Words from a planter in Philly

Several months ago, Jamie Centeno left his role with us as Lancaster Teen Haven Director to prepare (along with his family) to return to Philadelphia as a pioneering pastor sent out by In The Light Ministries. They have now been in Philadelphia for a few months and are faithfully following God's call to serve and share the love of Christ in North Philadelphia.

As I looked back over his newsletters and updates today, I felt compelled to share one of his columns (I hope you don't mind Jamie). Please pray for Jamie, his family, and In The Light Ministries Philadelphia. Also, check out their website to see how God is working in their midst in Philadelphia... www.itlmphilly.org

Faith doesn’t feel good. That’s the revelation I have been shown by God. Most likely that is an elementary statement to you but bear with me.

Though God orders my steps I am not always walking on the smoothest terrain. I must admit sometimes it seems that the easier road would be the one everyone else travels. I see myself ‘rubbernecking’ at what I left behind. Comfort, security, the familiar and the list could go on.

I had great aspirations at what my act of obedience would produce. Somehow the circumstances blew the wind out of my sails. Where before it was so real that I could sink my teeth into it now the only thing my teeth have sunk into are my fingernails. The old school song comes to mind ‘feelings are nothing more than feelings’. The truth is my feelings are not the point and my life is not my own.

I am reminded of the covenant that was made between God and me. If I stay faithful on my end I can be confident because God has never failed me from His end. I need constant reassurance of this. That need has revealed to me how fragile my faith is. The Lord is looking to toughen my resolve. I am becoming more aware of this as the days move forward.

So even though faith doesn’t feel good if I will continue my resilience in trusting God then I can believe the end result will be worth the momentary discomfort.

Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Jamie Centeno

Lessons after childbirth

My family is in the midst of transition – all caused by the birth of a baby. My wife, Jean, and I work out how to manage the care of a newborn while maintaining the nurturing care of the 5 other children in our household. My children also are transitioning as Mom and Dad tend to the needs of an infant who cannot take care of himself.

Because the children range in age from 1 week to 18 years they reflect varying maturity levels and need levels. My response to each of them is based upon their ability to understand the changes taking place as well as their ability to take care of themselves. The 18 month-old craves attention and has begun to cling to mommy more than before Justice’s birth. The older girls coo and care for Justice, helping with everything – complaining only at the changing of diapers (but don’t we all?). My 5 and 3 year-olds think He is neat – but want the space on Daddy’s lap that has always been reserved for them.

Wherever they are at, it’s my response to their needs, wants, cries, and joys that will help them in the maturation process from child to teen to adult.

As I was speaking in chapel this week I was reminded of how this same process takes place in the ministry of WSRM. Men, women and children come to us at varying levels of spiritual maturity. God has placed us in the position of walking alongside other men, women and children created in His image to help sharpen them and to use the unique gifts we have to help them in the maturation process. It is in my response to their needs, wants, cries, and joys that will help them in the maturation process from infant to adulthood – from milk to meat.

But it doesn’t stop there …

My kids help me mature in my faith as well. The simple faith of my children challenges me to see and grow in places and ways where my heart has become ragged and cynical. They help me to see love and experience love – and therefore to communicate love – in ways that the wisdom of the world considers foolishness.

The men, women and children at WSRM also help me mature in my faith as they begin to use their gifts and experience the joy of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through them. Watching them mature (as well as my own children) reminds me of God’s faithfulness to me.

I hope I never forget…

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries

What am I thankful for?

What am I thankful for? Hmm…first and foremost God. Of course my family, friends, and oh yea my job!

What about my job am I thankful for? I could probably write the longest blog ever if I were to share EVERYTHING! For your sake I will focus on the relational part of my job.

I work in the Development Department and we develop relationships with donors and of course these relationships are very important to and valuable to me. I also value the relationships with the residents here at Water Street Rescue Mission. These relationships make me smile, they make me sad, they make me angry, they make me cry, they make me laugh but most importantly they let me see the work of God.

Here is an example:

I got to meet a resident by the name of Richard. Richard helped us out during one of our events. One day, I saw Richard in the dining hall; he was not his usual chipper self. I looked at him and asked him if he was struggling he said “yea, how did you know?” and I responded “No need to say anymore I will pray for you.”

About 3 days later I was getting out of my car headed into work for the day and I heard a voice calling around the parking lot “Ms. Evelyn, Ms. Evelyn! Do you have a minute?” He then proceeded to tell me that he has an eleven month old son, who will be turning 1 in about 2 weeks and that he will be visiting him for his birthday, he hasn’t seen his son in 6 months. He also shared that the main reason he is here at Water Street Rescue Mission is because he wanted to be a better father to his son, a father his son can be proud of. We concluded our conversation with me promising to pray for his visit.

I headed to my office and the minute I stepped into my office something hit me. Does this man have a gift to take to his only son for his first birthday? The man does live in a shelter, he is basically homeless. I went and spoke with Steve Brubaker who is Director of Residential Programs. I knew we had a “gift closet” for the children somewhere here. He directed me to the right department and I was able to pick out several birthday gifts for a 1 year old boy.

Several days later I asked Richard to meet me at my office and shared with him that God has blessed him with gifts for his son. Words can not express the look on this man’s face. He was actually speechless. I saw this grown man tear up. I saw this man witness God’s love. How blessed am I to be part of this? How awesome is that?

How many of you can say that about your job?

Thank you Jesus for giving me a place that is more than just a JOB! Thank you for the relationships I have with my family, friends, co-workers, donors, residents and most importantly YOU!

-Evelyn Rankin, Development Department

Teach me to be thankful

It is so easy get lost in all the details. Thanksgiving is just two days away, and instead of feeling truly grateful for the hope that I have in Jesus and all that He has blessed me with, I find myself complaining.

The Great Thanksgiving Banquet is tomorrow night. It is an awesome time to show Christ’s love to the community through offering a meal and fellowship, but what is consuming my mind today is not thankfulness for this opportunity but a panicked bitterness that I am not getting any thing done! “Too many phone calls”, “too many details”, “not enough time” seem to be never far from my tongue.

Help me, Father, to be truly grateful. Grant me Your perspective on the details. Help me to give time and priority to people and relationships, as You did while here on earth.

Teach me to be thankful.

-Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator

Too small to ignore

Last spring a book came across my desk, sent to me by the head office of early childhood education of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). The book was Too Small to Ignore, by Wess Stafford, president and CEO of Compassion International. The book looked interesting and I stuck in my briefcase to take home and read. Unfortunately, my husband got to it before I did and began reading it. Before I knew what was happening, he was telling everyone about the book, suggesting that anyone who has children, works with children, or even knows children should read this book. He even began to offer my book to others to borrow and read and I hadn’t even read it yet! With that I decided that I better get busy and read the book and you know, I have to agree with him – it is a book that everyone who knows children and works with them should read.

The premise of Dr. Stafford’s book is simple: “Children are too important and too intensely loved by God to be left to chance. Children belong to all of us and we are compelled to intervene on their behalf. We must invest in children – all across the world.” Many times we think of children as the “least of these” but remember Jesus said that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:4-5).

Interspersed with the author’s own experiences growing up in a West African village as the son of missionaries are challenges to consider the plight of our children today, not only in our western culture but around the world. His own childhood in Africa taught him that it does indeed take a village to raise a child. Childhood in non-western societies like the one in which he was raised is “a constant, gentle flow that moves from infant to toddler to child to youth and on to adulthood in a steady integrated progression. In each phase of childhood, the child is allowed to be as much a part of the ebb and flow of daily life as his or her capabilities allow.” By contrast we (in Western culture) have “forgotten that there really is no higher calling than to raise a child. We tend to do a lot for our children but not nearly enough with our children.”

So how do we begin to change our unhealthy views of children to more positive ones? How do we discover and nurture their dreams in our fast-paced society? It requires deliberate effort on our part. Dr. Stafford suggests three ways: (1) Go to them. Enter their world; (2) Bring them into your world; and (3) Merge the two worlds. In his book he endeavors to elaborate and enlighten the reader on just how to do those things. He gives persuasive and logical reasons, beyond love and kindness, to invest in our children both here and across the world. He reminds us that one day we will be the ones yearning for time with them in their busy schedules as they occupy the seats of power in the world. He reminds us that “it cannot wait until tomorrow. Today is the moment to shape children’s spirits, character, and values, to help them build castles in the clouds.” Dr. Stafford will encourage you to turn good intentions into strategies for changing the world – one child at a time!

-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club School

The ambulance down in the valley

‘Twas A dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed, Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped a Duke and full many a peasant.
The people said something would have to be done, but their projects did not at all tally.
Some said, “Put a fence ‘round the edge of the cliff,” Some, “An ambulance down in the valley.”

The lament of the crowd was profound and was loud, as their hearts overflowed with their pity;
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day as it spread through the neighboring city
A collection was made, to accumulate aid, and the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave dollars or cents – not to furnish a fence – but an ambulance down in the valley.

“For the cliff is all right if you’re careful,” they said; “And if folks ever slip and are dropping.
It isn’t the slipping that hurts them so much as the shock down below – when they’re stopping.”
So for years (we have heard), as these mishaps occurred, quick forth would the rescuers sally,
To pick up the victims who fell from the cliff, with the ambulance down in the valley.

Said one to his peers, “It’s a marvel to me that you’d give so much greater attention
To repairing results than to curing the cause; you had much better aim at prevention.
For the mischief, of course, should be stopped at its source Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally.
It is far better sense to rely on a fence than an ambulance down in the valley.”

“He is wrong in his head,” the majority said; “He would end all our earnest endeavor.
He’s a man who would shirk his responsible work, but we will support it forever.
Aren’t we picking up all, just as fast as they fall, and giving them care liberally?
A superfluous fence is of no consequence, if the ambulance works in the valley.

The story looks queer as we’ve written it here, But things oft occur that are stranger;
More humane, we assert, than to succor the hurt is the plan of removing the danger,
The best possible course is to safeguard the source; attend to things rationally.
Yes, build up the fence and let us dispense with the ambulance down in the valley.
(Author unknown)

Are we at Water Street Rescue Mission the fence or the ambulance? I believe we’re both. We want to help those who’ve fallen over the edge by showing them the fence which is God’s plan of salvation through His son Jesus, and the healing grace that keeps us all from falling again and needing that ambulance.

Vicki Bollman, Women’s Ministry

"She sees me when I can't see myself"

When I worked at the rescue mission in Jacksonville my boss met with city officials before the Super Bowl came to town. The city had a keen interest in knowing what was going to ‘happen to the homeless’ when the Super Bowlers visited Jax. And they were very nervous that the ‘unhidden’ homeless in our midst might disturb the partygoers from out of town. They like many in our communities believed it best that the homeless and troubled were out of view – and out of public awareness.

I am encouraged to know that God sees us and loves us when we are ‘out of sight.’ Way before any of us came to know Jesus personally, God already knew us, cared about us, and was beckoning us to come meet Him. Amazing isn’t it?

And I am often encouraged here at the Mission as I witness my fellow staff members in how they ‘notice’ the residents. In the Mission, on most every day of the year, at almost anytime of the day there is someone being fed, being spoken with, being ministered to. The staff and volunteers bring dignity and respect to each of these residents, all who have been ‘in the shadows of life for so long.’ And in so doing, the staff dramatically models the reality that God sees us when ‘we are afar off.’

One of our older, African – American residents was speaking passionately to me about her relationship with Cheryl, one of our young counselors. Of Cheryl she said this, “Cheryl sees me when I can’t see myself!” I was humbled when I heard this and reminded of the sacred privilege we have – that of coming along side someone who is broken and hurting. Our very caring Father has used Cheryl’s eyes of compassion, her thoughtful words, her loving silence, her embracing acceptance, and her authentic and vulnerable relationship with this once hidden older woman to reveal that He sees her and has not ‘passed her by.’ May you be encouraged today Cheryl, to persist in loving those around you in such an open and defenseless way! Jesus loves you, girlfriend, in word and deed!

-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

Cold Stone Funraiser

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Get your “Cold Stone Creamery” ice cream cake or pie! Starting November 13th to January 31st, buy an ice cream cake or pie and support the Water Street Clinics! Get your voucher today!

I had never even tried their ice cream until this week, and now I’m hawking for them?

Jamie Bolen-Pollock, local owner of a Cold Stone Creamery, came up to me at the Business Expo last week and offered to do a fund raiser for the Water Street Clinics. I found this interesting, since God had laid on my heart a few days earlier when I heard the Cold Stone advertisement for fundraising, that I should contact them. I guess He decided to bring them to me! I responded to her offer…”You have got to be kidding!” She was confused, what had she said that elicited this response from me? I then told her that God sent her to me and I was amazed! She also is a believer and got a big smile on her face & said that God is like that & in fact shared how he had nudged her to respond just that morning to act on another issue in her life.

Lord, you have placed on the hearts of those leading the Water Street Clinics to build a new & bigger clinic to serve more uninsured people in need of medical & dental care. This is crazy! We have no money Lord! How are we going to run a new clinic with double the expense, when we are barely able to cover this years cost? I’m going to have a panic attack Lord! Why have you sent us down this path with what appears to be no solid funding support? I know you have promised to be with us. We have talked with you about this project for a long time and we have seen how you have provided for us, in fact all of the furniture has been donated to furnish the 6 new exam rooms. The 4 dental operatories are being built as I pray, and people are coming forward to donate furnishings and funds to complete the construction! That is pretty amazing! You have also brought so many new volunteers Lord this year…but we need more. I know you know that! I guess it comes down to trust. Trusting You Lord to provide whatever is needed for Your ministry. I recall you reminding me Lord that this clinic is Yours! I am Your servant Lord! You placed this word in my heart this week,

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 and from Proverbs 3, “Trust the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

I admit Lord; I really don’t understand how we are going to pay for the expenses of the new clinic. What I do know is that YOU do!

- Gale Thomason, Executive Director, Water Street Clinics

Hope for what?

Recently a man sat across my desk asking for our program. He had only one eye and very few teeth. He dropped out of high school and is too frail to work as a laborer. He was not disabled and too young for retirement. It was hard for him to participate in the conversation; his mind was poor at thinking.

As we talked I caught myself feeling hopeless about him. This happens to me quite a bit in this ministry. I felt myself getting pulled into his painful circumstance and losing perspective.

The starkness of these frequent realities forces me to revisit what we offer here. Many times, in these interviews, I make reference to a ‘better life’. I use that as a carrot to motivate the person to engage in life change. The common version of a ‘better life’ seemed beyond hope for this man.

What could he hope for in this life?
Is eternity all he could hope for?
Is that all we could help him with?
What difference could Jesus make in this man’s life right now?

We will not likely resolve all the limitations this man has, though we will work hard to do so. If he is willing, however, we may be able to show him how to find a joy that goes beyond circumstances; a joy that will make the rest of his life a higher quality even though his situation may not remarkably improve.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Thanks Don!

I am completely amazed at the commitment of some of our volunteers. I had the privilege of meeting Don Wolgemuth today. Don “volunteers” for Teen Haven. I say “volunteers” with quotation marks because in reality it’s more like he works for Teen Haven.

Don works at least four days a week cutting, splitting and delivering wood. Some of this wood is taken to Teen Haven camp for them to use to heat staff houses or for camp fires. Very important, for as Don said, “A lot of big decisions for Christ are made around the camp fire!”

Most of the wood, however, Don sells. You might think that he’s becoming a rich man, but he’s not. When he delivers the wood, he has the buyer make the check out to Teen Haven. In his years of doing this, he has raised over $81,000 for Teen Haven.

That’s a lot of money, but what impresses me most is why he is doing this. The reason is simple—he loves God. He recognizes the importance of reaching youth for Christ. So he serves “behind the scenes”, providing essential resources for the ministry.

Thank you, Don.

- Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator

The beautiful Schuylkill Expressway?

Yesterday, I drove in to Philly for a meeting with some of our Teen Haven staff and to conduct an interview. While driving along the Schuylkill Expressway around 10am, I had a revelation. The Schuylkill Expressway is a beautiful stretch of road.

Now for those of you from the Philly area, let me assure you I was indeed awake, and not under the influence of any substances legal or otherwise (I did have a cup of half-caf coffee on the drive). Usually one wouldn't associate the word beautiful with this stretch of road, more often one might think "treacherous", "nightmare", "maddening", "scary", "unpredictable" - you may even be familiar with it's nickname, "The Sure-Kill Expressway."

But yesterday, while driving the 12 mile stretch from Rte 202 to Roosevelt Blvd, I could not help but be struck by the sheer beauty of the road I was driving on. The amazing colors of the trees surrounding the road, the sections of hillside that the highway is cut into, the short stretch that overlooks the river as you approach the city. God and man have cooperated to produce a pretty amazing stretch of road - especially in late Oct/early Nov.

Now don't get me wrong, I have driven along the Pacific Coast Highway between San Fran and LA, and I'm not comparing the Schuylkill to that most amazing stretch of road in the world (If I get the chance to visit it again, I might not ever come back).

I guess my point (if I need to have one) is this. God's beauty can shine through in even the most unsuspecting and seemingly God-forsaken places (hmmm... and lives?).

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

The Lord Knows What is Right for Me…

My children were finally raised & out of the house. I had a little extra time to do things that I wanted to do. The Lord was playing on my heart for awhile to give something back to the community when I received a flyer in the mail from the WS Clinic saying they needed RN volunteers in the medical clinic. I filled out the application and mailed it in. I got a call from Gale Thomason and made an appointment to meet with her. I thought to myself, I have been a baby nurse most of my career, working in Neonatal Intensive Care. I was thinking, do I really remember what to do with an adult patient anymore, but the Lord kept calling me to do this.

I arrived the first day to volunteer and was gladly impressed with what came back to me; adults really didn’t change very much. Blood pressures, vital signs, medications – they all came back to me. I knew the Lord wanted me to do this and He was right by my side all the way.

I really enjoy my time at the clinic. I have met many new people from all walks of life. Doctors, nurses and of course the patients. Most are very committed to changing their lives and committed to the Lord.

I really appreciate the opportunity to work here in the medical clinic. The Lord knows what is right for me.

- Lynn Balmer, RN, Water Street Medical Clinic