Brickette

It’s probably not too surprising that if our Transformation Pastor were to write a book, it would probably be about the topic of transformation. And, you’d be right!

Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, published Pastor Kevin’s new book, Crayons for the City: Reneighboring Communities of Faith to Rebuild Neighborhoods of Hope. Transformation is a process, not a destination. When a group, congregation, or community intentionally enters a process that is centered on learning and a readiness to change, transformation can be experienced as growth and a new capacity to accomplish a group’s or congregation’s mission and purpose. And Pastor Kevin reminds us that it’s not just change for change’s sake, but a belief that God wants to transform our lives in the community of faith and the community at large. See reviews and get your Kindle or Paperback copy today, click here.

“And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play” Zechariah 8:5 (NLT).

Pastor Kevin says, “Zechariah 8:5 was the vision for writing my new book, Crayons for the City. That vision continues to be my motivation for inviting community leaders to read Crayons and apply its practical framework in their own context.” Crayons is about asking leaders to take a look at their community impact, not just their effort.

The title Crayons for the City takes its name from Pastor Kevin’s work with children in Philadelphia that began with a box of Crayola crayons. The idea was to give voice to the child’s whole world experience in a very stigmatized and under-resourced neighborhoods of Kensington. The kids were given drawing topics each week: Me and My Neighborhood; Me and My Friends; Me and My Family; Me and My School; Me and My World; Me and My Church, and Me and My Future. The drawing journey led to significant conversations and opportunities to engage children and their families in community transforming activities. The book tells the story that began with a box of crayons which progressed into a whole community project of hope and a new future.

Pastor Kevin writes about leading the faith community since arriving in September 2016. From more open and energizing worship to asking the congregation to intentionally welcome and include the community at large, especially young families and those without any religious affiliation. He refers to programs and all gatherings as “Farming Events.” Pastor Kevin describes Farming Events as activities that plant seeds, nurture relationships, and foster forward-looking and cascading connections between the events moving forward.

“Everyone can be part of God’s transformational work,” Pastor Kevin says. Here’s an excerpt from Crayons for the City:

“While walking is good exercise, walking around the block to better understand the neighborhood is even better. …not to advertise programs or solicit support but to actively engage with residents and pay attention to what God is doing.” Pastor Kevin believes that God is active and working all over the greater Cape May community. What Cold Spring Church can do is to notice what God is doing and get involved. Everyone gets involved in their own unique ways.

“There are wonderful possibilities ahead for any church,” Pastor Kevin says, “Transformation begins with an authentic connection to God through Jesus Christ. God loves our community. It’s up to us to demonstrate that love in relevant and accessible ways in everything we do.”

This new book can help any community leader, church leader, or missions student discover effective ways to achieve a positive impact. Our community deserves no less!

Yoho, Kevin R.
Crayons for the City: Reneighboring Communities of Faith to Rebuild Neighborhoods of Hope
Cascade Books
ISBN 13:978-1-4982-3087-2
Softcover $33
Pub. Date: 11/9/2017