Heartfelt Hospitality: Our Journey Unveiled
A Request for your Unity, Hope, and Prayers
Dear Friends and Family,
Life has a unique way of surprising us with unexpected twists and turns. We have spent the last few months deeply wresting with a desire to serve the most under-resourced and under-served in our community. We are involved in several organizations, but continue to pray “Place us where we can maximize our time, talents, and treasure for your glory.” Drexel always comes up with fresh ideas. His most recent conviction has been ‘incarnating in the community we want to serve.’ In other words, let’s pick up our family and move to the neighborhood where those whom we have a heart to serve are in order to do life with them. At this time, the mission is untenable and we have much to steward right now. We are familiar with the ‘wait and trust’ seasons and there is no sense in rushing God’s timing. We embrace contentment in this season to wait on the Lord for clarity as we pray and seek Him. We do know that God answers prayer.
We were caught off guard when a friend reached out about a homeless, single mom with two young babies seeking resources. We hosted a young mother and her baby during 2020 and learned a lot about Child Protective Services in that process. Johnna was quickly on the phone with CPS. This mama needed some assistance after many challenging events. CPS had reached out to various organizations, non-profits, and churches in search of specific resources. While communicating between Johnna, Drexel, CPS, and the mom, we talked to the kids about what it might look like for them to adjust so this family could stay with us for some time. They were excited and welcomed the opportunity. Instead of us having to move to a new neighborhood, the Lord brought new neighbors to come live with us.
This is obviously a step of faith from both parties. Mama has her own story, we have our way of living and there is never great reward without a bit of risk. The King Family household now includes 14 people sharing spaces between 4 bedrooms. God is allowing us to participate in the blessing of another image-bearer who has a fresh start for her and her two small children. We have prayed for her to 1) rest in this postpartum season, 2) reflect on what God might have in store and 3) step into her own calling.
We have all had some beautiful opportunities for growth. Our kids are handling it wonderfully. Everyone is making small sacrifices to accommodate one another, including our new “family” (we don’t want them to feel like guests). It has been a gift to enjoy her children, learn about her journey, and pray for something much bigger than all of us.
We continue to learn so much about the brokenness and lack of resources for someone like her, from the government to various non-profits in our area. It continues to stir in us a passion for advocacy for those who don’t have support from friends, family, or local community. We are thankful to be there for this family, but we wrestle with a bit of disappointment that we have all felt by circumstances leading up to her getting here. By God’s grace we are being used to serve Him in this way.
Hosting a family is another reason why we are so big on community because of the wrap around support that this mother needs, but also those supporting us. I wrote about these meaningful connections in a previous post if you’re new here.
Your Support Matters
We have had people reach out about how to support us and we are still praying about what steps we need to take to steward our resources well for her good and growth. Thank you for considering.
How You Can Help: For those that have reached out to extend support, your kindness and willingness to contribute means the world to us. Here is how you can be part of this journey:
Prayer: Your prayers are invaluable. We ask for your prayers not only for her family but also for us and the local community. First, pray for God to reveal ways you and your church can help.
For the Mother and her family: Pray that she feels the presence of the Lord and allows Him to lead her life. Pray for her to rest postpartum and use this time to heal, process and step into the next season. Pray for her transition to stable/affordable housing, that she can secure reliable transportation, and realize she has continued support from our community.
For our Family: Pray we would continue to walk in God’s calling of heartfelt hospitality. Pray we would surrender our preferences for the good of our neighbor. Pray we would rest in God’s timing for all the details that we have no ability to foresee.
new friendships forming in our expanding household God’s glory: We want to share about the awesome and mighty works of God in a way that honors Him. We are merely vessels seeking to obey. May we continue to live with purpose and dedication to God in all aspects of our lives.
Awakening Hospitality: Let us prayer for a collective awakening within our churches and community for unity as well as gospel living and practice. May the message of hospitality resonate deeply, inspiring concrete actions that advance God's kingdom through hospitality. After all it is a command in Scripture (1 Peter 4:) and who knows we may find that we have entertained angels (Hebrews 13:2).
Financial Support: If you're compelled to contribute financially, your generosity and encouragement will make a difference. Donations can be made via Cashapp ($Drexelking), Venmo (@Drexel-King), or Zelle. Any contributions will directly go to folding her into our family (food, diapers, transportation, etc.). We will send out another formal request for specific needs for mama once we receive more information.
A Grateful Thank You to Our Paid Subscribers
To our paid subscribers, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your support has been invaluable, allowing us to embrace these opportunities to make a positive impact. Your contributions are sowing seeds of kindness and compassion, creating a ripple effect of community.
As you read these lines, know that your presence in our lives, your prayers, and your support hold immense value. Thank you for being part of our journey.
With love and gratitude,
The King Family
Praying for you. Keep growing.
Praying for you and all 14 of u now. What a blessing you are. I pray the Lord grows u, shapes u and gives you love, peace, wisdom and grace in this season.