The Habakkuk Project

The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk asked God to answer deep and troubling questions. “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted” (Habakkuk 1:2–4).

Because these are questions we wrestle with in urban ministry, the Michigan District is gathering individuals from local congregations to participate in a distinct, immersive experience at Franklin Avenue Mission, a local District urban ministry campus in Flint. It is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the LCMS with a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

The Michigan District’s strategic plan includes supporting RSOs that work with and in urban centers to share Christ’s love. Franklin Avenue Mission is in the most crime-ridden, poverty-stricken neighborhood in Flint, Michigan (48506). The staff works daily to provide shelter, food, and other basic needs as well as education, fellowship, and Christ-centered counsel and encouragement. An ordained pastor is on staff to work with both staff and residents.

Visionary leaders at the campus pursue solutions every day, some days taking two steps forward and other days taking two steps backward. The District’s goal is to strengthen the ties between this urban ministry and individuals in our congregations who will grow in the stewardship of their gifts of prayer, volunteering, and finances. At the same time, we will encourage community members and individuals from congregations to recognize, embrace, and collaborate with their different forms of wealth and giftedness that all come from our God and Father.

Urban community residents will join invited guests for an offsite meal with table conversations to share their stories and experiences. Urban ministry leaders will share a compelling presentation full of stories, numbers, statistics, and plans for ministry growth and support. Participants will have an opportunity to travel to the campus to see and hear for themselves what has been done and what God can do with their help in accomplishing His mission in that place.

This event is sponsored by the Michigan District, LCMS with generous funding from The Bolick Foundation.