Information just below is from the Hope City web page http://www.hopecitykc.org
Ray and Lisa Stribling
Ray and Lisa, have many years of experience in jail ministry, housing for the addicted, prayer ministry and street ministries involving feeding the poor. The Striblings have a high level of commitment to the task at hand, as well as have the courage and heart to stand in the gap and to see others given an opportunity to succeed.
The ministry HOPE CITY ” inner city ministry located in Kansas City Missouri ” through my eyes, which are the eyes of a world missions guy. I bring that up because, through the years I have taken a lot of flak for doing ministry around the world while their is such need right here at home. The truth is, I have found such a similarity with 3rd world nations and the inner city and I love to be involved in both. Let me list a few.
#1 Needs are beyond complete human intervention !
#2 No facades, what you see is what you get !
#3 They are ready to receive !
Those 3 my friends are the ingredients that draw the heart of God. That my friends gives us Hope
HOPE CITY
- Hope City KC
I do have a point here about my eyes of world missions, it is this thing called indigenous. The meaning is this :: having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment.
My point is that ministry is usually from the outside, coming in with all the answers, not understanding the culture or the needs. Indigenous ministry, are those from the outside coming in and serving what the Lord is doing in the local area. It means less control and Americans don’t like doing that, but the advantage is huge.
In Africa where I helped start an orphanage, we came in first and built relationships, and served the vision of local Christians. This form of missions work has been transforming Africa. it is effective because they understand the culture, and the needs, from a heart level, not a head level. It will transform the inner city as well.
INNER CITY : DO you really think white suburbanitescan can relate to what it feels like to live under a bridge in winter. You get my point, and it is that point that Ray and Lisa get. I have worked with them for several years and have watched them respond to zealous gifted people who are jumping at the bits to preach in the inner city. Their response ,”OK” but first come serve in the Kitchen for a YEAR and we will see when you are ready.
WOW , I tell you serving, lays the foundation to a life-long ministry, that is actually effective. Ray and Lisa have life experience not unlike those they minister to, but from a place of serving the local leaders of the inner city. It is powerful, to watch what God had been doing through the ministry of Hope City among all colors and backgrounds. Whether it’s free haircuts in the park or flipping hamburgers for 1000 people , those that have gathered around Ray and Lisa to serve the HEART of Kansas City are Family and the Family is growing.
3 ways you can get involved:
#1 Pray for them/us “prayer meeting every Monday night on forest just north of 27th at the Prayer Dome.
#2 Come Serve : many opportunities with related shelter’s and group homes.
#3 Your giving :
http://hckc.us.churchinsight.com/PaymentGroup/Registration.aspx?payment_group_id=1000000257
Their Story : http://www.melodygreen.com/Articles/1000053722/Last_Days_Ministries/LDM/Discipleship_Teachings/The_Devil_The.aspx?page=1
contact information
816.729.2848
lisastribling@ihop.org
