Urban Community Life, Inc.

02/26/2026

We'll miss you Randall. We are grateful to have known you and to have had you bless us in all the ways you did!

"Over yonder
From the storm, there is
Love, love, love
When heaven opens up
Everything becomes calm again
And all is well."

From one R to anotheR. My boys and I will remember your kindness. Our family will miss your presence.

This world is synonymous with loss, heartbreak. Good men, striving to live out the will of God, taken from this world, and deposited into their rest without warning or earthly permission. "Therefore, there remains a Shabbos menuchah for the AmHASHEM."

"I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: God will now abundantly bless the people who have a close relationship with the Lord Jesus for the rest of their lives.” God’s Spirit says, “Yes, after they die, they will no longer have to work hard. Instead, they will rest, and the record of the good deeds that they have done will go with them." Revelation 14:3

"We will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:52

A home, a rest, and a ceasing of labor. We leave you in the arms of a God that loves us like sons. We will miss you and your sturdy care. Our grief rolls like a river, but soon " let righteousness flow like a mighty river that never runs dry."

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;"

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11/17/2025

Friends, we have such a huge faith endeavor here. We do hope you all will consider how you can partner with us to finish this bunkhouse/multi use building. We would love to send you our end of year letter as well as anyone you think might be interested in supporting our work here at Urban Community Life. You can also make donations at urbancommunitylife.com Thanksgiving blessings to all! It's going to take a miracle, hope you will each be part of it.

07/01/2025

We've been working hard all week! Finished up putting down big gravel for the driveway and waiting for the little to be delivered. This group is pretty great and we're having an awesome summer!! If you catch us "monster dancing" in the streets, don't worry, we're just working out the kinks:)

06/28/2025

Camp is family...5 full-time participants, 2 part-time day campers. We've got an awesome group this year! Our weekly schedule: Tuesday-Sunday-125 hours. Pickup Macon & Atlanta participants at 200p in Atlanta. Arrive back at farm after grocery shopping, 730p. Dinner, Word and bed. Tuesday up at 730a. 1 hour roundtrip pickup for day campers. Healthy breakfast & partaking of that Word in preparation for the day 900-1030. Working on the farm from 1030-230. Lunch 230-400. Travel to local swim spot and swimming until 630. Drop off day campers at 730. 830 Back for showers, more of that Word, and a light dinner. Bed by 11. Saturday-church, lunch ,and then some time in nature. Sunday wake up, breakfast followed by a deep house cleaning in preparation for going home. Every other week two participants stay the weekend. Other participants dropped off back home Sunday at 5. I work for two mornings in Atlanta and start the week all over at 200 Tuesday.... and my board says I'm trying to do too much...

We live, eat, work, swim, and do life together.. sometimes messy when everyone is exhausted but the peace of Christ continues to gain the victory!!

No better life than this??

03/29/2025

https://www.ronaldvhall.com/obituary/John-Ladson

In March of 2023 my friend, Pierce Owings, asked if he could bring someone to personal training. That week I met Johnny and for the next two years I’d see him twice a week. My first impression was that he took notice of a person's being. Of over 1000's of training sessions in my life, Johnny was the only one to notice my favorite T-shirt (lucha como una chica) and comment on it with humor. His appreciation for my exercise program caused him to start inviting people to join us and over the course of those two years he invited at least 15-20 people. He invited coworkers, neighbors, friends & anyone he thought would like our style of exercise. He also brought his sense of humor, his ability to listen, and his aptitude to connect each of us in meaningful ways.

He was the same way when he found out about the non-profit program, Urban Community Life, that my wife and I started in 2007. As soon as his schedule allowed he made the trip out to our farm program, UCLife Organic Farm & Urban Youth Agricultural Training Center, to meet our sons & to see what we were up to. It's uncommon to have people drive the two hours to see our farm program. When Johnny made that trek I was so surprised that all I could say was, "what are you doing here?" It wasn't like, how dare you visit, but, I'm so shocked that you care enough to show up, why?

He was a supportive, encouraging, and full of care friend. Johnny was my friend.

Meeting twice a week, you get to know one another pretty well. We had conversations about plants, exercise/health, spirituality, recovery, the issues of race in America…and who made the best frozen pizza. Most of all he talked about his children and his wife.

Johnny cared. He cared about what was going on in my personal life & in our non-profit. He cared about how my wife and boys were doing. He cared about me and if I was getting enough sleep as I juggled my daily responsibilities. He cared about bringing to others what he found worthwhile. He cared about each person he invited and had insight into who they were. Before a new person joined us he would text me a small rundown, not just exercise related, but also personality related. As our nonprofit began building a new multipurpose bunkhouse for our program Johnny was right there by my side, agreeing to sit on our board of directors. If I hit a speed bump in the building process He would have a suggestion by the end of the day.

That's the kind of care Johnny had.

I cannot express how much Johnny's friendship meant. I am heartbroken at the news of his passing. I still cannot wrap my head around not seeing him walk through that door. He was an incredible encourager- as a friend, within my personal training business, and as a supporter of our ministry. He was responsible for bringing many people together through the gym and he will be deeply missed by all of us. He would often text others in the group to check on them and spur them into exercise. Every training session he had a kind, caring attitude towards each of us and always said "how are you doing my friend?" He always showed care, concern and humor. (The past year I started growing my hair long in a pseudo midlife crisis...and he started calling me Rusty Garcia) The last week I saw Johnny gives a little insight into who he was. That Monday I could tell he was not wanting to be there but he showed up because he had invited another friend to join us. When that friend didn't show up Johnny decided to head back home. He sent me a text as he drove off saying his heart wasn't in it that morning, he had received some tough news. I texted back asking if there was anything I could do, maybe get lunch. His reply was, "not today, Rusty, but thank you. You're kind and I appreciate it."

That was Johnny. Showing up for a friend. Appreciating another's concern in the midst of his own tough morning.

May you rest in peace, Johnny. Thank you for your care. We'll miss you!

Lucha como una chica!

12/09/2024

We’ve got incredible news from Urban Community Life & UCLife Farm! After 20 years of running programs out of our different personal living situations (apartment, tiny house, tent, cargo trailer, etc) we’re finally constructing a dedicated space that will allow us to grow, grow, grow!!

Our new “bunkhouse” is the most-highly anticipated addition to our property. It will be a unique venue, ideal for our different programs, with the ability to host large groups throughout the year.

The 50’x50′, lofted bunkhouse includes enough sleeping space for thirty overnight participants. The loft overlooks a great room, kitchen, mud room, and three full bathrooms. Underneath the loft is a 16×50 private, three room apartment for the host family.

This newest edition has been a faith stretching, character building, future forming foundation. Exhausting for someone who runs on “can do” energy. Living on “God’s time” is spiritually and mentally taxing with daily lessons on humility.

For instance, in January of 2020 we started talking to a contractor who wanted to help us build. Excited, we started the process..and the contractor disappeared, never to be heard from again. In 2021, God sent another contractor who wanted to help. We were told it could be dried in within two weeks. But it wasn’t until January 2023 before we put in our first lumber order. Ecstatic, we had septic installed March 1. Footings and foundation March 27. Trusses delivered May 16… and then nothing until January 18, 2024 when construction finally began. Final dry in didn’t happen until October 2024. It has been a process! Now all we need is electrical, hvac, siding, insulation, flooring, bathrooms…you get the picture. Once again we are without a contractor. Which means we’ll be praying hard… praying for help, for another contractor, for funding, and full use by summer 2025 for our next intensive. By faith we believe that God will be gracious and bless us with everything necessary, when necessary…dreams postponed are only sweeter when completed!

Either way I am reminded of this quote, “There is a picture representing a bullock standing between a plow and an altar, with the inscription, “Ready for either,” ready to toil in the furrow or to be offered on the altar of sacrifice. This is the position of the true child of God—willing to go where duty calls, to deny self, to sacrifice for the Redeemer’s cause.”

To God be the glory, great things He is doing.

Rustin, Stacy, Brighton, Alyssa, Keller, Caiden

If you feel called to donate you can follow this link https://urbancommunitylife.com/1012-2/

or snail mail to 4147 County Road 106 Mentone, Al 35984

Our supporters make all the difference!! Here we grow again! In January 2020, Urban Community Life was gifted with an incredible 95 acres of raw land located in Mentone, Alabama. We hit the ground …

12/09/2024

We’ve got incredible news from Urban Community Life & UCLife Farm! After 20 years of running programs out of our different personal living situations (apartment, tiny house, tent, cargo trailer, etc) we’re finally constructing a dedicated space that will allow us to grow, grow, grow!!

Our new “bunkhouse” is the most-highly anticipated addition to our property. It will be a unique venue, ideal for our different programs, with the ability to host large groups throughout the year.
The 50’x50′, lofted bunkhouse includes enough sleeping space for thirty overnight participants. The loft overlooks a great room, kitchen, mud room, and three full bathrooms. Underneath the loft is a 16×50 private, three room apartment for the host family.

This newest edition has been a faith stretching, character building, future forming foundation. Exhausting for someone who runs on “can do” energy. Living on “God’s time” is spiritually and mentally taxing with daily lessons on humility.

For instance, in January of 2020 we started talking to a contractor who wanted to help us build. Excited, we started the process..and the contractor disappeared, never to be heard from again. In 2021, God sent another contractor who wanted to help. We were told it could be dried in within two weeks. But it wasn’t until January 2023 before we put in our first lumber order. Ecstatic, we had septic installed March 1. Footings and foundation March 27. Trusses delivered May 16… and then nothing until January 18, 2024 when construction finally began. Final dry in didn’t happen until October 2024. It has been a process! Now all we need is electrical, hvac, siding, insulation, flooring, bathrooms…you get the picture. Once again we are without a contractor. Which means we’ll be praying hard… praying for help, for another contractor, for funding, and full use by summer 2025 for our next intensive. By faith we believe that God will be gracious and bless us with everything necessary, when necessary…dreams postponed are only sweeter when completed!

Either way I am reminded of this quote, “There is a picture representing a bullock standing between a plow and an altar, with the inscription, “Ready for either,” ready to toil in the furrow or to be offered on the altar of sacrifice. This is the position of the true child of God—willing to go where duty calls, to deny self, to sacrifice for the Redeemer’s cause.”

To God be the glory, great things He is doing.
Rustin & Stacy Sweeney

If you feel called to donate you can follow this link https://urbancommunitylife.com/1012-2/

or snail mail to 4147 County Road 106 Mentone, Al 35984

11/03/2024

Just a little list of all the people I wish to find sanctuary in this little slice of heaven God has provided. I pray it will be a place of protection, healing, laughter, freedom from fear, and true practice & growth in spiritual principles. No particular order and certainly not everyone we know- mainly a shout-out to our old neighborhood. We love you all!

Brighton, Keller, Caiden, Zay, Ieisha, Robbie, Jakody, DJ, Javontae, Jabo, Mari, Tia, Tiana, Asia, Ta'Ron, Royalty, Aniah, Tyrese, Tarkia, Amy, Jaheim, Little Darius, Jackie, Jaila, Nia, Angie, Latonya, Jonathan, KeKe, Datonya, Benita, Clark, Evette, Bianca, Pam, Amber, Shannon, Broderick, Stephen, James, Nehemiah, Christavious, Demarcus, Nannie, Joshua, Marcus, Tajay, Deyanciss, Chase, Quan, Tommie, Pamela, Malik, George, Jeremiah, Rodney, QJ, Zay, PJ, Barbera, Kenyeta, Montavius, Amari, Justin, Abbey, Bernard, Malek, Natasha, Montazja, Tyrell, Ashton, Anshisha, Jalen, Dreek, Ms Mary, Nashay, Sheena, Sheeka, Bryan, Nicole, Dekembe, Earnest, Minnie, Byron, Tauheedah, Betty, Abbra, Horace, Quintilla, Janavon, Carla, Jessica, Mildred, Cynthia, Melodye, Sam, Brittney, Jackie, Darius, Edith, Boo, Nu Nu Tony, Teri, Keevan, Calvin, Allene, the twins, Keegan Miguel, Brenda, Faith, Diamond, Kynarious, Eric, Tiffany, Raesha, Amber, Deja, Torico, Fred, Tobias, Jkieya, Laura, Johnnie, Kadesia, Conteshia, Azadi, Akete, Peaches, Big Shannon, Shandria, Destiny, Zay, Jaime, Tonya, Stacy, Chet Chet, Ne Laquisha, Ramya, Jaila, Moe (Erica), Cantrell, Ms. Geneva, Tia, Felicia, Alpha, Trish, Juanita, Noriele, Charles, Dorothy, Alonzo, Shannon, Toi, Quinntella, Anisha, London, Adrian, Cam'ran, Eugene, Drete, Mya, Jr, Jontez, Tocorious, Cheryl, Shirley, Derrick, Quete, Renee, Kym, Nemo, Shaneka, Man Man, JaNya,

"All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given to thee."

Those who are saved will be saved because Jesus has paid the full debt; and man can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to merit salvation. Christ says, "Without me, ye can do nothing." Then whose is the merit?—It all belongs to our Redeemer. All the capabilities of man come alone through Christ, and we may say of our best performances, "All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given to thee."

10/29/2024

Phase 1 is done! We are so excited to get dried in. The new windows and doors look amazing. So much natural light. So much space. We'll have room for at least thirty summer participants and a multifunctional space for year round programming.

We are so grateful for our generous contractor and "crew" who donated so much of their time and effort and really did a wonderful job getting us started off. His plan for the loft has given us a large working space that we can utilize for all types of ideas. The downstairs apartment is going to be a wonderful home for the host family.

We are especially glad for our very important donors that are making this all possible. Your support and help has been endless.Thank you for caring so much for getting things right & providing wonderful ideas & support for something that was "sketched out on a napkin" . From the use of a lift and skid steer to getting the site prepped, laying the block foundation, hiring the contractor to get us dried in, the connections for the incredible gift of donated windows, and for making it possible to purchase all the lumber to get us this far. We're so grateful for all the little visits and all the time people have given to see this become reality. Every bit of this has been a gift! God is using each of you and we are so grateful for all you have done. We won't put you on blast but you know who you are and you are making all this possible. May you be blessed. Your legacy lives in this home.

Now on to phase 2... Keep on keeping on. By faith we believe God will continue to provide.

Thank you all! & Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!

https://urbancommunitylife.com/bunkhouse/

06/28/2024

The weather has been so hot we've not worked much this week. Today we took the day and headed to Cathedral Caverns. It was extremely interesting. Such an incredible place and it kept us out of the heat.

03/29/2024

Have a little service project today if anyone in the area would care to help.