Urban Plunge

Gabriel Rademacher died Tuesday when he drowned approximately 70 feet from the shore of a Fremont-area lake. He was 18 years old, celebrating his high school graduation with more than a dozen other members of Concordia High School’s senior class.

Gabe went on the Urban Plunge last year. He wrote on his application that he wanted to build on and deepen his relationship with Christ by continuing to serve Him as well as praising and worshipping Him. We have confidence that Gabe is absent from his body and present with the Lord, right now, as you read this, worshiping and praising Him in person.

On the Plunge Gabe hung out with several hundred homeless people. He told us that “one of the things that surprised him was that there was so many problems and things going on just blocks away from the glitzy old market. But not only bad things, it was also great to see how God is bringing together His people in the midst of the pain to further His kingdom.”

Gabe started a blog… in his only post he writes about the solar system and the sun, which he spells “Son.” In a cleverly written metaphor… talking about both the universe and his relationship with “the Son” he ends his post with these words:

“And then there is the heat. In the farthest reaches of my orbit, icy particles of shame, doubt and fear quickly attach and weigh me down, until I can barely move. But even here, the Son’s heat blasts from out across the solar system, in rhythmic, pulsating waves, the very heartbeat of God. The ice of apathy and inadequacy melt quickly away and are replaced by glowing warmth. Though I am still bombarded by an endless storm of ice, it cannot overpower the warmth of God’s love that has penetrated to my core and now radiates from me as well.” http://greeneurosunglasses.wordpress.com

Gabe carrying a box of food at Mission For All National

Gabe with Angels on Wheels, hanging out with the homeless

Gabe getting ready for a prayer walk on Park Avenue

Gabe with youth leader, Adam, and a buddy

Saturday Afternoon

My life was impacted after I met a man at Mission for All Nations and got the privelage to pray for him and his severe leg injury right there in the open, and busy area.

-Christian

Saturday Afternoon

I talked with some people at “Mission for All Nations” and I realized how often we aren’t happy when we don’t things the way we want. However, these people have so little in comparision and yet they were all so happy and thankful for what they do have.

-Sydney

Friday Night

At Hope Skate I got to meet this 7-Year-Old boy. We skated the whole night together and i got to teach him how to skate for his first time. He just filled my heart with joy.

-Abbi

Louisville Churches prayer walking Park Ave

Have you prayed for your city today?

Friday Night

A mother and her son came to the Sienna Francis House while we were there with the Angel’s on Wheels and we helped her find a trash bag full of clothes for her son. He got new boots and so many clothes. I felt like I had helped make a difference and I thank Urban Plunge for allowing me to do that!

-Mikeala

At Abide Network they talked about the cycle of hopelessness in this city, which I feel is really true. I was inspired to just continue to pray and declare the Lord’s hope over Omaha because I know he has great things in store.

-Alyssa

All Nations Church's Youth Praying with the Homeless.

Have you prayed for the homeless in your city today?

Hey! I hope that you have enjoyed the stories written here and that they have impacted your life. We know that words can only say so much, so we’re going to be posting a ‘picture of the week.’ Pictures of service- of prayer- of the city- of the Urban Plunge. Keep checking back for more stories and pictures. And if you haven’t taken the Urban Plunge yet, dive on in!

-Anji for the Urban Plunge Team