An update on our Bridge Ministry from Jed Brewer

jedbrewer:

Hey Everybody,

As many of you know, I work as a missionary here in the city of Chicago, helping folks coming out of addiction, street gangs, and prison get to know Jesus, and get started on the next phase of their lives.

I am blessed to have a team of people who believe in the work my wife and I do and who help to support it through both their prayers and pocketbooks – this is how I buy groceries.

Each month, I send them an update about the amazing stuff God is doing here in Chicago.  Because I know many of y’all here on Tumblr lift me up in your prayers, you’re a part of the team, too!  So, I wanted to thank you for your prayers, and share my latest update with you!

Love,
Jed

This month, you were a part of making a way out of no way.  The impossible journey from county jail to the comfortable pews of a suburban church happened in a single day, and your support made it happen.

Our team met Clyde in Division 2 of Cook County Jail, at our weekly chapel service.  He worshiped with us for a few months.  Then, this Tuesday, Clyde showed up at The Bridge.  He had been out of jail for 24 hours.

Clyde explained, “You all came to see me so many times behind bars – I just *had* to come visit you!”

Now, that same night at the Bridge, one of our preachers was Mike, who pastors a church in a suburb named Hillside, here in Chicago.

Clyde told me two important things while I was talking with him after the service – He loved Mike’s sermon, and he’s from Maywood, a disadvantaged area that directly borders Hillside.

Armed with this information, I encouraged Clyde to get a plate of food and then I’d introduce him to Pastor Mike. 

While Clyde got a plate of chicken and potatoes – he later noted, “I had no idea the food would be *like this*!! – I quickly briefed Pastor Mike off to the side.

“In a minute, I’m going to introduce you to a man that’s been out of jail for 24 hours.  He’s from Maywood, and he loved your sermon.  I need you to give him a hard push – he needs to know you *want* him at your church.  You’re the boss, and he needs to be convinced.”  Mike nodded.

A moment later, Clyde reappeared.  I introduced Clyde to Pastor Mike and his wife.  And then I stepped aside to listen in.

Pastor Mike gave Clyde the full-court press.  “I’d *love* to have you at my church, Clyde.  I want you there.  Can I pick you up?  Do you need a ride?”

Clyde was beaming.

Friends, in addiction recovery, we talk about the need to change the people, places, and things in your life.  For Clyde, because of your support, a single 24-hour period was able to take him from a crowded, filthy cell to hugs, mashed potatoes, and the introduction to a whole new community in a whole new place.

In John Chapter 8, Jesus told a sinner to go and leave their old life behind them.  Your support has created a pipeline – an ecosystem – that can make that mission a 24-hour trip.  For Clyde, that’s nothing short of the parting of the Red Sea – a miraculous path from slavery to the Promised Land.  On behalf of Clyde and the thousands of men and women just like him, thank you.

Things to thank God for this month:

• Clyde’s release from jail, attendance at The Bridge, and relationship with Pastor Mike!
• The ongoing ministry impact of our jail chapel service and Bridge program!

 

Things to ask God for this month:

• Clyde’s continued relationship with The Bridge and Pastor Mike.
• Continued provision for monthly support.
• As we continue to develop media to communicate the good news to the least of these, we need a number of pieces of equipment, including:
• Microphone needed for Music Production ($175)
• http://www.zenproaudio.com/goldenager1mk2.aspx