Ellis Prince former Student Pastor at WRC has relocated to Baltimore to plant a church. I don’t mean surrounding Baltimore, he is in downtown Baltimore. He and Ginger and the kids live in a nice row house with 900 square feet and are loving it. Although a big guy like me would have trouble ascending and descending the vertical staircase the home is nice. Their home is in a nice community bordered by a place where most of us would not live.  

Here’s the deal though, it takes a real calling and guts to answer the call to come to the downtown area of a city - any city. The church has all but abandoned the people who live in the city and told them if you want Jesus come see us in the suburbs. Their children know the names of some homeless people who are camping out about 1 mile away in a church yard. They are playing with children of various races in the local playground. They ask about taking food to their friends in the camp. Ellis’ description of the way their children have responded brought a tear to my eyes. First for the childrens faithful hearts, secondly for my lack of compassion in my little world.

Here’s the real deal. They are short of their fund raising goals. Ellis has not asked me to do this but if you are a pastor of a church and read this blog you need to connect to the Gallery Church in Baltimore. You can send something. Ellis is having to spend too much time asking for money. Brian, Paul, and I spent yesterday with Ellis hearing his vision and the work already accomplished. We prayed from the World Trade Center observation deck that God would raise up $100,000 for this work. Give and it shall be given you, do you believe it? Then give. I’m gonna send something from my personal checking. WRC has made a heavy investment in this ministry. It is time to allow Ellis to connect with people looking for hope, not people sitting in a comfortable pew. If you believe God loves the city, give. God has sent someone in your place, give. God will bless it!

And if you are from WRC. We will be bringing a mission team this summer. Plan on it and get ready to reach the city!

Tags: Church Planting, Ellis Prince, Gallery Church Baltimore, The city