Sunday, June 19, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
No matter where you are or where you are going....
The word says we are to be ready in and out of season... Be instant in and out of season 2Tim 4:2... that means no matter where you are or where you are going be ready to serve those in need....
I believe that with all my heart.... and today in Augusta I did just that.... My friend Kelly and I went out late this afternoon and our first stop was Wal-mart to make a return.... as we drove in on the left there was a cripple man standing there with a sign.... as we drove past I ask Kelly if she would park and let me see if he was hungry... I jump out to talk to him....is name is Glenn and he was very excited that I offered to feed him... he ask if I would buy him McDonalds... I ask what he wanted.. He ask for a fish sandwich and a BIG cold tea..... Then he said with his toothless mouth will you get me 2 fish sandwiches if I don't get fries... HE smiled... I went to McDonalds and came back gave his food and talked to him a little while... He lived close by and got some money but it was all gone with rent and he was hungry.... He thank me multiple times and was amazed I was from Atlanta... He said oh there are nice people in Atlanta. I prayed with him and he hugged me bye...
So no matter where you are or where you are going take time to be obedient.... take time to love... take time to show you care......
It will make your day.... cause it sure does mine......
I believe that with all my heart.... and today in Augusta I did just that.... My friend Kelly and I went out late this afternoon and our first stop was Wal-mart to make a return.... as we drove in on the left there was a cripple man standing there with a sign.... as we drove past I ask Kelly if she would park and let me see if he was hungry... I jump out to talk to him....is name is Glenn and he was very excited that I offered to feed him... he ask if I would buy him McDonalds... I ask what he wanted.. He ask for a fish sandwich and a BIG cold tea..... Then he said with his toothless mouth will you get me 2 fish sandwiches if I don't get fries... HE smiled... I went to McDonalds and came back gave his food and talked to him a little while... He lived close by and got some money but it was all gone with rent and he was hungry.... He thank me multiple times and was amazed I was from Atlanta... He said oh there are nice people in Atlanta. I prayed with him and he hugged me bye...
So no matter where you are or where you are going take time to be obedient.... take time to love... take time to show you care......
It will make your day.... cause it sure does mine......
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Answering the call.......
If we all said yes to Isaiah 6:8 When the Lord said "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
So many avoid answering the call because they are afraid of what it would mean they would have to change or perhaps even have to give up something. When in fact if we just say yes send me.... it could be as simple as buying groceries for the person in front of you at the store....or buying gas for the person who is counting change just to get a couple dollars for the week....
Answering the call doesn't always mean you will have to give everything away and move to a foreign land..... though for some of us it means just that....
The willingness to be obedient is often all it takes from us HE gives us the resources to complete the task at hand...
HE wants us to be willing to walk out the simplest task ,
http://youtu.be/UHjdRDBS25k
So many avoid answering the call because they are afraid of what it would mean they would have to change or perhaps even have to give up something. When in fact if we just say yes send me.... it could be as simple as buying groceries for the person in front of you at the store....or buying gas for the person who is counting change just to get a couple dollars for the week....
Answering the call doesn't always mean you will have to give everything away and move to a foreign land..... though for some of us it means just that....
The willingness to be obedient is often all it takes from us HE gives us the resources to complete the task at hand...
HE wants us to be willing to walk out the simplest task ,
http://youtu.be/UHjdRDBS25k
Saturday, June 11, 2011
In the heat of the day....
As I walked the streets today I was reminded more than once of how blessed I am in the simplest things... In street ministry people come and people go and sometimes you don't know where they are or if they are safe... I have faith in my God that no matter where they are HE has his hand on their life..HE is just waiting on them to reach out and take his. That is where the struggle is no matter what we say to them during our visits or what we pray some of them are just so caught up in the moment to moment and dwelling on all the hurts of the past to look for the light that the SON has to offer.
Take Carolyn I meet her last week and could see through her eyes that she is hurting and lost and has no desire to be found... It makes me want to take her and shake some sense into her ..but I know that would do no good. I could snatch her up and take to the shelter but then what she is not there of her own will and will walk away.... SO I ask all of you to continue to pray for her that she find peace in the storm and the desire to walk into the plans HE has for her life....
Another friend PeeWee aka Carl Edward Boone was dismissed from the hospital on Tuesday and transport took him to a nursing home...The nursing home has no record of him ever being there... Which means our friend is back out there some where trying to find his way back to where he calls home aka Cleveland Avenue Underpass. Please continue to lift PeeWee up in prayers ...that he be totally healed and restored and continue to walk into the plans HE has for his life.
It is now summer and more friends are back on the streets for the summer. Ryan, 26 years old and the 75/20 underpass is his home ........ Addictions are such a hard, ages a young person so quickly... Please pray for Ryan and all those out there like Ryan that they allow the Holy Spirit to swoop down and embrace them in a way they have never felt an embrace that will heal them of all wounds and addictions and lead them into the life that HE has chosen for them....
In Genesis it says is there any thing that is too hard for the LORD ...the answer is NO... I will never give up on my friends on the streets because I serve a God that does things in HIS time not ours.
In Psalms 147:5 it says great is our Lord, and mighty in power: HIS understanding is infinite. HE UNDERSTANDS... everything about each of us..HE knows the good, the bad and the ugly and yet HE loves us. All of us...
I will close with this....Pray please pray for all the men, women and children that find themselves on the streets for what ever reason...
Take Carolyn I meet her last week and could see through her eyes that she is hurting and lost and has no desire to be found... It makes me want to take her and shake some sense into her ..but I know that would do no good. I could snatch her up and take to the shelter but then what she is not there of her own will and will walk away.... SO I ask all of you to continue to pray for her that she find peace in the storm and the desire to walk into the plans HE has for her life....
Another friend PeeWee aka Carl Edward Boone was dismissed from the hospital on Tuesday and transport took him to a nursing home...The nursing home has no record of him ever being there... Which means our friend is back out there some where trying to find his way back to where he calls home aka Cleveland Avenue Underpass. Please continue to lift PeeWee up in prayers ...that he be totally healed and restored and continue to walk into the plans HE has for his life.
It is now summer and more friends are back on the streets for the summer. Ryan, 26 years old and the 75/20 underpass is his home ........ Addictions are such a hard, ages a young person so quickly... Please pray for Ryan and all those out there like Ryan that they allow the Holy Spirit to swoop down and embrace them in a way they have never felt an embrace that will heal them of all wounds and addictions and lead them into the life that HE has chosen for them....
In Genesis it says is there any thing that is too hard for the LORD ...the answer is NO... I will never give up on my friends on the streets because I serve a God that does things in HIS time not ours.
In Psalms 147:5 it says great is our Lord, and mighty in power: HIS understanding is infinite. HE UNDERSTANDS... everything about each of us..HE knows the good, the bad and the ugly and yet HE loves us. All of us...
I will close with this....Pray please pray for all the men, women and children that find themselves on the streets for what ever reason...
Saturday, June 4, 2011
At the end of the day......
At the end of this day of ministry I get to come home to an awesome house, take a great shower, eat a great meal and curl up on my sofa and watch tv and when I am ready crawl into a nice, clean, comfortable bed. I do all of this with no worries that the cities clean up crew is gonna come by and bag it all and haul it away.... or that its going to rain all over everything and I will have to start over.
Last night one of the young people ask me why is it okay for homeless people to hang out on people's property but no okay when someone speeds or breaks another law. I stressed to her that yes her concern of it not being right to allow this to happen was correct, but that each situation has to be judged on a case by case basis. Because even speeders don't always get tickets.
This really came into play today as I learned that at one of the stops the police of that area came through and arrested everyone who was standing around in the empty lot.... Fair no... but the law yes....( they were trying to get out of the heat and into the shade) Yes, now my friends will spend anywhere from 10 to 30 days in jail which is awesome but it cost tax payers more than a sack lunch or the clothes from my closet), therefore, I must ask what is the answer to this horrible situation? A miracle.... we need a miracle... I need to win the lottery so that I can open a day/night/transition shelter that will house these people without judging them but helping them to get their life back on the track that HE has for them... Remember its all HIS plan.
On another note a friend of mine from the streets is in Grady Hospital with terminal cancer. The doctors have said there is no hope for recovery.... We all know that we serve the most powerful doctor of them all Dr. Jesus....... Please pray that HIS will be done.......
Also, I meet a lady today who has not been out on the streets very long . Her name is Carolyn, as we walked up, she was wearing a yellow and black dress and laying on a piece of cardboard. Bob whispered to me he wanted us to pray with her because he had talk to her last week and all week God has placed her on his heart and he wants to see her leave the streets. We talked to her and then we prayed with her and before we left , I told her all she had to do was call the number and they would come for her. After doing this as long as we have you learn who is ready and who is not and it is clear that she is running from something and has no desire to be found. So please join Amber and I in prayer that God reveal himself to her in a way that she will be forever changed and instead of running away she will run into HIS arms and leave it all at the mercy seat.
Lastly, as many of you begin your summer vacations please remember the ministry by saving your shampoos and things they are so graciously included in the price of your room or perhaps you will happen upon a great deal for socks, razors, soap or even washclothes.
P.S. thanks to all who have donated to the ministry and plese continue to lift us all up in prayer as the summer months are upon us and it is HOT.
Last night one of the young people ask me why is it okay for homeless people to hang out on people's property but no okay when someone speeds or breaks another law. I stressed to her that yes her concern of it not being right to allow this to happen was correct, but that each situation has to be judged on a case by case basis. Because even speeders don't always get tickets.
This really came into play today as I learned that at one of the stops the police of that area came through and arrested everyone who was standing around in the empty lot.... Fair no... but the law yes....( they were trying to get out of the heat and into the shade) Yes, now my friends will spend anywhere from 10 to 30 days in jail which is awesome but it cost tax payers more than a sack lunch or the clothes from my closet), therefore, I must ask what is the answer to this horrible situation? A miracle.... we need a miracle... I need to win the lottery so that I can open a day/night/transition shelter that will house these people without judging them but helping them to get their life back on the track that HE has for them... Remember its all HIS plan.
On another note a friend of mine from the streets is in Grady Hospital with terminal cancer. The doctors have said there is no hope for recovery.... We all know that we serve the most powerful doctor of them all Dr. Jesus....... Please pray that HIS will be done.......
Also, I meet a lady today who has not been out on the streets very long . Her name is Carolyn, as we walked up, she was wearing a yellow and black dress and laying on a piece of cardboard. Bob whispered to me he wanted us to pray with her because he had talk to her last week and all week God has placed her on his heart and he wants to see her leave the streets. We talked to her and then we prayed with her and before we left , I told her all she had to do was call the number and they would come for her. After doing this as long as we have you learn who is ready and who is not and it is clear that she is running from something and has no desire to be found. So please join Amber and I in prayer that God reveal himself to her in a way that she will be forever changed and instead of running away she will run into HIS arms and leave it all at the mercy seat.
Lastly, as many of you begin your summer vacations please remember the ministry by saving your shampoos and things they are so graciously included in the price of your room or perhaps you will happen upon a great deal for socks, razors, soap or even washclothes.
P.S. thanks to all who have donated to the ministry and plese continue to lift us all up in prayer as the summer months are upon us and it is HOT.
Homeless 4 a Night
Recently, I took over being a part of the team that leads the teens at our church and we decided that we could host an event entitled Homeless 4 a night. It is my desire as a leader to ensure that this generation of young people step out of the "its about me" mentality and begin to think about others and how the simplest things can change a life forever.
The guidelines were you have to come with your own housing and food we would provide them with nothing..(except the bathroom) .. in the pictures you will see we did offer them the outhouse... :]
The night was filled with questions and concerns for homelessness.... and in the end I think each student has developed more compassion for those who are not as fortunate as them and a better understand for some of the causes of homelessness.
Join us for our next adventure STREET BLITZ... July 15-17th. we will be headed to the safe haven connected with the street ministry we do to spend the weekend with the women and children there and on the streets sharing the love of JESUS... The only requirement to join us is a willingness to be HIS hands and feet. We are all called but few will answer...what will you do?
Click on the link below to take a peek at our night:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1575841535649.64447.1823933951
The guidelines were you have to come with your own housing and food we would provide them with nothing..(except the bathroom) .. in the pictures you will see we did offer them the outhouse... :]
The night was filled with questions and concerns for homelessness.... and in the end I think each student has developed more compassion for those who are not as fortunate as them and a better understand for some of the causes of homelessness.
Join us for our next adventure STREET BLITZ... July 15-17th. we will be headed to the safe haven connected with the street ministry we do to spend the weekend with the women and children there and on the streets sharing the love of JESUS... The only requirement to join us is a willingness to be HIS hands and feet. We are all called but few will answer...what will you do?
Click on the link below to take a peek at our night:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1575841535649.64447.1823933951
Thursday, May 19, 2011
As we were handing out hygiene kits tonight I realized it has been a while since I sent a note to all of you thanking you for all the donations you have given to our ministry. Without the items you give so freely we would not be able to do what we do. Your kindness and generosity overwhelms me at times as does it our friends on the streets. Lots of time they ask where do we get the things we hand out..... I am excited as I tell them from friends and family that they may never meet. I get responses like " wow, that is so nice of them to give to strangers", .... " please, tell them thanks" .... Please know that while you may never go out on the streets with us in person...your presence is there in so many ways....
There is a continued need for men's pants, t-shirts and shoes.
As the summer months are upon us many of you will be taking trips and staying in hotels.... we pray that you will continue to get us the soaps and lotions to go into our hygiene kits.
Please be on the look out for washcloths, socks as those items are always needed...
We are very low on socks...... and we all know that our feet are happiest when they have a clean pair of socks..... which means the feet of someone who walks all day will sing and shout every time they get a clean pair.....
Being Obedient
I love it when GOD asks me to do something that is so out of the box...... More and more the issue of poverty and homelessness is in my every thought..... I pray that God continues to open the door for peoples lives to be changed and they are delivered from the bondage that entangles them in the world of homelessness....
Speaking of prayer GOD has a great since of humor.. a few weeks ago I was on my way to the store and as I was coming up to a bridge that little voice said.... Stop here and pray ... here was under a bridge in Monroe. Being the obedient one I am I said are you kidding, there is no one there, Well lets just say the next 20 minutes or so were awesome. Some me and God time...
That is what he wants us to make time for him....you don't have to be homeless, have finanical, medical or physical problems to go to him.. Don't get me wrong HE wants us to come to him when we have problems HE IS THE PROBLEM SOLVER but he also wants us to just come talk to him whe things are going good.
So I encourage EVERYONE from all walks of life to talk to GOD...
He is listening Psalms 66:19
He really does understand our every need : Hebrews 2:11-14
He cares about EVERY detail of your life Matt. 10:30,31
Speaking of prayer GOD has a great since of humor.. a few weeks ago I was on my way to the store and as I was coming up to a bridge that little voice said.... Stop here and pray ... here was under a bridge in Monroe. Being the obedient one I am I said are you kidding, there is no one there, Well lets just say the next 20 minutes or so were awesome. Some me and God time...
That is what he wants us to make time for him....you don't have to be homeless, have finanical, medical or physical problems to go to him.. Don't get me wrong HE wants us to come to him when we have problems HE IS THE PROBLEM SOLVER but he also wants us to just come talk to him whe things are going good.
So I encourage EVERYONE from all walks of life to talk to GOD...
He is listening Psalms 66:19
He really does understand our every need : Hebrews 2:11-14
He cares about EVERY detail of your life Matt. 10:30,31
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saying Goodbye to another friend
I have always heard that we are suppose to cry at the birth of a child and rejoice at the life celebration of a friend. The first I can do easily.... crying at witnessing the gift of life.... but the latter is the hardest ever... but with each day it is easier..... Praise the Lord we have memories and they are made to be treasured... and treasure these I shall. In less than a month I have lost 2 very close friends......
I meet S.P. about 2 1/2 years ago on a Saturday morning at the K-mart on Cleveland Ave. He was one of the leaders of the ministry we volunteer with each week under the bridges feeding the least of these. and every Saturday I would say what's up he would respond JESUS..... it i awesome to know that he is now UP with Jesus.....
Because there was a time when if you knew S.P. you have wondered if he even believed in JESUS....
Since S.P. lived on the streets himself for many years because he was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Those addictions took away from him the very thing I hold dear to me.... It took him away from his wife and his two young children. We talked many times over the years about his desire to reunite with his children so that he could tell them how sorry he was that he was not strong enough to overcome his addictions and ask them for their forgiveness.
He had been with the ministry for the past 3 years in which he had been off the streets. And through prayer, deliverance and daily bible study he had been delivered of all his addictions and was an instrumental part in leading many to begin a personal relationship with Jesus as well as bringing many people off the streets and into recovery.
Each week we are on the streets feeding hundreds that are haunted by their demons ... it is our prayer that each be healed and restored to their families. If you are reading this and you are being tormented by your own demons.... STOP and give it all to JESUS..... he can heal you in an instant..... Just as he did for me in one step...
I meet S.P. about 2 1/2 years ago on a Saturday morning at the K-mart on Cleveland Ave. He was one of the leaders of the ministry we volunteer with each week under the bridges feeding the least of these. and every Saturday I would say what's up he would respond JESUS..... it i awesome to know that he is now UP with Jesus.....
Because there was a time when if you knew S.P. you have wondered if he even believed in JESUS....
Since S.P. lived on the streets himself for many years because he was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Those addictions took away from him the very thing I hold dear to me.... It took him away from his wife and his two young children. We talked many times over the years about his desire to reunite with his children so that he could tell them how sorry he was that he was not strong enough to overcome his addictions and ask them for their forgiveness.
He had been with the ministry for the past 3 years in which he had been off the streets. And through prayer, deliverance and daily bible study he had been delivered of all his addictions and was an instrumental part in leading many to begin a personal relationship with Jesus as well as bringing many people off the streets and into recovery.
Each week we are on the streets feeding hundreds that are haunted by their demons ... it is our prayer that each be healed and restored to their families. If you are reading this and you are being tormented by your own demons.... STOP and give it all to JESUS..... he can heal you in an instant..... Just as he did for me in one step...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A family in need.......
I just got this message from a friend asking for help for a family......
I would like to ask all my friends and family. We have a family at school that needs all the necessaries of life. If you would like to donate or know of any one who is willing to donate please call me and let me know. She needs, pots & pans, kitchen stuff, couch, beds, table & chairs. I am willing to take anything to help a single mother of 3. The girl is 2 yrs, 4yr old boy, & 8 yr old boy. Bathroom stuff, lamps, hangers anything......
If God lays it on your heart to help ...just messgage me
I would like to ask all my friends and family. We have a family at school that needs all the necessaries of life. If you would like to donate or know of any one who is willing to donate please call me and let me know. She needs, pots & pans, kitchen stuff, couch, beds, table & chairs. I am willing to take anything to help a single mother of 3. The girl is 2 yrs, 4yr old boy, & 8 yr old boy. Bathroom stuff, lamps, hangers anything......
If God lays it on your heart to help ...just messgage me
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Pride
Tonight I was blessed as Amber took me for an early Mother's Day outing. As we were getting our manicures a gentleman walked passed the window and we both looked at one another and knew immediately that he was homeless. Many people often ask us " How is it that we can tell when someone is in need" Well the answer would have to be that God reveals them to us. I began praying for him and when we left we headed to Kroger to get some milk. And guess who we walked passed, we spoke to him and to our amazement he looked shocked that we had.
In our exchange of words he shared that Highway 78 was his home and we ask if he needed a blanket or clean socks. He said no he was good. I may be wrong but all I could see was pride...and being in the ministry that Amber and I are in --- "You gotta know when to walk away". So we did..... Now do not get me wrong I am not being judgemental but it hurts that we and I mean WE all at one time or another allow our PRIDE to get in the way of us being helped.
Many of us are struggling physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. I want to encourage you not to let your pride or shame to get in the way of doors being opened for you to pass through and have your life changed forever.
1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. .......... Find somebody to share the LOVE of JESUS with today.... You never know your words may save a life.....
In our exchange of words he shared that Highway 78 was his home and we ask if he needed a blanket or clean socks. He said no he was good. I may be wrong but all I could see was pride...and being in the ministry that Amber and I are in --- "You gotta know when to walk away". So we did..... Now do not get me wrong I am not being judgemental but it hurts that we and I mean WE all at one time or another allow our PRIDE to get in the way of us being helped.
Many of us are struggling physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. I want to encourage you not to let your pride or shame to get in the way of doors being opened for you to pass through and have your life changed forever.
1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. .......... Find somebody to share the LOVE of JESUS with today.... You never know your words may save a life.....
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Great Ending to a Great Day...
As we journeyed from stop to stop we discover that the wonder D.O.T has come through and is in process of doing a clean-up/clean out time under the bridges... So a lot of what we came upon was people that were even more hurt because the clothes and blankets they had collected are now all gone...... Amber prayed with our friend Peaches.... who not only is not feeling well physically now has nothing other than a backpack and a blanket. As we prayed with her again we shared that she could leave the streets TODAY.... that being out there is not the plan that Jesus has for her life and he is waiting for her to make the decision. Amber and I want to say thanks to all of our friends and family because of your donations we were able to leave her with a pair of shorts, two shirts and and even some Little Caesar's pizza.
Finally, we arrived at our last stop to see our friend Melvin. The love for Jesus I see as I look into his eyes overwhelms me every time. You see its been a few weeks since we saw him because he had been locked up for a week. I may be wrong but I think I speak for not only myself but for Amber and Bob when I say his friendship is a gift from God and we are blessed to call him family. If there is one I would love to bring home with me ..ITS MELVIN.....
We began our visit with him blessing us with a song on his harmonica. In his words...Its row, row, row your boat with a twist...... Then he and Amber did dancing ........ Before leaving Melvin lead us in prayer and we finished it off.... As I prayed for him I prayed that Jesus would take away the feeling of being inadequate he has. So Melvin jumps back in with a prayer and ask God to allow us to share with him the meaning of that word.
As we shared the meaning .....he looks at me and says how do you know that I feel that....in an instant we all said Jesus ...Its all about Jesus.... He knows what we need to hear and he sends those to us that will say it.... before we left Melvin shared how much our visits mean to him and how thankful he is that God sends us to visit him. He said always listen to God because there are those of us who need to feel his love and you all share his love and expect nothing in return..... "Unconditional Love" We get it from Jesus and our team loves to give it away.....
So I encourage each of you to go out and share the love of Jesus with someone.... anyone.... we have a nation full of hurting people who need to know someone loves them JUST BECAUSE....
Finally, we arrived at our last stop to see our friend Melvin. The love for Jesus I see as I look into his eyes overwhelms me every time. You see its been a few weeks since we saw him because he had been locked up for a week. I may be wrong but I think I speak for not only myself but for Amber and Bob when I say his friendship is a gift from God and we are blessed to call him family. If there is one I would love to bring home with me ..ITS MELVIN.....
We began our visit with him blessing us with a song on his harmonica. In his words...Its row, row, row your boat with a twist...... Then he and Amber did dancing ........ Before leaving Melvin lead us in prayer and we finished it off.... As I prayed for him I prayed that Jesus would take away the feeling of being inadequate he has. So Melvin jumps back in with a prayer and ask God to allow us to share with him the meaning of that word.
As we shared the meaning .....he looks at me and says how do you know that I feel that....in an instant we all said Jesus ...Its all about Jesus.... He knows what we need to hear and he sends those to us that will say it.... before we left Melvin shared how much our visits mean to him and how thankful he is that God sends us to visit him. He said always listen to God because there are those of us who need to feel his love and you all share his love and expect nothing in return..... "Unconditional Love" We get it from Jesus and our team loves to give it away.....
So I encourage each of you to go out and share the love of Jesus with someone.... anyone.... we have a nation full of hurting people who need to know someone loves them JUST BECAUSE....
In death comes life.....
Those of you that follow my blog on a regular basis red about the death of a friend a few weeks ago. In the months before Mark's death his relationship with his daughter was growing stronger. So strong that when she had not heard from him in three weeks she frantically tried to find out about where he was and how he was. Sadly when Angel found him he had already passed away.
Through his death she and some of her friends brought life to our friends at Hapeville today in the form of lunch, clothes, shoes, socks. She was excited to see us and to know how much we loved her father. She thanked us many times as we all stressed to her that her father, Jamie, Bill, Roger, Greg are all members of our exteneded family. It still amazes me that some think that homeless people are unloved. We loved him...He was funny and full of the love of Jesus... but wounded and hurt by so many demons that had a hold of him..... Demons he could not let go in his own strength ...yet he struggled with his relationship with Christ as so many of us do. Many expect that when we say yes to JESUS that we will have a life filled with ROSES... NOT..Satan goes into overtime.
Don't let the demons of your past keep you from the plan that God has of your life. You are not in this battle alone. There are many of us on the war front with you standing in the gap with you . So when you feel that your family no longer cares don't give up fall to your knees and HE will be here with his hand held out waiting to hold you up while you are weak...
Through his death she and some of her friends brought life to our friends at Hapeville today in the form of lunch, clothes, shoes, socks. She was excited to see us and to know how much we loved her father. She thanked us many times as we all stressed to her that her father, Jamie, Bill, Roger, Greg are all members of our exteneded family. It still amazes me that some think that homeless people are unloved. We loved him...He was funny and full of the love of Jesus... but wounded and hurt by so many demons that had a hold of him..... Demons he could not let go in his own strength ...yet he struggled with his relationship with Christ as so many of us do. Many expect that when we say yes to JESUS that we will have a life filled with ROSES... NOT..Satan goes into overtime.
Don't let the demons of your past keep you from the plan that God has of your life. You are not in this battle alone. There are many of us on the war front with you standing in the gap with you . So when you feel that your family no longer cares don't give up fall to your knees and HE will be here with his hand held out waiting to hold you up while you are weak...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Why I do what I do......
Tonight on the streets I meet two special ladies. I was upstairs in the womens area talking to a room of about 6 ladies and there was one sitting by the window, wearing my favorite color,green. I turned my head her way and she called me over to talk to her. She said I called you over cause I lover yoiur smile, I was sitting here watching you and I saw your dimple and I said God thats a special lady and I gotta talk to her cause she is sweet she cares.... WOW I thought as she said all this, when she finished I thanked her for her kind words and we continued to talk. I am blessed that her spirit sensed love and not fear like happens so often when people come out with us for the first time. She was called Jac...thats her nickname given her by her family. She and the father of her two youngest have been in Atlanta for about 2 months. They are hoping to leave Peachtree/Pine tomorrow and be in an apartment. Her little boys are precious... She shared several stories about how she wished she had listened to her mom years ago. She told me make sure you keep these young people in school and learn all they can so they do not end up like me. We talked for a while longer and I shared with her that God hears what she is saying and he has alwayes been with her, even though she thought he left. I encouraged her to stay in the word and talk to God , allow him to guide and direct her and the father of the children. That he is the one who will never leave them or let them down.
The second lady sat in the corner staring out the window as we talked, she never made eye contact until Jac and I were done talking and then with a smile she said hi, Her sad face made it hard for me to hold back the tears...She is too young to look to so old, so torn down, so alone. She has a case worker ...working to get her into a place. I shared with her about The Garden and told her to call them if the other doesnt work out. As I left I told her while I would love to see her again but that I will be praying that she find a place to belong soon and not to loose her faith...
Lets just say part of my ride home was spent in reflection, and tears being shed for my new friends as I prayed that God show up and show out in their lives. Its moments like these that remind me how precious the simple things in life are.
The second lady sat in the corner staring out the window as we talked, she never made eye contact until Jac and I were done talking and then with a smile she said hi, Her sad face made it hard for me to hold back the tears...She is too young to look to so old, so torn down, so alone. She has a case worker ...working to get her into a place. I shared with her about The Garden and told her to call them if the other doesnt work out. As I left I told her while I would love to see her again but that I will be praying that she find a place to belong soon and not to loose her faith...
Lets just say part of my ride home was spent in reflection, and tears being shed for my new friends as I prayed that God show up and show out in their lives. Its moments like these that remind me how precious the simple things in life are.
Monday, March 28, 2011
A message from the heart.....
Several weeks ago I got an email from a friend at church asking me if I would be willing to speak at a local church about being in the mission field.... Those of you who know me well know I am passionate about being both a local and a foreign missionary.... and I will talk about it anytime the LORD opens the door.... So I said yes..... Easy to come up with what to say..... to stangers about what you are passionate about not always as easy as one would think..... so off to my prayer closet I go.... God showed me that I was to speak on Local missions ..,,,. because it is so easy for us to put a check in the offering plate to send to a foreign land.... but hard for us to see what is right in front of us... and willingly do something...
I hear from so many that the mission field is not for them ... YET if we are all christians and readers of HIS word then we are all called to the mission field..... some just choose to ignore the call....
Did you know there are over 8,000 verses in the NT on missions.... and 32,000 in the whole bible.... and there are only three parts of the bible that don't deal with missions...... they are the front cover, the back cover and the spine of your bible...
Through the work in missions God allowed me to meet some of the most awesome women tonight who have all answered the call to do what they can both here in the states and abroad to be active in prayer and support of missions. And I thank them for allowing me to share my heart.... and
Even though I am very active in my homeless ministry tonight it became very apparent that I am not immume to the overwhelming feeling of compassion and mercy as I looked beyond the photos I shared to see the hardened hearts, the brokeness in the eyes, the pain and agony in the faces that have aged many years.
You see tonight as I shared about my friends I had to hold back the tears as I saw the pictures ( pictures I look at regularly) of
I hear from so many that the mission field is not for them ... YET if we are all christians and readers of HIS word then we are all called to the mission field..... some just choose to ignore the call....
Did you know there are over 8,000 verses in the NT on missions.... and 32,000 in the whole bible.... and there are only three parts of the bible that don't deal with missions...... they are the front cover, the back cover and the spine of your bible...
Through the work in missions God allowed me to meet some of the most awesome women tonight who have all answered the call to do what they can both here in the states and abroad to be active in prayer and support of missions. And I thank them for allowing me to share my heart.... and
Even though I am very active in my homeless ministry tonight it became very apparent that I am not immume to the overwhelming feeling of compassion and mercy as I looked beyond the photos I shared to see the hardened hearts, the brokeness in the eyes, the pain and agony in the faces that have aged many years.
You see tonight as I shared about my friends I had to hold back the tears as I saw the pictures ( pictures I look at regularly) of
- Roger who has one arm because he got drunk one night and feel under a moving train......
- Ricky who lost everything because he was in a construction accident that left him in a coma for 4 months..... seeing the pain in his eyes from the loss of his wife Patsy on the streets
- Melvin who is mentally challanged
- Lorenzo the Vietnam Veteran homeless in Augusta
- Our friend Bebe who lives at the Garden....awesome warrior of GOD
- Greg who died on the streets a few weeks ago of cancer
- the little boy who now has a bed to call his own.....
PS ...Thanks Amber for helping out.....
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Lend a helping hand if you can......
There is a family that up until recently has been living in a house with a lot of other people.... Praise God they now have a place of their own.... While it may be small...its theirs... Have you ever wander what it would be like to have a bed to call your own.... I did ..growing up. This family has 2 twin mattresses they put together to give everyone a spot to sleep..Not everyone fits... One sleeps one a blanket on the floor.... a spot to call his own..he feels blessed but if you have a mattress... whether its air or real that you would be willing to donate that would be greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
MUST READ......
In the state of Georgia there are 25,000 homeless children under 6 years old.
enrolled in K-8 26,000 and 9-12 8,000 for a grand total of 59,000...
- 1 of every 20 children do not know where their next meal will come from....
- georgia has approximately 1300 temporary shelters/ family housing/ transitional homes to help out these homeless people.
- Georgia ranks 49 out of 50 as being eqipped to help homeless children.... that is 1 being the best ranked.....
- I DO NOT LIKE THESE STATISTICS....
Monday, March 21, 2011
This could be any of us.....
I used to be a stay at home mom with a four bedroom house, two cars in the garage, a boat parked on the lake, three children and a wonderful husband. I was the vice-president of the Garden Club, PTO chairman, volunteered at the local library, was both room and team mom for my son and daughter. I was the leader of our local neighborhood association, our home had a revolving door when it came to the children and we hosted many community parties. I thought I had it all until........ the day the doorbell rang. As I opened it there stood a police officer ready to inform me that my husband and children were killed in an automobile accident. That was the day my downward spiral began........
In the next few days my house was filled with our friends and family , holding me up as my world fell apart. After that in the weeks and months that followed, I discovered that things were not as they had appeared.. Slowly the house, the cars, the boats, the positions I held, the friends and the family disappeared. I was left with nothing, with no where to call home. I had heard about homeless people but never dreamed that I would be one. As I wondered the streets asking often begging for help people turned me away and on the streets those who were once my friends would now cross the street to avoid me. Terrible things happened to me night after night , many of which landed me in the hospital. Its those time when I was actually glad because I got to sleep in a warm bed and have a few hot meals. Over time I became detached, depressed and felt as though I was not worthy to live this life I had. I was no more than a dangerous animal on the prowl.
The times in which I was able to sleep I wondered why did this happen, how did this happen, was this the end of my life as I knew it and then one day a hand reached down and picked me up, held me close and whispered these words to me "I will never leave you" Commit those 5 words to memory for they are words that can save you... if you remember no matter what you are going through, no matter how dark the tunnel may seem there is a light at the end... his name is JESUS
NOTE: This story is fictitious but is filled with many real events that lend truth to the title "THIS COULD BE ANY OF US" It is my prayer that you realize how blessed you are in that God chose to give you life and what he gives life to he equips them with everything to live that life.
In the next few days my house was filled with our friends and family , holding me up as my world fell apart. After that in the weeks and months that followed, I discovered that things were not as they had appeared.. Slowly the house, the cars, the boats, the positions I held, the friends and the family disappeared. I was left with nothing, with no where to call home. I had heard about homeless people but never dreamed that I would be one. As I wondered the streets asking often begging for help people turned me away and on the streets those who were once my friends would now cross the street to avoid me. Terrible things happened to me night after night , many of which landed me in the hospital. Its those time when I was actually glad because I got to sleep in a warm bed and have a few hot meals. Over time I became detached, depressed and felt as though I was not worthy to live this life I had. I was no more than a dangerous animal on the prowl.
The times in which I was able to sleep I wondered why did this happen, how did this happen, was this the end of my life as I knew it and then one day a hand reached down and picked me up, held me close and whispered these words to me "I will never leave you" Commit those 5 words to memory for they are words that can save you... if you remember no matter what you are going through, no matter how dark the tunnel may seem there is a light at the end... his name is JESUS
NOTE: This story is fictitious but is filled with many real events that lend truth to the title "THIS COULD BE ANY OF US" It is my prayer that you realize how blessed you are in that God chose to give you life and what he gives life to he equips them with everything to live that life.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The death of a street friend.....
Today, I decided to spend the day with my family...we don't get many of these. Jeremiah is about to graduate and Morgan is growing so fast. Jeremiah, Morgan and myself were at the park when I got a call from a friend on the ministry team. He said I wanted to let you know that MG died this past week. MG has been battling cancer for a while and I guess it was time for him to leave his earthly body behind. Over the past three years that I have known MG, we shared many conversations so I know he knows who Jesus is but I am not sure HE KNEW JESUS... I mean really knew him....
While Satan would like me to begin questioning why .... why did MG live on the streets, why couldn't we get him to leave the streets and better yet why did he have to die.....
But its not for us to ask why..... God breathed life into MG just like he does millions of others..... as for living on the streets that was his choice and he knew it..he knew the consequences.... and as for us not being able to convince him to leave the streets....simply because he didn't have the desire to change the choices he made..... As for dying..we will all stand before JESUS one day.
We lost a friend and he will forever be in our hearts..... but our work is not down and we must move forward in what God has called to take HIS word to all that will listen....
While Satan would like me to begin questioning why .... why did MG live on the streets, why couldn't we get him to leave the streets and better yet why did he have to die.....
But its not for us to ask why..... God breathed life into MG just like he does millions of others..... as for living on the streets that was his choice and he knew it..he knew the consequences.... and as for us not being able to convince him to leave the streets....simply because he didn't have the desire to change the choices he made..... As for dying..we will all stand before JESUS one day.
We lost a friend and he will forever be in our hearts..... but our work is not down and we must move forward in what God has called to take HIS word to all that will listen....
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Dream Big.....
Last summer the vision of the mission trip to Peru was DREAM BIG.... we wanted the people of Peru to look beyond their situations and reach for the DREAM and visions they have.... We all know that when you speak the word of God and share what is on your heart for others ...its generally on your heart for yourself..... and DREAMING BIG is always on my heart....I want my dreams and vision to be so much bigger than what my human hands can contain....and you know me they are.... My dream is to continue to impact the lives of the children I work with,....... the friends of mine on the street.... the people of my community ..... my friends and family.... heck every stranger I meet..... I want God to continue to mold me and make me what he wants..... I know that some things I will lose along the way.......but I NEVER want to lose FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY.....
Monday, March 14, 2011
Purpose.....
Romans 8:28 We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his Purpose for them....
Does this mean that everything that happens will be good? NO! There is evil in the world ....but GOD is able to turn it around for our long ranged good.... So trust in God not in life's treasures,,,, Look for your security in Heaven and not earth....
Ps 32:8 The Lord's says "I will guide you along the best pathway fro your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
I encourage you to take this scripture and keep it close as I am here to say that I been taught this at a very young age I would not have made all the mistakes I did by not following Christ. Listen to the wisdom of those in spiritual authority over you as they are a part of training you HIS way and for HIS glory....
Ps 16:11
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.
I encourage you not to look to the world for your purpose. My prayer is that you learn to listen first and speak second. Believe me when I say it takes great effort to hold the tongue until the ears are fully engaged.
Again, I must say that had I learned to hold my tongue instead of saying "but God" or "okay, I will do it but first" I would not have made the mistakes in my life that I did. There are no "buts" when talking to God. Without the "buts" there will be less that you need to ask for forgiveness later.
God wants everyone to know HE has a plan for your life and the time to start believing that and living that is NOW! You may be asking yourself "How do I find that purpose", or "How will I know the purpose." The way you will know is by trusting GOD.
2Cor.5:7 that is why we live by believing and not by seeing.
Someone once said you will trust God only as much as you love him and you will love him not because you have studied him you will love him because you have touched him in response to his touch.
It is very simple, depend on him for everything. As you live you will have both HIGH days and LOW days, lean on him ...he is always there.
Never be to busy to acknowledge his greatness with words from your heart....remember the more you talk to him the more he will listen....
Does this mean that everything that happens will be good? NO! There is evil in the world ....but GOD is able to turn it around for our long ranged good.... So trust in God not in life's treasures,,,, Look for your security in Heaven and not earth....
Ps 32:8 The Lord's says "I will guide you along the best pathway fro your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
I encourage you to take this scripture and keep it close as I am here to say that I been taught this at a very young age I would not have made all the mistakes I did by not following Christ. Listen to the wisdom of those in spiritual authority over you as they are a part of training you HIS way and for HIS glory....
Ps 16:11
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.
I encourage you not to look to the world for your purpose. My prayer is that you learn to listen first and speak second. Believe me when I say it takes great effort to hold the tongue until the ears are fully engaged.
Again, I must say that had I learned to hold my tongue instead of saying "but God" or "okay, I will do it but first" I would not have made the mistakes in my life that I did. There are no "buts" when talking to God. Without the "buts" there will be less that you need to ask for forgiveness later.
God wants everyone to know HE has a plan for your life and the time to start believing that and living that is NOW! You may be asking yourself "How do I find that purpose", or "How will I know the purpose." The way you will know is by trusting GOD.
2Cor.5:7 that is why we live by believing and not by seeing.
Someone once said you will trust God only as much as you love him and you will love him not because you have studied him you will love him because you have touched him in response to his touch.
It is very simple, depend on him for everything. As you live you will have both HIGH days and LOW days, lean on him ...he is always there.
Never be to busy to acknowledge his greatness with words from your heart....remember the more you talk to him the more he will listen....
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Taking it to the next level....
Every time I go on the streets to minister I am blown away by the number of my street friends who are so sold out to GOD..... We had such a large turn out and a great blessing of lunches that the ministry was able to run three routes... Along with the two we always run they added Peachtree/Pine and two other stops. Needless to say my heart was torn as to which route to go on. You see on Thursday we go to Peachtree/Pine and have made some great friends there. The Lord lead us to go on the bridge route because for the first time I was able to take my other son Julio who is here for the weekend. It was such a blessing to have him there with us. He was so full of questions and couriousity. There was even one of his friends that he used to go to school with there with his Dad.
God is so good...meet several new friends and saw some that we had not seen in a few weeks because their home areas had been destroyed because they were considered an hinderance to the selling of an abandoned building. Another friend, Roger is not looking so good these days. He is drinking heavily and is caught up in some unforgiveness due to some things that happened between him and another friend. Please continue to life him up in prayers.
Meet Patrice as we were waiting under 75/20 interchange. As she walked by I ask her if she would like a lunch and she was so glad to hear those words. She was very hungry not only in the natural but spiritually. She is what we would call a transit, which means she is passing through to somewhere. There is a mini fair in town and she had hoped to get on there and leave town. As we were leaving I ask her if we could pray with her...at first she refused and we talked some more and then her respnse to me was do you think I need it ( Pray) with a smile I said that is between you and God , I would love to pray with you but will not force you. With excitment she said okay lets pray. Finally I shared with her she did not have to be on the streets, that 7 Bridges could take her off today...as we left we handed her a brochure and told her to call anytime.
Down the way we saw Will another friend whom I have been trying for sometime to let us pray for him. He says that prayer stuff is not for me. I tell him each week that even though he will not pray with me I always pray for him. he talked and smiled more today than most days. As we left him again I said one day soon you are going to pray with me, he smiled and said thanks for everything.
Melvin was so excited to see us. He was even more excited it was just us and not a group. He doesnt like crowds. He was going to play for us today since we had Julio and when he realized he didn't have his harmonica he said," I guess he just wants us to pray" Bob prayed first and then Melvin blessed us with a prayer. As he prayed tears welled up in my eyes as he said thank you God for sending my family to see me today. I really needed to see them. As he continued to pray his prayer was that we would take it to the next level. WOW!!!! that is exactly what we have been praying about taking things to the next level ...not becoming complacent in our walk......
We ended our day back in Monroe as we hung out with our friends from Light House at a local houseing area and played with the kids... More to come on that . We are so excited about doors that are being opened..... All in HIS time and HIS way......
God is so good...meet several new friends and saw some that we had not seen in a few weeks because their home areas had been destroyed because they were considered an hinderance to the selling of an abandoned building. Another friend, Roger is not looking so good these days. He is drinking heavily and is caught up in some unforgiveness due to some things that happened between him and another friend. Please continue to life him up in prayers.
Meet Patrice as we were waiting under 75/20 interchange. As she walked by I ask her if she would like a lunch and she was so glad to hear those words. She was very hungry not only in the natural but spiritually. She is what we would call a transit, which means she is passing through to somewhere. There is a mini fair in town and she had hoped to get on there and leave town. As we were leaving I ask her if we could pray with her...at first she refused and we talked some more and then her respnse to me was do you think I need it ( Pray) with a smile I said that is between you and God , I would love to pray with you but will not force you. With excitment she said okay lets pray. Finally I shared with her she did not have to be on the streets, that 7 Bridges could take her off today...as we left we handed her a brochure and told her to call anytime.
Down the way we saw Will another friend whom I have been trying for sometime to let us pray for him. He says that prayer stuff is not for me. I tell him each week that even though he will not pray with me I always pray for him. he talked and smiled more today than most days. As we left him again I said one day soon you are going to pray with me, he smiled and said thanks for everything.
Melvin was so excited to see us. He was even more excited it was just us and not a group. He doesnt like crowds. He was going to play for us today since we had Julio and when he realized he didn't have his harmonica he said," I guess he just wants us to pray" Bob prayed first and then Melvin blessed us with a prayer. As he prayed tears welled up in my eyes as he said thank you God for sending my family to see me today. I really needed to see them. As he continued to pray his prayer was that we would take it to the next level. WOW!!!! that is exactly what we have been praying about taking things to the next level ...not becoming complacent in our walk......
We ended our day back in Monroe as we hung out with our friends from Light House at a local houseing area and played with the kids... More to come on that . We are so excited about doors that are being opened..... All in HIS time and HIS way......
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
God of This City
As I walk the halls of my school watching the faces of the children eager to learn and be accepted by their peers and most importantly by their teachers. More often than not they come to us with so much bagagge and what do we do we add to their heavy load. Compassion is the word that comes to my mind. We need to have compassion while broading their learning. It is up to us to build up not tear down...
I was honored this past week to attend a workshop entitled The Other Side of Poverty. What is the other side of poverty. Is it the child growing up in the middle of it looking at what everyone on the other side has or is it those of us who have looking at those who have less and wishing they would disappear or as I have heard many say " get off their lazy bottom and do something. When God gave us a tongue I believe it was to build up and not tear down " our tongue is as sharp as a two edged sword and we need to stop and let the brain catch up before. I personally know what it is to be on both sides of that fence. .......
..............You see I grew up in poverty, I was what many of you referred to as " trailor trash" a word that I have never understood. Not only was most of my life spent in a trailor, which moved about every six months, I didn't even have a bedroom until I was seventeen. Our trailor was two bedroom and I have two brothers. As an adult I worked with many people referred to as impoverished, lower class, some so low they are homeless others so close to it they don't know where their next meal will come from . In my ministry, God has allowed there to be many relationships formed and in those moments I see more of JESUS than I do in most Christians. We become complacent, believe you me I am not pointing fingers at no one.. ... I never want the fire that started in me many years ago to go out....yet the world has a tendacy to cause it to grow dim....unfortunately I find myself being distracted and you know its okay because its only for a moment.
There is so much change in the wind its like a tornado..... A part of me wants to hit the let me off button... but instead I am going to find Compassion and make a positive impact on those who path I cross. A kind word, a gentle smile, a soft touch all three can save a life......
I was honored this past week to attend a workshop entitled The Other Side of Poverty. What is the other side of poverty. Is it the child growing up in the middle of it looking at what everyone on the other side has or is it those of us who have looking at those who have less and wishing they would disappear or as I have heard many say " get off their lazy bottom and do something. When God gave us a tongue I believe it was to build up and not tear down " our tongue is as sharp as a two edged sword and we need to stop and let the brain catch up before. I personally know what it is to be on both sides of that fence. .......
..............You see I grew up in poverty, I was what many of you referred to as " trailor trash" a word that I have never understood. Not only was most of my life spent in a trailor, which moved about every six months, I didn't even have a bedroom until I was seventeen. Our trailor was two bedroom and I have two brothers. As an adult I worked with many people referred to as impoverished, lower class, some so low they are homeless others so close to it they don't know where their next meal will come from . In my ministry, God has allowed there to be many relationships formed and in those moments I see more of JESUS than I do in most Christians. We become complacent, believe you me I am not pointing fingers at no one.. ... I never want the fire that started in me many years ago to go out....yet the world has a tendacy to cause it to grow dim....unfortunately I find myself being distracted and you know its okay because its only for a moment.
There is so much change in the wind its like a tornado..... A part of me wants to hit the let me off button... but instead I am going to find Compassion and make a positive impact on those who path I cross. A kind word, a gentle smile, a soft touch all three can save a life......
Monday, February 28, 2011
a post from Oct. 2009
Just felt the need to repost this...Maybe there is someone out there hurting .......
There is a saying I use often BEEN THERE DONE THAT OWN THE T-SHIRT... However the one thing I have not done is live on the streets... This past Saturday at our last stop there was a young lady --she looked to be about 25 years old.. her name was Lolita... We shared food with, hugs, prayers and the opportunity to leave the streets. Her response was she knew what she needed but she just couldn't. She didn't feel that she was in charge of her life. Several of the team spoke words to her in love and truth--still she responded when I get this way I am not in control.. I can't even talk straight.... I backed off because in an instant I knew that even though I never lived on the streets I was looking in a mirror of myself when I was her age.. you see beginning at the age of 14 my mom would take me drinking with her- she used to get me drunk and use me to get the men she wanted=so she could get the drugs she desired=- believe you me it doesnt take a 14 year old long to become dependant on alcohol.. There were days that I could not and cannot to this day even remember--I am sure at this point thatthe Lord was protecting me... And for many years to follow I allowed myself to be controlled by the alcohol. I thought it could protect me from the big bad world.... I used it to drowned my hurts and rejections... As an alcoholoc I knew how to keep people from knowing the real me because ...to me if I took down my wall then they would see me hurting... I could not allow that to happen..
I say all this to say.. Lolita doesn't see that there are so many people that love her and want to help her overcome her addiction-- Please continue to pray for her --that she allow the ultimate healer to take it all away--- and she won't even need a 12 step program....
I say all this to say.. Lolita doesn't see that there are so many people that love her and want to help her overcome her addiction-- Please continue to pray for her --that she allow the ultimate healer to take it all away--- and she won't even need a 12 step program....
No matter what your hurts are...or what you are facing..... take it the ultimate healer...... he can wipe it all away and restore what you think can never be anymore.....
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Jesus Adventure 2011.........
I’m not the first person people think of when it comes to feeding the hungry/helping the poor/working on a farm. Okay maybe I would be on the top of that list. And even though every aspect of life including School/work is really intense right now and this is not a good time to go on a mission trip. But I’m not sure if there is ever a “good time” to go on a mission trip. And I could probably come up with a list of reasons why I shouldn’t go, but I keep coming back to the one reason I should – God loves people.
I’ve been trying to live that in the life I currently have. I mean it’s easy to pray for far off places and far off people, but loving who you live and work with is a challenge. I’ve been trying to see my life as a mission field, not just this trip. And it’s been cool to see the way God has used this new approach to everything from the way I tip at restaurants to the way I treat people in traffic. But now, it’s time to take the things I’ve learned to a region of the world I believe God has made my second home..
I’m going toPeru
To be honest with you, I just don’t have $$$$$, laying about the house. So, instead of selling my kidney, I decided to send this letter to people I know love helping others when they can so I am asking each of you to consider donating $5.00 as financial support for me on this mission trip. A little, a lot, any would be great but if every friend I have on Facebook donated $5.00 I would have over $2000.00. Do you know how many pairs of socks and school supplies that will buy inPeru
The one thing that is free that you can help me with is prayer. Those of you who have gone on these trips or been involved in any type of ministry know that PRAYER is vital.. If you could pray about the trip, that would be great. As much as God loves mission trips, other people don’t. There will be a whole host of obstacles that pop up and entangle themselves around our minds and our bodies as we prepare to go love the people ofPeru
Thanks for reading this rambling letter and make checks payable to:
I’ve been trying to live that in the life I currently have. I mean it’s easy to pray for far off places and far off people, but loving who you live and work with is a challenge. I’ve been trying to see my life as a mission field, not just this trip. And it’s been cool to see the way God has used this new approach to everything from the way I tip at restaurants to the way I treat people in traffic. But now, it’s time to take the things I’ve learned to a region of the world I believe God has made my second home..
I’m going to
To be honest with you, I just don’t have $$$$$, laying about the house. So, instead of selling my kidney, I decided to send this letter to people I know love helping others when they can so I am asking each of you to consider donating $5.00 as financial support for me on this mission trip. A little, a lot, any would be great but if every friend I have on Facebook donated $5.00 I would have over $2000.00. Do you know how many pairs of socks and school supplies that will buy in
The one thing that is free that you can help me with is prayer. Those of you who have gone on these trips or been involved in any type of ministry know that PRAYER is vital.. If you could pray about the trip, that would be great. As much as God loves mission trips, other people don’t. There will be a whole host of obstacles that pop up and entangle themselves around our minds and our bodies as we prepare to go love the people of
Thanks for reading this rambling letter and make checks payable to:
The Praise Center
All donations are tax deductible
Be Blessed,
Be Blessed,
Jean
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Unconditional Love on the Streets....
We all know that this past Monday was Valentine's Day. A day filled with love .... and for us teachers many, many ....way too many gifts of Chocolate Hearts. I sent and email to all my co-workers stating that if anyone had any extra candy that they could not use I would be happy to take it to my friends on the street who otherwise would not be eating any chocolate's.
I was overwhelmed as always by everyones generosity and kinds words of encouragement for what I do. Funny thing is no matter what was said or not said I would be doing what God has called me to do...Love the Otherwise Forgotten People ........
It hurts me so much to look into a face and see the pain of hunger like we did tonight as we were leaving when a young lady came up to us and ask if we had any food," we told her we had some more chocolate and she said, " I will take anything."
I was overwhelmed as always by everyones generosity and kinds words of encouragement for what I do. Funny thing is no matter what was said or not said I would be doing what God has called me to do...Love the Otherwise Forgotten People ........
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After a stop at Value Village to buy a size 11 shoe for a friend on the street we were off...didn;t get far...the interstate was shut down in both directions due to 5 brush fires....so with Rita Garmin in hand Amber found us side roads to get around all the traffic and we arrived at Peachtree armed with blankets, clothes and hygiene kits and lots and lots of chocolate HEARTS.... As we handed out the clothes one of the guys says in a kind voice," you would not happen to have any Valentine candy would you...its been a while since I have a candy heart" our response was Yes we do and we began to hand it out.... and we save the valentine candy flowers to take up to the women who are blessed to be inside for the night. Prasie God tonight all the children were gone and there were only about 7 women there. So we began to hand out the flower roses and they were amazed they were chocolate..... Pam here is the picture I promised...maybe next time we can get more...
Nannette was very pleased to recieve a rose as you can see she even posed with it. Simple things we take for granite made the night for some special women. As I continued to pass out hygiene kits one lady in the corner just sat and smiled at her flower as she twirled it in her hand
John 15:12
"This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you."
"This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you."
Love is just what we were able to spread tonight because of the love and generosity that each of you have given by donating clothes to our ministry.
In closing,please be in prayer for a lady the intake person has been trying to find her a place to go...he said," it amazes me that some places will not take you if you are NOT on drugs or an alcoholic".....ummmm what is wrong with that picture. Her only vice is that her Aunts boyfriend threw her out of the house. I gave him the number to The Garden and said call them they may have room for her....
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Giving Hearts of Children
Tonight as we ended the youth service a friend, the grandfather of a pre-teen came in to say they needed to see us in the hall because the girls had something they wanted to give us. You see this group of young girls between the ages of 6-10 have been selling pictures to raise money for our bridge ministry. While they had set a goal of $50.00 they actually made $55.00. That may not seem like a lot to some of you but to me that is like handing me a million dollars.
As I held back the tears of joy to thank them. I thought about how there are so many people out there that just don't care and then there is this group of young ladies who worked very hard to raise money in hopes of making a difference is someone's life. We should all follow in their footsteps. I shared with them about some of the children their age that we have met and how much what they have done will mean for them. We also let them know how much we appreciate what they had done and that we wanted them to continue to make a difference in the world. To the parents of the young ladies, thank you for raising such awesome, caring and giving young ladies.
As I held back the tears of joy to thank them. I thought about how there are so many people out there that just don't care and then there is this group of young ladies who worked very hard to raise money in hopes of making a difference is someone's life. We should all follow in their footsteps. I shared with them about some of the children their age that we have met and how much what they have done will mean for them. We also let them know how much we appreciate what they had done and that we wanted them to continue to make a difference in the world. To the parents of the young ladies, thank you for raising such awesome, caring and giving young ladies.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Never Hide Your Light
Tonight we joined together to celebrate the life of a fellow co-worker. It was an awesome celebration and I just want to say you don't find too many Spirit- Filled Methodist churches. We serve an awesome God. The strange thing was that even though I had known her for three years and really got to know her this year. I discovered tonight that I didn't know her at all. And because I do not wish to hurt anyones feelings all I want to say is NEVER LET YOUR LIGHT THE LIGHT OF JESUS CHRIST grow DIM let it SHINE. At home, on the streets, in the workplace, everywhere you go because you never know who is watching or whose life you may change or have a positive impact on. Just because the government has taken God out of the classroom doesn't mean they take it out of you.
I shared this a few years back in Peru.... and it holds true today and everday.....
Our Father -
--He wants us to call him daddy
--He wants us to know we can talk to him about anything
Who Is In Heaven
--While we cannot see him with our eyes he wants us to know he is always there
--He desires to live inside each of us
Hallowed Be Your Name
-- He desires for us to make a special place in our life for him
--He wants us to know how special each of us are
Your Kingdom Come
-- When we love one another-- he is there because HE IS LOVE
Your Will Be Done On Earth as It is In Heaven
-- He wants what is best for us
--He desires for us to chose to follow the path he has chosen for us
..........to realize that we cannot go this journey without him
Give Us This Daily Bread
--He wants you to know he walks with you daily
-- He will help you find joy in living
-- His bread will nourish your heart
Forgive Us Our Sins As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against US
--God knows it is not easy for us to forgive
--He wants us to know he is waiting to forgive us and to give us strength--HIS STRENGTH to forgive others.
And Lead US Not Into Temptation
--He is here with you and me
--He is always here with you and me
--We must trust in Him and not be afraid
--He will never lead us in the wrong direction
But Deliver Us from Evil
--He desires to deliver you from the bondage that has control of your life--- All you have to do is ASK
--He is waiting--wanting to turn your frown into a SMILE....
With all that why would you let you LIGHT grow DIM....
I shared this a few years back in Peru.... and it holds true today and everday.....
Our Father -
--He wants us to call him daddy
--He wants us to know we can talk to him about anything
Who Is In Heaven
--While we cannot see him with our eyes he wants us to know he is always there
--He desires to live inside each of us
Hallowed Be Your Name
-- He desires for us to make a special place in our life for him
--He wants us to know how special each of us are
Your Kingdom Come
-- When we love one another-- he is there because HE IS LOVE
Your Will Be Done On Earth as It is In Heaven
-- He wants what is best for us
--He desires for us to chose to follow the path he has chosen for us
..........to realize that we cannot go this journey without him
Give Us This Daily Bread
--He wants you to know he walks with you daily
-- He will help you find joy in living
-- His bread will nourish your heart
Forgive Us Our Sins As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against US
--God knows it is not easy for us to forgive
--He wants us to know he is waiting to forgive us and to give us strength--HIS STRENGTH to forgive others.
And Lead US Not Into Temptation
--He is here with you and me
--He is always here with you and me
--We must trust in Him and not be afraid
--He will never lead us in the wrong direction
But Deliver Us from Evil
--He desires to deliver you from the bondage that has control of your life--- All you have to do is ASK
--He is waiting--wanting to turn your frown into a SMILE....
With all that why would you let you LIGHT grow DIM....
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Can you love as HE does?
9-10"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.
11-15"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
More often than not we find ourselves unable to find the strength to love others much less those closest to us. He put HIS life on the line for us and in return he wants us to do one simple thing that is to love each other like he does. These days we may all be having financial woes but the one thing we can do to ease that pain is to SHARE LOVE.
11-15"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
More often than not we find ourselves unable to find the strength to love others much less those closest to us. He put HIS life on the line for us and in return he wants us to do one simple thing that is to love each other like he does. These days we may all be having financial woes but the one thing we can do to ease that pain is to SHARE LOVE.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Make Your Desire More of HIM and less STUFF.......
Those who truly know me know that my continued prayer is that I will never become “ok” with seeing people sleep outside with nothing but even more I pray that more hearts open to see that there is more to life than "material objects."
A few weeks ago we began a Daniel Fast and I prayed that God would open and close doors in my life as he deemed necessary. WOW...since that my life has been phenomenal ..... things being revealed and changes taken place..... some good and some make me not so happy... but as I say quite often we serve and awesome GOD and he is in control and things happen in his time and not ours. There will be more about this to come........
I have so missed being on the street this past Saturday and will actually miss every Sat. in the month of Feb . Many of you know my son Jeremiah is a Senior in high school and this is the end of his wrestling season and they have tournaments every weekend ... they are trying to be Georgia's 4a High School Champions again...I guess 1 ring wasnt enough.... We are having a blast cheering him on. Tomorrow will be the last time in his career that he wrestles at his school..... Its moments like this I treasure.
Tonight on the streets ...each time I go out I become more and more gratful for what I have and am able to do. It is so tough sometimes listening to theor stories. I meet Kennedy Upshaw tonight who ask that I pray for him and he wanted to talk to me another time to tell me his story when he wasn't messed up. He kept saying maybe I will make it another night. I told him we would pray that he made it many more nights and that he will be able to leave the streets.
We were able to hand out more blankets tonight --probably 30 or so more that my friend Robert donated... they were old moving blankets....and boy were they excited to get them.. I had such a busy day that I couldn't make hygiene kits so as I threw things in the car... among the stuff I grabbed was deodrant ( all we had was some for ladies) ..comments from the men as I said all I had was ladies..." does it work" -- " will you let me have it anyway"--- " I don't care I just need some." We all wish we had children that humble.
We went up to visit the ladies again .... While I talked with several of them Amber made a new friend named Briana who looked to be about 3.... she was so precious...as I handed out the soap, shampoo and stuff...she saw a pink bar of soap and ask if she could have it.... then she shared with us how to use it.
I will not bore you any longer but would like to say thanks for all your continued support through prayer, donations, and service.... We couldn't do what we do without you.
Have a blessed weekend........
Continued needs:
Hygiene items
mens jeans
blankets
large and x-large coats
mens shoes size 11
prayer
and whatever else the Lord would have you donate.......
A few weeks ago we began a Daniel Fast and I prayed that God would open and close doors in my life as he deemed necessary. WOW...since that my life has been phenomenal ..... things being revealed and changes taken place..... some good and some make me not so happy... but as I say quite often we serve and awesome GOD and he is in control and things happen in his time and not ours. There will be more about this to come........
I have so missed being on the street this past Saturday and will actually miss every Sat. in the month of Feb . Many of you know my son Jeremiah is a Senior in high school and this is the end of his wrestling season and they have tournaments every weekend ... they are trying to be Georgia's 4a High School Champions again...I guess 1 ring wasnt enough.... We are having a blast cheering him on. Tomorrow will be the last time in his career that he wrestles at his school..... Its moments like this I treasure.
Tonight on the streets ...each time I go out I become more and more gratful for what I have and am able to do. It is so tough sometimes listening to theor stories. I meet Kennedy Upshaw tonight who ask that I pray for him and he wanted to talk to me another time to tell me his story when he wasn't messed up. He kept saying maybe I will make it another night. I told him we would pray that he made it many more nights and that he will be able to leave the streets.
We were able to hand out more blankets tonight --probably 30 or so more that my friend Robert donated... they were old moving blankets....and boy were they excited to get them.. I had such a busy day that I couldn't make hygiene kits so as I threw things in the car... among the stuff I grabbed was deodrant ( all we had was some for ladies) ..comments from the men as I said all I had was ladies..." does it work" -- " will you let me have it anyway"--- " I don't care I just need some." We all wish we had children that humble.
We went up to visit the ladies again .... While I talked with several of them Amber made a new friend named Briana who looked to be about 3.... she was so precious...as I handed out the soap, shampoo and stuff...she saw a pink bar of soap and ask if she could have it.... then she shared with us how to use it.
I will not bore you any longer but would like to say thanks for all your continued support through prayer, donations, and service.... We couldn't do what we do without you.
Have a blessed weekend........
Continued needs:
Hygiene items
mens jeans
blankets
large and x-large coats
mens shoes size 11
prayer
and whatever else the Lord would have you donate.......
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wintery Night
Awesome night on the streets....So humbling....handed out lots of blankets hygiene kits with dry socks and sweaters ...There is a great need for clothing for the men..ie.. jeans sizes 34,36,38,40 and up.... ,hoodie sweatshirts.
Right before we left a friend ask for a pair of socks, I thought I had another kit and no surprise we had given them all away. I said to him I am so sorry all I have is a pair of pink fuzzy socks...his reply brought tears to my eyes ..he said," are they dry" I said, "yes" he said," then I will take them, no one will see them and my feet will be dry." Then he shared with us how he has a job he will start and in his words...its the highest paying job I have ever had....God is good.
Amber and I went up to visit with the women and meet a lady with 4 children who has found herself in the middle of a transition period aka a divorce... I gave her a number to call to get herself and children into a better place. Please pray she makes the call.... because while she is in out of the weather...all the women have is a few chairs they can put together to form a bed. Makes us appreciate what we have even more.
Finally, we would like to thank all of you for your prayers for our safety and for all the donations that you have made over the past few years. Without your love and support we would not be able to do what we do. Have a blessed weekend.
Right before we left a friend ask for a pair of socks, I thought I had another kit and no surprise we had given them all away. I said to him I am so sorry all I have is a pair of pink fuzzy socks...his reply brought tears to my eyes ..he said," are they dry" I said, "yes" he said," then I will take them, no one will see them and my feet will be dry." Then he shared with us how he has a job he will start and in his words...its the highest paying job I have ever had....God is good.
Amber and I went up to visit with the women and meet a lady with 4 children who has found herself in the middle of a transition period aka a divorce... I gave her a number to call to get herself and children into a better place. Please pray she makes the call.... because while she is in out of the weather...all the women have is a few chairs they can put together to form a bed. Makes us appreciate what we have even more.
Finally, we would like to thank all of you for your prayers for our safety and for all the donations that you have made over the past few years. Without your love and support we would not be able to do what we do. Have a blessed weekend.
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