Newman Shelter Opened . . .

The San Joaquin River has left its banks just outside of Modesto near River Rd. just outside of Newman, CA. Presently folks living in trailers in fishcamps are the ones who have been evacuated, approximately 100 dwellings. Tonight the Newman shelter has 15 residents inside the gym and about twenty five in trailers outside. It appears the shelter will be open throughout the weekend. The Red Cross will be providing 24 hour care throughout this natural event.
If you would like to volunteer to help please call me, 380-3851.

Red Cross Alert Recieved At 2:00 pm today

Stanislaus County Flood Alert

The Stanislaus office is on flood alert for the next seven days.

If you are available to help with possible aid,
Please contact the office as soon as possible.

523-6451


The American Red Cross has been placed on alert this afternoon by the Stanislaus County Emergency Management Office. Many of the Rivers are presently at or near flood stage additional rains in the watershed areas could create problems in our county. If you need any additional information on this situation please contact me.

Flooding in the Central Valley

The American Red Cross has asked us to help staff a shelter in Oakdale tonite, 4-4-06. They are presently operating shelters in Merced and Oakdale. I do not have a lot of details, the Oakdale scenario seems minor at this time, Merced however seems to be quite extensive. If you can help let me know, this is an opportunity for us to bring God's light to the shelter.

If you can help contact me at 380-3851 or call the American Red Cross at 523-6451.


Buddy

Family Promise final update(maybe) for this cycle

Since the domestic event of the other everything has been quiet. The families still with us have been quite talkitive since the event. Both of the women left in the program have been abused by their spouses and had to flee previous situations. Both women ask to come to church with their familes this morning, what a great honor, to have them visit our Sunday school and services this morning. This morning with Mike out of town I get to preach. I am preaching storm texts today and tonite. Texts where people are in bad situations and Jesus is the only way out. That's where we all stand in life. Confused, confounded and hurt by what the world offers and Jesus waiting for us to ask for His help.
The Families move on today to another church, I hope they bumped into Jesus here at Davis Park. I know I have seen him at work here this week through all the volunteers who worked on this project.

make a difference for Him today

Buddy

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

Back to Work. . .

The vacation/lectureship trip ended on Friday. We completed our journey, and are now back to see what God is going to bring our way. Today, Monday, I began a week of call with MPD. I pray for a quiet week (a time of peace) in the City. My fellow chaplains have been busy with the death of the Hiway Patrol officer. This week and every week pray for the safety of the men who leave the comfort of their homes to protect us from Satan's army.

Thursday night the Red Cross will have their monthly meeting at the Davis Park Church of Christ building at 6:30 p.m. If you are a part of our response team, you are invited to attend the meeting.

make a difference for God

Buddy

300 miles and we will be home . . .

We will be back from the vacation/ lectureship tomorrow afternoon. The trip has been good. We will have covered nearly 5000 miles by the time we roll into the house. I can hardly wait to see where God will lead us this year.

make a difference for God

Buddy

Carrolton Ave. Church of Christ

Here is a clip from the Carrolton Ave Church of Christ site . . .

The sermon was a message from a member who had barely escaped with his life and spent days on the I-10 bridge waiting for rescue. His story was gripping, but his faith was inspiring. He told us that he dared to die for God, that he told the Lord that he would either bless him tonight by taking him home, or bless him in the days to come by witnessing the power of God. He retold how he set up an impromptu devotional with those fleeing the flood on the I-10 bridge, the same bridge where drug deals were taking place in plain site of those seeking refuge. He told of how a woman heard them singing and took heart, saying, "They are having church right here on the bridge." He reminded us that each of us, every day, need to "have church" wherever we are and in whatever we do. There is no preaching school in the world that could have polished or improved that man's message from the heart. It was very inspiring and humbling at the same time.

True worship shows up in all places

Buddy

Greetings from the Lone Star State . . .

Hello from Burnet, TX. . .

We have now been on the road for over a week. We have visited Krista's Mom and Dad, Her sister, my dad's old house in Lake Jackson, TX and today we visited with my sister's family. We have packed a lot of visits into these past nine days and covered 3300 miles at this point. We are road weary and tired. However, it has been good to spend time with family. I have read about the tragic loss of Earl, the CHP officer who was shot in Salida. What a loss for our community. Please pray for our officers and their families as they grieve this loss and fear for their future safety.

I am going to try and get some rest as we wind down this trip and head for the Abilene Lectures tomorrow.

Pray for our safety as we travel.

make a difference for God,

Buddy

Blessings. . .

God is incredible! I have seen him working through us this week. It is great that we have so many willing servants that are willing to work hard for God! Christy Sipes has been working hard at the Riverbank Shelter nearly every night for ten nights. Many others have contributed to this project throughout the whole operation. Nearly all the families have found new homes and the shelter is winding down. Friday afternoon will finish it up.

God continues to use me in different ways and I am thankful for it. Since the first of the year I have been on several fire calls, chaplain calls and a host of other tasks. I pray that God will help me to have the skills to bring his touch to this world.

make a difference for God,

Buddy

Riverbank Shelter

The shelter for the fire victims remains open tonight. So far the Red Cross has used nearly 60 volunteers on DR 296. The Response Team has provided 10 of these volunteers. Presently, I am Mass Care Officer, In charge of feeding and sheltering these 19 individuals(8 families). The real story is that many individuals drop whatever they are doing to take care of their fellow men. Most of the families will be moving into homes new to them this week. They will have a lot of needs for items in the new homes.

Pray for these families.

make a difference for God

Buddy