Ron is a hardcore church planter working in the intimidating setting of urban East Oakland. He's made an awesome effort to bring faith to the streets. We had a fun photoshoot along the train tracks near his original church plant.
Q) What verse of scripture does Oakland most need to hear?
RN) "Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'"
Q) What sings of hope do you see happening in Oakland?
RN) "From a political point of view, it seems that the city of Oakland is trying to engage more in after school programs, moms clubs, as well as health classes. However, it does appear that finances are a challenge.
From a Christian world view, I think there is a lot to be hopeful for. God is concerned with our great cities and especially the ones with high crime. God is for social justice ministry. He just needs to right people to lead. So our church feels very hopeful, people respond to the Gospel and there seems to be a hunger for a change."
Q) How is God at work in Oakland?
RN) "I think that he is at work especially in the quiet places of people's hearts. I can speak for many members of our church who, due to efforts to expand God's kingdom, have overcome drug problems. Many of them would tell us that God was at work in them long before we arrived, they just needed some leadership to get proactive about their recovery. So I think that this is the best way that God is working in people's hearts, and when Christian leadership comes into their lives, it seems that they are ready because God has already been stirring the waters."
Ron told me his favorite passage from the Bible is Psalm 1:
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."
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