A Letter to Some Heroes

I just sent this out via email to these people. Why do I do these things? I don't know. I just figure that it can't hurt.

To: John Perkins, Tony Campolo, Bob Lupton, Ray Bakke, John McKnight, Wayne Gordon

Gentlemen,

Let me begin by expressing my thanks. Each of you have contributed significantly to my life through your writing and speaking. I credit the Holy Spirit for leading me to Hunting Park, North Philadelphia but he used your passion and wisdom to open my eyes and my heart. After six years here, I am as unsure as ever and I thought you may be willing to take a moment in search of a word of wisdom you can share with me.

My church, Spirit and Truth Fellowship CRC, has asked me to take the lead role in rehabbing a warehouse to add a gym and 30 classrooms. We have a Christian school that serves over 200 students and we have another 200+ on the waiting list. Expanding our facilities will enable us to serve more families and serve them better. I won't burden you with details, but this school is making a difference in its students, their families, and this community. Please believe me, God is doing miracles in Hunting Park.

This project will take millions of dollars. I know that we will need to seek outside funding to build this gym. However, I see this as a golden opportunity to build community as well. When I look a census figures, I know that although our community is of limited income, it is mathematically possible to do this ourselves. I want a gym. But more than that, I want a community that works together and shares common goals. I want an environment where kids believe in the impossible and have examples within their reach.

The scope of this project overwhelms me. The amount of money needed seems impossible to me. I am intimidated by the thought of attempting to draw folks together around this idea, trying to create a movement among neighbors, convincing my church that I am not crazy, and keeping my ego in check long enough to accomplish these goals. I am most frightened by the thought of failing.

These are my thoughts as I embark on this journey. You have helped me get to this place. I thought you may have some words of wisdom to help me make it through. Your prayers and input of any kind would be of great value to me through this process.

Many thanks,

Ryan Kellermeyer
4441 N. 9th St.
Phila., PA 19140

215-668-9555

The building:
http://maps.google.com/maps?output=html&q=4417+N.+6th+St.%2C+Philadelphia%2C+PA