At this month’s "Rock the Block" outreach hosted by The Rock Ministries in Kensington, our team from Productive Lives had the oppurtunity to join and witness the clear presence of God working in that area. As Productive Lives partner Mike Vega reflected after praying with community members on the corners;
"Through food, fellowship, prayer, and genuine compassion, they (The Rock Ministires) created a welcoming space where people could feel seen, loved, and reminded that they are not forgotten. It was a powerful example of how the church can step beyond its walls and bring the hope of Jesus directly to those who need it most."
For more information on what The Rock is doing check out their website.
2.West Side Trenton
We are developing a partnership in Trenton, NJ with a church called West Side Baptist Church. We are coming alongside them as they reach their community. Dr. Cameron Garven has spoken there twice and recently we had the opportunity to join their anniversary block party. This has been an amazing relationship we are looking to continue with Productive Lives!
*Check out our social media for a recent video from the block party
We are thrilled to starting the fall semester of our Converge Gap Year Program! Our residential Christian gap year program hosted right here in Philadelphia, begins September 1st! Designed to equip, educate, and empower emerging leaders before they step into a college major or career, Converge brings together college-age students from diverse backgrounds into an intentional community of faith and servant leadership.
Over the course of the year, participants combine rigorous academic growth—earning up to 30 college credit hours—with dynamic, hands-on experiential learning across urban ministry settings.
This fall, we are blessed to welcome our inaugural cohort offour dedicated students who are stepping out in faith to discover their God-given purpose. Throughout the program, these four young adults will live and serve directly in the city: leading groups, assisting with weekly food distribution, participating in neighborhood street outreach, and working alongside local churches and ministries. We invite our Productive Lives community to join us in praying for these students as they embark on this transformative journey of spiritual growth, hands-on ministry, and community impact.
💡 Want to learn more about how the Converge Program empowers young adults to grow in faith and servant leadership?
Podcast Spotlight: Stories from the Navajo (6-part series)
Throughout August, The Productive Lives Podcast has been sharing inspiring conversations—highlighting true stories of resilience, faith, identity, and hope.
The final episode of this series: Stories from the Navajo Nation (Part 2) | Bill & Grace Manning!
In this series finale, Bill and Grace wrap up their powerful journey, sharing what it meant to serve on the reservation full-time, navigate seasons of transition, and discover how God guides us even when the future seems uncertain.
Kim Jetter, LPC served as a doctoral intern completing her field experience with Productive Lives while pursuing her doctoral degree in Counseling & Psychology Ministries, with a concentration in Trauma from Regent University. Through her internship, she had the joy of combining her passion for counseling, trauma-informed care, discipleship, and faith-based ministry in meaningful ways throughout the community.
During her time with Productive Lives, Kim had the privilege of leading a women’s Bible study focused on healthy relationships centered in Christ, and providing integrated faith-based and clinical counseling support to Cornerstone Community Church (CCC) community members. She also helped with Family Fun Day and periodically volunteered with the food distribution ministry.
What she loved most about her experience was the love of Jesus that seemed to emanate from every individual and team member she encountered. She was especially inspired by the women who participated in Bible study—their desire to live intentionally and “on purpose,” to grow in their relationship with Christ, and to increasingly see themselves and others through eyes of grace, compassion, and truth.
“I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to connect with and serve this incredible community through Productive Lives. My time here has been a true gift. I have been encouraged by the faith, generosity, authenticity, and desire to grow that I have witnessed throughout the community.”
Kim is grateful that what began as a doctoral internship has grown into a meaningful partnership. She looks forward to continuing to partner with Productive Lives for years to come—providing consultation and counseling support services, engaging in women’s Bible study, and finding new opportunities to serve and strengthen the community.
"It has been a joy to serve, a privilege to connect, and a blessing to be part of what God is doing in this vibrant community!"
~Kim Jetter
Want to get involved? If you or someone you know wants to share their gifts with others reply to this email or hit the link below to get in touch!
Meet Grace: Productive Lives’s New 24/7 Digital Assistant!
We are excited to share a new way to stay connected with our mission!
Starting this week, you will notice a new assistant on our website: Grace. Whether you need information about upcoming events, want to learn how to volunteer, or have questions about our programs, Grace is available 24 hours a day to assist you instantly.
What Grace can help you do:
1. Locate upcoming events and access our public community calendar.
2. Learn about volunteer opportunities and sign-up requirements.
3. Access official program guides, contact information, and operating hours.
4. Connect directly with our staff when you need specialized or personal support.
Visit our website today at www.productivelives.org and say hello to Grace in the bottom-right corner of your screen!
Theo of Golden is a heartwarming, word-of-mouth #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of readers. Part literary fiction and part modern parable, this soul-warming story celebrates the unexpected power of quiet, community-driven generosity.
Some of our staff and volunteers are reading through this book right now and without knowing the ending are enjoying the read. Join along and share your thoughts with us!
Prayer Requests
Our Friend Brian - We met Brian through the food distribution, we pray for safety and utilization of the resources available to help him to get back on his feet. Also that he will grow in his relationship with Christ.
Rock The Block - "Please keep Nicole in your prayers. She is only 31, and seeing her and so many others broke my heart. I pray that God reaches her, restores her, and reminds her that her story isn’t over." ~Mike Vega
Converge Gap Year- Starting our gap year program, new students, new teachers, new program.
Hosting Teams - We have many groups coming to stay in Kensington with us to serve and learn more about urban missions. Praying that their hearts are moved by what God shows them during their time with Productive Lives.
Ways to Come Alongside Us
Pray
For our team, the families we serve, and all that God is doing through this ministry.
Serve
Consider serving with Productive Lives. There are many opportunitiesto get involved and make a direct impact in the lives of others.
Support
Your donations support our ministry and help develop our ministry building, allowing us to continue growing and reaching more people for Christ.
