Family Promise. . . . Helping those who want help.

We are on day three of this current cycle of Family Promise. We have a good group of folks who are struggling with the hands that they have been dealt. A young couple trying to overcome several issues, but working hard to get it right this time. A single mom trying to raise a young daughter and a grandmother overwhelmed with the responsibility of raising two grandchildren.
I am still amazed at this program and the opportunity afforded churches to help people who want to perservere through tough times and emerge victorious. This program brings people to your doorstep and drops them off. One of the moms asked for a bible for her daughter who starts meeting with a teen group tonight. One mom cried when she found we host an Al-Anon meeting in our building.
Last night Rick's small group hosted the evening meal. It was awesome food, various smoked meats, salads and great deserts. Jim and Doty brought their grand children to "sleep in church." It is cool to have a multi-generational touch to servanthood.
More updates coming up . . .

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

We are having a great week with our family promise group this week. Last night the three ladies in the program came to our mid-week bible class. Krista, Matthew and I have stayed over and the air mattresses are not too bad, they are not too good either.

Pray for Jill and Theresa who are in the program and on the edge of getting some housing. Jill is an interview away from a Job with a local retailer. Jill and Theresa are applying to a housing program that will allow them to save money for their own place after they complete the program.

So far we have had numerous members have contact with these three families which is the whole point of the program for us. Christians showing Christ's love for those experiencing tough times. It is always good to sit back and watch as we come through with love for these individuals.

Buddy Gray

Family Promise final comments for this Rotation. . .

A seven day stretch is all each of the visits lasts. Sometimes it seems shorter, sometimes longer. Our guests this time were very subdued. One family has the routine down pretty well and were very helpful. One family seemed to follow well. One family overwhelmed as they were just entering the program.
The families left a thank you note on the fridge in the multi-purpose room thank us for our hospitality. I hope they saw Jesus at our building. I cannot imagine what it like to go home to a different church building each week. But the church building is better than a place by the river or sleeping in a car.
One of the families left a prayer on the whiteboard in one of the rooms. A lot of fear eminated from the words of the prayer. I pray that God will give them peace.
I want to thank the 7 couples/families that stayed over as night hosts. Also, I want to thank those who provided the meals. Glenn's group, the Cowan's group, the Natzke family, Corey Long, My Wed night fellowship/dinner group, the Higganbotham Family, the Cobleigh Family and any others who provided food.
This is a great team effort to pull off. I thank God for everyone's continued interest in serving the homeless population through the Family Promise Network.

Give God the Glory,

Buddy

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