by Tom Bourke
We love this city that God has called us to. The media is full of 'bad news' about the Motor City, and there are plenty of significant challenges. How different the evening news portrayal would be if they only new how THE 'Good News' of Christ and His Kingdom are at work here!
That miraculous and healing work takes many forms. Only a small piece of what God is doing here is being done through His servants known as The Navigators, yet we feel our part is deeply significant and a distinct privilege. Some of what He has been gracious enough to do in our midst relates to an area we've not been so skilled in during our past: Reaching, developing and empowering African-Americans.
Detroit proper is 82% African-American, these days. Before I got here, many of this great Team of 38 Navigator staff in the Detroit Metro were crying out to the Lord and asking for breakthroughs in this arena. They confessed their lack of insight and experience, even as they trusted the Lord to 'make us competent' and committed themselves to take action. In the last five years, much has happened to give us an encouraging 'foothold' through the likes of Matt and Bev Hale, John and Jacky Weidman, Jim and Linda Haralson, and Sarah Hilliker. We want to share an amazing gift of God that they've all played a part in: Oliver and Carolyn Porter.
Ten years ago, Oliver and Carolyn were quite successful in their home area of Cleveland, Ohio. Oliver was an associate minister in an urban church, and Carolyn was a social worker and his most valuable partner in ministry. Then, they offered themselves in a fresh and adoring way to their Lord, telling Him they would 'do anything He asked them.' Shortly after that, they strongly sensed the Lord asking them to give up their successful jobs and familiar surroundings to move to Detroit. As with Abraham and his initial call to the Promised Land, God did not make the 'why' and the 'what' clear... just the WHERE. After surrendering the same kinds of fears and concerns any of us would have, Oliver and Carolyn obeyed and moved to Detroit.
For most of the decade since that move, the 'why' and the 'what' have remained a little uncertain, even as they've been faithful to give their lives away here, growing more and more certain that God had indeed, called them here. Oliver served as director for two inner city non-profit organizations, worked construction and volunteered in several urban ministries. Carolyn worked as a substitute teacher for Detroit Public Schools and at Oakland University, as well as selling textbooks to Southeast Michigan Public Schools. They ministered in their church. They were just faithful, waiting for God to continue unfolding His plan for them, here. Things seem to be getting clearer, now...
Initially recruited to volunteer in the ministry of John and Jacky Weidman and Sarah Hilliker, ministering to African-American kids in the city, the Porters gradually became familiar with The Navigator calling and the rest of the team here. After a year or so, they approached us to ask how they could 'apply' for Navigator staff. Several months of prayer and dialogue later, we (including Nav Collegiate Regional Leader, Ward Ballard) feel the Lord is leading that way. The Porters are joining Collegiate Navigator staff and opening a Nav ministry at Wayne State University, in the heart of the city... THE most strategic campus here, which we've been praying to have a ministry at!
One of the most awesome things about the journey with this fine couple is the way so many different members of our team are playing a significant, tireless, and open-handed part in preparing and developing them for this work God is calling them to. That's what the Kingdom is all about!
Find out more about Detroit on their website.