Bold faith!

Still on a sweets high from all the candy, sweet treats,  delicious baked goodies from last nights Fall Fest!  What a night! 

Last Saturday, many of our friends living outside were no where to be found? We do need to lift up Robert and Jerry as they begin testing, procedures and rehab for the different ailments affecting them. They have been through a lot. A nice breakfast was prepared by Z as many of our community came together to help in our clothing room.

Our afternoon tutoring fun is going on. We can always use your help with the children. Allison has the routine down with the children and teachers, so a lot is accomplished in a short span of time. Come and enjoy the excitement. Monday will be a special afternoon.

Walked into to the kitchen Monday and there was Z cooking! Not sure I have ever seen so many boxes of cakes, pies and cookies! Tuesday I walked in and she was still there with help from her Aunt, Wednesday was no exception! Unfortunately I might have put on a few pounds this week sampling some of her goods! It was hard work, but somebody had to do it! Next time you see Z around the center, please tell her how much we appreciated all her hard work!

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Thursday was spectacular! With a gorgeous blue sky, nice temperatures, a cooling breeze, we had our annual Fall Fest! Tables and chairs were set up in the green area. New games from a Scout Eagle project were lined up, the cake walk chairs were arranged, music, break dancing, grilling, face painting, what a night! A huge crowd showed up to enjoy it all. Thanks to everybody for making the evening such a success.

Next Thursday, we will have a garage sale from the 2 Story. Tables will be set up outside and the 2 story will be cleaned out to prepare for our Christmas market items.. Everything will be priced at 25 cents. Please come and help or bring lots of quarters!

The men of the community met Tuesday evening to read the story of Daniel in the den of lions, reading from Chapter 6 in the book of Daniel. A group of men, jealous of Daniel, went to the King to get him to set up a decree, saying if anyone who prays to any god other than the King will be put into the lion's den. When Daniel heard about this decree, he went home and 3 times each day prayed, verse 10. These jealous men, found Daniel praying and brought Daniel before the King. The King could not back down, so he ordered Daniel into to the lion's den. Daniel was sparred from the lions by an angel sent by God to close the lion's mouths.

Daniel knew the new decree was unlawful. The decree went against his beliefs, but Daniel was bold enough in his faith to continue to be obedient to God and prayed for help. Can we say the same for our faith?

Over the years, we have been told, it is a waste to buy property in our community. Why would you spend money in an impoverished area, when you could buy a house in a wealthy neighborhood? We have heard people say, don't spend your time with the children of our community, they can't learn. Others saying, the poor will always be with you, so why waste your time on them?

It seems in the building God's Kingdom, you are forced to buck the system of society. Society is interested in the rich, God is concerned for the least. We will face opposition at every turn, but we have to have the faith of Daniel and remember, our God, like Daniel's is in charge. As long as we continue to pray for guidance and direction in the path God wants us to take, then when we are put in the lion's den of life, our God, the same one as Daniel's, will send an angel to take care of us! God has taken care of us and our community in the past, He will continue to do so in the future!  Amen!

Have a great weekend. Get out and enjoy the fall weather, remembering who is in charge! 

The 12

Everybody have your jackets on today!? Wow, God thought we needed to be cooler, so he has done just that! What a God! Hopefully you are getting a chance to use your jackets this morning in your part of the world!

We had our grandchildren with us this past weekend, so didn't make our Saturday activities. Scott and Dawn visited our friends living outside. Visited some new camps occupied by old friends. Everybody seems to be doing well. Prayers for Robert and Jerry. Robert is preparing to go into the hospital. Jerry was taken to the hospital Thursday night because he was having a hard time breathing. 

Monday and Wednesdays continue to be one of our highlights of the week. Seeing the children, singing their prayer, enjoying their snacks, learning new Bible verses, reading their assignments is a blessing. Thanks to all who are helping our children succeed in life each week, you are a blessing.

Tuesday evening, Rickie led our community men's Bible study reading from Luke 9. A small group but a lively group sharing what God has placed on their hearts to live a life of light.

Thursday, Ms Abbie led us in song and praise, Brother George introduced us to a friend of his to share the Word of God. Lots of hand clapping and Amens were happening! Z prepared our meal, as friends from one of our elementary schools helped serve and clean up. Others from the school helped us in the Market and in the clothing room. A fun night!

Don't forget this Saturday will be a work morning in the clothing room. Z will prepare breakfast, starting at 9, then the work will begin following that. The community is coming, we need you too!

Praise report on Ginellen's procedure last week. All good, the doctor could not find the fistula he has been treating for the past 3 years. He is going to do one more exam through the radiology department and then begin to talk about completing her treatment with him! Praise God!

We have some angels helping us in our mowing and edging of our campus. If you see them, please stop and let them know how much we appreciate all their hard work.

Next Thursday is our Fall Fest. We had an Eagle scout make us some new games for the evening. The famous cake walk will be going on. Food and fun all over the center. Come and enjoy the evening.

Reading Luke 9 this week was another reminder, who is in charge of our lives! The first verse, Jesus called the 12 together. Jesus calls you. Nothing is different today, He is calling are we listening? Another thought, he called all 12, not just one or two. He calls all of us, no one has the inside track. We all are important in God's Kingdom.

When Jesus calls us, He prepares us, He provides for us, He cares for us. When Jesus called the 12, He gave them power and authority to drive out demons and to cure diseases. He does the same today. He calls us and then provides his Holy Spirit that is in each one of us, the power to combat anything that we will face. Do we allow it to happen or do we like to be in charge?

The chosen 12, were given tasks that they were not trained to do. Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector, simple men, called to do extraordinary things. The same can be said of you. God is calling you to our community, to do things that you thought were impossible, something you would have never dream of doing, are you ready to follow our Lord?

Then Jesus said to the 12, don't take anything with you, no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. You don't need it, I will take care of you. Jesus is saying that to us today. If you follow me, allow me to lead. I will provide everything you will need in this journey.  Do we dare believe that?

Then in verse 5, Jesus tells the 12, some will not like what you are doing or saying. Don't worry about that, just stay focused on what you have been called to do and move on. It is their loss not yours. 

As we prepare to move forward along the journey God has for us, we need to constantly be listening. We need to understand, God is in control, not us. If we take control, it will fail. We need to have faith and be obedient to the path He has chosen for us, knowing we will not have all the answers to our questions. We don't need the answers because God will provide everything when we need. Is it scary, you betcha! A fisherman being asked to heal the sick, don't you think they were scared? But Jesus equipped them, just like He has equipped each one of you.

The 12 went out and went to village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. We need to do the same. We need to go out, share the good news and heal our community. It can be done, it will be done, we might as well be the ones doing it, let's go! Amen!

See you Saturday or next week. For those who are in other parts of the country and not able to join us, please keep our community in your prayers. God is good!

Don't be afraid!

God was painting this morning! The clouds were dark until the rising sun casts it's glow on them, turning the dark into light with colors of orange, pink and blue all over the horizon! Wow, what a painter!

Lots going on in our community. Prayers for Joey and Jerry as they have moved back into their camp. Hard to transition into a place where noise and craziness is prevelant. Hopefully a place will open up soon for them. 

Monday and Wednesdays continue to be a joy. I need to record our afternoon blessing with the children. Watch for it on Facebook! What a treat.

Tuesday evening, the men of the community gathered to talk about God's unfailing grace. Rickie led the men reading from Ezekiel. A prophet of God, telling the people about God's lvoe.

Thursday was a special evening of song, praise, eating, serving and laughing! A friend of George's shared the Word, as Ms Abbie played the piano. Z prepared a banquet as new friends from LSUS and St Pauls helped serve and clean up. Pastor Kaylan had the clothing room open. Ms Dorothy was being reminded, she had 30 seconds to finish her shopping spree before it was time for others to come in! The Market was busy as usual. A good evening.

This Saturday, Z will be hosting a informational meeting for the community. Next Thursday, we will have our first Green Market. We will have local vegetables available for the community to purchase. Other activities are happening in the next few weeks. God is busy in our part of the world!

Prayers for all who have been and will be affected by the storm on the East coast and our friends in Haiti.

Two things struck me about God this week, God never gives up on us. In Ezekiel, God asks him to go speak to His people. As it says in verse 3, . . . they and their ancestors that have rebelled against me. Ancestors, a long time, God's people had forgotten what He had done for them, rebelled against God, but still God lvoed them enough to show His grace. We do the same today! Over and over, God's grace saves us from ourselves. We thank Him and months or years later we fall back. At some point, we seek God's grace and there it is for us again! Amazing!

The other thought, is God is always with us. God tells Ezekiel to go to His people and speak My Words to them, whether they listen or not, go!  God warns Ezekiel, my people have become obstinate and stubborn. In verse 6, God says to Ezekiel, "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them . .  In fact, God tells Ezekiel, do not be afraid two more times in verse 6.

Do not be afraid! Good words to remember because many times God will put us in places that are outside of our comfort zones. Verse 2,"As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me?." That same Spirit that spoke to Ezekiel, thousands of years ago, is still speaking to us all, we just have to allow God's Spirit to come into our souls and listen. We do not have to be afraid because God is with us.

I was reminded again, it is not about us but about God! God tells Ezekiel to go to His people and speak My Words to them, whether they listen or not, go! God warns Ezekiel, my people have become obstinate and stubborn. Our jobs, our commission is to go out, share the Word, whether they listen or not. Sometimes we will see change, other times we will not. I asked someone several years ago, why they stopped coming to our community meals. They said, they didn't see any change in the attitudes of the community. If we are in the business to see change, then we will become disillusioned, burn out and will quit. 

We should be responding to the call God has placed on our hearts to share His lvoe with others. It is not our jobs to change the hearts of others. That is what God will do! I was reminded, sharing God's lvoe takes many forms. Some are able to share His lvoe through speaking. Others play the piano. Some cook. We have saints who are there for the children. Servants who work in the garden, hang clothes, visit, listen. God will use you, as He needs you to build His Kingdom! Amen!

Have a great week. See you around the center. Do not be afraid!

Praise the Lord!

Brrrr! What great weather in our part of the world this morning! Cool, crisp breeze, God's Kingdom is a great place to be!

What a Saturday we had last week. Momma T and Bryce had been working and planning hard for a garden work day! It worked! God provided the help and we now have new planter beds ready for the fall planting season! Matt and Vicki had the basketball team. Friends of our basketball team brought a large group of boys, folks from our Thursday community, all combined to have a great morning. Pictures have been posted on Face Book. Food was prepared in the kitchen. Visits were made to our friends living outside. What a day!

Our Monday and Wednesday afternoon activities continue. Lots of helpers and lots of children come and enjoy their times together. You can walk through the center and find learning groups everywhere! Great to see.

Tuesday evening, one of our community men led the men's Bible fellowship. Greg led the study, talking about the miracles God has done in his life. We all talked about what God has done in our lives. What has He done in yours?

Thursday evening was a busy time in our community. Brother George shared the Word, Bryce shared the praise in chapel. Z cooked up a feast and our friends from the school board helped serve and clean up. The clothing room was busy as well as the Market. Lots of conversations were happening about skills and needs of the community. A busy, fun night.

In one of our Bible study groups, we talked about why we take God for granted? We know what He has done for us, what He can do for us, but still we put Him on the back burner of our lives, why? We can have pity parties, grumble at our love ones, be unpleasant to be around, knowing all we have to do is go to God to help us through our trials, but we hesitate, why? We are quick to go to God to ask for healing when our love one is sick. We turn to God when we need something. But when our routines of life are in control, we put God on the back burner, why?

Life is hard sometimes. Obstacles are put before us daily. Trials of the unknown present challenges, we would rather not deal with. It is important to be in the presence of God all the time, morning, noon and night. Especially in our community! If we don't have the lvoe of Jesus in us on Monday afternoon, when we are reading to our children, they will not have a chance to see the joy of Christ. If we don't let the Holy Spirit flow through us on Thursdays, when will our community see the light of Christ? In the garden, playing basketball, cooking a meal, visiting our outdoor friends, doing paperwork, stocking shelves, hanging clothes, cleaning the bathrooms, mowing the grass - we need God in our lives. Not sometimes, not when we need Him, but all the time! God's light will shine through us, even when we don't feel like it is shining. All we have to do is let go and allow God to come into our hearts, God will do the rest!

Our men's Bible study read Psalm 103 Monday night. In one of the Bibles, the author said for us to read this Psalm everyday, praising God for all He has done for us. Take a minute right now, get your Bible out, turn on your Bible app, Kindle, Ipad and read Psalm 103. As the author said, make Psalm 103 your prayer for the day. Praise the Lord, my soul, you are awesome. Thank you for all you do for us, even when we forget You. You are worthy of our praise! Amen!

Have a great week. Get outside and enjoy this gorgeous weather! God is good!

Thank You!

Happy Autumn to everybody! Hopefully the hot temperatures in your part of the world has gotten a little cooler! Lvoe this time of year, with the colors of God's canvas coming to full bloom!

Spending time with the grand children last weekend, so was not around for Saturday's activities. I just know the basketball team practiced and was fed, the camps and friends were visited, garden work continued, so much to do, so little time to get it all done! God is good!

We have settled into a rhythm with our afternoon activities. Our blessing is sung, snacks are eaten, games are played, then the learning begins. Great to see so many helpers with the children. Great relationships are being formed. Smiles all around!

Tuesday evening, Brother George shared the Word with the men of the community. We read from James 1, we didn't read very far, but shared a lot of what God is doing in our lives. Talked about patience, perseverance, endurance, faith, trials, temptations. We all face trials, we all have temptations, how do we handle them?

Thursday was a packed house of lvoe, joy and understanding. Our friends from St Luke's medical van visited with us. Brother Chester and Ms Abbie got us started off in chapel with music and God's Words. Z prepared a feast, while old and new friends helped us serve and clean up. The Market continued to be a busy place, while our clothing room helped our community find just the right clothes. A blessed night.

Karl asked for continued prayers for his daughter in New Hampshire suffering the loss of her husband and father of their two children. Prayers for peace and understanding for the tragic loss of life in our community and across the country.

This Saturday, Bryce is hosting a garden party! Come early, around 7am to begin working in the new garden creating flower beds. Then around 9:30 of so Z and Joey will be preparing breakfast for the community. Following the meal  work will be done around the center. Come and enjoy!

Don't let Satan fool you! Don't get discouraged! Don't think what you do doesn't matter! You are important to God and to our community!

Last Thursday, as I was leaving early from our meal, I noticed one of our community members beginning their walk home. They don't live around the corner, they leave almost 10 blocks away! I was talking to one of our community members in chapel last week, they said they live on 85th street and walk here every week, over 15 blocks! Community waiting for the bus on the corner to get home after arriving by bus earlier. Babies being pushed in strollers to the center. Family members being dropped off by others. You make a difference in the lives of our community whether you know it or not! God knows! Thank you for all you do in case you need to hear it from someone, Thank you.

Ginellen, my wife, has been struggling with health problems going on for almost 3 years. We had a doctor's appointment Monday and we did not hear what we wanted to hear. She is scheduled for another procedure on October 14th. The doctor is being very cautious, which is good, but also frustrating to us all as we continue to deal with this problem. As I was preparing the words for chapel Thursday, one of our community members come into chapel and said mr brian, your wife has been on my heart this week! They didn't know anything about what we had gone through at the doctor, they just knew we needed to pray. They wanted others to pray with us, so we held hands and each one of the community said a prayer for healing for Ginellen. We are important to our community!

Thursday evening, as we were finishing up our meal, a lady walks up to me, who I had not seen in several years. She came by because, this community represents a happy time in her life and the life of her family. There are pictures of her children in the collage of photos in the hallway, all having a great time with us. Her children are no longer with her, some are in jail, some are missing, some don't want anything to do with her, sad times. She wanted to come by and see us, to remember those times of joy and happiness when her children were young and innocent. We have been a part of our community lives, through the trials and through the triumphs.

Please know, you are making a difference. Many of you will never hear a thank you. We may never see a smile or get a hug. We might not hear a kind word or see good manners but you are all making a difference. Life is hard for our community, the darkness is bright, the light is dim. You are the light, maybe the only light they get to see in their daily lives. Some of us have been around for so long, we get to see how the community is affected by all of you. We see the moms coming back remembering the good times. We get to see our young children all grown up, some are struggling, some are prospering, but they come back to see you because you made a difference in their lives. You are making a difference. Thank You! Amen!

See you Saturday in the garden! God is so good!

Lean on Me!

How was your week? What surprises did God share with you? He sure is good - isn't he!

Saturdays continue to be busy in and around the center. Basketball practices and meals, gardening work being done, visiting our friends living outside, cleaning up and around the center, all makes for a glorious day! We are down to one camp! Praise God! Turner is still with us. Joey and Jerry's camp is being lived in for awhile, so we go by there also. We go by and visit two other former camp friends, living inside to check in with them. Praise God for getting them inside but they still are hungry. Most of their monies goes to their living spaces, so there is not anything left for food. Our little stops help them out for the week, while they begin to adjust to their new surroundings. Great to see them with their new homes, like a child at Christmas time, full of life and joy!

We have started our weekly afternoon activities with our new group of children. We meet on Monday and Wednesdays from 3:30 to almost 5. Allison and her crew of helpers have gotten their activities all lined up. There is a green, yellow, red and blue tables set up in the fellowship hall. The children go to their tables when they get off the bus. They sing a prayer, have their snacks, play a game or two and then break up into smaller groups with their tutors! You will find kids and their tutors all over the center, any place we can set up a table and chair. Great to see young people getting the special attention they deserve.

Every other Monday, just as we are getting our children back on the bus, we have another group of youngsters joining us. We have a big group of girls and their moms having their girl scouting meeting! They go until almost 7 with games and fun happening! Amazing to see all that God is making happen in our part of the world.

Tuesday evening, the men gathered for their Bible fellowship. Rickie led our discussions from Luke 7. The faith of the Centurion and Jesus raises a widow's son. Jesus knows our hearts and can do anything He wants. Nothing is impossible! 

Wednesday evening, Lisa had her Board meeting. So much going on, hard to remember it all. Lots of good thoughts on where God is leading our community and how Common Ground can be a part of it. Amazing things are on the horizon!

Thursday evening was special, really they are every week, but many of us got to do what we like to do and talk and listen to the community. Our friends from Elizabeth Baptist church brought their whole church to us, so must of the work is done for the evening. They bring all the food, serve it, clean the dishes and tables, help with the Market and run the clothing room. We get to sit back and enjoy the evening!

Prayers for Karl Foucht, husband of Hat. His daughter Tanya, living in New Hampshire, lost her husband and father of their two young children last week. A terrible tragedy.

I have been listening to a sermon series about God's amazing grace. Towards the end of the series, the pastor was talking about receiving God's grace. His comments brought thoughts about all of you. We are good about sharing what God has done for us and through us with others, but it is hard for us to receive God's grace when it comes from others. We are so good at giving, sometimes it is hard for us to receive.

I know for me, in my early days of thinking I was the savior come to save our community. If someone in our community offered something to me, most of the time I would say thanks but no thanks. Thinking, there is nothing they have I need! How foolish I was! God has created all of us, all of us, with unique gifts and talents. If we don't take time to listen to all, to communicate with all, we will miss those gifts, those blessing from God. Until we realize, we are the community, not us and them, we need to realize we are all in this journey together.

Thursday night as I was standing out in front of the chapel, one of our community members came over to me, she said, mr brian I have something for you and Joey? I walked over to her truck and she took out two pans of banana pudding! My first thought was to say, thanks but no thanks, you keep it for your family, I don't need this as much as you need it. But I accepted it gratefully and enjoyed every bite of it! She worked long and hard making that pudding, she put her heart and soul into making it, God's grace was baked into that pudding. If I would have declined the pudding, I would have missed God's grace!

As we discern the direction God is leading us and our community let's not loose site of God's grace and where His grace might show up. Just because we may have more education, more resources, does not makes us better in God's eyes. In God's Kingdom, we are all the same. As Ms Abbie and Bryce share with us every week, we need to learn to lean on Me (God), learn to lean on my brother and sister when we need a hand. We will all need someone to lean on as we travel together. Help us Lord to lean on You and let's learn together as we grow into God's Kingdom! Amen!

What's next?

Life goes on, doesn't it? Just because you are not around, the struggles, the triumphs, the challenges of life goes on. I just know, God is ever present in our community through you all, God's grace will continue.

Our stops on Saturday morning, visiting our friends living outside continue to decline! Yeah! Really only Turner remains and some scattered callings from old friends meeting them in various places is the extent of our visits now. Wonder what is next in God's plan for us?

Matt, Vicki and Chuck continue to mold our young people with basketball skills as well as life skills. Just about everyday you will find the blue house full activities of doing homework, eating or talking about life.

Being around the center everyday, I am amazed to see all the activities that take place. We now have office hours, being manned mainly by Joey. There are people from all walks of life stopping by. Some to give us food, shoes, clothing. Some needing groceries, clothing or for someone to listen to their struggles. Groceries are dropped off by some, others come every week to sort them out and put them up. Clothes are dropped off, while others sort through them, hang and organize the clothing room. Food is prepared just about every day. Boys are always hungry! Men learning about God needs to be nourished after a hard day of work. The community looks forward to a meal every Thursday. The center is always busy now.

Our afternoon activities of learning will begin next week. Lots of preparation has been going on. Please let Lisa or Allison know you would like to help out. All sorts of help is needed. We have a great group of returning teachers and helpers, but we can always use more servants.

Thursday was a great time of sharing the Word and singing, eating and meeting new friends, gathering clothes and groceries. The center was busy all night long. Bryce did an outstanding job in leading our singing, while an old friend Jacoby shared the Word. It was a special night, because we got to talk about our birthday girl, Ms Abbie. Joey wanted to buy her a cake, but I said to Joey, with all the candles on top, I was afraid, the chapel might catch on fire! Ms Abbie was not in chapel when I said that, so don't tell her I did! We had an old friend rejoin our community, Ms Dawn has returned, yeah!

We have come a long way from where we have started, handing out groceries from the trunks of our cars or the backs of our trucks, going through bags of clothes, preparing meals when no one came, being asked to leave a church building having no where to go, having no budget, no monies to buy food, groceries, no books for the children to learn by. There was no planning committee, no plans for tomorrow, we were just trying to meet the needs of our community that day! 

So God has brought us this far, where is He leading us now? What is our next step in this journey? Is there something God has placed on your heart, that we need to know about, let us know? We do not want to be just another nonprofit among hundreds in the city, we did not start off that way, we were led by Christ to do what Matthew 25, 34 says, "Then the King will say to those on his right, come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world". 35, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me". 

We are a community of followers of Christ, lvoing others when nobody else does, sharing the grace of God when it is many times hard to do, holding up those who have never experienced hope and peace in their lives. We are set apart, to do God's work in a community where there is very little light shinning of God's majesty. Let's work together to change that! Amen!

Have a great week! We are blessed to be a part of God's Kingdom, let's boldly live our lives that way!