/22/07

This past Sunday, I totally got blessed by God’s spirit at Renovo. It wasn’t a miraculous place, or a miraculous occasion; it happens every week in the fellowship hall of Trinity Episcopal Church. Sure, it’s a nice building, but it’s only a structure made to provide safety from the elements. The true shelter isn’t in the building; rather, it’s in the arms of God’s amazing love. We all gather in this place for food and fellowship. Sure the food is amazing, good job food preparationers, but the transcending joy comes from something much greater than spaghetti or peach cobbler. It comes from the Holy Spirit.

Renovo isn’t a soup kitchen; it’s more like a conversation/friendship kitchen. Every week I get to talk with guests who come to get a little grub. It’s always humbling for me to see the need for “basic necessities – like food” that exist in our community. We are called as believers to reach out and give a helping hand to those less fortunate. It is uplifting to be a part of this ministry; to see the smiles and delight on the guests faces when they sit back and slump in their chairs, beaming with the delight of a full stomach. If that was all I got to do, simply hand them food, I would still be blessed. I would be contributing to meet the needs of our community.

Renovo is about so much more than simply filling peoples’ stomachs. It is a relational atmosphere that fosters hope and joy. I’ve gotten to share a meal with many different individuals, and every time I stand up to walk away I feel like I’m going to miss something while I’m away; even if I only walk away to get a cup of coffee. It is encouraging to hear how God has brought them to Bloomington. Many guests have traveled around the world; they’ve seen things I’ve only imagined. They are full of “life,” but most are lacking in “love.” It is my privilege, along with all the other volunteers to be ambassadors of Christ and demonstrate Brotherly/Sisterly love. I honestly feel like I am building friendships, not simply helping the needy. Renovo is a relational ministry that goes the heart of the issue, which is to provide shelter for our souls. Only with God can we experience safety and security in the midst of the storm. No building, no man made structure, will give us the peace we long for.

Last Sunday, it was very apparent that God’s spirit filled the air. The doors were open, the children laughing, and the music was playing. It was so incredible to see a mass of people filling the courtyard. Kids played in the reflection/water thingy, and guests ate their meals while conversing over various topics. As I sat in my chair, at a table with other volunteers and guests, getting killed in a game of UNO, I looked through the windows and saw smiles that radiated from guests’ faces. There’s not a breadstick in the world that could cause that much joy, not a cup of lemonade that could cause the laughter. Whether they knew it or not, the Holy Spirit was moving and filling them with a peace and joy that only comes from our Father.

It is amazing to me that numerous guests tell me that they love Renovo. They say that it’s their favorite place to get food in town. Many individuals come back week after week, because they love the atmosphere, food, and fellowship. There have even been a few people that aren’t interested in food. They just stop by to check out what’s going on; there was a man from Holland who stopped by to see what was going on. Some individuals know what Renovo is, they know they can get food, but they choose to simply come and fellowship. I wonder if it’s because I’m just that cool, and these people want to come hangout with me. Ha, it’s because God is that cool, and his Spirit is alive!

Open the doors, step outside and let God become your shelter; this is the daily challenge that arises. I say, “Umbrella shmumbrella,” let the rain and wind come, because my soul is secure in the shelter of God’s love.

~Patrick Fisher, Media Leadership

Filled and Lost~Renovo Sunday 7/8/2007

…Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

As the familiar “Blessed Assurance” played in the background from someone sitting on the stoop outside of Trinity Episcopal Church, brothers and sisters in the Lord joined handsand hearts together and lifted up prayers and supplications to Jesus.  I was a little distracted by the song since the lyrics were playing over and over again in my head, but they truly seem to fit here.  God has been so faithful to us as His people…we HAVE been filled with His goodness, we HAVE been lost in His love. So, this is my [recent] story…

God has been revealing the fear that is in me.  This fear is not a holy, righteous fear
of the living God (although I find myself to possess such through grace), but it is a
fear that hinders, spreads lies, and debilitates, clouding my heart and mind.  Over and
over again, God has brought me back to 2 Timothy 1:7 which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  We are called to
freedom and victory through Christ’s blood, not fear of the world and a cowering spirit. 
This is the same God who tells us in Hebrews that we can come boldly to His throne of
grace.  WE can come BOLDLY to the throne of the holy and almighty God.  Whom then shall we fear?  What does this have to do with Renovo and what God is doing on Sundays at lunch?  Well, I’m getting there…patience is a fruit of the Spirit. (smile)

As well, God has been working within me to strengthen the weakness I have in my thoughts. Out of fear, and other influences, I have allowed lies to come in and take root in my mind.  They are weeds and have overgrown there where God is desiring His glory in the fruit of self-control.  In order to combat these lies, God again has given me a sword,
that is, His Word.  He has continually brought me to 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 which reads,
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down
strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and
being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.  Really?  God
has given us the power to bring down strongholds, even the mental ones that have lingered so long?  Yes, yes indeed!  He desires all to be captive to Christ, and so do I.  And God wants to do that for me.  He has asked me to have self-control in my thoughts and then He takes them captive through His Son Jesus!  What grace that abounds!

Okay, Renovo, I haven’t forgotten.  This particular Sunday, I haven’t even set a foot in
the door when a guest comes over to tell me about a specific situation of hers that
sounds…err, extraordinary for a lack of a better term right now.  Once I go to pray, I
can’t get her off my mind and how the things she said just didn’t line up.  I knew I had
to say something, but what? And why me?  Oh Lord, You know I’m awful with confrontation and who am I to…fear.  There it was.  And yet, the Lord provided 2 Timothy 1:7 to let me know it was from Him and I was to talk with her.  So, I did.  And honestly, it was one of the hardest conversations that I’ve ever had.  It was hard, but it was the Lord’s and I know He used it.  The Lord also gave me 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 to pray over the guest because she is dealing with some warfare right now.  She has some thoughts to be brought into the submission of Christ.

So here it is, my encouragement for you:  do not take lightly nor despise the teachings
of the Lord, even those that are in opposition to things that are so deep within you that
you weren’t aware of its power over you.  We are weak, but He is strong.  Allow Him to
root it out.  And I challenge you this week to go over your thoughts with the Lord and
ask Him to take them captive.  You’ll be amazed at the joy You receive:)  And I encourage
you not to take such things lightly because He may ask you to share it with someone else.
And when He does, you get a small yet beautiful picture of the workings and unity of the
Spirit of God.  And as we are filled with His goodness and lost in His love, it spurs us
on to worship and serve our Maker, our God.  Glory be to Him, for we are but the works of
His hand!

~Leslie Kerchief, Co-director Renovo Lunch

He uses us all~ Renovo 6/24/07

Amy and I had the pleasure of presenting Renovo to a group of teenagers who will be joining us in service in a few weeks. And I would like to share a bit of the message that God spoke through us that day.

I grew up in a small rural community about an hour and a half south of Bloomington called Jasper, Indiana. Jasper was a great place to grow up; great schools, great sports, and, of course an awesome band program ☺. But one thing God has been revealing to me as I am ushered into a deeper yet simpler understanding of my personal relationship with Him is that the spiritual life in that small town is lukewarm. I committed my life to Christ as a seventeen year old returning home from my first Young Life camp. But, my walk never really left the baptismal until I came to IU.

Amy grew up in a suburb of Connecticut. You could say she grew up in the Christian bubble- a passionate Christian family, reared in a Holy Spirit-grounded church family and went to a Christian school. She was involved in mission trips, outreach initiatives and worship teams. She never doubted her relationship with God…until she came to IU. Unlike her childhood, Christian fellowship wasn’t spoon-fed any longer. She began pursuing fellowship, but found the Christians she knew to be cynical, judgmental and unkind. So she began hanging out with people who didn’t necessarily agree with her faith, but didn’t support her in it either. Though she was involved in a church, she found it easier to hang out with these new friends-simply because they required nothing of her. Nonetheless God had work for her here.

God has called us to lives of worshipful service in His kingdom. And He also equips us for these magnificent works. In Luke chapter 12 verses 35-36 we are challenged to stay dressed and ready for action. So, whether you’re Joe Schmo from Nowheresville, or the executive pastor of a spirit-filled church, God wants to use you.

~Andrew Hughes, Director

A Page in a Spiritual Cookbook~Renovo Sunday 6/10/07

This Sunday was the first time we participated in Renovo and this is the first time any of us have ever blogged… so we apologize for that in advance. The Sunday began in much the same way as other Sundays. As the service concluded at ECC we gathered around to discuss our plans for the day. We talked about napping, swimming, and studying, but God had a different plan for all of us. Just as our conversation ended, Amy walked by and gave us a plug for Renovo that started later that day, just like God was saying, “I have work for you today.”

We arrived not really knowing what to expect or what we would be doing. Our first assignment of our first Renovo involved us, biscuits, and large knives…which ultimately led to Andrew severing his finger clear off (it was actually slightly worse than a paper cut). After the food was prepared, we saw many of Bloomington’s impoverished fed. It was encouraging to see the Christian college students and the community’s needy in the same place serving and enjoying each others’ company. There were students who were cheerfully serving others while serving and glorifying the Lord. It was amazing to see how barriers were broken over something as simple as a good meal. Students were stepping out of their comfort zones to share lives and experiences with the people they were serving. We had all given money to things like this before, but it seems like it is places like this where people are truly changed, both the Christians serving and the people being served and loved.

The idea of what evangelism truly is and what evangelism should look like was on all of our hearts due to some recent rather heated Bible studies. There seemed to be a clear dichotomy in people’s opinions of this topic. Some people adamantly believed that evangelism should be relational only sharing Christ’s love by serving others and living a life worthy of the gospel, while others believe in a more bold initiative type of sharing. It seemed like these two types were being pitted against each other. This experience helped us to understand that evangelism can and probably should be all of these things. If we truly understand what we have been given, eternal life, and are living a life seeking Christ and his holiness we will see all of these things in our lives. We saw these people’s needs being met physically, but at the same time we were engaging in conversations that met their needs spiritually. We were reminded of John 6:35 where Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” We fed these people for one day but realize that through Christ alone they will never be hungry because the recipe for salvation has been bookmarked in their spiritual cookbooks….. Chris made me write that last part.

Peace,
Chris, Aaron, and Andrew, Extended Team

Glory Slightly Defined~Renovo Sunday 6/3/2007

I think perhaps that one of my biggest struggles during my involvement with Renovo has been in wanting to measure the worth of my work within the ministry. I’m not confused about the salvation by works/ salvation by faith thing, so I have no delusion that my work in Renovo or anywhere else is adding to my salvation as wrought by Christ and his work. However, I do worry myself as to whether my work is worthy of and stemming from the gospel, which I have been given to live by and for. And I think we’re called to consider this by Paul in Colossians as he prays that his church “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”(v.9-10)

We are filled with the understanding of Christ and his will to bear fruit, to please him. Simple enough. But what happens when we try to please him apart from knowing him and his will. Well, what happens with me is that I begin to set my own standards and ideals for what is pleasing to him, rather than allowing his standard to be the foundation of my work. I set these standards in different ways. For example, I might call my work at Renovo one Sunday as being successful, or worthy of Christ, because I talked about him with one of the guests, or maybe I was particularly good at asking questions and getting to know someone, or the chicken salad I made was delightful. Whatever.

The point is, I don’t allow Christ to tell me when my work is good or not, I tell myself. And this leads to two things, pride or despair. I can either set my standards well below Christ’s. For example, well, I made it to Renovo this week, wasn’t all that excited about going, wasn’t very concerned with serving, but at least I was there. And this misses Christ’s command that we follow him with everything, not just in deed, but in heart. Or, I can set my standards, in a sense, above the Lord’s and say, well I didn’t share the gospel today, or I let the guest say untrue things about life or God and didn’t really challenge him well enough, or I didn’t feel very much love for people today. And this brings despair, because I set my worth in achieving my own standards, which aren’t necessarily what actually pleases Jesus. I usually lean toward this despairing side of things, which is a form of pride.

So a verse that the Lord had on me during the week leading up to Renovo was Romans 15.1-7, but especially verse 7, “Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” So maybe the one of simplest aspects of the Renovo ministry is the aspect of welcoming. And I don’t mean greeting here, as we do at the front door, though that’s certainly a part of it. I mean, we as a ministry strive toward welcoming our guests, our friends, in all that we do, whether we welcome them with food, or welcome them with relief from outside, or welcome them with readiness for friendship, welcome them by our prayer. And this is how Jesus welcomed us, with grace and desire for nearness and with food and with fun (Jesus had fun–that’d be a good bible study, look at the places in the gospels where he is having fun). And our welcoming is validated as being truly welcoming because people keep coming. The challenge then, for me, by this verse is to see that this one very simple aspect of my work with Renovo and of the ministry as a whole is for the glory of God. If it pleases God, it should please us. So, the big point taken for me is that allowing the simple things I see and am a part of with Renovo, whether the joy of guests and volunteers or the physical hunger satiated or the music that fills the room, all things that the Bible tells us are pleasing to God, and so much more, to be the standards by which I understand what it is to be “walking in a manner worthy of Christ.”

~Jonathan Hill, Leadership

By His hands, all are fed~Renovo Sunday 5/27/07

As I stand behind the tables with an oversized serving spoon in my hand, I can’t help but be acutely aware of the presence of love and the sense of community all around me. I think if I had to pick one thing I have noticed while being a part of Renovo this year, it would be that. It’s the sort of thing that hovers all around you unnoticed, but something you are also acutely aware of. There have been so many ways that I have seen this during the past year, and I’d like to share some of them.

Its in the way two hands grip one another during prayer before the meal, intertwined by a common love for others through the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord. Its how people consistently seem to come early on Sundays and accept an invitation to join others in prayer. Its in the community I see between the guests, who mostly seem to be familiar with one another in some way, and the friendships that continue to blossom between the Renovo members and the guests (who don’t really seem like guests anymore). I see it through the conversations had around the meal, and the relationships that have been built from that. God has truly been moving through Renovo, and far beyond that which I can even see.

I love serving the food and being in the kitchen, attempting to keep things in order while during Renovo. While I sometimes wish I had the ability to be able to carry on a conversation with people for two hours at a time, there is something about getting to see every single person that walks in to Renovo for a meal and community. These people are from all walks of life, but all united under the fact that we are all God’s children. I love the smiles that I get from people as they accept their food, and there is a humility in them that lets them accept the free gifts of others. I love it when I see a familiar face and can share a laugh or a joke with them. And in addition to all of that, it’s the deep conversations in the kitchen, had over a sink full of bubbles, that also contribute to an experience that I would not trade. I have learned that wherever you are during your time at Renovo, whether serving the food prepared for the day or at the tables, sharing the meal and a conversation with guests, it is exactly where God wants you to be. Your impact on others and the lessons you will learn is not limited to what you are doing during the time; God moves through us no matter where we are.

This past week it was a smaller group, but it was nonetheless an impactful day. The sounds of beautiful melodies drifted in the air over a piano, a gift from Amy and a few guests. Keren was a little nervous about the food she prepared, but God answered her prayers when everyone came back for seconds. Kristen and I talked in the kitchen about things close to our hearts, and it was obvious that the conversations between people were going well, based on the friendly and open faces I observed among the tables. But I think the best experience of the day was just the simple interactions with people – the hugs from friends and the evidence that God is using us in some way to impact the lives of others.

I think all of this reminds me of Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus says, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” And I think that this, for me, is the heart of Renovo.
~Meredith Lecklider, Volunteer

6am. Starbucks. Be there. Renovo 5/20/2007

Two weeks ago this Sunday, Joe and another guest approached me at the Sunday meal at Renovo. They approached me with a very unexpected question. They sought to know if a Bible study had ever been started or happened to be in the works. They wanted to know more about the Word of God.

I looked at Joe a bit bewildered about his request. Not many know, but Dave Huffman and me attempted to begin a Bible study with our male guests right before Spring Break in early March. Unfortunately, no one showed up that day except for Dave and me–not even the ones who had requested the Bible study. Because of the lack of turn out and the busy summer schedules ahead of us, Dave and I decided that if God wished a Bible study to start, we wouldn’t be leading it. We had attempted, but it appeared it was neither the time nor place for a Bible study to form.

Needless to say, when Joe asked me two weeks ago to begin a study, I was immediately reluctant. Yet, as they stared at me waiting for my response, a voice told me, “It’s cool, I want you to do this.” With my former busy schedule, the only time I could meet was early in the morning at 6 am. So I told them 6 am at Starbucks this Tuesday, and they were fairly taken back. Their response, “That’s early Jonathan.” “Yep,” I told them, “but this is the only time I can meet because my job begins at 8 am.” I asked them how much they were willing to work for a Bible study because this is what I could give. They agreed, but I was still fearful that no one would show. To my encouragement, my friend Jonathan Hill agreed to help co-lead the fellowship with me. Plus, I would not have to suffer alone at 6 am if no one else would show. I was definitely in prayer from Sunday till Tuesday morning praying that men would show up.

Luckily, Abraham, Josh, and Jonathan Hill showed up early in the morning on Tuesday, but there was no sign of Joe until 6:20. I could only smile and praise God when Joe strolled in twenty minutes later. Better late than never, and God had delivered him to Starbucks at the perfect time. The first meeting was a success! I could see the appreciation and the security in each man’s eyes as we prayed, talked about scripture, and told stories of what God had done in our lives. Most of the men just want to be listened to and heard. Joe wanted to ask questions about God, and why there is such evil, murder, and destruction in the world.

Joe spent twelve years in active duty service in the Marine Corps from Vietnam to Beiruit to Grenada. Joe has probably seen and experienced in real life what Hollywood attempts to create in the movies. In a world filled with murder, destruction, and war it is difficult for anyone to see God’s love for the world. Being a soldier myself, I gave Joe scripture and advice on how I come to grips with a war torn world and still believe God is still there. I prayed that God would speak through me to Joe so that the barrier that had been put up between himself and God would be crumbled. I know that I can only plant the seed and encourage, and it is the Lord who must bring him the rest of the way. What encourages me about both this Bible study and Renovo Ministries is that the Lord is faithful and decisive. God put two men on my heart, they asked me to start a Bible study, and two days later a fellowship met for the first time. Incredible. The Lord has a plan for all of this, both short and long term, we need only listen and act on his voice and his will shall be done.

John 10:10
~Jonathan Gibson, Renovo Lunch Leadership

Fishes and Loaves-Renovo Sunday 5/13/2007

They said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” – Matthew 14:17

When you think about not having a credit card, being locked out of a destination, and having only 15 minutes to get a meal served on time, most of us would not look at that as a blessing. However, the Lord constantly reminds us that His ways are above our own, and that there is always method to His suspected madness.

It started Thursday night when we discovered that the Renovo credit card was out-of-state. How were we going to buy the food? As emails flew thru cyberspace, a phone call from Barbara Bandera asked if Renovo accepted food donations: specifically, if we could use a pot of chili at least 1 ft. in diameter and 1 ½ ft tall. YES!! The chili was unexpectedly accompanied by a hundred or so hotdogs with buns and two 5lb bag of cheddar cheese. Talk about provision!

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” – Jesus, Matthew 6:25-26

Speaking of gathering food in barns, we arrived to Trinity Sunday morning to find we were accidentally locked out. Picture five college students on the sidewalk, “chillin’ out max” with 2 pots of chili, hot dogs, cheese, plates, etc. How were we going to heat this food?? The team split up: Erica walked down Kirkwood to see if other churches would open their kitchens, and Jared took a leap of faith and crossed the street to Village Deli, one of the most popular Sunday breakfast joints in Bloomington. Village Deli agreed!! And as we rejoiced in God’s mercy, members of Trinity arrived and let us into the church.

“…and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people…” – Mark 15:36

We started late, but no matter. Our guests heard an amazing story of the Lord’s faithfulness to His people, and in the end were filled as usual! In our conversations, a woman told us that her church had given her roses and had held a memorial service for her mother who had recently passed away. Another guest was hired by his previous job in Florida and was leaving that Wednesday. It is sad to know we won’t be seeing him for a while, but we are so joyful that the Lord has provided him with work. And, what a blessing it was to not run out of food this week! In fact we had enough food to send to Martha’s House AND Connexion, Evangelical Community Church’s college ministry! And I think there might be more in the fridge…

“…and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets.” – Matthew 14:20

For many families, Sunday was Mother’s Day. But we were reminded that just like every other day, it was still our Father’s day as well.
~Elise Hindmarsh, Leadership

Spring 2007

End of the Semester and Into the Summer

I write this in the heat of finals week, amazed at how another year has flown by with rapid speed. I am blessed as I remember the moment almost a year ago when Andrew and I decided to “start serving lunch on the weekends”, our first Renovo Leadership meeting, the multiple stories of guests finding love in Christ, the beauty of Christ’s body coming together to serve, the development of a prayer ministry, and this past week-seeing a young girl touched deeply by His work-so much so that she plans to start Renovo in Syracuse, New York. Crazy, huh? As I looked at the leaders sporting the new t-shirt, I smiled in worship as we sang “Blessed Be Your Name” at Connexion. “Every blessing you pour out, I’ll turn back to praise.” And this is our heart.

For the first time, I had the opportunity to sit in the prayer room this week. This is a beautiful and constant time of prayer-for the guests, volunteers, and whatever else may come to mind. Some pray for nations, others pray for individual hearts. I sat with three others for a short while-overwhelmed with grace. It was beautiful. The soft prayers of my friend Joanna were a sweet song of praise. It was a place of peace. I prayed a lot for summer-trusting that God would provide, but nervous at the same time. Psalm 46 soon came to mind…”Be still and know that I am…”

Renovo Ministries has blossomed over this past year into a beautiful manifestation of Christ’s love. People of all ages within the church have shared Sunday afternoons with us. One woman, very near and dear to my heart wrote, “The Renovo experience was an eye opener as well as a privilege!! I’ve often struggled with so much emphasis on mission in far away countries when those on our doorstep seem to be ignored & are just as in need of God’s message.”

I write this as a thank you to all those who have contributed, prayed, and participated in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Know that the Lord has worked in and through you. We hope that the Lord will continue to burden your heart for His creation. As a Body of Christ, we can unite in His message of grace and dare to serve the nameless…on our knees.

With His love,
~Amy, Director

Coming Together in Him-Renovo Sunday 4/14/2007

Ah! God is so good! Thank you God for permeating Renovo today, for filling it to the brim in so many ways! We prayed for joy, and oh, we got it! Okay, so this is the third attempt at writing this. It seems as if I have lost the ability to form coherent paragraphs after being a music major for two years. Ha, and now I am beginning to understand why David wrote “Praise the Lord” over and over. That’s really all my heart wants to express, there aren’t words. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Most prominently I just remember that everything was saturated in light. At least, that’s what my memory tells me–that when I stopped for a moment to look around the room, I could barely take it all in. Here’s what I saw: when I opened my eyes I saw God’s glory! It wasn’t just that I saw people talking and laughing, smiling, and listening. One of the guests beckoned Amy and me to look around the room and take note of all the different people. “We got old people, and older people, young people, and little kids…all together talking..Sing a song about it!” So we did, we played Amazing Grace. I was blessed with a conversation between Pastor Bob, Rabbit, and myself. I saw a new spirit in Travis, in Jerry, both Susans, Rabbit, and the guy that always has a huge backpack, and doesn’t say much. It
was amazing to see him open up, and respond to the music with he’s face, his eyes, and a little nod now and then to the beat. Renovo is a place where people find rest. At least two people today expressed to me that it is the highlight of there week, and that it is hard to leave, and you know what, I feel the same. I had the opportunity to play with one of the guests, and it was only his second time, but man, that’s the great thing about music because you get to know someone real fast by playing with them. I would just pull out hymn after hymn and he would pick it up, and then he would change keys, and I would follow.

People often ask what the growth is on my back. I laugh as I am reminded that I carry my violin everywhere. I laughed to myself too while Leslie was praying at the beginning because she mentioned people carrying heavy things on their shoulders, and asked for rest. Playing violin is often a burden for me. But yes, at Renovo I found rest in the presence of God. I didn’t have to worry about being judged, or about my wrong notes, or my posture….Instead I could just rock out my
soul with my dear sister Amy, and take in all the joy of the listeners as we gave it out. And God caused me to stand tall. It was an amazing thing to realize that He was causing me to play with perfect posture, to stand firm, as I recalled God’s goodness and praised Him. It is the most touching thing, one of my greatest joys, to see others touched by music. The thing of music is that it can create such a strong response from people. It is only a part of Renovo, but I pray that it will continue to lead people into the presence of God, and I hope, with the smallest faith, that someday everyone at Renovo will all be praising Him together.

Praise the Lord Oh my soul. All that is within me praise the Lord.
Praise Him all you peoples young and old, Praise Him for His light that
fills.
Praise Him for His mighty works that sweep up His people.
He has given His people a name, and under that name the sons and
daughters come together like the dry bones, yes like the ligaments that
build up.
I enter His courts with Thanksgiving, I leave them with praise.
Under His name there is passion, there is light, change. In His
presence the people are glad. In His presence the music delights the
soul, and thaws the heart. Praise the Lord! Praise Him on the
streets, praise Him at work, praise Him for His deeds, remember them
and believe. Praise Him for He lives!

In Jesus Precious Name,
Carrie Hoogland

ReturningRenovo Sunday 4/2/2007~

Wow! God is so good. (Actually, that’s the understatement of the century!) It’s been almost six months since I’ve been to Renovo, and it feels like coming home. Renovo is such an amazing ministry, and I’m unbelievably grateful to be part of it.

Earlier in the year, God had asked me to get involved with the homeless here in Bloomington. Without hesistation, or logic, I made 8 sack lunches and jumped into all on my own on a Sunday afternoon. I began to form amazing relationships with different people along Kirkwood, and I was loving it. Then, I heard about Renovo. I realized immediately that THIS was what God meant when He wanted me to get involved. My first experience with Renovo was amazing. Then, because of different goofy circumstances, I stopped going. (Yes, after just one time…) Then I tried to do my own thing, without God, and, of course, that doesn’t ever work out.

My first day back to ECC was just last week, and I was greated warmly by Ben, who invited me back. I was so incredibly nervous to go back to Renovo. It’s crazy how one can get so worked up over something, it’s one of Satan’s strongest tools.

Sunday came quickly, and I pulled up to the church on Kirkwood. As soon as I saw a familiar face, I felt at ease. I was overcome with happiness, and I spent the day thanking God for giving me a second chance at Renovo. The entire day was filled with blessings. I reconnected with old friends, and made new ones all in the same day! I also witnessed one of the coolest things that I’ve ever seen…

A guy who had once been homeless himself, showed up, just as we were running out of food, with 10 pizzas! He purchased them as a thank-you for the people at Renovo. And though typically a shy individual, he got up in front of everyone to publicly announce this gift. Since he’d been a guest at Renovo, he’d gotten a job, a house and spent his own on money on helping people who needed it. Wow! Talk about giving from the joy of the heart! Praise God!

I can’t wait to watch as God continues to pour out His blessings on Renovo!

Peace,
Kelley, Volunteer

Renovo Sunday 3/25/2007

Has it really been 3 weeks?

I really couldn’t seem to stop asking myself that question throughout the afternoon on Sunday. It really had been awhile since we did our last Sunday Renovo lunch. And it was good to be back!

I’m not even sure if saying that it was good to be back really covers it, though. So much has changed in my life in the last few weeks, and I know it has as well in the lives of my fellow brothers & sisters (some of whom I was blessed to spend a week with in Mexico!) It was a little weird, in that sense, to come back into the ’swing of things’ …. but also, I think it’s safe to say that the Lord used the last couple weeks to renew a sense of excitement in our hearts for this ministry.

We say this all the time, but it really is HIS ministry — and it is through His mercy that we have this ministry (2 Cor 4:1).

So, it was pretty much impossible to not take note of the BEAUTIFUL day the Lord provided on Sunday. Simply amazing — and quite different from the weather 3 weeks ago! It’s funny how a little sun goes a long way.

I ended up being the first one to the church this week, and actually was a little surprised to not see any guests lingering around as they have begun to do lately (maybe a result of the great weather). So, I took the opportunity to “be still” in the presence of the Lord — to sit in the amazing courtyard at Trinity with the sun on my face, relaxing and delighting in His peaceful presence (which is something I feel like I was able to do a lot in Mexico and my heart has been missing it lately).

And I ended up praying through some of Paul’s words in Colossians; so I wanted to share:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

It’s sometimes easy, I think, to just “show up” on Sunday for the weekly lunch. Nothing more. To just be there, focused on the food, the people, the music playing, or seeing our friends. OR, to even focus on things that may actually be ‘good’ but we seem to lose sight of the fact that they are only good by the grace of our Lord Jesus and through the power of His Spirit (things like service, prayer, encouragement, evangelism).

What I mean is … the Spirit matters. We miss out on His work & power if we just show up with our hearts set on “things that are on earth”. Our service, our prayers, our encouragement, our evangelism amount to nothing if not for the power of the abiding Holy Spirit. It’s through Him alone that we are able to “seek the things that are above” and not “the things that are on earth.” Christ is our life, and if anything that comes from Renovo has life in it … it’s only through him. That’s what we mean, I think, when the leaders constantly remind ourselves that “This ministry is the Lord’s!”

And God, through His Spirit, is moving! He’s moving in & through Renovo. And for some crazy reason I & so many others get to, by His Spirit, choose life, choose Him, choose to be a part of what He’s doing, even in small ways.

This week during our Core Group meeting in the courtyard we got to witness a truly beautiful moment completely from the Lord — and the fact that it not only happened, but that a few of us got to witness it, was truly an amazing grace-gift from our Father (which was WAY better than the shining sun He gave us, if I may say so!!) We got to witness one of our guests sitting with and praying for another guest who was truly hurting (Elise & I had talked & prayed with her not long before, and really just saw so much unrest & pain in her heart). He prayed for this woman, and he prayed through tears. I know it sounds simple, but that moment … I think Ben said it well when he said, “That just shuts up everything I had in my head that I was going to say.” Thank you, Lord.

Our lives are “hidden with Christ in God”, and He’s not ashamed to be all about His glory in and through us. Sometimes it’s hard to see, so it’s so sweet to occasionally be reminded in very real ways that He has “made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 4:6). May our lives be filled with these eye-opening ‘moments’!

So, as I write this, I’m encouraged. I’m encouraged by His Spirit who moves to work in us in good and glorious ways. I’m encouraged to see the Spirit at work in and through people — through my amazing team of fellow-leaders, through all of the wonderful volunteers, and through our beloved guests — for “great in our midst is the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 12:6).

And, I guess I just want to take a quick opportunity to express the leadership team’s heart for our volunteers: your presence is greatly appreciated, you are valued in more ways than you could possibly know, and if we haven’t seen you in awhile, know that you are dearly missed and can’t wait to see you again! And for those who can’t come: know that we need your prayers!

By the Spirit of Jesus who is in our midst…

Sarah Germann
Renovo Leadership

Feeding with more than foodRenovo 3/4/2007-

When Amy asked me to write the Renovo blog for this week, tons of thoughts came pouring out of me. I began searching for the right words to describe this ministry. Three simple words: God is moving. He is moving through both our guests and volunteers. I turned back to my journal on November 5, 2006 and read through all my Renovo prayers and updates up to March 4, 2007.

In these past four months God has answered so many prayers. Warm homes have been provided for the homeless. Jobs have been attained. The numbers of guests continue to increase week by week. Sufficient funds and food have been supplied. Conversations and hearts have opened up. And these are just some of the blessings involving our guests!

God has also blessed the volunteers in a huge way. The leadership and volunteers of Renovo continue to grow in faith and love over warm meals and conversations. New volunteers enter the doors every week. And those that were astray return. I fall under the last group. But before I write any further I want to lift up all the volunteers and friends that prayed for me during this time.

In the beginning I went to Renovo because I thought it would be good for me to help those in need. As the weeks went on God changed my heart and I was no longer serving for myself, but rather for him.

However, then came a busy second semester and I went to Renovo once before overlooking the next three weeks. I turned to selfishness. Needless to say, a lot happened over those three weeks and I will tell you briefly about what God did in my life.

During the three weeks away from Renovo, many thoughts and excuses ran through my head. I thought to myself, “well it has been so long since I have gone to Renovo, I feel bad going back.” I feared failure. I feared that I was not knowledgeable enough to talk about Christ to these guests. I also thought “well I’m just one person and they really need men, so it was ok if I didn’t go.” Along with these fears, I also felt emptiness. So I rested these thoughts on my heart and prayed about them. Well my prayers were answered in sermons, daily devotionals and one particular email that simply stated “you’re missed.” God removed me from Renovo to do some work in my heart in order for me to serve and trust all things in him.

The best way to describe how God has changed my heart through Renovo over the past four months is through the following words from a daily devotional. “I go on Tuesdays (Sundays for us) to feed those we call poor, and if fact, they are poor in material things. Some of them are poor in many ways and we also try to help them with encouragement, advice and a word of prayer. But in many ways, these hungry and poor men and women have nurtured something in me-they have made me more aware of my spiritual side of my life and they have led me to be aware that we all “feed” each other in many ways everyday. I no longer see myself as a part of the Sunday afternoon feeding team, but as a
24-hours-a-day feeding volunteer.”

God has been so faithful and continues to bless Renovo in new ways every week! I am so thankful to be a part of this ministry.

~Lindsay Bury, Extended Team

Hot Chocolate, Muffins and God’s Faithfulness

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
for His steadfast love endures forever!
Ps. 118:1

Though I am definitely not a writer, I welcomed the chance to write this week’s Renovo blog. As I reflected on what God has been doing through this ministry in the lives of our guests, the volunteers, and in my own life to glorify Himself, I could not help but be humbled and incredibly thankful for both His continued faithfulness and the opportunity He has given me to be a part of Renovo. It has been extremely exciting to see His hand at work, and after this week in particular it is a blessing to thank Him for who He is and all He has done.

One of the biggest benefits of this ministry has been the chance to get to know our guests and strengthen established relationships. This past Friday we were able to hang out with a few of our guests who stay at the post office and share some hot chocolate and muffins. Though the post office began to lock its doors (the night before we visited, no less), our friend still met with us in the cold and allowed us to pray with and for him. Another one of our friends acquired an apartment which he will use for his new business as well as a home. Several of the men have expressed an interest in starting a bible study, and a few have began to regularly attend Connexion. What a wonderful privilege it is to be able to share in what God is doing in the lives of these men and women!

As a group we have been celebrating God’s continued faithfulness in providing for the ministry’s physical needs, both in the use of the Trinity Episcopal Church facilities and financially. This week He provided the means to continue the ministry through the summer months.

I often consider the fact that God is accomplishing His purpose in this ministry despite and even through our many weaknesses. The Apostle Paul speaks of God’s strength being made perfect in weakness, and though I personally have been made very aware (painfully at times) of how truly inadequate I am during my time with Renovo, I am overwhelmingly grateful He has made me strong. I thank God that He is good, that He has been and will continue to provide what is needed for the furthering of His plans, and that His faithfulness has overcome so many barriers in the course of this ministry. So rejoice with us, and give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and steadfast love!
~Dave Huffman, Renovo Lunch Leadership

Renovo - Sunday, 2/18/07

Truthfully, I have been so overwhelmed with a wide range of emotions and how God has moved in my life this past week, I hardly know where to begin. Thankfully, the Lord gave me a much stronger ability in written communication than verbal communication, so I will attempt to let loose this keyboard and allow the Lord to guide my thoughts in this reflection.

First and foremost, I lift up the leadership of Renovo and all the other volunteers who dedicate their hearts, minds, and time in faith to carry out God’s work in serving our community each week with a warm meal and conversations of love and faith. This past week God has broken my heart down in the most painful of ways, and regrettably, it is a matter of heart that I cannot go into further detail discussing. Yet, I will expound of God’s faithfulness in the renewal of my heart. Through Renovo, the Lord has created a light in the darkness for me. I have attended Renovo only a handful of times since the beginning of the year, and at the request of Renovo leadership, I attended a smaller group meeting of core Renovo volunteers prior to the arrival of guests and the serving of the meal. Before the meeting, I had stopped by Starbucks for a little warmth and a little pick-me-up w c mocha…just what I needed when A C Wolff informed me about fifteen minutes later that I would be leading the prayer at the meal and dishing out announcements for the day. I graciously accepted this task, but in my heart, I felt inadequate and unworthy of such an honor. Many people know that I serve in the Army, and that I intend to be an officer and lead soldiers. I feel more confident in my ability to lead men in battle, than I do in leading the community in prayer and thanksgiving. Although I had been involved in a ministry through college, I have always felt that my own walk with the Lord was not strong enough for me to lead the hearts of believers or be the face of a ministry. Those were tasks left to wise, godly men, never to me. I fear failure if I attempt such a task, and I fear the consequences of that failure. For Solomon states in the beginning of Proverbs, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”And I fear the Lord. Yet, my fear is all the more to prove the power of the blood of Jesus Christ that gives me the strength and courage I lack on my own. I still feared minutes before I was to pray and make announcements. I went into the restroom and prayed right before I was to give the prayer. The time came, and God’s words became my words and the prayer was given. My friends, that is renewal. Through the encouragement and prayer of a couple of godly men and women, an unworthy man was deemed worthy through the grace of God.

The Lord works in so many ways through the countless hands of Renovo each Sunday. One can feel the presence of the Lord, whether it be through the twinkle of innocence in young child’s eyes as he destroys one spoonful of dirt pudding at a time and claims one more victim in his batman handcuffs, or it be through a man whose glow has been worn away from countless wounds this world has inflicted him with over the years. Still, he sits and basks in the warmth and light of the sun coming in across the courtyard, and the Lord continues his work in and around him. My friends, there are many other memories of this weekend unaccounted for in this reflection, but I am honored to be counted as one among so many servants in this ministry. God has been so faithful, and I pray this ministry continues to grow and flourish and that the work of the Lord and faith in his promises may never be forgotten. Amen.

~Jonathan Gibson, Renovo Core Group member

Prayer~Renovo Sunday 2/11/07 -

As I walked into Trinity’s Fellowship Hall this Sunday for Renovo Lunch, my heart was filled with joy and anticipation for what the afternoon would hold. Every week carries a fresh excitement for what the Lord is going to do, but this week was a little different. This Sunday we began a new “component”, if you will, of our ministry on Sundays: a rotating group of volunteers gathering in the Sanctuary to pray throughout the entire lunch. Ben announced to our guests that they were welcome to join us as we prayed, and to come back and ask for prayer if they felt the need. To my surprise, one woman immediately went back and asked one of the volunteers to pray for her. Before we even began to pray as a group, for the first time, God was already moving this woman to ask for prayer! For the next 40 minutes or so, a small group of volunteers prayed. As we began to pray, I couldn’t help but be aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence with us there. He always is there, I know. But through prayer, I became even more sensitive to His presence, to His power.

Heading back to help serve the delicious meal of homemade ravioli, meatballs, fresh salad and tasty strawberry and cream filled brownies, I felt like dancing my way down the hallway (and probably did). My heart was singing over and over again: “Your Name, oh Jesus, be forever blessed. Hallelujah!” His Spirit was there, moving, lifting up, doing the Father’s will. How beautiful and exciting to know, wholeheartedly, that He was moving! Somehow the atmosphere changed a bit for me because of prayer. I knew He was there. I knew that my brothers and sisters were praying their hearts out for every aspect of the meal just a couple of doors down. And I knew His will would be done. How beautiful when we put our requests at His feet, and watch Him move- how beautiful when we lay our burdens at His feet, when we seek His presence and will through prayer. Isn’t that why we are there? To serve, certainly. To love, most decidedly. To do His will, above all, and to spread His Kingdom.

By putting our hearts, our actions, our words before Him, consecrating the afternoon to Him in prayer, we ask Him to guide us and we gain a better focus on what His will is, and what our ultimate purpose is. At the end of the lunch, we gathered once more in the sanctuary to share some of our experiences from the afternoon and to pray. I was even more struck this week by all that God had been doing. The woman I mentioned earlier was not the only one who had gone back to the sanctuary seeking prayer. Several others had been there after I had left. The day had not been without spiritual opposition, that’s for sure. Several of our volunteers had been experiencing disappointment over how things were going- but this was just an indicator for me that we must have been doing something right! Even the last 20 minutes of the meal had been absolutely packed with Spirit-led conversations; with intense prayer…I cannot even begin to describe how awesome it was!
Through all the excitement, there was one especially hard moment for me. As I was saying goodbye to one of our female guests, she broke down and began to cry from utter loneliness and desperation. I felt inadequate to comfort her- and “all” I could do was pray. So many wonderful things had begun that day because of prayer, but at that very moment prayer felt like such a little thing against the overwhelming void of her loneliness. As I held her I struggled with my human understanding, frustrated that I could not fix her problems, that I could not do more than just pray. What little faith! It was such an interesting mix of joy knowing that God had been powerfully moving through our prayers that day, and yet also having to rely on Him being enough, through prayer, for this woman whose situation was so bleak. I am still struggling with this. I have been praying for her this week, and still battling with the lie that prayer is not enough. For now it is. It must be. For now I will pray for her. The Spirit will move on her behalf, will be her comfort. And when I see her on Sunday, I will give here a huge hug and shower her with as much love as I know how. But until then, and beyond then, I will lift her in prayer, knowing that the Truth is that He will listen to my prayers and move. Praise be to Him!! I am so glad that He is beyond my understanding and that He delights in our prayers.

“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- to the only God our Savior be glory and majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ out Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude v.24-25)

In Him, joyfully,

Erica Satterthwaite, Renovo Leadership

Renovo Sunday - February 4, 2007

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
(Isaiah 52:7)

So, the fellowship hall of Trinity Episcopal Church on Kirkwood isn’t exactly a mountain, but every Sunday afternoon the atmosphere is filled with proclamations of our Reigning King. I usually take to helping out in our crazy assembly line of dishing out the food (this week, an amazing warm build-your-own-style Mexican soup created by the lovely Erica, as well as steaming-hot bread pudding for dessert). The experience in the serving line is unique because you get to see & greet every guest that comes to join us — it’s a joy to see familiar faces as well as new ones. I love taking in the different faces as I dish out the food — faces of excitement over the warm meal on such a cold day, faces of joy over feeling a part of this growing community and family, and faces of confusion over deciding whether or not to put a lime in their soup.

This week we were encouraged yet again by the number of male volunteers that showed up to serve. It’s a reminder of the power of prayer and the goodness of God to not only set off this ministry with the hearts of two students, but to continually provide for it in His grace. In the same chapter of Isaiah, the prophet continues…

For you shall not go out in haste,
and you shall not go in flight,
for the Lord will go before you,
and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
(Isaiah 52:12)

We don’t pray before and after every Sunday meal to ‘get God on board’ with what we’re trying to do. We know that our God reigns, that He goes before us and is our rear guard … and, it’s because of who He is and what He is doing with Renovo that we pray.

This Sunday as I surveyed the room and took in all of the conversations the men were getting into with our guests, I was reminded of the high calling of prayer. I may not be able to take part in the ministry in the same ways as the men, but I can pray. I can pray for my brothers and I can pray for our guests — knowing the whole time that it is God who reigns over our Sunday lunches. And He will go before us and be our rear guard.

One fun moment from this Sunday came when I had a chance to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal with some guests (including one of the few female guests who showed up on crutches this week, reminding me that a lot can happen in a passing week). One of our guests asked, “So where’s the ringleader this week?” Elise and I knew, of course, he meant Ben. Not 5 minutes later, Ben came in to loud clapping from our end of the room, most likely confused by the greeting, but still enjoying it. I enjoy the realization that our guests have begun to care about our presence just as much as we value theirs.

With the newness of each weekly menu and the changes in our guests’ lives comes for me a reminder to pray that each Sunday would be a ‘new day’ in the hearts of our guests. Yes, I enjoy the consistency and comfort in our community they have come to take part in. But, with that comfort I pray each Sunday will come with new mercy from our God who Reigns because He’s the one who has the power to transform us all — guests and volunteers.

In His Grace,
Sarah

Renovo Sunday - 1/28/07

Note: Read this story. It’s brilliant - Jesus at His finest.

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

Snow decorated the air this afternoon. The bitter wind bit at my face as I approached the church. As time progressed, details such as drink and napkins fell into place and volunteers began to filter into church. As I looked out across the room, I saw an overwhelming number of my Christian brothers prepared to devote their afternoon to serving Christ through this ministry. There were a total of 6 girls and perhaps 15-20 men. My heart was rejoicing. For such a long time, we had been praying for more men to step up and serve and “God showed off today” as Leslie Anne put it.

I went outside at first with Dave to greet. While out there, Sam, a tall younger and clean cut boy came out to light up a smoke. I went over to introduce myself and within a minute, he told me “life was not worth living.” This past week he had lost his mother, and his cousin had been raped. Dave explained how we would love to pray for him. Sam just shook his head and returned inside. We soon followed, returning to the warmth of the room…people would be running inside anyway. I sat down with Doug, a native of El Salvador with a seeking heart. We talked for a long time about Jesus, the consideration of other religions/cultures, and women submitting.

As I finished my conversation, Sam, along with Jayce went up to the front of the room and Benjamin declared that Sam had something to say. Amidst tears and agony, Sam publicly, in front of over 50 people, thanked his friend Kevin (present with him) for being the brother and friend he needed during this time. He recited this beautiful poem. The room was silent once he finished. I stood up, noticed a few had gathered around Sam to pray, and invited others to join. 15 people on their knees circled this 20 year-old man, broken by the pain of life. Moments like these truly make me hate Satan and rejoice in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Andrew approached me noting that all but three on their knees were men.

I sit here, knowing that six men from today are coming to church this evening. Also that over 25 volunteers’ lives were transformed. This never gets old for me. I mean, you would think that after 5 months of doing this, it would become routine. But each day, just as His mercy is new, my conversations, interactions, experiences and lessons are new. Every week, God shows up leaving my heart worshipping.

And to think that just 7 months ago this wasn’t even a thought…but as it says in Jeremiah 29:11…He knew the plans.

~ Amy

Chicken Soup for the Hungry Soul-Renovo 1/21/07

For the past 24 hours, I have been reflecting on the events that transpired this past weekend with Renovo. My mind immediately jumps to Saturday’s food preparation. Ready to cook Sunday’s meal, we discovered that the soup pot had gathered 2 inches of solid ice after “chilling” on the back porch. No sooner did we start to plan “Operation: Meltaway” that the Lord provided us a brand new pot, purchased by the generosity and selflessness of Paul and his family. And in His usual way, the Lord’s provisions exceeded our imaginations: silverware, trays, servers, and mixing bowls had all been purchased for our permanent use. We finally had our own supplies! It was a big day, considering that Renovo had started from the humble beginning of simple sandwiches.

Sunday came with the first Bloomington snowfall. 3-4 inches appeared overnight. The ground and houses were covered with a blanket of white, a sight so many of us had been waiting for. There was some concern if people would venture out into the winter wonderland, knowing that so many of our guests walk quite a distance. But at 2pm, the smiling and eager faces of our volunteers and guests beamed around the hall. I was overjoyed to be able to serve hot chicken and turkey matzo ball soup to warm them. Trinity church even donated a fruit and cheese plate. I spoke with Navajo and Josh. Both of them said how they were planning on purchasing shovels to clear away the snow on sidewalks and driveways, hoping to make a little bit of money with hard labor. I was encouraged and convicted by their desire to work, in the cold, and their willingness to serve others, with no guarantee of being paid or thanked. Around the room other conversations were being held, and we even had a small jam band consisting of an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, and harmonica. And the Lord started all this through sandwiches?

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

I’ve sometimes heard Christians described as the “Frozen Chosen.” Well, the warmth of Christ’s love shown through the chicken soup and chatting groups must be an indication to the contrary.

~Elise Hindmarsh, Renovo Leadership

Renovo Sunday: Jan. 7 and Jan. 1/14

January 7, 2007

I start to feel a wave of excitement as I round the corner from Washington onto Kirkwood. The stop signs and traffic are only obstacles to me at this point that must be overcome. With my car parked, I scurry into Trinity Episcopal Church where I know fellow brothers and sisters will be waiting to get the day’s event underway. I am met with numerous familiar faces all characterized by delightful smiles. Today was the first Sunday back in Bloomington after Christmas for many of us involved in the Renovo Sunday lunch. As the clock nears 1:30, we, the volunteers, gather in a hallway to talk over the plans for the day, read some Scripture, and pray together. Hands are held while thanks, praises, and supplications are lifted up to our Father who listens not only to our spoken words, but those also put on our hearts by His Spirit. The menu today is pasta, chicken with broccoli and peaches, lemon bars, and an assortment of juices to drink. At 2:00 the lids are lifted up from the platters that release steam and reveal the delightful smell of a home-cooked meal. So many different guests line up to cover their plate with the edible goodness. There is a joy all around because by now the guests whom we have been serving for months have become friends. Hugs, handshakes, smiles, and greetings are exchanged among friends. I am delighted to see Navajo, a man that comes every week to eat with us. He is a gentle and joyful man with a demeanor of kindness and quieted humor. We plan to talk later after I am done serving pasta. Many plates later, I sit down next to Navajo with my serving of pasta and chicken. He raves to me about the quality of the food this week and how he himself enjoyed three servings. We talk and Navajo blesses me with new of possible future opportunities of employment that he has been exploring. By 4:00 most of our guests have parted their separate ways and we clean up knowing that next Sunday will bring many wonderful gifts from God in the form of our friends and their lives.

January 14, 2007

I drive up and down Kirkwood in the light drizzle of the early afternoon. Despite the cold and rain I know many hungry guests will make their way over to the church for lunch and community. And I realized today that we have become just that: a community. I arrive early to gather some thoughts together before the other volunteers arrive and I am surprised to see someone is already waiting for us to show up. His name is Leon and I recognized him from the week before. He asks a few questions, but then sits down beside me, eager to share a shaping time in his life with me. Despite his circumstances, Leon tells me story after story with a smile on his face and intermittent bouts of laughter. From what he tells me about his history, he seems, in many ways, a changed individual. He adds at one point that he has attended a local church for the past two Sundays and that he has really enjoyed going. More and more volunteers arrive and we make our way to our usual spot in the hallway for prayer and Scripture reading. In our circle, I see new faces and it makes me happy to hear of their hearts for serving their God and Lord Jesus in this way. By this time, many guests had gathered around the tables of our serving area. Usually, the guests come and go, trickling in and out in various numbers. Today, however, there were many together at one time and it really spoke forth the sense of community I had realized earlier. The menu today seemed like a Mexican feast. We had chicken and beef tacos. They were comprised of homemade flour tortillas and pico de gallo…not too mention cheese, lettuce, sour cream, black beans, and Spanish rice. Seriously, mouths are watering as I type this. While serving up some pico de gallo and chicken, I am given news of joy as my friends tell me of their recently acquired jobs and homes. Ah, the Lord, He is good! Soon after, I join our chef, Paul, in the kitchen to make the dessert—sopaipillas. We take dough similar to that of the tortillas, fry it, and cover it with cinnamon and sugar. It was a sweet way to top off the tacos by coupling it with honey and ice cream. I enjoy my lunch next to a gray-haired man named Rich. We exchange a few words, mostly about the delicious food we were both consuming. Seated next to him is a gentle and soft-spoken woman named Chris. Her eyes are kind as she asks for contact information so that in the spring, when she gathers the vegetables from her garden, she can donate fresh produce to our lunches. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Just days before a group of us had prayed about possibilities such as this. The day begins to wrap up as I hear the tail end of a deep conversation between two men concerning the authority of God’s Word. As they prepare to depart, the men confirm that they shall discuss such matters again next week during lunch. After the guest has left, Andrew, the volunteer involved in this ongoing talk, turns toward us with wide eyes and a joyous grin. As we clean up, we receive news that two of our good friends, Abe and Josh, are thinking of joining us at church later this evening. I love how Christ is using this lunch ministry to point others to not only His glorious Self, but His lovely Bride…

~Leslie Kerchief, Renovo Leadership

Renovo's Conception in '06