Happy Easter! One week ago today Anthony and
I celebrated two years since we met at the Palm Sunday Peace Parade. This year I
had the joy of organizing two miniature donkeys for the parade. The kids had a
blast riding them. This week we have been bathed in meaningful Easter week
experiences: a foot washing and “last supper,” a good Friday and a sunrise
services with African American churches. Anthony was asked to pray for the cup
as we shared communion. I’m pleased he, too, is being recognized as a spiritual
leader in the [Evangelical community here in] Pasadena.
The theme of this year’s Peace Parade was
“Beating Swords into plowshares” (Isa 2:4) and we are planning to do just that.
I have become the co-chair of the Pasadena Area Gun Buyback—where those who
wish will exchange their guns for a gift card—paid for by the churches of
Pasadena. A “Peace-Source” fair will take place around the corner as the buyback
taking place, which will showcase how churches and nonprofits are involved with
intervention, prevention and alternatives to violence. This will all happen May
11—what a Mothers’ day gift! We are working with a renown sculptor who will
melt the guns into an art object to demonstrate the commitment and unity of the
congregations to end gun violence.
Since Christmas Pasadena has had four gun
deaths and many shootings—even a four-year-old was shot! We are asking
congregations to give $50 for a non-working gun, $100 for a pistol or $200 for
an assault weapon. Today three people gave me $100 checks. Just when I’m tempted
to panic, God encourages me and our amazing team. So please pray. Today I read
how one anonymous donor gave $100,000 for the Phoenix Buyback this week—yet by
asking each church to participate our idea is to see a the culture of violence
more broadly addressed. But right now in the thick of all this planning, I would
not be opposed to such a gift!
In addition to helping with the
gun buyback, Anthony has just finished another book and is helping me to promote
mine. Skidrow Radio, a station focusing on homeless people and their issues,
interviewed us about my book last Monday (http://www.skidrowstudios.com/the-qumran-report/2013-03-26/19499/the-qumran-report-housing-and-the-faith-based-community
)
In the past months I’ve have had several speaking engagements and book
signings—each selling out! My goal this year is to focus on promoting this
revised version of Making Housing Happen, but God seems to have had some
additional unexpected plans with this the Gun Buyback as well as a benefit
concert I’m planning with another awesome team—Barry McGuire will be playing
with John York at 3:30pm on June 9th at the First Pasadena Nazarene
Church. Barry will share his journey to Jesus along with his “Tripping the
Sixties” concert, which is a blast! The funds will support Family Promise of San
Gabriel Valley—where homeless families are hosted by the congregations, gain
employment and long term housing. Mark June 9th on your calendar. If
you are in the Southern CA area, I’d love to get to see you.
God is resurrecting his people to
action, to transform our community. I thank God for you and your partnership
with me to make this happen. Love you, Jill
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