|
|
plumbline: a line with a plumb attached to it, used for finding the depth of water or determining the vertical on an upright surface.
|
|
Zechariah 4:9-10
Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. 10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
There is a story in the Hebrew scriptures about the building of the temple, and consequently the entire city of Jerusalem. 70 years earlier, the kingdom of Babylon had destroyed the Jewish temple and city. But the God of Israel, was bringing his people back home to rebuild. Prophets, priests, teachers, craftsmen; all would have a part to play in this reconstruction project.
Chief among those involved in the project was a man named Zerubbabel. He would serve as governor, and was given the task of leading this restoration project. However, things were moving slow. The project faced many challenges and set backs. The people who had returned from exile were disappointed. What if God's promises to them could not be trusted? The foundations had been laid, but what if the project was never completed?
But God inspired hope in the people with these simple words. "Do not despise these small beginnings. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin, the plumb line in Zerubabbel's hand." Plumb lines were used to make sure things were straight, vertical and upright. The tedious work of measuring again and again before laying the ground work was necessary to ensure that structures were built with integrity on secure foundations.
In many ways, it feels like Square Inch has been doing a lot of work with a plumb line for the past few years. We have worked hard to create a faith formation, leadership development and community engagement program that will continue leading transformation in our neighborhood. We've worked hard, but in some seasons, results have been slow. But those words ring true for us as well. "Do not despise small things."
Today, our dreams, though small, are becoming reality. Today, we officially kick off orientation for our initial cohort of SALT Scholars. We have recruited, interviewed, and selected 3 students from Texas Southern University to be a part of our program! Small beginnings, but beginnings that we know our Creator rejoices and sings over! And we join that song and rejoice in our humble beginnings. We will be introducing them to our community next month.
Please join us in praying for:
- A meaningful and safe time at our orientation in Galveston, TX.
- For our students to be refreshed and energized for the yearlong process of formation in the 2019/2020 school year.
- Our neighborhood, the historic Third Ward. That through Square Inch, the kingdom of God would continue to become tangible, here on earth as it is in heaven.
Thank you all for your partnership in our work!
Blessings,
John
|
|
|
Address Update:
Square Inch Houston now has a new address. Please update your records to ensure that we receive mail from you. Thank You!
Square Inch Houston
P.O. Box 88298
Houston, TX 77288
|
|
John Eigege
Board President
John provides general leadership and oversight of Square Inch Houston. John also serves as a Community Chaplain, ministering through prayer and presence in Houston’s historic Third Ward.
|
|
|
|
|
|
