Dream and Pray With Us

September 28, 2023

Dream and Pray With Us Dear friends and supporters,  I wanted to send out an important update with the goal of asking our community to pray. I believe that this year God is inviting us as an organization to dream with Him in new ways and to seek Him as never before. Our ministry has grown and expanded well beyond what I would have imagined when we first founded it in 2015. As we begin to gather our Board of Directors, advisors and team together to pray about making some adjustments, expansions and changes to the ministry, we want to ask you to commit to partnering with us in prayer for 90 days. Because we sense such a strong urging that God wants to do some big things this coming year, we’re being careful to be attentive to what He’s saying. Many of you know that our family has spent half of our time overseas over the past two years. Since our most recent return, we have experienced a renewed vision for what God wants to do locally and how it can be connected globally. As we begin to discern how God is leading us, we’re asking big questions and need the Lord to illuminate the path.  Three things that the Lord has made clear: 1. Continue in our unwavering commitment to prayer and the great commission. 2. Focus more efforts on making disciples and multiply our impact across the city and elsewhere. 3. Simplify our efforts while also increasing our impact.  As with any change and shift, there can be a sense of anticipation mixed with a bit...
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Testimonies from Harvest Day Outreach

September 27, 2023

Testimonies from Harvest Day Outreach Approaching the group somewhat nervously, the first-time volunteer wasn’t sure what to expect. She felt better right away when she learned there were others like her – six, in fact. Two of the newbies had been reached through Redeem and were now participating in an outreach! Outreach Leaders Katherine Server and Brandon McKenzie immediately put everyone at ease and the short training gave the volunteer the information – and excitement to go out – she needed. She realized her nerves had settled down and decided it was going to be a good day.*During a kids outreach to L.P. Stough Apartments in Phenix City, 7 kids gave their lives to Christ as they heard the message of Jesus.*In one of our Project Lifehouse homes, our Young Ave missionaries Johnny and Andrew encountered two new guys in their neighborhood. Johnny and Andrew are excited to grow in relationship with them.*Still another outreach ministered to a nursing home and powerful connections were made between our team and their staff.As they regrouped and testified together two hours later, volunteers shared their experience and expressed how glad they were that they had set aside a Saturday to make a difference in the communities. God is on the move! Join in October 21st @ 10am and encounter people with God’s...
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Hope Inspires

December 21, 2022

Hope Inspires//Cindy Gardner It’s our joy to conclude our Inspire Campaign stories with someone who is a true inspiration to us, as well as to so many in the community. Cindy Gardner is the Follow-up Coordinator for Redeem’s Beautiful Exchange Boutique at Take the City. Her story really began when someone handed her a card they’d been given through a TTC outreach. She called the number, and the rest is now a three-year history. Today, you might find Cindy driving someone as far as Montgomery, AL to a treatment center, taking blankets out on the street, or with her host of volunteers, organizing donated clothes. The boutique, which was remodeled this year, has racks of clothes in all sizes, accessories, shoes, and handbags, as well as hygiene kits. “Not only do women come in from the street, where they can also get a shower and use the laundry facilities, but women who need an outfit for a job interview or other appointments can come in. Nothing is sold here– it’s all given away,” Cindy said. Her volunteers have seen the changes in the women who come through and have heard their stories. “It’s what it’s all about,” said one volunteer with tears in her eyes. “I cry even just looking around the boutique, because it represents giving God our best.” Cindy has a vision for the future that Redeem will offer its own rehab program one day. If anyone can see it done, Cindy, who does nothing without the Lord, has the inspiring faith needed that will lead to reaching more and more women. Inspired by Cindy’s testimony? Become...
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Family Inspires

December 7, 2022

Family Inspires Photo, l-r: Melissa McCormick, mother of the McCormick children, daughter Micah, daughter Brianna Tolley, granddaughter Adeline Claire Elise Tolley, son-in-law Zeek Tolley, Nancy & Rick McCormick, and son Ricky “Bubba” McCormick. Continuous praise, worship and prayer are part of the DNA of Take the City’s Harvest House of Prayer. There are over 30 regular participants who sacrificially commit to doing hour-long sets, and we love that the McCormick family is among them. They are unique in their contribution in that so many of their family participates as several are musicians and singers, including Rick, who is a pastor and the proud father in the clan. “You’ll like me,” Rick says when he meets someone in the prayer room, “but when you meet my family, you’ll forget all about me.” Fully engaged and gifted, the McCormick family’s worship sets are contagious.  “I want to do the invisible things,” said Rick. “It’s what real giving is. We started doing Thursday evenings because it’s sacrificial for us. We don’t want to give what doesn’t cost us anything.” It’s sacrificial in more ways than one– the McCormicks live 45 minutes away. Zeek Tolley, Rick’s son-in-law, who plays and sings, joined as a HHOP volunteer because “I felt the presence of God was easily accessible in the prayer room. It keeps me going even when I’m tired. It’s also helped me to learn how to worship when I’m by myself and how to usher in His presence.”  The family brings themselves to Him and lead others to do the same. It’s giving at its best. Are you inspired by this family? Sow...
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Hope Inspires

November 30, 2022

Hope Inspires Now halfway through its launch, first-time students Brooklyn and Emily have settled into their routines at Take the City’s Harvest Equipping School. The two young women, both 18, became roommates and fast friends.  Their journey through the school’s motto, Activated. Equipped. Commissioned., has been fun to watch.  “Being in an environment with people who are constantly living for Jesus and surrounded by so many inspiring people has been awesome,” Emily said.  “A highlight for me has been the guest speakers. I like to hear other people’s views,” said Brooklyn. It’s a challenge for either of them to pick a favorite among the diverse teachers and topics, but Brooklyn added, “Brandon’s [Harvest House of Prayer Director] passion for prayer and loving Jesus makes me want to learn more. He’s living it out.” Atlanta’s Arthur Breland had an impact on Emily. “He taught on evangelism, and we got to practice and bring hope. I like that we’re learning, but we also get to see it. We’re also encouraged to find what suits us best and are not expected to fit into someone else’s calling.” The school’s director, Kaleigh McKee, couldn’t be more proud of how both young women have immersed themselves, determined to get everything they can out of the experience. “There are many Gen Z who have turned away from the Lord,” she said, “but schools like ours bring hope that there are also many who will be a voice for their generation.” Inspired by the growth of these students? Become a monthly partner with us and sow into the next generation! Click Here to...
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Olivia

Even with only 2 Take the City Outreaches under my belt, they have made such an impact in my own personal journey of faith, and others I have crossed paths with! The most special part to me is knowing that even if I meet someone and I never see them again, I know God has allowed me to touch their heart and plant a seed that I couldn’t have done sitting at home. I’m so thankful for this organization because it truly has allowed me to connect with others, with the goal of bringing them closer to Christ, while becoming closer with God myself at the same time.