We did not prevail at the Board of Adjustment appeal last Thursday (January 7, 2010).  It wasn’t even close.

The following day a reporter called me up and asked what was next.  I told him we were continuing on and we would have breakfast and worship service as normal this Saturday.

He asked if this was an act of “civil disobedience”.  I didn’t know how to answer him. After the conversation I sat there -thinking about his question of “civil disobedience”.  And I sat… and sat… and prayed.

It is easy to be known for what we are against. If you’re Protestant - you can be against Roman Catholics.  Democrat - against Sarah Palin.  Republican - against President Obama.  I grow weary of this.  I tire of receiving the e-mails of what people are against.

Some may think Prodigal’s Home is against the City of Phoenix… or the neighbors who have been so vocal in their opposition to our presence.

We are not against them.  And we are not disposed to act in civil disobedience.

We are about being obedient to Jesus Christ.  And we will continue to be obedient.  We will continue to be obedient in preaching in the name of Jesus Christ and carry out the ministry of serving the poor and oppressed.

And we’ll be doing it at CrossRoads United Methodist Church.  On Saturday morning… or any other day or time God calls us to.  And there will be homeless and poor there.  And we will care for them.  And love them.

And we say to the City of Phoenix… do with us what you will – but we will not stop preaching in the name of Jesus Christ.

Grace & Peace,

Mike