What is Sacrifice?

The answer to this question has been difficult for me to define lately. I often wonder is my life truly an example of a Holy and Living sacrifice. I don't know, but I want it to be. Does that desire count for something? I want to say yes, but with no immediate action on my part, it's hard to reconcile. Tonight I will head out to "Love Bags". Collectively we will continue to fellowship and help feed our communitie's homeless. I will "sacrifice" my time or at least that's what I will tell myself. Is it a sacrifice though? Maybe. What if it were truly a Blessing? And I just can't see it. So often I wonder, what is God doing? Oh how I wish I knew. When I don't know, does it mean something different to me? I hope not, but I'm afraid that is too often the case. With that said, I've been thinking a lot about Abraham. His faith and trust in our Lord was truly remarkable. Will I ever have deep faith like that? I want to believe I would. I want to believe I would take all that I am, all that God has given me, even those things I hold so close so precious, like my Only son and offer it all to God. Will I ever truly sacrifice like Abraham? Will I ever see that sacrifice as a blessing? Abraham did and he didn't even flinch. He never wavered. He just rose and went out in faith! "Here am I", he said, "Here am I"! What will we say? God's Blessings.... Brent W.

What is Avondale?

What is Avondale? Every week people ask me about Avondale. I thought it might be important to explain what and why we are in are in Avondale. Avondale is a neighborhood in Pompano Beach, Fl. The neighborhood is located across the street from John Knox Village. The neighborhood is comprised of multiple ethnic groups. Recently, I was approached by OneHope (formerly Book of Hope) to participate in a community transformation project with Calvary Chapel. Calvary has been in this community working for over eight years they have started Calvary House a rehabilitation center for men with addictions. They have also planted a Church called the "Refuge". Since we agreed to participate in this project we worked together as we did the Health Fair. We are going to do a Thanksgiving project together. So why are we working in this community. It is clear that our church is committed to working in our city. As our pastor has spoken from the pulpit many times, it is our mission to strive to renew the world both physically and spiritually. Avondale needs renewal. Presently Avondale has 187 incidents of crime per 1000 people, compared to the national average of 34 per 1000. Avondale on a scale from 1 to 100 for the crime index, Avondale is a 1 which is the worst ranking of any community within South Florida. As we learn from our experience in this community it is our goal to collaborate with other churches and share what we learn. Coral Ridge will be a church who is committed to encouraging ministries and churches to participate in our city together. So let's begin.