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The Simple Tragedy
This morning, a 7-alarm fire consumed an abandoned warehouse in our Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia. The Simple Way Community Center at 3200 Potter Street was destroyed as well as at least eight of our neighbors' homes. Over 100 people were evacuated from their homes, and 400 families are currently without power. Despite this developing tragedy, we are incredibly thankful to share that all of our community members and every one of our neighbors is safely out of harm's way.
This fire will forever change the fabric of our community. Eight families are currently homeless, and in many cases have lost their vehicles as well as their homes. One of our neighbors, the Mahaias Family, lost their three cars as well as the equipment one family member uses for her massage therapy business. Teenager Brian Mahaias is devastated not because he has lost his belongings, but because he fears that this fire will force him to move away from this neighborhood that is his family as well as his home.
The Simple Way has lost a community center that was home to our Yes! And… afterschool program, community arts center, and Cottage Printworks t-shirt micro-business as well as to two of our community members. Community members Shane Claiborne and Jesce Walz have lost all of their belongings, Yes!And…'s after school studio and library were ruined, and community member Justin Donner's Cottage Printworks equipment and t-shirts were destroyed.
We are thankful that we are able to help each other during this time of need, and we will continue to keep your informed about today's events.
We have established funds to support the families who have lost their homes, the Yes! And… afterschool program, and the Simple Way community.
A fund to support the families has been established through a partner organization, EAPE. Tax-deductible donations can be made at https://www.tonycampolo.org/donate.php#ssl . Please make sure to put "Kensington Families Fund" in the memo section.
Donations to the Rebuilding Fund can be made via PayPal to contribute@awip.us .
-The Simple Way Community |
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| I don’t know who’s still around, or even who reads this anymore to be honest, BUT
I am in fact getting ordained next weekend and would love to have any and all of you there. It will be a short ceremony and a reception deal afterwards. Feel free to call me if you have any questions at all.
Here’s the info.
Poplar Creek Church
300 Schick Road
Bartlett IL, 60103
6pm (no cover  )
Even if you can’t come, know that I love you anyways. Be blessed!
(bring foam fingers if you have them)
-Ian
isimkins@gmail.com
630.379.9222
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| Ha, does anyone want to come to my graduation on Saturday? |
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| I wanted to send a quick request your way. There was numerous (and orchestrated) bombings in Mumbai (Bombay) a couple of days ago, and the devastation has been enormous, with a death toll of at least 150. So I ask that you please pray for the victims, their families, and anyone that was effected by this horrible act of terrorism and hate. The effects have reached even as far north as here, as I am encountering people who have felt the weight of this act in some way. This creates further damage, even beyond the loss of life, as cities are thrown into a frenzy, suspicions run high, and the chasm of existing divisions is only furthered. I can only think of the even greater responsibility that the small number of Christians here now face, and the increased urgency and severity for which we, as their international family, must pray for them. I know that these words don't fall on deaf ears by any means, and I'm so blessed to know that you indeed will be praying along with myself and thousands of others for the furthering of the Gospel in India and for a radical movement of love to take place here. Thank you so much for that.
I miss you all very much. I'm coming home soon. I honestly want to see all of you... |
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