Our Blog has moved!

Hi Everyone!

Just want to let you know that our blog is still active and growing, but in a new location. We are now hosting the Water Street Life blog on our main Water Street Ministries website. We will continue to maintain this site as an archive of our older stories, so feel free to look around and get a taste of God's work through the years, but to see what's happening today, come visit our new blog location by clicking on the title of this post or visiting:

http://www.waterstreetministries.org/Blog.aspx

And as always check out our website for other important news and to learn more about all of Water Street Ministries by visiting:

http://www.waterstreetministries.org/home.aspx

The Reason We Serve

Rachel Scarborough
Development Intern

Hi! My name is Rachel Scarborough, and I’ve been working at Teen Haven Camp for nine years. I started as a camper and continued to be a junior counselor and finally a head counselor. These blogs are just a few of my camp experiences. Read, enjoy, and don’t forget the bug spray.

“I can tell you two things;- there is a God, and He loves you very much. And there is a devil, and he will do anything to stop you from getting where God wants you. So my advice to you is to pray, and I’ll pray for you too,” said Brandy*.


It was Wednesday night and the girls were all down at the campfire. One of the girls, Stacey*, shared a touching story about her dad and how he had abandoned their family. That’s when Brandy, another camper, spoke up and gave her some encouraging words. It was the first time I had witnessed an interaction between campers at the campfire. Usually the girls shared testimonies and the counselors would listen and minister to them as needed. However, this camper was brave enough to speak up and tell her fellow camp mate that she wasn’t alone. The camp fire continued in this manner. Older girls were comforting younger girls and offering advice, and some campers were even comforting counselors.

As I listened to a little girl named Becky share a story about getting raped, it hit me. This moment is the reason I serve. Everything that we as counselors go through and endure is all in order for these girls to get to this moment. The moments where they can get up at a campfire and share their story with other girls, who knows how it feels or who need to hear that it’s possible to come out on the other side. The moment when they realize Jesus loves them and wants to be a part of their lives.

As Becky sat down, I got up. I was going to share my story with these girls. A journey of how I found hope, renewal, and the unfailing love of Jesus Christ.




Help teens experience God in new ways. Provide a Teen Haven camp scholarship today. Click here to donate online!

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

The Thing About Prayer

Rachel Scarborough
Communications Intern

Hi! My name is Rachel Scarborough, and I’ve been working at Teen Haven Camp for nine years. I started as a camper and continued to be a junior counselor and finally a head counselor. These blogs are just a few of my camp experiences. Read, enjoy, and don’t forget the bug spray.

“Rachel! …Rachel!” I turned around to see Jamie *, one of the junior counselors, running up to me out of breath. “Have you seen Bandit?!” she asked me, with a hint of concern in her voice. “We haven’t seen him at all, and usually he’s around by now.” Bandit was one of Teen Haven’s oldest editions. He was a 12- year- old cat that Gina Frey, the former camp cook, had raised. I personally didn’t like him that much, but the campers really loved him and fed him every night. “I’m sure he’s fine,” I said. “After all, how far could he have gone?”

By eleven thirty that night Bandit still hadn’t shown up, and fellow counselors Rebecca*, Tamera*, and I were all slightly worried. “What are we going to do if this cat is dead?” Rebecca said. I didn’t know. Bandit had been around so long that if he died it would actually be sad. Tamera suggested we pray for his return. Although it sounded weird, we did anyway. “He’ll turn up; just wait, because God is good like that.”

We all went to bed hoping Tamera was right.

The next morning Bandit showed up, to my surprise. His return was a blessing and a reminder. Sometimes as Christians we forget that no prayer request is too little for God. But the reality is God hears all our prayers, even the ones about a cat named Bandit.

Help teens experience God in new ways. Provide a Teen Haven camp scholarship today. Click here to donate online!

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

Revive

"I was glad to have met you this morning" one friend of the ministry wrote to a WSM staff person who had visited her just one day before. "I feel you are involved in a wonderful ministry. It's important that we help those in need who are among us, and minister to their spiritual needs as well, that they may hear God's plan of salvation and come to know Jesus." Enclosed with the note was a $500.00 donation.

It was kindness like this from many of you this Spring that made for an exciting Revive Campaign, and invitation for individuals to revive their financial partnership with Water Street Ministries. Many churches revived their partnership with us as well, saying they wanted to make more of an impact locally.

Plus, during the Revive, three anonymous friends of the ministry provided generous donations to launch a special May challenge. Many of you responded, and we are so thankful for the results.

All together, we received $611,793 in donations between April 1 and May 31 toward our $875,000 Revive Campaign goal. Thank you to everyone who gave. Your generosity helped us take a step forward in tackling our deficit while allowing us to impact over 2,000 individuals this Spring in spiritual and practical ways. Together, we're changing one life at a time.

If you didn't get to participate in Revive, it's not too late to send a special gift. Just click here to donate online. Link to:

https://www.waterstreetministries.org/MakeADifference/GiftOptions/DonateOnline.aspx

The Trail

Rachel Scarborough
WSM Development Intern

Hi! My name is Rachel Scarborough, and I’ve been working at Teen Haven Camp for nine years. I started as a camper and continued to be a junior counselor and finally a head counselor. These blogs are just a few of my camp experiences. Read, enjoy, and don’t forget the bug spray.


The woods were sticky and dark as Chanea, the girls’ director of Philadelphia, and I brushed aside branches, striving to see the barely visible path we were walking on. We were playing a new night game called Counselor Hunt, where the entire counseling staff hid and all the campers had to find us. I was excited for the game until Chanea suggested we go on an old nature trail. When the game started the sun was just slipping behind the trees and fireflies were beginning to decorate the air, but as we walked the trail it seemed as if the darkness enveloped us like a blanket, thick and quiet. “Chanea!” I whispered with a hint of fear, "I can’t see anything! How much longer do we have to be here?” She sighed, “Um, I don’t know but I don’t hear the kids...” She paused. At that moment we heard the sounds of an unrecognizable animal, Caw, caw, caw! Without a second glance I took off running like a character out of a safari movie, pushing branches out of my face, and jumping trees as fast as I could, leaving Chanea no choice but to run as well.

Luckily, for Chanea and I the animal never showed its face and the campers never caught us. However, the whole experience reminded me of the Christian walk. Sometimes God takes us down paths that we are scared to follow or aren’t familiar with. However, instead of trusting Him we turn and run for cover at the first sign of hardship because of our fear. I didn’t run because I saw an animal, I ran because of the fear I had that those sounds would materialize into something I would be afraid of. Remember our God isn’t one of fear but of courage.

Help teens experience God in new ways. Provide a Teen Haven camp scholarship today. Click here to donate online!

Farewell to a good friend

Our Men's Ministry Director, Aaron Eggers, left Water Street last week to take a new position at a sister rescue mission in Salem, Oregon. During chapel on his last day with us, present and former residents had the opportunity to share with him and each other about the impact he made in their lives. Here are a few of their comments:

"I appreciated your willingness to be vulnerable by acknowledging your own weaknesses with us. I often thought, if you (as the Director) are willing to do that, I should be too - if I want to grow in Christ."

"I never met anybody who 'kept it real' like you."

"You modeled for us what it meant to live authentically as a Christian man."

"You taught me to see myself as God sees me."

"You made me look at myself - for the first time."

"You taught me to value grace which I 'trampled on' for most of my life."

"You've been an important part of my journey."

"I'm grieving that you are leaving."

"I've known Aaron since the first day he came here. He has helped both my self and my husband in our struggles."

The photo above shows the men praying for Aaron at his last chapel at WSM. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aaron as his journey with Christ takes him to his new role in Salem. We are grateful to God for his time here and the impact he had on the ministry, the men, and all of us.

Overwhelmed by Change

How often has any one of us been overwhelmed by the expectation of change? External changes can disrupt many things in our day. But what about internal changes? How do we respond when God is asking us to think differently, respond differently or allow ourselves to feel again?

I am amazed as I watch the power of God at work in the lives of the women who come to the Lydia Center, who everyday are challenged to face change. Most often fear is the obstacle to that change. Fear of failing, fear of the unknown and often fear of being overwhelmed with emotions that have been avoided or buried for many, many years. This frequently brings each of them to a crossroads in their journey of change. Do they take the risk or do they stay where they are? As we encourage the ladies to turn their eyes upon Jesus it also reassures me that I can do likewise in my own journey of change. As King David wrote, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I. (Ps. 61:2 KJV).

Tina Hildebrand
Lydia Center Counselor

Growing in Service

For many years, one of the Water Street Mission’s good friends has been Friendship Community an organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities. At one of their recent Expressions of Love & Praise worship service, the topic for the evening was on “Sharing.” As a practical way to express sharing, individuals were invited to bring extra coats to share with the Water Street Mission.

During the service, the question was raised – “Do we just share the extra things we have with others or would we share our favorite possession if we were asked to? Many of us honestly expressed our hesitation to give up our favorite things.

As the service was coming to a close, one of Friendship’s individuals walked to the front of the church carrying her coat. She whispered to Milt Stoltzfus, who was leading the service, that she wanted to give her favorite coat to someone who needed it. Milt asked her if she was sure that she wanted to do this. She responded by saying, “It’s my favorite coat, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Thank you, clients of Friendship Community, for being such a powerful example of how to love through sharing.

This post was cowritten by:
Milt Stoltzfus • Friendship Community, Spiritual Nurture and Community Life
Maria Schaszberger • Water Street Ministries, Director of Communications

A Great Servant and Legacy at Teen Haven

Can you think of someone whose life has inspired you to be a better person?

One person who has left this type of footprint in the lives of Teen Haven was Mr. Jesus Ruiz. His spirit of selfless servanthood, and encouragement have inspired the youth and staff at our Lancaster Center beyond words.



Although he has gone home to be with the Lord, his legacy will continue to encourage others to follow closer after Christ.

The above photo of Jesus Ruiz was taken by a Teen Haven student, Danielys Cubilete, during a photo project with the Restore Leadership Program on the theme of "WHO IS RESTORING LANCASTER CITY. "

Read as some of our staff share about Jesus' life:
Jesus Ruiz was a phenomenal human being. His joy, his love for Christ, others and the community are amazing features that Jesus had. He was one great servant here at Teen Haven, from mowing our lawn, to raking leaves, washing company and at times staff vehicles. He is truly going to be missed by the staff and all the students here at Teen Haven that he impacted by his servant attitude, he was a grandfather to many.

We will miss having him over for a volunteer appreciation lunch, giving him a sweatshirt, T-Shirt, etc. as a gift for Christmas. It was truly a pleasure to know this man of God and the light that he was wherever he went will never go out. He was and is truly a light to our dark world.

Now he gets to be with the Light of the world - knowing Jesus Ruiz he's probably trying to wash the streets of Gold or Jesus feet. LOL, that man couldn't be slowed down, he enjoyed life to the fullest each and every day. He was a man with no regrets, he was a man that was thankful to have life. What a great neighbor, what a great friend, what a great volunteer, what a great servant of Christ, we had the privileged of knowing.
Jose Jimenez • Lancaster Field Director

Every time I see his cars my eyes get watery, Mr. Jesus was an amazing man of God, every time I spoke to him he encouraged me by preaching the gospel. His life completely revolved around Jesus and he proved that to me countless times.

A few days after open heart surgery he was working in the back of Teen Haven WOW!!! I will never forget Mr. Jesus he is in heaven now without any pain or suffering I will miss him dearly. But we will see each other again praise God.
Johnny Vega • Lancaster Boys Program Coordinator

Homelessness is not Hopelessness

Being homeless doesn’t mean I’m a bad person or a second – or even third – class citizen. Although many here at the Mission have chosen the wrong path in life and let alcohol or drugs take over their willpower, an unfortunate series of events have brought men and women here. I used to sit outside Chapel waiting to go in at night and watch as people drove by and stared at us. All those people in shiny new cars going by did not even realize that they are a paycheck away from homelessness themselves. I watched as parents dropped their son or daughter off thinking he or she needed to be taught a lesson in humility and responsibility when the parents could easily end up here too.

Take for example my roommates. The 3 women I share a dorm room with are all exceptionally bright, outgoing women who have all faced adversity of one kind or another head on and didn’t back down. They are courageous in their individual battles against homelessness but I know will be behind me in my struggle just as they know I am there for them. Black Martha, Blackie and Big Mama are the nicknames they were given here in our room upon their arrivals and will always be.

2 of our 4 will be departing soon to move on in their lives and grow further into happy fulfilled women. Many think that homelessness is a permanent solution to irresponsibility and addiction. In most cases there is no other option but to come to the Mission for help and guidance.

As we journey through life there is and always will be joyous times and tumultuous times.

God is there for each and every one of them…even if you’re homeless. Homelessness is not hopelessness.

Lamentations 3:25, 26 (NKJV), “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Revelation 22:21 (NKJV), “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

- Sue, "Eyes Without A Home"

An Intro - 'Eyes Without A Home'

Hi! Our names are Sue and Nancy. We are both residents of the Women’s Shelter and both of us are part of what is known as ‘program.’ We are collaborating with staff to give you an inside perspective on what it is like to be homeless at Water Street. We hope that it is both informative and inspirational as you follow along with us on our journeys. But first a few words by way of introduction…

Sue is a Canadian. She first came to Water Street Ministries on August 2, 2010. She entered Community Shelter first and slept on mats for four months before moving up to Emergency Shelter on the 4th floor of Kuhn’s Hall. She is currently working on finding employment and housing while in the Woman's Program.

Nancy first came to Water Street Ministries on September 1, 2010 after being homeless for 9 months. Nancy is currently working at Brethern Village as a CNA. She is also working on housing with Tabor Community Services.

Both Sue and Nancy are thankful for the opportunity to share our experiences of homelessness with you. We hope that you will interact with us and respond to the blog. Any suggestions or questions for topics are welcome as well. We are working on having this put into book form and excited for next steps. Please pray for us as we look for the openings that are provided.

... Stay tuned for our next post called "Homelessness is not Hopelessness."

- Sue & Nancy, "Eyes Without A Home"

Former Graduate shares from their heart

This story of new life and transformation, is part of our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign.' For details about how you can join this campaign, check out below...

The following post has been shared by a former graduate of the Men's Life Recovery Program at the Water Street Mission.

"I hardly know where to start to express my gratitude to the Mission. The one thing I do know is I need to thank the supporters of the Mission. I want to thank those who give both financially and most importantly those that pray. The battles that each of us fight are not against the things seen but unseen. (2 Cor. 10:3-5 and Eph. 6:12)

In the past, my thoughts were faulty and defective. Now my present is already beyond my wildest dreams. NO way do I think my thoughts, attitudes and behaviors are gone. They keep showing up in one form or another. BUT, GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Below, I've included a portion of the commencement speech I made.

It is true that despite a mental illness, a stroke during my stay at the Mission and other difficulties, God is TRULY faithful!

I've been able to start my own business while still keeping my focus on him. When I came to the Mission I didn't care if I lived or died. Now most of the time I realize my presence is in the “Fellowship of the Unashamed,” which I shared as the second part of my commencement speech.

The GOSPEL TRUTH
The Fellowship of the Unashamed
I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made. I am a disciple of
Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down,
back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present
makes sense, and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living, sight walking,
small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams,
chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position,
promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I now live by
presence, lean by faith, love by patience,
lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace
is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my
road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few,
my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought,
compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back,
diluted, or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the
presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy,
ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander
in the maze of mediocrity.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until
Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know,
and work until He comes. And when He comes to get
His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.
My colors will be clear.
I am not ashamed of the gospel . . . Romans 1:16

Some goals, hopes, and dreams are in there. I again want to thank the supporters of the Mission for giving my life and many others a chance."

From a former Graduate of the Men’s LifeRecovery Program at Water Street Mission

Join the revive 2011 Spring Campaign...
This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

A Rainy Days and Tear-filled Moments

This story of new life and transformation, is part of our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign.' For details about how you can join this campaign, check out below...

Today was another wet, cloudy day in our week. For some reason I felt dreary and heavy inside just like the weather outside. After lunch Jerome* made a large furniture delivery. Jerome* was feeling bummed after a difficult morning too.

We met the mom who was receiving the furniture and began to carry in the 6 beds, dressers, sofa, chairs, desk, kitchen table and other goodies. She is receiving her children back home and needed furniture for them.

Partway through unloading the truck she received a phone call and she began to weep while she told the person on the phone about the blessing she was receiving. After we finished Jerome* and I prayed with her and encouraged her to see this gift as a demonstration of God’s love for her and her children. We also encouraged to check out Crossroads Mennonite since she lives just down the street.

As we were getting back in the truck to go home the morning weight had lifted and Jerome commented that he needed the experience of that delivery today. I hope that can encourage you today no matter what you may be facing - know that God loves you.

*name changed
Dean Wenger • Redistribution Manager, Water Street Ministries

Join the revive 2011 Spring Campaign...
This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

Bigger than a Birthday Gift - Lydia Center

This story of new life and transformation, is part of our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign.' For details about how you can join this campaign, check out below...

Our team at the Lydia Center had a new resident come to us in January, and she accepted the Lord in March. On Wednesday of this week we took her to the dentist where she spent the whole day getting dental work. After her visit was finished, she was given a prescription for vicodin.

As my birthday gift for today, she told me that she had a victory yesterday.

She went on to explain that she could have smoked a cigarette during her visit at the dentist since she was on her own all day. Yet, she didn’t. And, she could have filled the prescription for vicodin, which would have led her back to her addiction, but she didn’t - in fact she returned the prescription to the dentist.

She said that she just kept thinking that she didn’t want to come back here and have a secret. It is so exciting to the work of the Holy Spirit in this new believer!

Melissa Alcorn • Executive Director, Lydia Center

Join the revive 2011 Spring Campaign...
This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

Salvation has come!!

This story of new life and transformation, is part of our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign.' For details about how you can join this campaign, check out below...

Mark 10:14 "Let the little children come to me."

Our 4-year-old Kindergarten class at Wonder Club Early Learning Centers in Lancaster is currently learning about the wordless book. Throughout the year we have also been studying the question “Who is God?"

We have been inviting the children to come up to us during the day if they want to ask Jesus into their hearts. It's been such a blessing when we've had the privilege of praying with our students as they make decisions for the Lord. Each prayer is a time of celebration. Recently, we had four children ask Jesus into their hearts in one day.

Here is another story of God's love at work in the life of one of the students in my class...

As I was beginning my day. One of my little boy students came into class and ran up to me. He told me that last night when his brother was sleeping he asked Jesus into his heart. I said great what did you say? He said, "I prayed, and said 'Jesus come into my heart.'" Wow! Isn’t this exciting? Please pray for these young children as they are babes in Christ.

Karen Smith • Assistant Teacher, Wonderclub Early Learning Centers

Join the revive 2011 Spring Campaign...
This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

Encouraging supporters JOIN the revive Campaign

This story of new life and transformation, is part of our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign.' For details about how you can join this campaign, check out below...

One of our staff in particular is really good about being relational. He loves people, and he loves to appreciate people. Whether his colleagues in the office, acquaintances from years back or friends who support the ministry, he is quick to take time out of his schedule to invest in people.

Doing what he does best, last week he visited some friends of Water Street Ministries to thank them for their generosity. When he stopped to visit one woman in Manheim, he found her pulling weeds in her garden. She was happy to take some time, though, to talk.

After sharing about her church and what was blooming in her garden, the woman asked how Water Street Ministries was doing. My colleague doesn’t normally like to ask people for things in these visits; his purpose is strictly to thank and encourage. Since she asked, though, he shared with her about the Revive Campaign, and the fact that Water Street Ministries has been operating in a deficit for the last three years. The woman said she remembered hearing a radio announcement about Revive and promised to send in a donation.

The very next morning as our team was opening our mail, we found a check for $500 from this woman with a kind note: “I was glad to have met you this morning. I feel you are involved in a wonderful ministry. It’s important that we help those in need who are among us, and minister to their spiritual needs as well, that they may hear God’s plan of salvation and come to know Jesus.”

While we are praying to raise $875,000 by May 31, it’s not the amount of this woman’s gift that is so special. It is her heart to help meet the practical and spiritual needs of individuals in poverty. Will you consider today what you could give? No gift is too small when God is in it!

Join the revive 2011 Spring Campaign...
This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

We're going Green!

This post shares about some steps we've taken towards energy efficiency and conservation. Similarly, our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign' is a current effort to help revive lives and sustain the services that our ministry provides. Click Here or scroll down to learn how you can join...

Our operations department has been exploring how we can be better stewards of the resources God has given to Water Street Ministries. For us that means reducing our costs and making energy efficient choices.

Through this more intentional approach on conservation - we are excited to announce that Water Street Ministries has been named on the E-power Energy-Smart Business Honor Roll by PPL for our energy-efficient measures!

Here's what we've been doing:

Reducing usage
• On demand hot water heaters are heating only the water needed in Kuhn's Hall and the Lydia Center.
• Digital thermostats at the Lydia Center could cut heat usage in half.
• Hayes Hall and Lydia Center are better insulated from summer and winter temperatures by four inches of white TPO covering.
• Lighting timers and 136 new energy-efficient lights in Sieber and Hayes Hall have reduced our electric usage by $1,000 for the first three months of 2011 as compared to 2010!
• Installation of water-saving toilets in Kuhn's hall that use 75% less water than standard toilets
• Installation of more power efficient computers.
• The new copiers are providing us with faster, more reliable and higher quality printing all with using less power. We expect to save $43,000 over the next 5 years in copying costs!

Conserving resources
• The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) has been at Grace Plateau since 2005. The mission of CREP is to improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay through removing lands from agricultural production thus improving wild life benefits and reducing the chemical runoff from farm lands. WSM has committed to participate until 2019.
• At the Mission the kitchen and outreach started recycling organic food waste on 4/11/11. 80% of the waste that comes out of food service can be recycled and made into mulch instead of being dumped in a landfill. In addition, recycling our organic waste costs about 50% less than hauling it to the dump. See photo of our flowerbeds with this new eco-friendly mulch!

In the future:
• We are assessing the possibility of installing solar at our Prince Street facility and wind power at Grace Plateau.
• We will continue to add more and more lighting timers throughout WSM.

Many thanks to the operations staff for making these changes. We're also thankful for the clients and volunteers who are participating in these cost saving measures!

Join the revive 2011 Spring Campaign...
This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

"Greatest weekend of my life" - from a girl at Teen Haven

This story of new life and transformation, is part of our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign.' For details about how you can join this campaign, check out below...

Can you think of a time recently when you were having a conversation that made your jaw drop open in disbelief and excitement? I recently felt that very joy and excitement when a girl at Teen Haven York shared about how God has been working in her life. Here’s what happened…

I was on my van route throughout the city to provide transportation for girls to attend our Bible Study at Teen Haven York. As we drove one of the students, Cecilia*, told me that she gave her life to Christ this past weekend at Teen Haven Camp! She told me that Mr. Vinny (our Camp Field Director) shared in chapel about how loving God and loving others are the expression of our belief in Christ. Then she explained that she learned how this type of love is actually ‘fruit’ in our relationship with God. I was ecstatic to hear of her application of his teaching, because she was challenged by our theme of ‘bearing fruit’ for God. She even told me that her experience at Teen Haven Camp, “was the greatest weekend of her life.”

As I listened to Cecilia’s* enthusiasm and newfound faith my heart rejoiced at the way God is working in her life. Throughout our evening of Bible Study with the 12 girls, it was so exciting to see them all learning and growing together.

Please join me in praying for Cecilia* and the other girls involved in our programs at Teen Haven. Pray that they would continue to discover God’s love, and learn that he wants to bring them healing freedom and joy! Also, pray for us as we continue to work to reach out to others here in our community, that God would bring us those that need Him most!

Alex Mikusow, Teen Haven, York City Field Director
*name changed

This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

Know Someone in Addiction?

This post wraps up our Blog Series focusing on Addiction! Scroll down for the complete listing of posts in this Series. As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

Article 8 of 8. (from the Winter 2011 Messenger Magazine)


Ways a non-professional can help
•Remember that your involvement is important to the person and to the God who loves us.

•Pray for the individual, and remind him/her to pray for you.

•Know when to refer. If you feel like you’re in over your head, you probably are.

•Be direct. Chances are the individual wants to talk about the addiction but doesn’t know how.

•Be an active listener:
- Listen more than you speak.
- Look the individual in the eye as you speak and listen.
- Paraphrase and repeat statements, for example, “What I hear you saying is...”

•Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no response:
- How does the addiction make you feel?
- What makes it ok for you?

•Don’t enable
- Set boundaries and stick to them; don’t be afraid to show firm love.
- Don’t ignore behaviors; try to address them in the moment.
- Don’t own the individual’s issues — remember that their urgency is not your emergency.

•Listen for the cause. Instead of focusing on the behavior itself, try to listen for the cause of the
behavior.

•Don’t expect quick fixes. Long-standing issues require long-term solutions.

•Remember to speak with other people who are helping in an individual’s life.

We hope you enjoyed this series on Addiction! For more stories like these, click here to receive the Messenger Magazine electronically!

FORMER POSTS within our Blog Series on Addiction:

Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God

Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love

Dying to be FREE

She Walked In

Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land

Quitting is the easy part!

Preventing Teen Drug Use

Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted)

Now That Was God

Access to Health & Hope

Healing from Hurts, Hang-ups & Habits

A Journey to Christ

Children's Prayers Reach God's Ears

Celebrating at a Concert Together
Give It Away to Keep It

New Life, and Spring - BLOOM at the Lydia Center

This story of new life and transformation, is part of our 'REVIVE 2011 Spring Campaign.' For details about how you can join this campaign, check out below...

Andrea Handwerk • Lydia Center Intern

Spring is in bloom on Grace Plateau. The grass is green. The flowers are showing their buds. Life is coming forth after a long winter. Just as spring is taking its root in the creation around us it is also evident in the hearts and lives of the women here.

The other day I had the opportunity to talk with one of our residents about what the first two months in the program have been like for her. She is one who came to us from prison. As a young girl, she found she could be valued by others by acting tough and strong. The “tough girl” approach became the way that she would relate to whatever came her way, and the people in her world. She cared little for others and only looked out for her own well-being.

A little over a month ago this “tough girl” chose to surrender her life to Christ. Since then her countenance has completely changed. It has softened. This is, without a doubt, the work of the Holy Spirit in her life. A new tender part of her heart is being exposed. She is breaking free and walking in freedom for, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor 3:17).

It is not only evident to her, but also to those in our community, that she is becoming more others centered. She described this as something new and unknown for her having rarely cared what happens to people in the past. For the one who went through life being numb she is now starting to feel more than just anger well up inside her. The ways in which she would manage any kind of unwanted feelings in the past is no longer working. She shared, “I know I don’t really understand everything that’s going on inside of me, but I know that God is with me and I just have to trust Him with that.” While the newness of actually feeling a range of emotions brings a sense of being out of control, she is choosing to rest in the One who is in control.

I can’t help but reflect on the verses in Isaiah 43 where God speaks to his people of their redemption:“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (v. 18, 19)

God is doing a new thing in the life his precious daughter. He is making beauty out of ashes. She has been given new eyes to see that she is valued far more beyond the constraining facade she projected as the “tough girl”. She is valued by her King simply for the beauty she is!

This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

Join the 'revive - 2011 Spring Campaign'

Did you know that over 200 people committed their lives to Christ last year through Water Street Ministries? Plus thousands of lives were touched through our practical expressions of Christ’s love.

Everything we do is made possible through donations, but recently donations haven’t been matching ministry costs. Over the last 3 years, we’ve been operating in a deficit. Because of previous donors’ generosity, we have been able to pull from savings and investments to cover those deficits. We felt it was important to continue serving the community during these difficult economic times.

However we cannot continue to apply this strategy into the future. As we look at 2011 through 2013, we either need to see donations increase or we will need to reduce services.

This Spring, we’re inviting you to revive your partnership with Water Street Ministries. Through your prayers and your giving, you can revive lives and advance God’s Kingdom.

Will you join us?
- Send a special gift this Spring. Donate online.
- We welcome your wisdom and counsel. Email us at Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org.
- Commit to pray for God’s wisdom, provision, and the organization as a whole. Sign up for our Prayer Calendar.

For more information, visit www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Revive, email Contact@WaterStreetMinistries.org or call Keith at (717) 358-2010.

Give It Away to Keep It

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

About two years ago, I had significant back surgery but was not ready to surrender to the idea that my body had given out. At the same time, a Water Street Ministries flyer came through our church mailbox, and the mentoring program at the Mission jumped out at me. I am an alcoholic with 20+ years of sobriety under my belt. The old AA saying is, “give it away to keep it”, so what better opportunity than to share some counsel and hope from my own experiences with destitution, homelessness and depravity? I could do this whether or not my back healed.

Thus started my relationship with my mentee, George. In the 12+ months I’ve known him, I’ve seen him blossom from a person hiding in an angry shell to a person with feelings and compassion.

Not too long ago, I attended “Landmarks”, a ceremony celebrating Water Street Mission clients’ landmarks on their journeys out of homelessness. The stories were nothing but amazing. As George got up to share, I thought, “Could this man be the same person I met so many months ago?” He is not; he is a new being on both the outside and inside by the grace of God. I look forward to continuing my relationship with George and being a part of what God is doing throughout Water Street Ministries. By Bill Holder, Volunteer Mentor, Water Street Mission

We hope you enjoyed article 7 of 8 from the Messenger magazine - Winter 2011 Edition! Sign Up to receive the Messenger magazine electronically, here!

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

Celebrating at a Concert Together

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

“Where you go, I’ll go, where you stay, I’ll stay, when you move, I’ll move, I will follow you.” These lyrics are by Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan and Chris Tomlin in the song: I WILL FOLLOW. I can say that they really sunk into my head and heart one memorable night at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA as singer, Chris Tomlin sang them March 8, 2011. A co-worker, Mark Noel, and I had the luxury of enjoying the concert with 2 van loads of men from the LifeRecovery Program at Water Street Mission. Men who had previously lived in addiction, prison, and various levels of life apart from God’s will had joined us and thousands in worship and surrender to the "YOU", Almighty God!

For my life to move forward in surrender and obedience to God it actually involved a move for my wife and I to the big city of Lancaster and taking on a job as a Program Counselor to men who needed help, and yes, lots of love. God had prepared my heart to love others that some folks might find difficult to love unconditionally. The same song included these words: “Who you love, I’ll love, how you serve, I’ll serve, If this life I lose, I will follow you.” Humbled by this challenge I turned to my co-worker and mentioned that the men standing in worship together with us are “who you love, I’ll love.”

We love hearing from you! Post your comments below, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!

Previous Posts in this Series:

Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God

Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love

Dying to be FREE

She Walked In

Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land

Quitting is the easy part!

Preventing Teen Drug Use

Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted)

Now That Was God

Access to Health & Hope

Healing from Hurts, Hang-ups & Habits

A Journey to Christ

Children's Prayers Reach God's Ears

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

Children’s Prayers Reach God’s Ears

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

Article 6 (of 8) in the Messenger magazine - Winter 2011 Edition -

By Nikki Norton, Teacher, Wonder Club Early Learning Centers

One morning at Wonder Club as we were taking prayer requests, a student said, “Pray for my sister; she drinks too much beer.” The request reminded me of my own childhood.

My parents were addicted to heroine, cocaine, and alcohol. Because of their drug use, there was domestic violence in our home. My parents even stole money from me and my four brothers. We became homeless when I was 15 years old, and the seven of us lived in one motel room for over two years. Eventually my father lost his job because of drugs, and my two older brothers began using drugs.

Feeling hopeless, I remember sitting on my bed and wishing that someone or something would change my family.

At age 22, I met a group of Christians who shared the love of Christ with me. After a really bad fight with my mom while she was high, I ran to my room, fell on my knees, and cried, “If You are real, if You are who these Christians say You are, then show me.” Later that night I gave my life to Christ.

I changed, but my family did not. I remember coming home from Bible study to find my parents and brothers high. Then, after three years of prayer, my parents, brothers and grandfather gave their lives to the Lord and allowed Him to start restoring all that drugs and alcohol had taken.

Over the years I have come to learn the difference between a wish and a prayer. A wish is like a balloon released in the air; we watch it having no clue where it will land. A prayer has a destination; it goes straight to God’s ear.

This revelation is something that we teach our Wonder Club students regularly. I may not know the specifics of the students’ home lives or which students are growing up with addictions in their home, but God does. He cares for each of the students at Wonder Club and has a plan for them just like He had a plan for me. As we teach our students how to pray, I know He hears the prayers, aimed directly at His ears, of students struggling with addiction in their homes.

We love hearing from you! Post your comments below, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!

Previous Posts in this Series: Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love Dying to be FREE She Walked In Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land Quitting is the easy part! Preventing Teen Drug Use Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted) Now That Was God Access to Health & Hope Healing from Hurts, Hang-ups & Habits A Journey to Christ

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

A Journey to Christ

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction. When I look back at it now, I see that God guided me to Him. Each step of my journey led to the next. Each step was needed to get me to where I am today. Each step I was given a choice, yes or no, good or bad, right or wrong. Even the bad decisions I made were necessary to bring me to where I needed to be. They were lessons I needed to learn. I can look back now and see God working through it all. The times when I thought to myself; is this all there is, isn’t there anything more in life, these are the moments that God gave me to realize that He was what I needed. Even though I didn’t turn to Him, He still continued to guide me and protect me. He knew where, when, why, and how. And He knew in the end, I would be His.

Me, being a mortal man, did not want to give up my will. I kept telling myself I can do it, I don’t need any help. All the while I kept spiraling down, falling farther into a pit of despair and hopelessness. I knew the whole time that I was falling deeper, yet I was unable to stop myself. I even came to the realization that I wanted to see the bottom, I wanted to see just how far down I could go.

Well, I found the bottom; I saw what it looked like to me. It wasn’t the suicide attempts, or living on the streets, or 3 weeks in a mental hospital, or Lancaster County Prison, or even walking into Water Street Mission. The bottom for me was my wife telling me that I was not the man she married. That was when I realized that not only did I need help, but I also wanted the help. I saw the bottom, now there was nowhere else to go but up.

The question that now remained was, how do I climb back up. At the time it seemed impossible. I didn’t even know how or where to begin. How do I begin to rebuild a life that I deliberately tried to destroy? Unbelievably, the answer to that question came from a doctor at the Water Street Health Services. Through a conversation with him, I learned that Christ was the Way. While the doctor prayed, I accepted Christ as my Savior. At that moment I actually felt a giant weight being lifted from my shoulders. I found my place to start, it was with God, and Jesus was the Way.

Since that day in April, 2010, the transformation has been incredible. It can be summed up in one word, hope. Although I am still homeless, unemployed, and estranged from my family, I now know there is hope. I feel there is a purpose to my life, a reason to go on. At this point I don’t know what all God has planned for me, I don’t know what his purpose for me is. But the one thing I do know is that there is hope, and that my life has been and will continue to be, A Journey To Christ. - From a Resident

We love hearing from you! Post your comments below, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation! Previous Posts in this Series: Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love Dying to be FREE She Walked In Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land Quitting is the easy part! Preventing Teen Drug Use Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted) Now That Was God Access to Health & Hope

Healing from Hurts, Hang-ups & Habits

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

Healing from Hurts, Hang-ups & Habits

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

Article 5 (of 8) in the Messenger magazine - Winter 2011 Edition! This article is adapted from an interview between Emily Towers, Residential Administrative Assistant, and our staff facilitators of Celebrate Recovery.

One of the deadliest elements of addiction is isolation; it is easier to maintain an addiction when no one else sees it. On the other hand, relationships allow us to air the hurt that we ignore through the addiction.

In the Women’s Transitional Program at the Water Street Mission, we use a twelve-step class called Celebrate Recovery to help clients who struggle with addiction. The course is also intended to be part of the after-care for women who have moved out of homelessness, by providing a place they can stay connected with current clients and staff.

The materials, provided through a grant from The Huston Foundation, are based on Biblical principles, like the Beatitudes, and focus on God’s freeing power. We recognize Jesus Christ as the one who creates true heart change and heals us from hurts, hang-ups or habits.

As we are building relationships in the class with our clients through the bond of similar struggles, the clients are building relationships with each other. For many of the women this is the first time they have shared their addictions with anyone. Ultimately, it is our relationships with others and God which allow us to authentically share our hearts and heal our wounds.

In recovery, when someone stops practicing one addictive behavior, they sometimes replace it with another, be it eating, reading inappropriate materials or co-dependency. These are unhealthy ways of coping that we also address in the class.

As a result of what they’re learning, we see ladies growing and developing in their walk with the Lord. One client shares, “I didn’t see a need for [the class], because I wasn’t addicted to drugs or alcohol. But I realized a month ago that I am addicted to pain medication. Knowing this, I saw the class in a whole new light.

“I saw that everything I read and discussed can be used for everyday life,” she continued. “It helped me to discover who I was. I learned I wasn’t alone. I was able to forgive myself as well as others. It also helped me understand God more clearly. With all this I am able to like myself. Because of this class, I am on the right path.”

We love hearing from you! Post your comments below, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!

Previous Posts in this Series:
Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God
Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love
Dying to be FREE
She Walked In
Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land
Quitting is the easy part!
Preventing Teen Drug Use
Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted)
Now That Was God
Access to Health & Hope

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

Access to Health & Hope

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

Article 4 (of 8) in the Messenger magazine - Winter 2011 Edition! By Gale Thomason, Executive Director, Water Street Health Services

Carol* sat in the chair in Exam Room One with her head hanging low and the drool running in a slow drip from her bottom lip. The friend who helped her get to Water Street Health Services described Carol as having been “overmedicated for the last few days.” After checking Carol’s prescriptions expecting a month’s supply remaining, the friend found nearly empty bottles.

As I looked at Carol I silently prayed, “Dear Lord, What do you want me to do for this child of yours who has no idea how much you love her?” Often drug addiction is mainly perceived to be an issue of street drugs. However, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, more people abuse prescription medications than cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy and inhalants combined. Carol is one of many legal prescription drug addicts.

In Carol’s dangerous situation, our role at Water Street Health Services was to ensure her safety until the effects of the pills wore off. This warranted sending her to the local hospital by ambulance. Without help, Carol may have choked to death on her own vomit or even stopped breathing!

Once the initial emergency was addressed, Carol needed to discover what pain she was trying to numb through drugs. For Carol, her addiction was an attempt to mask the effects of years of sexual abuse.

I got to see Carol last month, two years after her life-threatening overdose. She had a sparkle in her eyes, and she held her head high. Smiling, she was hand in hand with her dear 5-year-old daughter. She expressed how much Water Street Health Services meant to her as we supported her through the years.

The key, Carol says, is that even in her stupor and subsequent visits to Water Street Health Services for treatment for psychiatric conditions, arthritis and GERD, she knew she was loved and not judged. For the first time, she began to understand how valuable she is to God and that He promises hope for her future.

In addition to access to health care, Carol is one of nearly 2,500 patients who find health and hope for a future at Water Street Health Services through the power
of God’s restoration.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

We love hearing from you! Post your comments below, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!

Previous Posts in this Series:
Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God
Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love
Dying to be FREE
She Walked In
Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land
Quitting is the easy part!
Preventing Teen Drug Use
Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted)
Now That Was God

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

Now that was God

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

By Chuck Albrecht, shelter manager, Water Street Mission

I recently was blessed to witness God's hand leading me clearly in His perfect timing.

Jose* came to Water Street as an alcoholic who could no longer live with his wife. Due to his age, he was enrolled in the Mission’s Supportive Services Program, which is designed for individuals who can’t easily find employment to support themselves. [This program invites individuals to live at the Mission until we can help them move into permanent supportive housing.]

Our staff described Jose as a lively elderly man with a twinkle in his eye, and “easy to like.” A few weeks ago, this seemingly healthy man went to the hospital with chest pains. As they were running tests, the doctors discovered he had metastasized cancer in his kidney. The cancer was so severe that it had spread through the rest of his body. Within a week of being admitted to the hospital, he couldn’t walk.

A nurse had been trying to contact his wife of 20 years, but the phone number wasn’t working. I was asked to try and find her, but my schedule was completely booked the day I received the request. Then a caseworker told me that one of our clients no longer needed a ride to an appointment, which opened up two hours for me. I knew this was my opportunity to look for Jose’s wife.

With a street address but no apartment number, I arrived outside a building with seven doorbells to choose from and no names. I rang them all and only one elderly woman answered. Thankfully she trusted me enough to let me in. As I spoke with her, I was blessed to hear she was the grandmother of one our former clients, and she voiced her concern for him and thankfulness for our help. Then she showed me to Jose’s wife’s apartment and gave me the tip that if she wasn't home, she would most likely be at the restaurant across the street.

I walked over and sure enough there she was! We were both glad I had found her. Jose had remained in contact with her while he was living at the Mission, but she hadn't heard from him for a week (since he went to the hospital) and was really worried. She was grateful for the ride as we drove to the hospital’s trauma unit.

I took Jose’s wife to his room, and we were able to pray together before I left them alone. On my way out, a nurse thanked me for finding Jose’s wife, and I replied, “that was GOD,” thinking of all the ‘coincidences’ that enabled me to bring her to the hospital.

Jose responded to the devastating news of his condition like a champ. He didn’t want any extraordinary measures because he knew Jesus and was ready to be with Him. He has since been transferred to Hospice and isn’t expected to live much longer.

So no matter how long we think we might have somebody, we never really know. Jose’s story is a good reminder to love everyone God puts in our path, and listen to His promptings.

*Jose’s name was changed to protect his identity

We love hearing from you! Post your comments below, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!

Previous Posts in this Series:
Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God
Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love
Dying to be FREE
She Walked In
Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land
Quitting is the easy part!
Preventing Teen Drug Use

Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted)

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!