Is everybody as confused on what day it is as I am or is that just part of growing old? I was getting ready this morning to join Mr Scott and our visits and realized it is only Friday, oops. Of course those of you who have been up before dawn and shopping, you all know what day it is. Hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
We had another great week around the center. Saturday morning, we gathered for our monthly breakfast feast. Momma T, Sinotra, James all helped preparing our pancakes, bacon and delicious coffee. We had a big crowd of folks join us, some from the neighborhood, some from across the street and some from Longview. Yes, Gus joined us. He brought with him a full page article from the Longview newspaper about his time spent with us last summer and his adventures under the bridge. It was a great article about Gus and his dreams for the Longview area.
Following our breakfast, we joined Mr Scott and made our visits to our outdoor friends. Our first stop is to see Robert and Turner. Sometimes we have to go into Robert's camp to wake him up, other times Robert is waiting for us with his coffee cup in hand. Some of us gather some supplies and walk down the tracks, across of very scary bridge for some of us and then into the woods to see Turner. We have known Turner for several years now, at first he would never come out to meet us. A few months passed and he would walk to the van when we parked by Robert's camp, but he has never come all the way to the van, now that we can not park by the camp. This morning, we walked back to his camp and he told Momma T and Mr Scott, I will come out to the van. So a few minutes later as we get back to the van, here comes Turner riding his bicycle out to meet us! Amazing.
I had taken my truck and followed Mr Scott in the van. We got separated at one of our stops, so I went to Labor Ready and waited for the van. Here I sat, talking to the guys and waiting and waiting and waiting. Wondering to myself, this is hard. Is this what the guys do all day everyday. They wait for a call to maybe go on a job. They wait in line for food. They wait in line to wash their clothes. They wait in line to take a shower. They wait in line at the van to get underwear. They wait. I don't go through a drive through at a restaurant because I have to wait a minute or two. I get frustrated when the morning paper doesn't come and I have to wait. What does that say about us?
While I was there, talking to Dale and others, one of my tennis shoes soles was coming off. One of the guys said you need some new shoes. I said, yea I do, but can't afford a new pair. Another guy sitting next to us, David, said here take my shoes, I have another pair in my camp. He took them off and gave them to me. I said thank you but I can't take your shoes. He said, yes you can I want you to have them. What a moment of humbling of my spirit. Being offered a pair of shoes from someone who lives under a bridge. Wow.
While we were at Labor Ready, we were visiting with our regular friends and we had two different cars pull up. People got out of the cars and went to the back of the van to ask for items. I don't see Momma T ever get upset, but she came over and said that's not right. Dale and I were sitting on the back of my truck and Dale had just said, that is not right. We talked about new ways to help our outdoor friends.
This week, there was no school, so we did not have our homework activities in the center. But as we all know, if the children know we are there, they will come. Krysten was there and they came. Monday afternoon, I thought it was special, two of our high school helpers, took time out of their vacation to come and be with our children. Each day, the front of the center was full of jump rope, hop scotch, checkers and colorful chalk drawings. Thanks to all for coming by and helping out.
Thursday evening, we opened up the doors for our regularly meal. Ms Lisa and Krysten had bought chips, cookies, drinks, ham, bread and they made sandwiches for our meal. We put them in paper bags, but some wanted to stay around and eat, so we put the meal on plates and had a great time. We were able to hook up a TV and even had one of the football games on for us to watch. We had more of the community there than I thought. Some wanted to get out of the house for awhile, some needed the groceries we had packed up, some were really hungry. They said the buses were not running, so this was the only meal they had had all day. Thanks to all who came by and helped out. This is a tradition we need to keep going.
Prayers will be needed for our Haiti family as they travel back to us on Sunday. Prayers their flights are on time so they can arrive back in Shreveport on time.
Hope you all have a great weekend when it gets here! God is good! Amen.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Weren't we just here?
Man, it seems like I was just sitting here writing this note. It can't be a week ago all of this was happening! Wow, where does the time go?
I guess the weeks go by so fast because we stay so busy around the center. Saturday was a perfect example. We had one group visiting our friends who live outdoors, we had another group helping around the center and we had a group in our garden learning about the first Thanksgiving. Great Saturday. Full of adventures, full of activities and full of life. Mr Scott said they met a record group of folks. No major problems with our guys, just living life as best they can. Brookwood Baptist again came and helped get things done around the center and the Bright House. Amazing group of people spending time with us. Then Momma T and Ms Patti held their U 2 event learning and making all sorts of stuff. Cute seeing the children running around the garden with their colorful head dresses on. Warms my heart to see such activity going on. I think God is well pleased.
Big crowd of children Monday afternoon for our homework help. After the chaos was over, there was some discussion about the direction we need to be taking with our afternoon activities. Are we at a point now of offering more assistance to those who want to learn or are we there to offer a place where the children can come and play, get a snack and feel lvoed? Krysten will lead the discussions and see what we can come up as we move into the spring semester.
With the help of some super friends, John Sauls will be taking our plans for the kitchen remodel to the city for permits so we can begin our project. John Williams has ordered the wiring and the supplies has been delivered. We are in the process of ordering a new stove to go along with the new vent hood. We plan to knock out some walls, put up some walls and make the kitchen a place where learning, dreaming and cooking will take place. Can't wait to see it all come together.
We had a great Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Chris Ledbetter delivered some table cloths and Momma T and her crew spent the afternoon decorating the tables with magnolia leaves from the garden. Each table had candles glowing. Hat brought coloring pages and adults and children had fun coloring. Just as we were about to pray, Robert, Ms Ruby's husband walked in. As we talked about last week, Ms Ruby passed, so Pete said our prayer for the food in honor of Ms Ruby. Great moment, very touching. Robert was still trying to cope with his loss and it was great to see the community come up to him and offer their sympathies to him. Another touching moment was one of our children, Shabronica, brought over a picture she drew and addressed it to Ms Ruby and gave it to Robert. Ms Lisa and Krysten brought Thanksgiving type foods and put them in a bag, so the community received two bags Thursday night. I thought the community really appreciated that gesture, because when we told them about it, they began to applause. Hat shared her blessing of being a part of Ms Abbie's crew as the community ladies come together each week and pack the grocery bags to give away.
We had a good Bible study Thursday night as Joey led us in reading Acts 21 and 22. Paul goes to Jerusalem and continues to preach the Good News. Many listen but also many began to beat him. How often do we get into trouble when we share with the church, it is great to gather, but what are you doing for the poor? Is what you are learning on Sunday evident on Monday? Thank goodness Paul had some men around him who supported his vision. We need the same. When you are taking the journey God has placed on your heart, it does not always seem to be supported by those around you. We need to be in a community where we can express our feelings and know we will not be judged but lvoed.
Prayer concerns expressed Thursday evening. Williams asked we continue to pray for him as he struggles with his desire to drink. A terrible, terrible disease. For our outdoor friends who will need warm clothing and bedding during these cold nights. For Charley's health. For our family who will be leaving Friday at 3pm for Haiti. Ms Sarah, Mr Scott, Dr Phil and John Sauls will led the team. They will return next Sunday. Pray for those who this time of year brings feelings of depression and despair.
A reminder, this Saturday will be preparing pancakes and hot coffee for breakfast. If you want to help cook, be at the kitchen at 8, if you want to eat, be there at 9!
Several months ago, I mentioned to a group of men from Airline Baptist about having a men's Bible study for the community. I told them, I thought it would be a good way to begin to build relationships in the neighborhood. A couple of weeks ago, when Airline came back to work around the center, a man came up to me and said, he had been praying about that study and he felt he would like to lead it. So, on Tuesday evening December 6, starting at 6:30, we will begin our men's study, gathering in the chapel, and see where God led us. If you know of men who might like to join us, please let them know about it.
This Thursday, Thanksgiving day, we felt it important to be at the center to have a meal, give away groceries and just be there for the community. We asked the folks Thursday how many may come and several hands came up. Most of the community will be with their families but for those who do not have family here, we will be there. Krysten will be buying items for a sack lunch and we will give it away for those who come. We will open up at our regular time of 5. If you are able to come, please join us.
As we move into this Holiday season, may we stay focused on why we gather, why we lvoe, why we do what we do. We are told our actions speak louder than words, so if we continue to walk our walk of obedience, faith and compassion, not succumbing to the bustle of greed than others will learn, it is not about us but about our baby Jesus.
Hope you all have a great weekend and a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Amen.
I guess the weeks go by so fast because we stay so busy around the center. Saturday was a perfect example. We had one group visiting our friends who live outdoors, we had another group helping around the center and we had a group in our garden learning about the first Thanksgiving. Great Saturday. Full of adventures, full of activities and full of life. Mr Scott said they met a record group of folks. No major problems with our guys, just living life as best they can. Brookwood Baptist again came and helped get things done around the center and the Bright House. Amazing group of people spending time with us. Then Momma T and Ms Patti held their U 2 event learning and making all sorts of stuff. Cute seeing the children running around the garden with their colorful head dresses on. Warms my heart to see such activity going on. I think God is well pleased.
Big crowd of children Monday afternoon for our homework help. After the chaos was over, there was some discussion about the direction we need to be taking with our afternoon activities. Are we at a point now of offering more assistance to those who want to learn or are we there to offer a place where the children can come and play, get a snack and feel lvoed? Krysten will lead the discussions and see what we can come up as we move into the spring semester.
With the help of some super friends, John Sauls will be taking our plans for the kitchen remodel to the city for permits so we can begin our project. John Williams has ordered the wiring and the supplies has been delivered. We are in the process of ordering a new stove to go along with the new vent hood. We plan to knock out some walls, put up some walls and make the kitchen a place where learning, dreaming and cooking will take place. Can't wait to see it all come together.
We had a great Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Chris Ledbetter delivered some table cloths and Momma T and her crew spent the afternoon decorating the tables with magnolia leaves from the garden. Each table had candles glowing. Hat brought coloring pages and adults and children had fun coloring. Just as we were about to pray, Robert, Ms Ruby's husband walked in. As we talked about last week, Ms Ruby passed, so Pete said our prayer for the food in honor of Ms Ruby. Great moment, very touching. Robert was still trying to cope with his loss and it was great to see the community come up to him and offer their sympathies to him. Another touching moment was one of our children, Shabronica, brought over a picture she drew and addressed it to Ms Ruby and gave it to Robert. Ms Lisa and Krysten brought Thanksgiving type foods and put them in a bag, so the community received two bags Thursday night. I thought the community really appreciated that gesture, because when we told them about it, they began to applause. Hat shared her blessing of being a part of Ms Abbie's crew as the community ladies come together each week and pack the grocery bags to give away.
We had a good Bible study Thursday night as Joey led us in reading Acts 21 and 22. Paul goes to Jerusalem and continues to preach the Good News. Many listen but also many began to beat him. How often do we get into trouble when we share with the church, it is great to gather, but what are you doing for the poor? Is what you are learning on Sunday evident on Monday? Thank goodness Paul had some men around him who supported his vision. We need the same. When you are taking the journey God has placed on your heart, it does not always seem to be supported by those around you. We need to be in a community where we can express our feelings and know we will not be judged but lvoed.
Prayer concerns expressed Thursday evening. Williams asked we continue to pray for him as he struggles with his desire to drink. A terrible, terrible disease. For our outdoor friends who will need warm clothing and bedding during these cold nights. For Charley's health. For our family who will be leaving Friday at 3pm for Haiti. Ms Sarah, Mr Scott, Dr Phil and John Sauls will led the team. They will return next Sunday. Pray for those who this time of year brings feelings of depression and despair.
A reminder, this Saturday will be preparing pancakes and hot coffee for breakfast. If you want to help cook, be at the kitchen at 8, if you want to eat, be there at 9!
Several months ago, I mentioned to a group of men from Airline Baptist about having a men's Bible study for the community. I told them, I thought it would be a good way to begin to build relationships in the neighborhood. A couple of weeks ago, when Airline came back to work around the center, a man came up to me and said, he had been praying about that study and he felt he would like to lead it. So, on Tuesday evening December 6, starting at 6:30, we will begin our men's study, gathering in the chapel, and see where God led us. If you know of men who might like to join us, please let them know about it.
This Thursday, Thanksgiving day, we felt it important to be at the center to have a meal, give away groceries and just be there for the community. We asked the folks Thursday how many may come and several hands came up. Most of the community will be with their families but for those who do not have family here, we will be there. Krysten will be buying items for a sack lunch and we will give it away for those who come. We will open up at our regular time of 5. If you are able to come, please join us.
As we move into this Holiday season, may we stay focused on why we gather, why we lvoe, why we do what we do. We are told our actions speak louder than words, so if we continue to walk our walk of obedience, faith and compassion, not succumbing to the bustle of greed than others will learn, it is not about us but about our baby Jesus.
Hope you all have a great weekend and a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Amen.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Only the beginning
What a special time of year. Lvoe this season of change. The cooler weather, the rain showers, the leaves changing their colors. A reminder of the awesome power of God and all He does for us.
We had an exciting weekend around the center. We had our friends from Airline Baptist church return with a large group of helpers. They did an outstanding job of working around the center. They hung fans in the chapel, cleaned the chapel, found chairs for the chapel, cleaned up the parking lot, installed door knobs, and cleaned the sidewalks. Momma T had her group preparing the chapel for a worship service Sunday night. After the group left, Krysten and I and then Ms Lisa walked into the chapel and I was blown away by the transformation that had taken place during the morning. The chapel has always been a special place to me and to see it again, where we can spend time with God, reflect on His instructions in our lives, to sing praises to Him, I sat down and did not want to leave. I am hoping, as we move forward in this journey, the chapel will become an anchor, a place where we can go and seek God's direction. Only the beginning.
We had a special visit from Gus Saturday morning, as he went around with Mr Scott and others on our visits. Mr Scott reported, no major drama in the camps. The guys are doing ok. Gus shared he is thinking about an adventure for the Christmas school break. More to come, just the beginning.
Sunday evening, we were invited to host a group from Grace and Noel Methodist as they toured each other's facilities. The new District Superintendent was in attendance and got to see our center. Ms Lisa conducted the tour of the center and then we made our way into the chapel. I had been in Dallas all day and arrived back in town just in time to walk into the chapel. Again, it was magnificent what Momma T, Ms Lisa and others had done to create a special place. Lights, candles, the unique alter, the mismatched chairs all added up to a special evening. One of the tasks of the two churches was to recognize 4 young ladies who have chosen to accept God's calling into ministry. Ali, read a verse, shared a few words and sang a song for us all. Alison was unable to attend, but her mom and dad represented her well. Can't think of a better way to open the doors of the chapel. Just the beginning.
Spencer, from Brookwood came by Saturday and walked into the chapel and the first thing he said is, we need to have a Christmas service in here. Sunday night Ms Sarah, said, the young adults would like to have their candle light Christmas eve service at the chapel. It is only the beginning.
Monday evening, we loaded up Mr Scott's truck with bags and bags and bags of groceries from Grace. A group of girl scouts donated all their can goods to us and what a blessing it was. Mr Scott called me Tuesday to be sure and take some pictures of the stocked shelves. One day we will have our shelves stocked like this each week so the community will have a good assortment of food to choose from.
We continue to have more tutors than children, which is a great thing. Tuesday afternoon, I said, surely the children won't be here with a tornado watch in effect for the city. Well again, I was wrong. As I drove up they were sitting at the chapel front doors waiting on us to arrive. Another reminder to me, one of our greatest responsibilities to our community is commitment. It would have been easy for me not to come, but I think our greatest gift we can offer, is our time. We must remember it is a beginning.
Another good gathering at our community meal. It was nice to visit with some of the folks before we started serving. Tony, a veteran has submitted the paperwork for one of the new houses to be built by St. Catherines. He has not heard anything yet on whether he will be able to get the house. Very nice young man. We offered some of our old brown tables to the community and reminded them again, next week we will have our Thanksgiving meal. Ms Abbie wanted me to share with the community the passing of one of group. Ms Abbie told me it was Ms Ruby and I assumed she meant Ms Abbey on 69th Street. But I was wrong, it was the praying Ms Ruby. Her obituary was in today's paper. Ms Ruby Robertson, was a lady who loved God and would pray before our meals, would sing a song at moments notice and was always dressed up. She always had a hat on to match her outfit. I wanted her to lead us in worship when we began our chapel times. I guess God needed her more than we did, I will miss her.
I was good to have our Thursday evening Bible study in the friendship room. We had to get more chairs because of the crowd. We had Dawn, Beth, Hat, Mary, Momma T, Krysten, James, Charley, Joey, Lomax and Dr Phi. Byron came in a bit later. Joey led us in the reading of Acts 20 starting at verse 17. Paul sharing his thoughts about Jesus to the church of Ephesus. How we are to be shepherds of our flock, to be overseers of our communities and to lead by example of how Christ helped the weak and to remember what Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. All of this still applies to us as we form our community and meet those who God will lead to us.
Prayer concerns for James brother, John who is going through addictions to prescription drugs. Beth, Charley and Joey's friend Phil, who is having struggles in life. Kelsey's upcoming marriage, yeaa! A friend of Dawn, Jonathan. Ms Hat's loosing a long time friend and helping the husband cope with his lost. Krysten's health insurance situation, so she can see about her breathing troubles. Joe and Ms Abbie. Joe has not been feeling good this week. Ms Abbie took him to the doctor as he was spitting up blood. Anytime Joe is not on the front porch when you drive up, you know he is not feeling well. Have not seen him all week. Young ladies who lost their mom. Lift up our veterans today. What a sacrifice those men and women have made, so we are able to lvoe God in the way that we do.
Prayers for Momma T as she leads U2 this Saturday. Lots of fun times will be had. Come by and meet some new neighbors, starting at 10 am. Also Brookwood will be coming to help and work around the center.
Wednesday evening I am guessing around 4, we will have our turkeys delivered. Ms Abbie will need help in carving them up for our meal.
There maybe a turkey leg in it for those who help!
When you have the opportunity to walk through the center with a group and show off the place, you get a sense of awe from the people. At times Mr Brian wants to sit down, put my feet up and say, wow look what I have done. We have a tendency to get complacent and relax and admire what we have done. But God, thank goodness, will have none of that. It has been a miracle to come as far as we have in a few short months, but folks this is only the beginning. We have a fellowship hall available now, where in the future we can have a Community Cafe. Meals being served by young people who will be training in the food service industry. Food prepared by our community learning to be chefs. We have a food pantry room where one day, we will have the ability to have a grocery store. Where folks will come in and pick the items they want to go into their bags. We have a chapel now, where God's message can be preach and praised all day and night. Tutoring rooms where children and maybe adults can come and learn not just in the afternoons, but during the day and at nights. We have a 2 story building just sitting there ready to occupied. God has big plans for that building and He is waiting for us to move forward. We have neighbors to meet. We have children to read to. We have houses to build. We have a sanctuary to fill, where folks will be lining up outside to get in. A garden area that will become a market for the community.
I would like to sit back in my easy chair, relax and say, man that was fun. I've done enough, let someone else do something. But God won't allow that to happen. He has blessed us because we have stayed true to His directions. He will continue to bless us if we continue to move forward and give Him the glory for it all. How exciting to be a part of something that God is leading. Won't you join us? Use your gifts to glorify God. We will all be blessed. It is only the beginning. Have a great weekend and a better week. Amen.
We had an exciting weekend around the center. We had our friends from Airline Baptist church return with a large group of helpers. They did an outstanding job of working around the center. They hung fans in the chapel, cleaned the chapel, found chairs for the chapel, cleaned up the parking lot, installed door knobs, and cleaned the sidewalks. Momma T had her group preparing the chapel for a worship service Sunday night. After the group left, Krysten and I and then Ms Lisa walked into the chapel and I was blown away by the transformation that had taken place during the morning. The chapel has always been a special place to me and to see it again, where we can spend time with God, reflect on His instructions in our lives, to sing praises to Him, I sat down and did not want to leave. I am hoping, as we move forward in this journey, the chapel will become an anchor, a place where we can go and seek God's direction. Only the beginning.
We had a special visit from Gus Saturday morning, as he went around with Mr Scott and others on our visits. Mr Scott reported, no major drama in the camps. The guys are doing ok. Gus shared he is thinking about an adventure for the Christmas school break. More to come, just the beginning.
Sunday evening, we were invited to host a group from Grace and Noel Methodist as they toured each other's facilities. The new District Superintendent was in attendance and got to see our center. Ms Lisa conducted the tour of the center and then we made our way into the chapel. I had been in Dallas all day and arrived back in town just in time to walk into the chapel. Again, it was magnificent what Momma T, Ms Lisa and others had done to create a special place. Lights, candles, the unique alter, the mismatched chairs all added up to a special evening. One of the tasks of the two churches was to recognize 4 young ladies who have chosen to accept God's calling into ministry. Ali, read a verse, shared a few words and sang a song for us all. Alison was unable to attend, but her mom and dad represented her well. Can't think of a better way to open the doors of the chapel. Just the beginning.
Spencer, from Brookwood came by Saturday and walked into the chapel and the first thing he said is, we need to have a Christmas service in here. Sunday night Ms Sarah, said, the young adults would like to have their candle light Christmas eve service at the chapel. It is only the beginning.
Monday evening, we loaded up Mr Scott's truck with bags and bags and bags of groceries from Grace. A group of girl scouts donated all their can goods to us and what a blessing it was. Mr Scott called me Tuesday to be sure and take some pictures of the stocked shelves. One day we will have our shelves stocked like this each week so the community will have a good assortment of food to choose from.
We continue to have more tutors than children, which is a great thing. Tuesday afternoon, I said, surely the children won't be here with a tornado watch in effect for the city. Well again, I was wrong. As I drove up they were sitting at the chapel front doors waiting on us to arrive. Another reminder to me, one of our greatest responsibilities to our community is commitment. It would have been easy for me not to come, but I think our greatest gift we can offer, is our time. We must remember it is a beginning.
Another good gathering at our community meal. It was nice to visit with some of the folks before we started serving. Tony, a veteran has submitted the paperwork for one of the new houses to be built by St. Catherines. He has not heard anything yet on whether he will be able to get the house. Very nice young man. We offered some of our old brown tables to the community and reminded them again, next week we will have our Thanksgiving meal. Ms Abbie wanted me to share with the community the passing of one of group. Ms Abbie told me it was Ms Ruby and I assumed she meant Ms Abbey on 69th Street. But I was wrong, it was the praying Ms Ruby. Her obituary was in today's paper. Ms Ruby Robertson, was a lady who loved God and would pray before our meals, would sing a song at moments notice and was always dressed up. She always had a hat on to match her outfit. I wanted her to lead us in worship when we began our chapel times. I guess God needed her more than we did, I will miss her.
I was good to have our Thursday evening Bible study in the friendship room. We had to get more chairs because of the crowd. We had Dawn, Beth, Hat, Mary, Momma T, Krysten, James, Charley, Joey, Lomax and Dr Phi. Byron came in a bit later. Joey led us in the reading of Acts 20 starting at verse 17. Paul sharing his thoughts about Jesus to the church of Ephesus. How we are to be shepherds of our flock, to be overseers of our communities and to lead by example of how Christ helped the weak and to remember what Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. All of this still applies to us as we form our community and meet those who God will lead to us.
Prayer concerns for James brother, John who is going through addictions to prescription drugs. Beth, Charley and Joey's friend Phil, who is having struggles in life. Kelsey's upcoming marriage, yeaa! A friend of Dawn, Jonathan. Ms Hat's loosing a long time friend and helping the husband cope with his lost. Krysten's health insurance situation, so she can see about her breathing troubles. Joe and Ms Abbie. Joe has not been feeling good this week. Ms Abbie took him to the doctor as he was spitting up blood. Anytime Joe is not on the front porch when you drive up, you know he is not feeling well. Have not seen him all week. Young ladies who lost their mom. Lift up our veterans today. What a sacrifice those men and women have made, so we are able to lvoe God in the way that we do.
Prayers for Momma T as she leads U2 this Saturday. Lots of fun times will be had. Come by and meet some new neighbors, starting at 10 am. Also Brookwood will be coming to help and work around the center.
Wednesday evening I am guessing around 4, we will have our turkeys delivered. Ms Abbie will need help in carving them up for our meal.
There maybe a turkey leg in it for those who help!
When you have the opportunity to walk through the center with a group and show off the place, you get a sense of awe from the people. At times Mr Brian wants to sit down, put my feet up and say, wow look what I have done. We have a tendency to get complacent and relax and admire what we have done. But God, thank goodness, will have none of that. It has been a miracle to come as far as we have in a few short months, but folks this is only the beginning. We have a fellowship hall available now, where in the future we can have a Community Cafe. Meals being served by young people who will be training in the food service industry. Food prepared by our community learning to be chefs. We have a food pantry room where one day, we will have the ability to have a grocery store. Where folks will come in and pick the items they want to go into their bags. We have a chapel now, where God's message can be preach and praised all day and night. Tutoring rooms where children and maybe adults can come and learn not just in the afternoons, but during the day and at nights. We have a 2 story building just sitting there ready to occupied. God has big plans for that building and He is waiting for us to move forward. We have neighbors to meet. We have children to read to. We have houses to build. We have a sanctuary to fill, where folks will be lining up outside to get in. A garden area that will become a market for the community.
I would like to sit back in my easy chair, relax and say, man that was fun. I've done enough, let someone else do something. But God won't allow that to happen. He has blessed us because we have stayed true to His directions. He will continue to bless us if we continue to move forward and give Him the glory for it all. How exciting to be a part of something that God is leading. Won't you join us? Use your gifts to glorify God. We will all be blessed. It is only the beginning. Have a great weekend and a better week. Amen.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Another week
You guys are going to have to fire me. Again I am late on our update this week. Will try to do better next week. Hope everybody has had a great week.
We had good visits Saturday morning. For the second week in a row, we have not had folks at our Hamilton stop. Not sure why, but hoping folks have found a better place to go. Our first stop has always been to visit one of our friends who lives by himself under a railroad bridge. He does not talk much, lives in cardboard boxes, and has the cleanest camp we visit. He is always cordial to us and the most amazing thing we find with him each week, is "he is good". We try to offer him toilet paper, I am good. We try to give him MRE's, I'm good. Can goods, snacks, anything, I'm good. He only requests a bag of ice and is very thankful for that. Mr Scott and I always walk away, thinking we could all learn from him. Someone who has nothing or very little, someone who lives in a box, under a bridge does not take what he does not need.
We again had an abundance of tutors Monday and Tuesday. In fact we had more help than we had children. But Wednesday, the exact opposite happened. We had more children than tutors so Krysten could not open up our children's section. We all played outside. We have been talking about it for awhile, I guess maybe it is time to make a list of helpers and their schedules. It will help Krysten know who is coming and who is not, so she can be better prepared as the children arrive.
We had another nice group of folks at our Thursday meal. As I mentioned it to them, I am still trying to get use to our change of days. I am not use to being home on Wednesdays. I told them, we would be there on the 24th. Giving out groceries and clothing and offering a light meal. Thought it was important to be there whether anybody shows up or not. There maybe some who do have a family to share a meal with that night, so we can be there for them. We will have our Thanksgiving meal on the 17th with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. We usually have a big crowd so everybody that can come, we could use the help.
Ms Lisa and her family have been busy spending some of our grant money on new table and chairs. We removed all the old brown tables and now we only have the white plastic tables. We will slowly add new chairs as we go along. It looks very nice in the fellowship hall.
With so many folks gone, or involved with other activities we did not have our Bible study following the meal. Dr Phil, Momma T and I talked about some of our new schedules. For those who want to come to Bible study and can not be there for our meal, let us know and we can make to go boxes for you. We can set them aside for you and you can eat when you get there. We talked about moving our study back into the friendship room, so we will try that next week. We talked about our chapel time. Having it before or after our meal. With the time change, it will start getting darker so early, just hate for folks to walk home in the dark. Your thoughts?
This Saturday, we will have the men's group and some youth from Airline Baptist church joining us. They will be working in the chapel, cleaning up the parking lot, working on the basketball goals, putting in new locks at the Bright House, changing out the broken windows on the doors and other projects. They are suppose to be at the center by 8:30, so come by if you can and meet them.
One of the reasons we are working in the chapel Saturday, because there will be a small worship ceremony there Sunday evening. Noel and Grace are having their charge conference with the District folks. This year the two churches will be touring the New Room and our center. Following the tour of our center, they will have a dedication ceremony for four young ladies as they begin the process of becoming pastors. Three of the ladies are from Grace and two of them are part of our family. Allison and Ali along with Claire Carter will be recognized as they begin their journeys. We were told the church folks should be arriving around 6:45, but as we all know, that will not happen and it will be later than that, so if you can come by around 7 for the short service, I know the ladies would appreciate seeing all of you.
Prayer concerns: Joey and Lomax as they continue their road trip up to Minnesota. They stopped by Wednesday evening and visited with Allison. Then Thursday, they met up with Lauren. They will head further north Friday and hopefully see others of our extended family? They are due back Tuesday evening. Prayers for Hat as she supports her friend during their loss. Ms Sarah as she travels with the Junior High on their retreat. Prayers for continued sobriety.
Hope you all are able to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather. Thank you for being a part of our community. Thank you for sharing your heart with others. Have a great weekend and see you around the center next week. Amen.sco
We had good visits Saturday morning. For the second week in a row, we have not had folks at our Hamilton stop. Not sure why, but hoping folks have found a better place to go. Our first stop has always been to visit one of our friends who lives by himself under a railroad bridge. He does not talk much, lives in cardboard boxes, and has the cleanest camp we visit. He is always cordial to us and the most amazing thing we find with him each week, is "he is good". We try to offer him toilet paper, I am good. We try to give him MRE's, I'm good. Can goods, snacks, anything, I'm good. He only requests a bag of ice and is very thankful for that. Mr Scott and I always walk away, thinking we could all learn from him. Someone who has nothing or very little, someone who lives in a box, under a bridge does not take what he does not need.
We again had an abundance of tutors Monday and Tuesday. In fact we had more help than we had children. But Wednesday, the exact opposite happened. We had more children than tutors so Krysten could not open up our children's section. We all played outside. We have been talking about it for awhile, I guess maybe it is time to make a list of helpers and their schedules. It will help Krysten know who is coming and who is not, so she can be better prepared as the children arrive.
We had another nice group of folks at our Thursday meal. As I mentioned it to them, I am still trying to get use to our change of days. I am not use to being home on Wednesdays. I told them, we would be there on the 24th. Giving out groceries and clothing and offering a light meal. Thought it was important to be there whether anybody shows up or not. There maybe some who do have a family to share a meal with that night, so we can be there for them. We will have our Thanksgiving meal on the 17th with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. We usually have a big crowd so everybody that can come, we could use the help.
Ms Lisa and her family have been busy spending some of our grant money on new table and chairs. We removed all the old brown tables and now we only have the white plastic tables. We will slowly add new chairs as we go along. It looks very nice in the fellowship hall.
With so many folks gone, or involved with other activities we did not have our Bible study following the meal. Dr Phil, Momma T and I talked about some of our new schedules. For those who want to come to Bible study and can not be there for our meal, let us know and we can make to go boxes for you. We can set them aside for you and you can eat when you get there. We talked about moving our study back into the friendship room, so we will try that next week. We talked about our chapel time. Having it before or after our meal. With the time change, it will start getting darker so early, just hate for folks to walk home in the dark. Your thoughts?
This Saturday, we will have the men's group and some youth from Airline Baptist church joining us. They will be working in the chapel, cleaning up the parking lot, working on the basketball goals, putting in new locks at the Bright House, changing out the broken windows on the doors and other projects. They are suppose to be at the center by 8:30, so come by if you can and meet them.
One of the reasons we are working in the chapel Saturday, because there will be a small worship ceremony there Sunday evening. Noel and Grace are having their charge conference with the District folks. This year the two churches will be touring the New Room and our center. Following the tour of our center, they will have a dedication ceremony for four young ladies as they begin the process of becoming pastors. Three of the ladies are from Grace and two of them are part of our family. Allison and Ali along with Claire Carter will be recognized as they begin their journeys. We were told the church folks should be arriving around 6:45, but as we all know, that will not happen and it will be later than that, so if you can come by around 7 for the short service, I know the ladies would appreciate seeing all of you.
Prayer concerns: Joey and Lomax as they continue their road trip up to Minnesota. They stopped by Wednesday evening and visited with Allison. Then Thursday, they met up with Lauren. They will head further north Friday and hopefully see others of our extended family? They are due back Tuesday evening. Prayers for Hat as she supports her friend during their loss. Ms Sarah as she travels with the Junior High on their retreat. Prayers for continued sobriety.
Hope you all are able to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather. Thank you for being a part of our community. Thank you for sharing your heart with others. Have a great weekend and see you around the center next week. Amen.sco
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