During his time back in the U.S., artist and GEM field worker Jason found himself getting involved with a community house in a place called Binghampton, one of the poorest communities in Memphis, Tennessee. One of his friends is Jamin, an art teacher at an inner-city school in Binghampton. Jamin lives in a house that he and four other people bought in order to live in community in this poor neighborhood. The better Jason gets to know these folks, the more he is drawn to involvement in their community. It’s been one of the highlights of his time in the States.

Just last week Jamin asked if a few guys could help move their 10’ x 14’ shed from one side of the yard to the other (in 100° weather). On top of that, it was a hand-built shed, not one of those nifty contraptions from Costco that you can take apart and put back together in an hour. They had to put skids under the building to pull it across the yard with a truck. The entire time, they had kids under foot, asking questions. Among those helping was Trey, a guy who became a Christian and was baptized just two weeks earlier at the house church that meets in the Binghampton house.

The shed had to be moved to make room for a shop that will enable the Binghampton house residents to take on bigger projects as an extension of what they’re already doing. They hope to help foster small businesses that will benefit the community as well as provide workspace to encourage creativity. Things like pottery, carpentry, paper-making, and casting candles.Eventually they’ll add an attached greenhouse and two studio spaces where artists can do their thing. And so far they’re doing it all with their own funds.

During this time away from ministry in Europe, Jason is discovering renewed vision for the kinds of things he knows God wants to see happening in Europe. Things like community. Art. Discipleship. It’s not easy, and it’s not quick. But Jason is gaining experience in small ways with principles of ministry that will serve him well once he returns to Europe, even though the way that will look will most likely differ somewhat from what’s happening in Memphis.

Please pray for this community in Binghampton, for Jamin, and for the other four people who live in the house—Pete, Katherine, Becky, and William. Pray that their interactions with each other stay healthy and that they continue to love the greater community as Christ loves it. Pray for their wisdom. Pray for protection, as the area is not always safe. And pray for Jason and others like him, that they will not only bless those they serve locally, but also gain experience and grow their hearts for service globally.