Big visions and little dreams

I was talking to a Lutheran pastor last week who told me about a Methodist church in Indianapolis that had a person they called a "roving listener".  That's a pretty cool title for what I feel like I am doing in the far northwest side of South Bend.  I just go and listen.  It's more fulfilling when our conversations can touch on God, but that only happens about half the time.  A lot of people have trouble doing what I do, which is amazing to me because talking to people comes so natural to me.

I have been working on developing a vision for my ministry and talking to all these people is a help.  It occurred to me the other day, though, that I am at a point where I need to decide if this is a little dream or if it's a place for a big vision.  So much depends upon the willingness of the churches to invest in me and this ministry because I can do a bunch of little things in the community here and there that meet some needs, but to create a lasting and powerful ministry is going to require time. 

I've started by submitting an initiative to the South Bend Housing Authority which has been favorably received.  I'm waiting to hear from them about some of their requirements before I can start teaching some elementary computer skills classes.  I have a vision of expanding that program to the point where it can be self-replicating in other housing projects throughout the city, but, again, that is a vision that requires investment.

I met with a woman today who told me how to start up a soup kitchen and it sounds like something I could do.  That's part of my huge vision for the area-a soup kitchen, food co-op and clothing.  Putting something like this in place will require a lot of work, time, effort and volunteers.  This is something that I could do.

Part of the issue is having the faith to step out and do this.  It worries me to think about the funding (particularly my salary), but I also know that I need to have faith in the venture.  If this is God's will nothing can stand in its way.  I preach about having faith and God's everpresent support so I suppose this is the time for me to live out my words and stand on my faith.  I believe this is what disciples are charged to do so I need to just do it.