Volunteers met last night at the Ladder House in advance of the launch of NBF's newest Discipleship Group. These men came from three churches, and there are two other churches that have said they want to help. That alone is a massive answer to prayer, but it is also an evidence of the work that needs to be done. Every other Discipleship Group has launched with one volunteer. The original launch team was three men, and so far that number is six committed men, with more to come. God is calling out troops for this one!
And, for good reason. They are stepping into the center of Satan's territory in Lawrence. A place that has been a "hell hole" for year is being claimed for God! Satan has held that building as a fortress of evil, but we are claiming this is going to be a mighty fortress of our God!There is a big job to do here, but God opened the door. We know He means for us to walk in and take this ground. So, please pray. I am going to share the names of the men who are leading, so that you may pray for them specifically.
WHAT IS LADDER HOUSE?To help answer some questions: The Ladder House is a halfway house that men are sent to by the county. There is a correctional officer that oversees the building, but monitoring happens by means of electronic bracelets and drug testing. Men hate going here, because it is such a miserable place. It is surrounded by crack houses. Access to drugs is as easy as a snap of the finger. The spirit over this place is pure evil.
The Ladder House is a former firehouse in the heart of the city of Lawrence.
However, God gave Doug a vision to see this place used for His Kingdom, and the Superintendent has given him a wide open door. It's INCREDIBLE!
God has done the work. WE MUST JUST PRAY!VISION
You must know that the vision for this house extends far beyond the Discipleship Group. We hope to launch a Christian 12-step ASAP. We also hope for a Sunday service. We hope to see a clothes distribution here, holiday meals, clean-up days, etc. We are asking churches to let the Holy Spirit inspire them! The Superintendent has said some things to Doug that I actually hesitate to say, because they are so good I can't believe it.
The core leadership team is from Free Christian Church in Andover. They are Larry, Len, and Jack. Joining them will be Ramses, from Newburyport Assembly of God, and Carlos and Adonis, from River of Living Waters Church in Lawrence. The other two churches that has expressed interest, but could not attend last night, are Lawrence Evangelical Church and Spanish Assemblies of God in Lawrence.
(L to R) Carlos (w/his daughter), Larry, Ramses, Jack, Doug, Len, Adonis
Please note that having Spanish churches involved is phenomenal. We have prayed for this for a long time.OK. Sorry for how long this is, but there is so much to share! I will close now, but am going to add some photos, so you can get a feel for the place. I did not photograph the upstairs, where the men live, out of respect for their privacy. As you look at the pictures, remember that is managed by the county. The men are ordered to live here.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and to pray!
In Him,
Caroline
P.S. Of course, keeping Doug in prayer, as he directs this, is very appreciated, too! Satan has not let up on his attacks. To share just one example: Doug has been enduring a terrible time with his skin. His hand is one big open wound that is not healing. Your prayers are valuable to us!
