Family Promise

4 families arrived at the church today, total people 14. 9 Children and 5 adults. It is always an interesting tranisition to get things up and running. Its like 0 to 60 in no time. It is always good to have people here for the program, however it is bad that life situations are such that they lives end up in disarray and children are left without homes. I pray that these folks find jobs and homes in the near future. It is weird in many ways to not be sleeping in my own warm bed, in a place that I am most comfortable. I know I have a home to go to tomorrow. This program allows us to have touch with alot of good people who are down on their luck. Pray that we make the best of the week with them.

Buddy Gray

Family Promise/ Return Trip News

Family Promise group will show up this next week as the Thanksgiving Holiday is concluding. My heart goes out to these people without a home at this time of the year. I have many fond memories of holidays in the comfort of my home and the homes of my family. For those in the program our building becomes their home and we the members become their family for a brief time. I know it is not easy to give up the comforts of your home, because I know how much I enjoy mine. We need a couple of families still to finsih off the list of night hosts. It is a blessing everytime for Krista, Matthew and I. Matthew enjoys the time with the kids. Let Jesus be demonstrated by your love for others as we host the week of the 25th of November.

We are still planning on leaving December 6th for the areas affected by the fires in San Diego County. If you are planning on going let me know as soon as possible so that I can let Hilltop know how many of us they can expect.

Family Promise . . .

So far we have had an uneventful week. Uneventful from the coordinators point of view that is. For the families involved in this process/program it has to viewed as an adventure. The rooms that they call home will be classrooms tonight and then later their home again. The dining room will become cluttered with many people looking for their classrooms for this evenings bible study. I am sure its difficult for them, however, they are not by the river or in some alley. In fact they are in God's house, a place where we attempt to create a safe haven of rest for them.
We have had two different small groups provide evening meals, both smelled and looked wonderful. Thank you to the Cowans' group and to Dr. Glen's group for a job well done. Sheila and Jennifer have done a great job, my thanks to them.

We have three familes and a total of ten people. 5 Children and 5 adults. One family just entereed the program yesterday. Pray for all of these individuals. Pray for them to find jobs, housing and that they will find or remain faithful during this struggle that they are in.


Buddy

This Week. . .

So far we have no activity in our as on-call chaplain this week. One of the items brought to light by being on call is how active our police are in keeping us safe. This aint Mayberry, Andy and Barney would not be able to keep up in Modesto. My hats off to all the officers everywhere who are "just doing their jobs". Even though doing the jobs may at some point put them in danger, they still do it. In our city calls are qued up and waiting for the officers to work them. Higher priority calls when safety and welfare at risk are pushed to the top of the list. A lot of good men doing good work for all of us.

Family Promise is coming up! Don't wait make sure you have signed up for a night at the church as a host or come and enjoy a meal and an evening with our guests.

Phillips, Craig and Dean were at Big Valley last night. These guys lift their voices up to the heavens and praise God. Many of their songs touch your heart. BTW, this group did not hurt my old ears. It was also good to hear the sweet sounds of Texas dialect. Two of the group members are from the Great State of Texas. Amen.

Highlight of the week this week. Covers Apple Ranch. I went with Matthew's Kindergarten class to the apple ranch. Matthew loved the train ride. Matthew's comment, this was not like a regular day at school.

make a differernce for God today,

Buddy

Local Ministry is Community Response . . .

Sorry for the dry spell in posting to the blog. I may have had blogger block. Last Saturday I was allowed to lead a celebration of life for a dear friend. I have only known Rubye Long for 6 years, butn in that time she became very dear to me. She was a Christian wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grand mother. Her family will miss. The Ladies who meet on Thursdays will miss her too.

I am presently on call with MPD. Pray for peace in the city. Pray that if peace is disrupted I can bring God's light to it.

Coming to a church near you. Family Promise is going to be here Oct. 8. What a great time we will have with the families that arrive.

Congrats to Leonard Higginbotham. He earned a promotion at work. County Probation has a new Christian Supervisor. Praise God!!!!!!!

The tropics have been quiet, what a blessing for the Coast(Gulf) to have a year to rebuild.

A lot of scattered thoughts. Keep working for God.

This week in my Sunday class we will talk about listening. I know I can improve my listening skills.