Family Promise update 3-31-06

Everything was rolling along fine. Our hosts had brought good food and conversation to the table. Our kids were playing with our guests. In fact our children and our guest's children had a puppet show for some of the adults of the Cobleigh small group. Late last night we had a domestic dispute that ended in one of guest exiting the program and the other being taken to a shelter. Deb Scott handled everything right, she sensed their was a problem called me and we were able to handle the incident in a professional manner. This just highlights for me what a problem domestic violence is. We make it clear to whomever comes to our building that it will be as safe of envioronment as we can make it. When someone violates this trust then we handle the situation peacefully. The other families lost some sleep like I did, as did the Family Promise social worker, Ruben. When I left last night, Deb Scott was at the table with two of our guests praying. In 2 John , the elder speaks that it made him joyful that he saw the children walking in truth. Seeing Deb Scott praying last night brought me joy. The little things make the effort worthwhile. Pray for the family that is in distress today and pray for the two families who are seeking a way out of the poverty/welfare cycle.

go and make a difference today for God,

Buddy

Family Promise update. . .

The Family Promise Program continues to be a blessing. Debbie Scott and her son Joesph spent the night last night as our "hosts". Just three years ago we met Deb and family on the steps of the Police Building. They had run out of options, no car, no place to live, no family close by and the money from her income tax check was about gone. MPD assigned me the task of "moving her" before they moved her. Through a year long process Deb was able to get a place to live on Roselawn Ave. They have moved three times since then, each time the place has been a little bit better. What a blessing to see Deb and her family now ministering to our guests in FP. Deb brings a lot of knowledge concerning the social-welfare programs available for single women with children. It is a joy to watch the single mothers talking to her while she educates them on various aspects of life. Additionally, Deb is scheduled to start at Stan. State in the fall. Pray for her as she seeks to find a career that will allow her to help people who have fallen on hard times and need a hand up. Pray for the three familes we are ministering to this week. One family is a week out from having a place to live, they are excited about this new start. They will be attending church with us this weekend, I pray for God to give me the words they need to hear.

I will update you later as the week continues. . .

Go make a difference for God!

Buddy

Family Promise Update. . . .

We have a great response to the FP group this week. I am continually thankful for our response to those in need. I have been able to focus on building relationships this time more than ever. The comment most often shared is how overwhelming it is to not have a home to go home to. I cannot imagine what life is like in their situation. They all are thankful for us sharing our resources with them. My son Matthew enjoys spending time playing with the children in the program. Currently there are 6 children and 4 adults in the program. We did not bring Matthew over to the building last night to be a part of the program and he was said that he did not get to help. Thanks to two small groups that have helped by feeding and entertaining our guests the last two nights. Special thanks to our overnight hosts. And thanks to families who have brought supper over. Sheila and Jennifer have been tireless workers on the project, give them a pat on the back for coordinating meals and hosts. I will post again later in the week concerning Family Promise and the adventures we have with them.

Go make a difference for God

Buddy

Family Promise Week is underway

Yesterday afternoon the FP van rolled into the parking lot with two families. One family from the past and one new family. We will have another family arrive tonight. Last night Matthew and I visited with the families after supper. It was an enjoyable time. One of the mom's said that it was overwhelming to be in the program. Not having a home to call your own. The only house that your sleeping in presently is God's House. Tonight one of our small groups is going to feed and show hospitality. It is exciting to see the small groups engaging in this service effort. Our goal is to make a difference in their lives for the week that they are with us. I pray that they can see Christ in us. I will continue with updates during the week

Buddy

Family Promise arrives this week. . .

It only seems like last week we were saying good-bye to the group from Family Promise and here they come again. What a blessing it is for us to get to help families with a hand up as they attempt to start over. Homelessness is hard on families in many ways, imagine not having a place to sleep that's warm or being unsure of where and when the next meal will come from. I can not even imagine it. As of this posting we have one family of four headed this way. A mom and three children. We get to minister to them for a week. If you can help contact me.

Buddy

Family Promise arrives this week. . .

It only seems like last week we were saying good-bye to the group from Family Promise and here they come again. What a blessing it is for us to get to help families with a hand up as they attempt to start over. Homelessness is hard on families in many ways, imagine not having a place to sleep that's warm or being unsure of where and when the next meal will come from. I can not even imagine it. As of this posting we have one family of four headed this way. A mom and three children. We get to minister to them for a week. If you can help contact me.

Buddy

Spring Break in New Orleans. . .

Hilltop is now up and running in Chalmette. Remember back in October which group lead the way into that deserted and devasted city. Team Red had the honor of doing the first mucking that happened their. Today there are over 400 volunteers on 20 jobs. Praise God for his continued work in that area. If you have the opportunity read the blog where I saw Jesus -linked by the name on our blogsite, Tammany Oaks. All kinds of information as to what is going on in the field there and at other places around N.O.
Pray for the work there as it continues.

Family Promise Graduates 3 Families

The Local Family Promise Network is graduating 3 families this week. all of them have found places to live. As you might understand they have been carrying all they own with them from church to church, thus they are in need of many items. Here is a list of needs. If you can help with any of the items on the list specifically then give me a call at the church office, 522-7226. We are trying to help them get the items they need so that they can have a fresh start. If you have any questions talk to me.

Lois Rodriguez
1. Couch
2. Chairs

Joshua and Valarie
1. Blankets
2. Pots & Pans
3. Dish towels
4. Coffee Maker
5. Kids Bed
6. Dishes
7. Portable Heater
8. Curtains
9. Night Light
10. Recliner

Worthy Family
1. 3 Twin beds with frames, sheets, and box springs
2. two dressers for each of the kids rooms
3. DVD Player
4. Sheets (all sizes)
5. towels
6. Washing detergeant
7. Toilet paper
8. blankets


Buddy

Riverbank Apartment Fire debriefing

Last night the Red Cross DAT met at our building to go over the good and the bads of the Shelter Operation from DR 296 The RiverBank Apartment Fire. Sounds like most were happy with our performance at the Shelter. The food we provided got a round of applause and I did not recieve any bad comments concern the overall management of the shelter. We recieved certificates suitable for framing for our work on the project. I will hand those out this Sunday. Some of you will receive the certificates later, since they were not all typed up yet. I would like to thank all on the Team for helping at the shelter. What a great way for to make a difference for God in our community.

Buddy

What's Next. . .

We are kicked back today enjoying life. The weekend was packed with prepartion, preaching and teaching. What a delight to have the priviledge of preaching. The Message was from Matthew 9:36-38. What an exciting scripture to preach! As I studied the text I could see Jesus moving through the streets of Palestine, doing all he could do to poise mankind for the salvation that he has to offer. Jesus calls us to fields, and the fields are in our towns and neighborhoods. He wants us to listen for people crying out with wounds that this world has given them. I am impressed that he calls us to the harvest. Harvesting is not easy work. I contemplated all the different fruits and vegetables that I know about and how to get them in from the field by hand. None of them are easy to bring in. I have never picked cotton, but I have dug for potatoes, picked strawberries and tomatoes. Dad had many other vegtables in our garden while I was growing up too many to mention. The fields Jesus says are ready for the Harvest. . . invest some energy into your neighborhood, your children's friends parents and those you work with and see what God allows to happen in your life. I do not know what opportunity is next for us but my eyes are open and I am ready to charge forward and start the Harvest Cycle.


Go Make a Difference Today for God

Buddy