Three followers of Jesus are attempting to spend up to seven months serving the poor, reaching out the the spiritually hungry, and encouraging their brothers and sisters.
On September 15th, 2008, Andrew Lombardi, Nick Lombardi, and Derick Anies embarked on an eight-month journey across the country as followers of Jesus.
We have been spending a few days to a week in dozens of cities across the nation- reaching out to the lost, serving the poor, encouraging the church, inspiring campus ministries, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God with our words and actions. This adventure is called Immanuel, God with us.
This trip was inspired by a reality check and an open door.
“How come all the greatest stories of faith are over 20 years old?” That excerpt out of Brett Miller’s lesson in November 2007 at a campus retreat in Pittsburgh struck a chord in our hearts. Everyone in the room was silent after we heard this question to which no one knew the answer. His words filled us with a sober mix of reality and hope.
My brother and I were faced with the realization that if the next generation of disciples did not stand up and make an impact, we would surely suffer the fate of the next complacent religious group.
This trip is not about us, and it is not about a story- it is about living for one purpose. It is about putting all of your heart, soul, and mind into one power- the Kingdom of God.
We spend about a week in each place focusing on serving the poor, reaching out to the spiritually hungry, and inspiring our brothers and sisters. The past 10 weeks has had us working on the street, discussing the revolutionary ways of the Church, and speaking on campuses from Philadelphia to Atlanta. So far our experiences in these ministries have been explosive. Disciples around the country are rethinking their commitments, priorities, fears, and boundaries that hold them back from being all that they can be.
Jesus said the Kingdom of God would spread like yeast among dough, like mustard in a garden (Luke 13:18-21). This Kingdom starts small and then infects the rest of the world. Through one small act of love at a time, we hope to assist in planting the mustard and kneading the dough. On our own, we have no power to change hearts or proclaim this Gospel, but we are giving our lives away to a God that can- a God that will.
Since November 2007 we have been planning, pushing, and praying for God’s deliverance over all aspects of this trip. He has brought us a long way and we are pleased to tell you that us three will be visiting over 40 US cities and 25 states on the journey. We have already spent a week in 10 cities and over a dozen ministries on the east coast, and have about 5 months to go.
Please stay connected to our website, checking it periodically to find out more about the where’s, when’s, and why’s of the journey. As we travel we are posting journal entries as well as audio and video clips from our experience. Feel free to read our stories and drop us a line on the ‘comment’ page.
On a side note, if anyone has an interest in helping us with a place to stay, a meal, monetary giving, or just encouragement, we would truly appreciate if you emailed us at: immanuelbymile@gmail.com or donate through the website.
We are not exaggerating when we say that the souls of God’s people all over the country are being challenged and inspired.
Like little children we come asking you for your prayers, support and encouragement. Church, let us continue to dream; nothing is holding us back! We look forward to being with you and watching the will of God unfold.
To read about their amazing experiences and how to support their ministry, please go to http://www.immanuelbymile.com.
