Water Street Life

Our Blog has moved!

2011-08-30T10:50:00.005-04:00

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

2011-07-20T14:54:00.007-04:00

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

2011-07-19T13:49:00.001-04:00

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

2011-07-05T10:16:00.000-04:00

"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

2011-06-30T20:17:00.004-04:00

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

2011-06-22T10:49:00.008-04:00
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

2011-06-16T10:50:00.000-04:00
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

2011-06-13T09:38:00.005-04:00
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

2011-06-10T09:34:00.000-04:00
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

2011-06-09T09:14:00.003-04:00
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'

2011-06-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-23T11:06:00.000-04:00
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

2011-05-20T15:42:00.004-04:00
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

2011-05-19T09:27:00.007-04:00
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!!

2011-05-12T14:06:00.000-04:00
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

2011-05-10T10:07:00.005-04:00
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!

2011-05-06T08:42:00.009-04:00
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

2011-05-03T09:55:00.007-04:00
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?

2011-04-29T09:50:00.000-04:00
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

2011-04-26T10:00:00.001-04:00
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'

2011-04-21T16:27:00.009-04:00
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

2011-04-18T10:25:00.004-04:00
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

2011-04-14T08:00:00.001-04:00
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

2011-03-30T00:23:00.000-04:00
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

2011-03-24T12:17:00.009-04:00
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

2011-03-22T08:30:00.001-04:00
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

2011-03-16T10:10:00.004-04:00
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

2011-03-14T14:38:00.003-04:00
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!

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

2011-03-11T14:00:00.000-05:00
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.

I borrowed the book Overcoming Addictive Behaviors (Anderson and Quarles) from a coworker to better understand what a lot of the clients at the Lydia Center, the Mission and Water Street Health Services are experiencing. I was surprised to find out, though, how closely the concepts connected with my own life.

Over the weekend I read a section about strongholds developing in a person’s life. It starts with a temptation, which in itself isn’t sin. Jesus was tempted three times in the desert, but the Bible tells us He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). What a comforting reminder!

If we entertain that temptation, meaning we consider it or start to follow through on it, then it starts to become dangerous – sinful. It becomes a stronghold. Within just six weeks of following through on a temptation, the authors said a habit is formed.

The way to beat a stronghold, the book recommended, is with Scripture. When Jesus was hungry and tempted to turn a stone into bread, he quoted a verse from Deuteronomy 8:3 which says, “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

I may not struggle with an alcohol or drug addiction, but for me, self righteousness, pride and my performance have become, in a way, addictions.

This week when certain thoughts – temptations -- crept in, I scrambled for a verse that speaks the truth. Time and time again, portions of a verse I had memorized in my childhood came to mind: whatever is admirable, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure, think about such things (Philippians 4:8). It was amazing to see how my sinful attitude just melted away! I found myself almost surprised by the power of Scripture.

I’m excited to become more aware of my thoughts, so I can arm myself with applicable verses to fight off the temptations. I have a long way to go to take captive every thought, but God’s on my side.

- Maria Schaszberger • Director of Communications

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!

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

Preventing Teen Drug Use

2011-03-09T14:00:00.002-05:00
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 3 (of 8) in the Messenger magazine - Winter 2011 Edition!
By Jack Crowley, Executive Director, Teen Haven

Many teenagers use alcohol and drugs. If you have ears or eyes, this is not a shocking revelation to you. Seventy-five percent of teens in America have experimented with alcohol; almost 40 percent with marijuana (CDC, 2005).

What may be shocking to you is that many teens began using before they even reached their teen years. More than 25 percent used alcohol before age 13, and almost 10 percent of teens have tried marijuana before age 13 (CDC, 2005).

The biggest factors leading to early use of alcohol and drugs that Teen Haven has observed among youth in our communities include: peer pressure and unhealthy family influence, family problems and the “need for escape,” natural curiosity, the perception of “fun”, and the adolescent need to declare independence.

Ironically, while two of these contributing factors are related to negative family influence, the most commonly agreed upon preventative influence in teens’ lives is healthy family influence. Positive engagement of parents in the lives of their teens is consistently shown to lower the likelihood of drug and alcohol usage (including studies by The Mayo Clinic; Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse - CASA; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Journal; Teens Today; and
Youth Specialties).

Joseph A. Califano, Jr., chairman and president of CASA, made this powerful statement: “Parental engagement in children’s lives is the key to ridding our nation of the scourge of substance abuse.”

But what about kids who don’t come from healthy families? What about teens whose homes create more stress and problems than those homes resolve? This is the reality faced by many of the teens who attend Teen Haven. At a recent girls retreat, only three of the 51 girls attending had a male father figure in their home.

In light of this, the family atmosphere provided by Teen Haven helps influence teens to make healthy choices in their lives. An environment built on love and trust is critical to helping teens know that they have somewhere to turn when faced with the temptations of drugs and alcohol.

Can Teen Haven be as effective of a deterrent as a healthy, engaged family? It is hard to know for sure, but we see how Teen Haven plays this supportive role in the lives of many teens every day. Text messages to staff members that start with: “Hey Dad, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something…”, and phone calls to discuss struggles with pressure at home, school and among peers, remind us that we often play the role of surrogate parents to those teens
who don’t have a confidant in their home.

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!

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

Quitting is the easy part!

2011-03-08T08:46:00.005-05:00
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.

“Quitting is easy; I’ve done it a hundred times. I’m actually quite good at it. I have learned to do it at just the right time to get me out of the trouble I’ve gotten into by using. People get off my back when I quit.” Said by an addicted man.

The problem is staying quit!

I was reminded of this again this week when a man returned after leaving our facility four years ago on a reasonably good path. When he arrived back here, he was incoherent, emaciated and had an infected hole in his arm from using a bad needle for injecting cocaine (one of rarest but most serious methods of cocaine use). My heart broke; but, honestly, we could tell when he left that he would not do well.

I guess that probably sounds bad, that we would assess a man as he leaves for whether he might make it or not, but imagine who we would be if we didn’t. We are not just a place to stay for the homeless – we are a bio-psycho-social-spiritual hospital for the broken.

In my own journey out of the bondage to addiction, the hardest work began after I realized that quitting did not change me. I eventually discovered that my way of relating to life, learned on the way into the addiction, and reinforced by the addiction lifestyle, didn’t go away when I quit using.

It took many catastrophic relapses before I learned that my ways of relating to life were producing the problems that led to the relapses. Once I owned that, my life began to improve. Once my life began to improve, relapses stopped.

The key I discovered worked for me and has been working for many others as they come here for help. The key to relapse prevention is, ‘learning to live the way we were designed to live.’ We were designed to live out the truth that ‘others matter at least as much as I matter.’

As I began to learn and live that out in the hardest moments of my days, my life got better. As my life got better, resisting the urge to use was easier because I had more to lose.

In the LifeRecovery program of Water Street Mission, we partner with men to learn how to live according to their design, according to who the Lord says they are.

Aaron Eggers, Director of Men’s Ministries

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

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

Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land

2011-03-04T09:50:00.005-05:00
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 2 (of 8) in the Messenger magazine - Winter 2011 Edition!
By Carrie Libonati, Learning Center Instructor, Lydia Center

No one likes to hear about relapse in recovery, because we often equate it with failure. The harsh reality is that many times, relapse is part of recovery. This is hard for those of us working with women we’ve grown to love and care about. It’s also very painful for family members to accept.

Recently God brought to my mind that many times people need to go back to their Egypt, their land of slavery, to realize just how bad it was. However, they do not go back the same; they take with them whatever changes God has done in their hearts. Because of these changes, they may not fall as hard or as far.

When Susan graduated from the Lydia Center last year, we were excited to celebrate the changes in her life, like the fact that she was living drug free after more than 25 years of addiction. Most importantly, she had learned that God genuinely loves her.

As Susan started to look for employment, we once again could see her looking back to her Egypt. The more she had to accept responsibility of any kind, the more her fear paralyzed her.

When her Lydia Center counselor met with her, Susan realized she was in a stage called dry relapse*. Susan shared, “I have a fear of making choices and taking responsibility, so I just don’t make them. There are things I haven’t given to God yet.”

Addiction is not just about getting high. For Susan, drugs, alcohol and compulsive behaviors had helped her in the past to avoid uncomfortable feelings like guilt and shame. It was a way for her to feel “normal”. We advised Susan to allow herself to feel the discomfort of things like responsibility instead of repeating her lifelong habit of avoiding it.

Unfortunately, Susan made a different choice. We were sad when she left the Lydia Center, especially because she was avoiding something that she had said was so important to her: restoring her relationship with her four children.

Change takes place one decision at a time, and it always involves risk. We know that God is not done with Susan yet. Pray with us that she will allow God to continue to heal her and to bring life change.

*For a chart on 'dry relapse,' see page 6 within the Messenger: Click Here to view.

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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

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

She Walked In

2011-03-02T14:09:00.001-05:00
This post is a part of our 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.

Yesterday, she walked in. A few weeks ago, she had walked out. Now, she was back. Beautiful. Gentle. Intelligent. And high. Very high. Very doped-up.

I remember when she-I don’t know her real name-left. She had only been here, Water Street Mission, for a few days. I don’t recall saying anything special to her, anything more than what I said-or would say-to anyone else who passed my outpost as a “deskman” in Kuhn’s Hall here at Water Street. I simply try-and often fail- to be Christ to those who come and go in the constant cycle of the human tide as it ebbs and flows. I see my duty as a deskman as redemptive, being called to reshape and be God’s hands in transfiguring the world. It is part of my calling to become ever more “Godlike” by growing more human, as one writer put it. In so doing, I appeal to the “godness” that exists in not only me but in all I meet. I like best how Metropolitan Anthony Bloom says in quoting Father Evgraf Kovalevsky: “When God looks at a person, He does not see either virtue, which may not exist, or success, which may not have been achieved, but He sees the unshakeable, shining beauty of His own image.”

So, there she stood. Again. She had left with another girl a few weeks back-was it that long ago-to “live” with a guy. Well, two guys. One for her, one for her friend. I guess that’s how these things work. Some young man told her he “loved” her, like some modern day Pied Piper. And, lured by his sultry good looks and sweet talk, she listened. I remember thinking, ”She’ll be back.” I just never thought it would be so soon. And like this. I remember wanting to tell her that her body, her soul, herself were sacred. To not sell or give away the holy. But I didn’t. And she left.

Now, she stands here in Kuhn’s Hall entrance again. Something brought her back. Or Someone. She walked back in. And she speaks.

“Hey! I just wanted to say, ‘hey.’” She’s high, really strung out. I’m not “streets,” if ya know what I mean, but it’s obvious. And I have to talk to her. With her. I was silent once, but how do you speak truth in love to a beautiful young woman who is hurt and covering it up in a drug-induced haze? Shall I tell her that she’s a sinner, that she’s headed to hell? I won’t. In that moment, I know what I won’t say, which is good, because I wouldn’t need to convince her of how “bad” she is. I need to convince her that she is an icon, that no matter what, no matter how damaged she is by sin, that there is still the beauty of God’s image within her, and that I care, that I venerate what remains in her of that icon, and that I want her to care. I want her to feel that her vocation is so much bigger than sex, so much bigger than getting high. I want her to become a “god-man” in Christ’s image. And how do you say all that?

I look at her, my heart breaking. And I speak. “What are you doing with yourself?” She answers, "I’m living with a guy, but a different one.” In a week she switches guys. Another boy, her self-esteem, or what is left of it, tied up in men-if that’s what you call them; they’re of that gender. And I hurt for her, and I speak, knowing that she will walk out again, and I have one chance to be Christ to Her. And I get this sudden rush that this is what Jesus felt when He looked at the rich young man with love and sorrow.

“You are meant for so much more than this. God wants so much more for you.” In that moment, I love her. Not in a romantic sense, not in a sensual sense, but I venerate the icon that could be her. And, in the briefest flicker of a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, she sees it. She reaches… and then draws back.

“I know.” She turns and leaves and walks out. And it is night.
- From a resident

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Previous Posts in this Series:
Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God
Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love
Dying to be FREE

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

Dying to be FREE

2011-02-28T09:27:00.000-05:00
We're excited to introduce a NEW 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.
We invite you to SIGN-UP to receive our Messenger magazine electronically! Click Here to sign up.

Article 1 of 8 - From the Messenger magazine! Click Here to read more stories from this Winter 2011 edition of the Messenger magazine.
By Aaron Eggers, Director of Men’s Ministries, Water Street Mission and Daral Boles, Director of Women’s Ministries, Water Street Mission

Though the face of addiction has changed remarkably in the last 50 years, the dismal statistics continue. Fifty-two people die every day in this country from addiction (alcohol and other drug) related complications*. Those 52 people are moms, dads, sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters to someone. At the Water Street Mission in our LifeRecovery Program alone, 23 men have died as a consequence of their substance abuse over the past five years. One young man, well-liked by this community and actively struggling to shake his addiction, died in our cafeteria bathroom with a needle in his arm.

While we at the Water Street Mission understand that biological vulnerability plays a part in addiction, we also know that addiction plays out in relationship. Addiction of any kind, be it to substances, partners, or behavior patterns, reflects and perpetuates the cycle of broken relationships.

We see the impact of addictive choices in every aspect of our clients’ lives, in their relationships with self, others, and God. Water Street Ministries therefore addresses it on all fronts, in all ministry divisions:
• Addiction is a physiological problem (Water Street Health Services and the Water Street Mission).
• Addiction is a family problem (the Water Street Mission, Lydia Center, Teen Haven and Wonder Club Early Learning Centers).
• Addiction is a spiritual, relational problem (all of the divisions of Water Street Ministries).
• Addiction is a community problem (Water Street Mission in collaboration with our many partner churches and agencies, including housing, drug & alcohol treatment programs, counseling centers, public assistance programs, and schools).

52 people die every day in this country from addiction.*

No one ever plans to become an addict. It doesn’t happen overnight, but neither does the journey to recovery. Recognizing that recovery is a process that may take time, we commit to a long-term relationship with our clients that may involve several stays at the Mission. We understand that relapse is part of recovery (for more on this concept, see page 6), and we rejoice over baby steps as much as big ones.

The residential programs at the Water Street Mission offer a purposeful mix of Christian guidance and evidencebased relapse prevention, while our Community Emergency Shelter enables us to engage with individuals who have not yet committed to change. We look to help our clients not only change destructive life habits but also maintain those changes with the support of churches, mentors, and the community. Above all, we practice new, healthy relationships, centered on Christ Jesus, who forgives us regardless of the nature of our addiction or sin.

All Christ-centered relationships grow and change over time, and our relationships with addicted clients are no different. For some of our clients, sobriety begins when they step onto this campus. Newly clean and sober, they know better than anyone the fragility of that early stage, and while they may sometimes resist it, many also recognize that structure and accountability are the keys to gaining traction in the battle.

A client at our women’s emergency shelter, for example, recently talked of the “blessing” of nightly blood alcohol content monitoring. (All shelter residents are tested nightly for alcohol, and random drug tests are also performed in our programs.) There have been days, this client says, when the only thing keeping her out of the bars is the knowledge that she will be tested that night.

That baseline accountability is bolstered over time in group and individual counseling that addresses not only addictive behaviors but the issues that led into that substance abuse and the fallout it has produced. We know that the first months of recovery are times of remarkable and sometimes even miraculous neurological and spiritual healing, but also pain.

Those who persevere, however, reap the blessings of peace, stability, and a sound mind. And they in turn begin in the 12-step tradition to “give back” to our community, modeling to staff and residents alike a life of dependence on God and caring for others. Every Mission staff member could, if asked, recall the names and stories of specific individuals who have touched our lives in the course of their recovery. We know that we have been blessed by them, and we thank God for allowing us to witness and support their
journey of healing.
*www.selectown.com/drug-addiction-statistics.php

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

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

Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God’s Love

2011-02-25T14:35:00.006-05:00

We're excited to introduce a NEW 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.

To receive our next Messenger magazine electronically, Click Here to sign up.

The Lydia Center is currently home to a young mom who joined our program without her children.

She believed in God until her dad passed away when she was 14. From then she shared that she felt like no one could love her but her dad & he was no longer here.

She was in relationship after relationship and a few were very abusive. She struggles with addiction to alcohol & drugs.

Today she told me that since she has accepted Jesus she feels loved by God & even though she hopes to marry & have a complete family one day she said that just knowing that God loves her right now gives her so much peace.

She is growing in trusting God & loves to spend time reading His word. I see life, peace, hope and a hunger for God in her that she did not have 3 weeks ago. She is actually getting baptized this Sunday.

I love the way our Savior brings this type of transformation!!!

Carrie Libonati • Lydia Center, Learning Center Instructor

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

Fighting Addiction with the Armor of God

2011-02-24T08:00:00.005-05:00
Recently, God has been telling me how important and necessary it is to pray with the “armor of God” for those in bondage to addiction.

I have a niece who is only 22 years old. She has already overdosed on heroine, been in and out of ICU multiple times with multi-system organ damage (liver and kidneys) from her severe alcoholism.

I had begun praying for her and she is showing small signs of new life yet she has a long road ahead for solid recovery. I know God does not want his children to live like that.

As it says in Ephesians 6:10-18,
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

We who are blessed with faith and health are needed to do spiritual battle on the behalf of those who are fighting against addiction.

- Submitted by an employee of Water Street Health Services

To read more stories like this on Addiction, we invite you to read the latest Messenger magazine by visiting: http://www.waterstreetministries.org/Libraries/Documents/Winter2011_Messenger_PDF_web_1.sflb.ashx,

You can also Sign Up to receive the Messenger magazine electronically, by visiting: www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/SignUp

Finding Time for Restoration

2011-02-17T10:39:00.000-05:00
We live in such a fast paced society where one must keep up with the pace in order to survive. Often times when life becomes more demanding, the more we busy ourselves to keep from feeling the pressure. This is especially true of any pain we may experience. If something hurts, you get up, brush yourself off, and keep moving. This is what we learned as children when we fell down, and yet this mentality can get in the way of truly allowing ourselves to be healed.

Restoration is such a fluid process. Sometimes we don’t see the progress we think we should. Sometimes we think we should be further along in our journey than we are. Sometimes we think we are the ones responsible for bringing healing to ourselves. Little by little we take back pieces of our journey we once submitted to God. The process is unknown and hazy, and all we can see is what we want our wholeness to look like. We attempt to outrun God, when He is the one calling us to slow down. He longs to draw us to still waters in order to restore our souls, but His miraculous work of healing can only be done when our souls are quieted before Him. It is then, when we relinquish our best strivings, where our souls can find trust rest and healing.

As a staff, we have the opportunity to see the residents of the Lydia Center through various stages of their healing during their time here. For the first time in their lives these women are beginning to face the harsh pain of their past in order to embrace the abundant life their Father has set before them. They are no longer running from that which has kept them in bondage, and yet the motivation to keep the fast pace still lingers. What a joy it is to see them slow down in order to walk alongside their Savior as He gently heals their wounds!

Andrea Handwerk • Lydia Center Intern

Greetings from Men’s Ministry!

2011-02-10T09:53:00.000-05:00
On the left you'll see some of the people involved in the Men’s Ministry Department at WSM. In the past we have included some comments from these folks. Look for future postings and hear how the Lord is working in the lives of His people serving the residents and guests at WSM!
From left to right in the photo on the front porch of Kuhns Hall:
Jim Stanton – Program Counselor, Steve Brubaker – Chief Vision Officer, David Miller – Learning Center Director, Andrew Onguka-Program Counselor, Chuck Albrecht-Shelter Manager, Aaron Eggers-Director of Men’s Ministry, Philip Wrightstone-Resident Assistant, Mark Noel-Program Counselor, Michael Kerrigone-Evening Chaplain, Emily Towers-Residential Ministries Secretary, Jon Shacklett-Program Counselor

Also be sure to take notice of some progress on our Community Mosaic (on the front of the staircase). This mosaic was an Open Studio Project lead by Kevin Lehman's Pottery for Family Day 2010 as friends and families from the community joined with our volunteers, residents, and staff to complete this masterpiece. We are excited to continue it's installation after the weather warms up!

A Snowy Weekend at Teen Haven Camp

2011-02-07T11:38:00.000-05:00
During a weekend retreat in January at Teen Haven Camp, the camp staff and I were preparing for the boys to arrive at camp. As I contemplated their arrival, and considered that it was going to be a smaller group of campers, and that there was a snowy forecast I wondered, “why did we not cancel the weekend?”

Shortly after, the boys arrived! As they sat down in the dining hall, I noticed one boy, Kory*, with his head down on the table. I asked him if he was alright. He acknowledged that he was ok. Yet, I noticed that he had tears in his eyes. So, I asked again.

This time, he filled in the details. He had just gotten 20 staples removed from his skull and was experiencing a headache. He told me that his brother had pushed him out of the car and he sustained a good gash on the side of his head. It was healed but still ached in the cold weather.

I looked at him and questioned his being here. He looked up at me and said, "Mr. Vin, I just had to be here. I just had to be here!" And again his eyes swelled with tears.

As the weekend went on Kory got into his routine, and it was apparent that he wasn’t as aware of the pain that he had shared about on Friday night. Saturday afternoon the kids went sledding but Kory did not have a hat. One of our interns, Willie Davis, came up to Kory and gave him his hat to wear. Kory had a blast and wore that hat all weekend.

Kory came up to one of the staff members and said, “I was able to go sledding because someone gave me a hat to wear to keep my head from hurting.” He shared, "That made my weekend." And as I heard his excitement and joy, I realized that this demonstration of compassion made my weekend also!

I realized that this weekend was worth it even for just for him. As Kory received something as simple as a hat, I believe it helped transfer the burden’s he carried before his arrival to camp, to an understanding of how loved he was!

Sunday before he boarded the bus, he came up to me and said, “I'd like to be a junior counselor one day.” I believe that he will be! As he spoke these words, I praised God for the privilege of seeing this hurting camper experience Christ’s hope and healing.

Only God can transform a broken situation like this and allow our campers to leave camp with this type of excitement to serve others and grow as leaders!

Vinny Mikusow, Field Director – Teen Haven Camp
*name changed

Lydia Center - Self-Evaluations and Celebrations

2011-02-03T08:26:00.001-05:00
At the Lydia Center self-evaluation is a tool we often use for a resident to begin to learn to figure out why they do positive things as well as negative ones. We train them to figure out why they do what they do. They answer questions regarding the behavior they wish to change and then invite the community at the Lydia Center to ask questions around the choice that was made. When a resident speaks an unkind word, doesn’t do homework, procrastinates on their job search or doesn’t do tasks completely - these things often come from a wound of the past. Self-evaluations open them up to allowing God together with the community at Lydia Center to bring healing in those painful areas from the past.

Today I had a great time chatting with one of our residents who just came to us from prison. She said that when she was in prison she was not looking forward to self-evaluations with the community because she had grown accustomed to being shamed when she made a mistake.

After being here a month she says that she really enjoys them and after each self-evaluation with her peers, she feels loved, encouraged and respected. She says, “I actually have girl friends here”.

She has been in prison for 5 years and says she has learned more this month about herself than she has her whole life and that is partly due to the fact that “you can’t hide here”. She understands that she uses humor to be popular and doesn’t want to do that anymore. She is committed to falling in love with the Lord and even though she has read the Bible before, she now really wants to have intimacy with Christ.

She said “I know my way has not worked”. She was lit up with hope as she left my office – hope that God will turn her life around, hope that she will have a stronger marriage upon departure, hope that He has good plans for her future. I love that God can do so much in a day, a week or a month! Week one wanted to leave……week 4 committed to the journey of life change!

Melissa Alcorn • Executive Director, Lydia Center

An Open Studio Project at Teen Haven

2011-01-31T11:39:00.005-05:00
Angel Luciano is a passionate volunteer within the Teen Haven programs in Lancaster City. He is also an extremely talented artist who is sharing his creativity on the walls of our youth center. (progress picture of the mural posted on the right)

Here’s how this mural project came about…
Jose Jimenez, the Lancaster Teen Haven Field Director, asked Angel if he would be willing to come up with a mural design around a specific theme verse. Angel agreed and used this verse in Hebrews 12:1 in the design which says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

As people view this mural our hope is that crowds of witnesses will be reminded of the Sacrificial Love of Christ, and not forget what Jesus endured for our benefit! This mural reminds us that heaven is our goal, as we see the gates of eternity opened by the blood of Christ our Savior.

The Process...
The mural project is still in progress, and it's been so fun to see the process as he's working to complete this masterpiece. We're so thankful for Angel's partnership in serving at Teen Haven and sharing his artistic expressions on the walls of our youth center!

If you're interested in additional artistic opportunities where you might be able to serve at Water Street Ministries, check out our Open Studio page which contains more information and details on getting involved: http://waterstreetministries.org/MakeADifference/OpenStudio.aspx

Trusting God with Tuition

2011-01-28T12:21:00.000-05:00
When I accepted the position of Program Counselor in the Men’s Ministry this year my wife and I were concerned that we would have to withdraw our two older children from the Christian school that they had been attending since elementary school (my son is now a senior and my daughter is now a junior).

We decided to enroll them this year and trust that God would provide for our financial needs. In December we were contacted by the school to inform us that someone had anonymously paid for their tuition expense for the rest of this year! Needless to say, we were awestruck by God’s provision as well as the generosity of His people. God be praised!!!

Mark Noel • Program Counselor

“'Golden Voice' homeless man finds job, home after viral video success”

2011-01-26T12:09:00.000-05:00
I have to wonder about the celebrity we’ve made of Ted Williams, the ‘Golden-Voiced’ homeless man! Since being ‘discovered’ in Ohio in January his video on You Tube has been viewed almost 8 million times and media from around the world have written about him. He’s also been offered jobs and advertising spots and interviews.

Personally, I’m not surprised at Ted and his giftedness - I’ve met many talented and educated and intelligent people who have been addicted and homeless - the Master Chef, the Missionary, the Doctor, the MBA banker, the Artist, the Mason. It’s not surprising to see great gifts among the homeless.

What’s surprising to me is our desire to make him a story. Has this effort been helpful to him? In the days since becoming nationally known his addiction has resurfaced landing him in a ‘celebrity’ rehab in California! And the hope is that he will find a way to find freedom from the life-depleting compulsions in his life. We wish him well and pray that he will be able to come out of the destruction that has been his life.

But can we also allow this to remind that addiction easily embeds in a life and recovery from such is often complex and long-term? Can we also hesitate a little bit the next time we’re compelled to view a homeless guy through our lens without considering history or the intricacy of his situation? For Ted’s sake, we can do no less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rPFvLUWkzs

Steve Brubaker • Chief Vision Officer

Lydia Center receives more than just Groceries...

2011-01-20T10:50:00.000-05:00
I was recently grocery shopping for the center at a local market. While I was unloading a very full cart at the checkout a stranger walked over and asked if I would like the slip of paper she held out to me. She said she could not use it but I probably could.

It was a coupon for 7 dollars off any grocery order over $65. I smiled and thanked her and then told her she had just helped feed the ladies at the Lydia Center.

She said “Praise the Lord” to which I replied “Amen”. “You must be a believer” she said as she walked away and I smiled.

I gained a new friend that day. I don’t know her name and I probably won’t see her again this side of Heaven but I will remember for a long time the smiles and the words we shared that day.

As I shared this story, the residents here were blessed with this woman’s giving heart. So many hearts join in the ministry of the Lydia Center. Some names are known to us, others aren’t. Regardless, please be assured that we appreciate your generous gifts and do our best to share the love of Christ here on Grace Plateau.

- Paula Sentgeorge • Lydia Center, Kitchen Manager

An unexpected Gift

2011-01-18T10:02:00.000-05:00
A candid reflection about gift giving. Have you ever received a similar blessing from a gift that you gave?

Concerned for the amount of time our son spent playing video related games, we decided to make it an “electronics free” Christmas this year. Of course his wish listed included various video game requests, even an ipod (we were not ready for that one). Our thought was to find a gift that would be engaging as well as entertaining. We decided upon tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters. This activity would be visually stimulating yet not involve a power cord. It would also afford me some one on one time with my son.

The trip to Hershey started with conversation around sports, as it so often does, but at some point we got on a discussion about Sunday School. This led to why I thought it was important and if it really mattered to God if we went to church. WOW - truly meaningful conversation! I shared a few things and in time the topic changed back to the games of the day and before we knew it we had arrived.

The Globetrotters were hilariously entertaining. We both seemed to enjoy ourselves. He thanked me for taking him to see “the funniest basketball players in the world”. Traveling home we talked about various things, but nothing so compelling as before.

As I kneeled by his bed side saying our prayers that night I realized the impact of the day. My son’s prayer contained this praise … “and thank you God for loving me and wanting me to go to church so I can worship you and for my Dad who loves me too.” I believe I was the recipient of the true gift of Christmas on that night.

- Keith Shetter, Director of Donor Relations

Seeing Transformation at the Lydia Center

2011-01-13T10:53:00.000-05:00
Last week I met with a resident that was requesting a phase promotion. I remember her first day here as she arrived on a major holiday. She did not make a lot of eye contact and she certainly did not talk much. Since that time, she has come to know the Lord.

What is also so encouraging is that she is now teaching her child, who is living elsewhere, the tools she is learning here. She is also teaching him about taking responsibility for his actions – something we talk about all the time at Lydia Center. In addition to that, she has asked forgiveness from several family members that she felt she had hurt in the past – things that she found very hard to even think or talk about 4 or 5 months ago. The shame is gone and I see new-found freedom.

As I see her take leadership roles here and see her walk with her head held high now, I just stand in awe of God’s amazing grace! It’s unbelievable what God can do in couple of months in someone’s life!

Melissa Alcorn • Lydia Center Executive Director

To Learn more about the Lydia Center visit: http://www.lydiacenter.org/

A New Partnership & Season at Teen Haven

2011-01-11T15:00:00.000-05:00
I’ve learned about seasons. Some seasons are good, and some are not so good. For me, I’m not a winter guy. But if I endure Winter, I get to appreciate Spring and Summer.

Last year was the season for me to be a gym teacher at a local charter school. It provided finances, but it meant a lot of sacrifice, like me not being at home much with my family. I didn’t have a peace about returning this year, but the school didn’t want to lose me. In the end, God saw fit for the school to contract with Teen Haven to provide the physical education classes this year. Now several of our staff will be sharing the role of gym teacher.

Not only is this relationship providing finances for the ministry, but it’s providing opportunity for Teen Haven staff to connect with over 120 students daily, to be role models, and to promote Teen Haven programs and Camp. You see, part of the state’s requirement is that students get plugged into community programs. Because of our staff’s influence, it is likely that the students will get plugged into Teen Haven.

Already we’re seeing results at Teen Haven. Numbers had been low for our girls program. After we got connected with the school, the girls program exploded. When one of these new girls first started attending our programs, her attitude was very poor – especially at school. She didn’t want to get to class on time, and she didn’t want to participate in anything. What she found at Teen Haven was people who really cared for her. It wasn’t long before she gave her heart to the Lord!

Since then we have seen real fruit: her attitude has changed, her music choice has changed, the way she speaks and dresses has changed, and who she spends time with has changed. Plus her grades are up, and her teachers are seeing the difference. She’s plugged into a local church, and her mom even has become involved in Teen Haven.

God in His sovereignty knows the needs of the ministry of Teen Haven and knows our hearts to partner with the community. Before anyone else knew, he knew the relationship He was establishing. What people see to be impossible, God makes possible. With the right heart and willing people, God can do anything. Even through this economic state, God knows how to take care of his people.

By Jose Jimenez, Teen Haven, Lancaster Field Director

I AM with you always.

2011-01-06T10:35:00.000-05:00
Butterflies have always been an encouragement to me. They are the symbol of restoration, hope & something new & beautiful. I shared this with a precious young woman I have the privilege to share Jesus love with.

She has a life long history of brokenness, hopelessness & horrible abuse. Anything hopeful was foreign to her yet she clung to a hope that there had to be something better. She was very fearful to share things from her past because she was always told no one would believe her & no one would care. You could see how fearful it would be to share yet she continued to press through. We did most of our counseling outside. God always showed up at just the time she needed it.

Every time she needed encouragement a butterfly (or two or three or more) would fly by her or land on her to see, it was as if God was revealing His presence, His faithfulness, and His love for her through this tangible symbol. It became something that we would laugh at. At just the time that she needed hope that she could face the incredible pain from her past God brought that hope in front of her eyes to see.

Recently she was looking at some extremely painful hurts done by some people who were supposed to protect her. She was afraid to look at it. As she was sitting outside a butterfly came & landed on her pen. As she watched it the butterfly then flew to her left shoulder & then to her right. She said she had such peace come over her that she was able to sit there & look at the pain with hope that this pain was not the end of her story. She said she felt God’s presence.

It is priceless to see hope in the eyes of such a wounded soul. She has a hard road ahead in healing but she can tell you that she knows she is not alone & she has a hope not that “there has to be something better” but that there IS Someone better – Jesus Christ.

- Carrie Libonati, Lydia Center, Learning Center Instructor

Looking Back

2011-01-03T08:41:00.000-05:00
The following are reflections from a graduate of the Men's Recovery Program...

I am awed by my experience here at Thaddeus Stevens. Even to the point of being overwhelmed. I wonder if things can get any better. I am discovering things about myself that for the longest I only fantasized about. Both in terms of ability and emotional experience.

I question why I did not go back to school when I was younger. In reality I know the answer. It is because I was overly involved in my emotional pain, and choose to comfort myself in attachments instead of seeking solace in relationships.

At the risk of sounding pretentious I now believe that I can, I will, I do, I am, and I have. In a way I am living my dream, and it’s fantastic. At this point Craig Hickey would remind me of Romans 12:3, and I do well to remember that the only accurate way to understand myself is by what God is and by what he does.

This verse says, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

All of this of course comes by grace, and is the result of my experience here at college and, also from having been involved in the programs, and opportunities presented to me by you and Water Street; without which I would not be here continuing my education. You have a part in my success, and I thank you!

To Learn more about the programs within the Men’s Discipleship Center of Water Street Mission visit:
http://waterstreetministries.org/Ministries/WaterStreetMission/MensDiscipleshipCenter.aspx

Lititz Area Mennonite teams up for Teen Haven

2010-12-30T15:09:00.005-05:00
Teen Haven has been so blessed by the creativity and support of the students at Lititz Area Mennonite School! This Christmas their 3rd grade students joined together to help provide needed games and sports equipment for our ministry. Two classes teamed up and worked hard to raise money for these gifts through all sorts of tasks. Some students washed dishes, raked leaves, and so much more – all so that they could be a part of providing these special gifts to the youth of Teen Haven.

And, in addition to these gifts each student also made their own Christmas card. Their handwritten cards contained beautiful drawings, handwritten notes, and scriptures for our youth. Within these cards many students shared their excitement and awe of Christ's gift of being born for our salvation - it was clear that they wanted all of our youth to grasp this life changing reality. What a special gift to have 3rd grade testimonies to share with our youth, as they too seek after Christ!

One of the teachers shared that, “Our Christmas service project is a very special time of the year for our third grade students at Lititz Area Mennonite. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about the true meaning of giving. The students worked hard to earn money to buy games and sports equipment for Teen Haven. After the students raised the money they were able to choose which gift they would like to buy for Teen Haven."
Katie Shenk
Lititz Area Mennonite School
3rd Grade Teacher

As these young students worked so hard to bless Teen Haven they demonstrated a sacrificial love that we believe will shine Christ’s love into our city programs and at camp. We pray God’s blessing on the ministry at Lititz Area Mennonite School, and to these students as they continue to learn and grow throughout this New Year!

Merry Christmas from the Lydia Center

2010-12-27T10:40:00.002-05:00
Last week at lunch the ladies gave the Lydia Center Staff a Christmas present – it was a song to the tune of 12 days of Christmas! I've included the lyrics below for you to enjoy!

I had asked the ladies what was different about this Christmas, and some of the answers I received were “this is the first Christmas I am not dreading”, “this is the first Christmas I have peace”, “this is the first Christmas in 10 years that I will be clean and sober”, “this is the first Christmas that I have joy” and “this is the first time I’m spending Christmas with people I love and who love me”.

At Lydia Center we had our “family time” on Christmas morning opening gifts that the body of Christ has provided for them and then cooked and enjoyed Christmas dinner together.

So from our home to yours – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Melissa Alcorn • Executive Director

12 Days At Lydia Center
On the first day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
Jakey with a snotty nose

On the second day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the third day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the fourth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the fifth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the sixth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the seventh day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the eighth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the ninth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the tenth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
10 loving staff
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the eleventh day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
11 chapters of heart-work
10 loving staff
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the twelfth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
12 self evals
11 chapters of heart-work
10 loving staff
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

Students joining the ‘Diaper Dump’!

2010-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00
Have you heard about the current ‘Diaper Dump’ going on now at Water Street Mission? Our goal is to collect 5,000 diapers by Dec. 31!

Just after we announced that we were in dire need of diapers, a big blessing came our way! A 7th and 8th grade teacher named Rebecca Harvey from Resurrection Catholic school, had talked to her students about having a diaper drive. She called me and I thought it would be nice to get to know her and thank her personally when she brought the diapers in. A few weeks ago she delivered 17 boxes of diapers! She told me that they will do another big Diaper Drive for Christmas. The Women Ministries team hopes to have her and her students come and meet our women and children, to see first-hand the way their support is making a difference for these families.

We are so blessed by the generosity and support of these students and so many others, who are joining to help us provide this diapers for the precious children we serve.

Learn more about our 'Diaper Dump' at: http://waterstreetministries.org/events/10-11-02/Diaper_Dump_Help_the_Water_Street_Mission_collect_5_000_diapers.aspx

- Gentine Clark • Shelter Manager

Challenged to Increase our Faith

2010-12-13T10:24:00.005-05:00
Each week on Wednesday afternoons, the Water Street Ministries staff spend an hour, from 3-4pm, seeking after God in prayer, and ‘fasting’ from work priorities as a community!

Recently, during this staff fasting time, we were challenged to look at faith through the lens Hebrews 10-12. It was a humbling experience to examine my faith quotient.

How does faith in the unseen affect my life and ministry?
To what extent would my faith need to change and expand to be included with the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11?
How does my lack of faith hinder my life and ministry?

These are things about which I need to meditate on and listen to God’s voice.

Philippians 1:6 reminds me that God will complete the work He has started in me until the day of Jesus Christ. It says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

It is that confidence that allows me to move forward in the journey Christ has for me.

Donna Doutrich • Ministry Assistant, Lydia Center

The Lord has no language or age barrier!

2010-12-03T09:53:00.000-05:00
Kobe* is a young man that loves the Lord, has a heart’s desire to serve and present the gospel in any given opportunity. Last weekend during a retreat for boys 12-17 years old, Kobe took the position of senior cabin supervisor at Teen Haven Camp. This meant that he’d oversee and help direct the other cabin supervisors throughout the weekend.

We’ve been blessed over the last year to welcome many new youth from a neighborhood in Western Philadelphia that is primarily Vietnamese. And on this particular weekend, Kobe had two young men from this community. One of these campers spoke no English (age 14), and he came with his younger cousin who was able to speak limited English (age 13).

Throughout the weekend I saw that Kobe was really passionate about sharing with these youth, especially the one who wasn’t able to speak English. This created a dilemma since he wasn’t able to communicate in Vietnamese. Yet, God presented a solution. Kobe realized that he could work with this young man’s cousin to share about Christ’s love for him.

As Kobe shared the love of Christ, this young camper translated for his older cousin so that he could understand! Through this time of sharing, and dialogue this young man responded with a smile and accepted Christ’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

Sunday morning, I saw this young man’s smile and eyes, each reflecting his new found faith. I was reminded that age and language is no barrier to the Gospel message or messenger.

Vinny Mikusow
Teen Haven Camp, Field Director

*name changed

Thanksgiving Blessings at the Lydia Center

2010-11-22T09:27:00.006-05:00
In this season of Thanksgiving, the staff and residents of the Lydia Center have many things to be thankful for! Two items stick out in my mind: warmer buildings and the employees of JK Mechanical, Inc. of Willow Street, PA. On November 10, 2010, a group of 68 employees from JK Mechanical came to bless our ministry through a community service project. Wow! Did I say 68 people? Yes, I did! The grounds of the Lydia Center were buzzing with activity as doors were being replaced on the cottages, as windows were being replaced in the child care room, as the heating/cooling systems were serviced and as windows were being caulked and cleaned.

The residents have already expressed how much warmer it is in the main building where they attend classes. The new windows in the child care room come at a perfect time as a children’s ministry coordinator has been hired and is planning to start in December. Yeah! The children will have a warm place to play and sleep!

As a way to bless the group, the residents baked cookies and delivered them to the company. Here is part of a thank you note we received. “And as far as the cookies, everyone is enjoying them immensely. The thank you card was quite an encouragement too-especially the personal notes that everyone took time to write. It meant so much to us to know how the Community Work Day has benefitted each person individually. What a blessing this was to us!”

Thank you, JK Mechanical, Inc. for your generosity and service! We are grateful and blessed to see how you took time, resources, and energy to invest in our ministry.

Lisa Good, Lydia Center Program Counselor

'Challenges' from Men's Ministry - Part 2

2010-11-11T15:00:00.000-05:00
Here are the remaining testimonites from the Men’s Ministry team in response to the question, “Where did you experience a challenging situation at WSM in the past month? How did you see God meet the need?”

“When a CES guest got up close and personal I experienced God’s protection through others who came to my aid and blocked him from harming me.” – Philip Wrightstone

“I have seen God facilitate several conversations and help the people involved communicate.” – Jon Shacklett

“God met the needs of the men at WSM, and he provided all the personal help that I am able to receive." - Intern Howard

“God used the team work of Men’s Ministry to develop a positive experience for our guests during the Family Day event!” – Mark Noel

"A client I had no hope of getting benefits for - now unexplainably has full benefits! This client is teaching me to trust God and commit ALL to Him."

'Challenges,' from Men’s Ministry – Part 1

2010-11-09T08:31:00.000-05:00
The Men’s Ministry team has prepared some short testimonies in response to the question, “Where did you experience a challenging situation at WSM in the past month? How did you see God meet the need?”

"God met my need in helping me accept people by getting passed my preconceived notions. God met my need by giving me an understanding that I shouldn’t be a stumbling block in the path of my brothers and others." - Intern Jerome

"I have met two very young men in the past week that do not know Christ. The challenge I have recognized was overcome when God allowed me to share some of His truth with them individually so we were able to build a relational bridge." - Jim Stanton

"God met the needs at the Family Day activities. He met it with kindness and a smile!" - Intern Bob

"One of my challenges has been to stay positive and joyful in the face of a medical diagnosis that is chronic. God has been challenging me to pursue Him and to trust Him even when He changes the plans I had made for my life. He has been teaching me that I am known to Him and He knows my needs." - Sue Pearce, Learning Center

WSHS - Providing Healthcare and Relief!

2010-11-05T08:05:00.000-04:00
A young man, 23, came to Water Street Health Services recently due to severe pain in his armpit. He came in because a “growth” was developing under his arm that was making it difficult for him to work. With little money and no insurance he didn’t know what to do until he heard about us. He was so grateful as the doctor lanced and drained the large cyst that had developed and gave him an antibiotic to cure the infection.

The pain relief was instant when the pressure was released. This released for him not only physical pain pressure but emotional pressure that was building over what he could do to get help and fear of losing his job due to either not being able to work or loss of work time.

We saw him after work hours, and he asked why we do this; provide free care? I was then able to tell him that we serve as the hands of Christ – who came to heal us all of our sicknesses, both physical and spiritual. We are sharing His good news of salvation and hope. After a brief chat where he listened intently – seeds were planted and with a big smile he thanked me so much for helping him and taking the time to talk with him.

This is an example of one of hundreds in Lebanon and thousands through Water Street Health Services Lancaster that we are providing God’s healing! What a privilege to be called to be part of His work!

Gale Thomason • Executive Director

Seeing Change at the Lydia Center

2010-10-28T11:54:00.002-04:00
Change can be good or bad. Either way, it can “rock” our world. It makes us unsteady and off kilter, at least for a little while.

The ladies at the Lydia Center face constant challenges to their thinking and behavior. It has been my privilege over the past few weeks to watch one young lady deal with the struggle of change in her life. The changes are healthy changes, but they are ripping out everything that she has believed about herself and her life. The struggle is evident and painful to watch. However, there is great encouragement in watching this struggle.

Jesus promises to “make all things new.” Birthing new beliefs and attitudes is just as arduous as the birth of a baby. There is usually discomfort and pain, which is necessary to the birthing process. But, oh the joy that comes to all involved when that “new creature” enters this world. Be thankful for the pain that comes with change.

Donna Doutrich • Lydia Center, Ministry Assistant

Feed the homeless AND support your health!

2010-10-20T15:06:00.005-04:00
In need of a chiropractic examination? Here's a perfect way you can support your health and help share meals with the homeless this Thanksgiving.

Learn how you can support...
Anyone may receive a complete chiropractic examination from Family Chiropractic of Lancaster County for a donation of $47.20. The chiropractic examination will include a computerized spinal screening, complete chiropractic examination, X-rays (if needed), and a report of findings.

Each $47.20 donation to the Water Street Mission will provide a Thanksgiving meal for 20 people.

Stop by the office on Old Philadelphia pike or make an appointment by calling Family Chiropractic of Lancaster County, Ltd: 717-393-9955 between now and November 24, 2010.

Thanks for your support of Water Street Mission!
“Our goal is to help feed over 1,000 people in Lancaster County,” said Dr. Martin Rodgers, President of Family Chiropractic of Lancaster County, Ltd.

“Sharing the gift of good health while helping those in our community who are desperate to get off the street and make a change in their lives is a double blessing.”
Keith Shetter, Family Chiropractic of Lancaster patient

From the Family:
More than 95% of Water Street Ministries' work of changing lives is made possible through private donations. That's why we're so thankful for the creative ideas organized on our behalf by businesses, churches, organizations and individuals -- our family!

Life Lessons from Emma

2010-10-14T11:00:00.000-04:00
I recently spent a long weekend in the presence of my granddaughter, Emma. My most frequent thought when Emma comes to my mind, is her spontaneous affections. Emma is a very busy 19 month old that finds pleasure in almost anything. Often Emma will disengage from an activity, run to me and give me a hug and/or a kiss and then run back to her toy, food, etc. I don’t know what her little mind is processing in those moments but I find an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance from her in those spontaneous moments. My spirit is lifted to another level of joy.
As I ponder this, the thought comes to me that this is something I should be offering to God each day: spontaneous moments of affection. To take moments away from the distractions of the day to just say to Him

“I love you Lord, I am glad to be in your presence. I know you love me and cherish me as your daughter. I’m glad you will always be there for me."Because Christ, Emma will one day know this same love. Thank you, Father that we can run to you with spontaneous affection and you find joy in us. I want to be filled to overflowing with your love, Father. Let it splash out of me and onto the women of the Lydia Center. Father, I pray that they will come to the realization of, and learn to receive your love for them and know the joy of spontaneous affection with you. Amen."

- "Emma’s Grammy" Paula Sentgeorge, Lydia Center Kitchen Manager

Part 2 - Seeing God Moving - Men's Ministry

2010-10-04T08:54:00.000-04:00
Here's the second collection of quotes from the Men's Ministry team at Water Street Mission about the question, “Where did you see the hand of God moving in your life in the past month at WSM?” Take a look at these short testimonies in response.

Andrew Onguka – A man is getting a glimpse of his brokenness and is learning to be OK with God’s love.

Intern Bob- During my night time duty with CARPE NOCTEM! Changing my perception of people.

Jim Stanton – I had the opportunity to just sit and listen to a brokenhearted young man share his story, and then share God’s love with him.

Intern Howard – I’m learning to live and understand the men here in the mission, good and bad.

Seeing God Moving - Men's Ministry

2010-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:00
The Men's Ministry team at Water Street Mission has put together a compilation of their reflections around the question, “Where did you see the hand of God moving in your life in the past month at WSM?” Take a look at these short testimonies in response to this question.

Intern Tom – I have had God open doors for me through an internship. Everything is opening up for my higher education.

Phil Wrightstone – I see his hand of protection over me as I work in the Community Emergency Shelter.

Mark Noel- God provided mentors to 2 of my clients in unusual ways that caused them to praise God.

Jon Shacklett- Seeing lightbulbs go as I teach class.

Michael Kerrigone- During a recent conversation with a Community Emergency Shelter (CES) guest I witnessed a profession of faith in action.

New Seasons and Celebrations

2010-09-16T12:13:00.002-04:00
I love nature and the way God brings changes to us through the seasons. We can expect good things out of every season because every season has its set purpose. Without one season the other seasons would not be complete. So, it is in our own journey of life. We go through various seasons in our lives so that God’s purposes can be established.

This week at the Lydia Center we are celebrating a new season for one of our residents who has completed the program, found a job, and is now moving into her own apartment with another former resident of Lydia Center. We celebrate this new season in their lives and pray that God will continue to lead them through the seasons of life.

Lisa Good • Lydia Center Program Counselor

Watching 'Seeds' Grow at the Lydia Center

2010-09-13T08:50:00.008-04:00
Last week I spoke to a client who after being with us for 9 months had left our program without completing it. When she left, we prayed she would do well; and since grace always provides a way back, told her that she could reapply as early as the following week. We were all praying she would.

This client relapsed shortly after going back home and having to face some of the temptations she had previously succumbed to, but got up and continued her recovery. As we talked, she told me that she had not realized all the tools she had received at Lydia Center until she had to use them out in the world.

This client is a success story in that when she relapsed, she knew exactly how to get back up and rely on God to continue her journey of recovery. She is working part-time now, planning to attend Christian college in the winter, and making preparations for her future. What a great reminder that our role is to plant seeds and water and then trust that the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance those things that each client needs as she goes forward in her recovery.

I thank God that He is always at work – that He pursues the residents that leave Lydia Center just as He pursues each of us because He wants to set us free from ourselves and our destructive patterns. Phil 1:6 – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work will perfect until the day of Christ Jesus.” This client experienced His mercy and grace in fresh ways and she knows that if she does relapse again, His grace is sufficient to get her through and put her back on the road He has for her because grace always has a way back – that real hope!

Melissa Alcorn • Lydia Center Executive Director

Words From The Lord

2010-09-02T08:17:00.005-04:00
Each summer as I am preparing for the new school year, I spend time asking the Lord for a verse or a passage of Scripture for our staff to use as a theme verse for the new school year. As I was praying this summer, I did not hearing any particular direction. So at staff meeting last week, I gave the teachers the following assignment. “For our devotions on Friday, I would like each of you to come with a verse that you feel God is speaking to you for Wonder Club for this year. It may be for you personally, for your classroom, or for the team as a whole.” In my mind I thought that perhaps God would speak to us by having two or three persons come with the same verse or verses.

As we went around the table and shared our verses and why we had chosen each one, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, God! These are great verses, but what does it mean for us as a team?” As you can guess, no two persons had chosen the same verses. As I shared with the teachers that part of what I was hoping would come from this exercise was a “theme” for the year, Miss Nikki spoke up, “Here is what I heard as we were going around the table.” And just like that, Nikki allowed God to use her to put it all together for us. Out of nine passages of Scripture, Nikki summarized our time with the following thoughts (I have included the references of each thought):

Wait
(Psalm 37:7)
I will cause the growth
(I Cor. 3:5-9)
I will give you a new heart
(Ezekiel 36:25-26)
I will give you a new mind
(Romans 8:5-8)
Forget the things of the past
(Isaiah 43:18-19a)
If you are obedient
(Ephesians 6:1-3)
I will make you an imitator of me
(Ephesians 5:1-2)
I will teach you all things
(Isaiah 50: 4 & 7)
Nothing is impossible with God!
(Luke 1:37)

As a staff we were astounded at the way God had spoken to us as a team through the individual verses and how He had given Nikki the words to put it altogether so concisely. So while we may not have a “theme verse” we do have some precious words that we felt God was giving us through our individual seeking of the Lord for direction. Words that we wanted to share in the hopes so that you too would be encouraged. We are so excited we can’t wait to see what else God is going to do this year!

- Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club Administrator, Wonder Club Early Learning Centers

Refreshing More than Just the Streets!

2010-08-31T14:07:00.003-04:00
This summer we hosted a large number of groups who served our community by cleaning up litter. So far they have cleaned up more than 1,000 lbs of litter from the blocks surrounding the mission!

Before a group goes out I attempt to give them a bigger picture of their work than simply picking up litter. I believe that an area littered with trash is often a sign of a depressed hopeless community where people’s lives are weighed down with the cares of this world and feelings of hopelessness. I encourage them to walk with their eyes open for these signs and to pray over the houses and families that God would restore hope in our neighborhoods.

Last week a group came back reporting a conversation that started when a young man thanked them for cleaning up. They engaged this man in conversation and the talk led to spiritual things, they ended up addressing some of this man’s resistance to God and praying with him to trust Jesus with his life! They were an encouragement with the joy that comes form being alert to what God is wanting to do in the moment.

Dean Wenger • Redistribution Manager, Water Street Ministries

Interruptions and God-Moments at Wonder Club

2010-08-27T13:00:00.000-04:00
Last week I went into work to get a couple of things done before I "officially" go back to work. Well, I walked in the door and the maintenance man from the church asked me whether a particular shelf unit was Wonder Club's. I immediately recognized the unit, and told him that yes it was ours. He said that the church was cleaning house and accidentally put it in the give-away pile.

So, this was my opportunity to depend upon God... He is the one who let this interaction happen at this moment. Therefore I needed to deal with them before getting to the things I had on my to-do list. I went to the basement to talk with the youth minister about the cabinet. It was neat... she has been around for about a year and I have not had much time to interact with her, and now God ordained the moment.

We talked about the revisions she is doing to their space and how the job is going and also about the cabinet. She didn't know it was ours and apologized and we were able to figure out what stuff belonged to Wonder Club and what stuff belonged to the church.

As I was bringing up our items to our floor, I was glancing through them. Wow! I have seen these letter people (see picture) for a few years now, but for some reason this time it stuck out to me. When I brought everything upstairs, I cleaned the posters and I really liked them! It seems like fun ways to incorporate letters into the classroom. I had left the storage box downstairs and was about to throw it away, but then I remembered that another teacher was looking for a place to store big books and I thought this may just work. That teacher came in later in the day (as I was still going through the letter people items) and I showed her the box. Wow! She said it would work wonderfully!

As I left for the day, I realized that I did not even touch anything that I had planned on doing, but since I depended on God's moments instead of mine, much more happened, and not just for me. Through following God's "interruptions", 1) I was able to build a relationship with one of the ministers of the church, 2) I found a fun way to talk about letters with my students, 3) another teacher was able to be blessed with an item she has been wanting, and 4) Wonder Club ended up cleaning house a little too! God's "interruption" was not an interruption but an opportunity to depend upon Him with the next steps. Thanks, God!!!

Nicole Imhof – Wonder Club Teacher/Site Supervisor

Prayer Jars

2010-08-25T13:15:00.003-04:00
Prayer is something that has been heavy on my heart lately. Something I know is important but I need to do more of. Janae and I were given the opportunity to have a devotional session with the women in the Women’s Shelter this morning. We weren’t sure what to focus on, but prayer kept coming up. I had a bunch of leftover pint sized mason jars from my wedding, so after some brainstorming we decided it would be neat to make Prayer Jars. We knew the women were very creative and enjoyed decoupage so we gathered supplies, asked staff to donate old magazines and got some tissue paper.

It was an amazing morning. Janae shared about the power of prayer. How we can pray in times of brokenness and loss – which she recently experienced after her grandfather passed away. She shared how prayer can overcome situations that seem hopeless; like she saw in her friend who was healed of a brain tumor. And about how we need to be careful to not let prayer become routine, but remember how sacred it is. I shared the story of the hummingbird my mother saw during a weekend full of a lot of heavy and heartbreaking stories (the kind you just don’t know how to pray for) – it was a reminder to her that not only is God completely engaged with the hard things, but he’s also there in all the little details too. He cares and wants to be in relationship and conversation with us!

Right before the class, a counselor came in with a few of her magazines to donate to the project. As we started to make our jars, I picked up one of her editions and it was full of hummingbirds! I asked the ladies if any of them wanted one on their prayer jar and they were gone in seconds.

The women- there were about 30 of us - dove right into making their jars. It represents a place for them to keep prayers and praises but also a place for them to keep verses or other things they hear from God – a two-way conversation!

We had an hour but we could have actually used more time! The jars were turning out beautifully! We had a brief sharing time at the end and most of the images and colors on the jars carried so much meaning. A picture of a path, representing prayer as the road to God, a picture of a little dog, much like the one someone had as a child, tissue paper as stained glass, words that represented challenges and hopes in someone’s life (life-change – what she wants, married – she wants to keep this, honesty – needs to work on this with her husband, lies - needs to stop the lies she tells).

Janae and I even got to make our very own prayer jars. It was a really encouraging time and the ladies were all really excited about their jars and some placed them immediately by their beds. There were even three teenage boys who participated and just diligently worked on their jars the whole time.

Carrie King • Graphic and Publication Design Specialist

GOD IS OMNISCIENT...SO WHY DID TODAY SURPRISE ME?

2010-08-23T08:13:00.004-04:00
Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

How did the all-knowing Creator know that I would be declaring His praise today with a group of adult men on a hanging rock? Was this scene just an accident of time and place? No, my God foreknew all things before they were even created and is not limited to time or space. He planned for me to speak out loud these words today. I expressed the desire of my heart in this passage to be pleasing to Almighty God. My voice and meditations were aloud, and intentional, to guys, many with life-controlling issues, and challenges. These were men, like me, who all need the Rock and Redeemer.

This steamy August day was a planned trip to Pinnacle Overlook – hundreds of feet above the river. Fifteen men all gathered to check out the beauty of nature and spend the day together off campus from Water Street Mission's LifeRecovery Program in Lancaster city. Birds sang praise to the Creator, the wind tickled my hair, and the humidity saturated my shoes in the grass as I walked down the trail. Many times I had been to the big rock alone, or with close friends and family. Today, I was with a group of men that had never experienced time at this rock. Did God know and plan for me to be with these other guys and see a new view, a higher view, of the Susquehanna River at the Pinnacle Overlook, and of Himself?

My prayer – “Lord, I know that You did plan today and I give You the praise for that beautiful snapshot of time and place in Your grace...at the rock... with some men that needed to experience You personally. You surprise me, Lord. You are the all-knowing Rock.”

James W. Stanton, Water Street Mission, Program Counselor

WSHS's Medicine Inventory Day!

2010-08-17T13:33:00.006-04:00
A few weeks ago I was preparing for the medicines inventory count. The day was getting closer when we would once again count every, YES EVERY, prescription pill in the med room. I began to wonder how things would go. Did I have the prep work done thoroughly? Would we have enough help? What if everyone came at once and we didn’t have enough pill counters to use? Would there be unforeseen problems with the computer system when we made a change to entering by the National Drug Code numbers? Would we be here all day and all night???? I hoped for the best but must admit I had some anxiety as I occasionally imagined the worst!

As the day came, I was amazed by God. He literally provided just the right people for the right tasks at the right times to make the day go very smoothly! It was like a puzzle that fit together perfectly! And…we were even finished by 6:00pm with meds counted, entered into the computer, and back on their shelves neatly! Thank you, God, for being in control and knowing our every need…even in something as little as the med count.

Water Street Health Services is a division of Water Street Ministries that provides Christian medical, dental and behavioral health services to over 2,000 individuals who would otherwise be without access to health care.

By Jean Benedict, RN & Nurse Administrator, Water Street Health Services

Wonder Club Field Day get's Goliath Again!

2010-08-04T09:00:00.013-04:00
If your boss asked you to dress up as one of the baddest dudes in the Bible and told you to go outside and scare a bunch of kids, and oh by the way dodge water balloons while you’re at it, how could you say no? I know I sure couldn’t. So, for the last 2 out of 3 years I’ve gotten to be Goliath at the Wonder Club field day.

When I’m not playing Goliath I’m just Joel the “guy who brings us our snacks,” I have the pleasure of bringing the milk and snacks that God provides to these kids each week. It’s so awesome to hear stories throughout the year of how the kids were praying for a certain cereal or their favorite fruit to come in and then to see how God provides those things. It’s also such a neat thing to see how the kids grow throughout the year, kids who at the beginning of school were so shy turn into water balloon throwing maniacs.

That brings me back to field day, the one day a year I get to make a crazy costume and splatter it with fake blood and swing my sword and shield and dodge water balloons. As I’m doing that I get to see the faces of these kids and see them smile and laugh and forget about any troubles or cares that they have. For a few minutes at field day these kids get to feel like David, they get to experience what its like to conquer a giant and they get to learn the story of how God is always on our side even when the odds are not.

- Joel Henry, Food Services Truck Driver

An Invitation

2010-08-02T08:29:00.006-04:00
You’re invited.

Isn’t that exciting?

You feel accepted, loved, and understood. An invitation has the power to transform an outcast into a member; one who belongs. But in my life, God always has a way of flipping things on their heads.

Let’s start at the beginning of the story. I am an amateur photographer. I mean amateur. Thanks to an extremely generous co-worker, I even have a camera and a small array of accessories. Through this gift, photography has become my mainstay hobby of personal exploration. But who has time for hobbies, really? If it’s not for some hope of profit, it’s obviously a worthless endeavor, at least that’s what my checkbook keeps telling me.

A few weeks ago, a group of artists at a local church decided to ‘share’ their creative talents with the rest of the congregation at an ‘art retreat.’ What a great idea, a forum to discuss the importance of a creative outlet. I thought this was a fantastic idea. Everyone needs to be able to express themselves creatively, even if their work isn’t hung in a museum. They even asked me to submit some work for the show. I jumped at the invitation. The members of the group, without question, are very talented individuals. I could not believe I had been admitted into the inner circle. Desired, loved, accepted, and needed. I could have run for days on the emotional adrenaline.

I worked diligently to prepare. I printed a few select photos, mounted them to a piece of leftover foam core and proudly placed my work on the shelf at church. To my disbelief, everything had a price tag. Instead of an open forum to discuss the importance of a creative outlet, I was smack between ‘buy one get one free’ and $25 ‘specials’. The ‘art retreat’ had turned into a promotion for profit. The group of artists had traded an opportunity for deep spiritual growth and outreach; for personal wealth. Seriously, where is Jesus with a whip when you need him? I could have used some over-turned tables to mirror the pieces of my broken heart. I felt so betrayed. I wanted so desperately to be a part of a group to reach out and encourage others creatively.

But God knew my heart, he knew what I desired most of all. A week later I heard Water Street Ministries needed paint supplies for its art program. I had recently cleaned out my old college art supplies including a bag full of acrylic paints. Was this a coincidence? As a result, there is such a joy when I stroll through the mission and see all the meaningful artwork adorning the halls. When I see a client working on a sketch during his break at the Learning Center, there is a feeling of deep connection. This was the real invitation I had been longing for. This was the membership of significance, the acceptance and community I had desired. I was finally able to help others discover themselves through artistic expression. I feel so blessed to have been able to participate.

- Written By: Jon Sullenberger, Learning Center Volunteer

Getting my car inspected...

2010-07-22T08:52:00.007-04:00

A friend of mine has a blog where he discusses faith, life, God, etc... yesterday he randomly asked me for a "word" to spark his thought process for a new blog. This is what immediately popped into my mind:

"Inspection - I gotta take my car in to the garage later today...

Now with the new one, it's a very different experience, but with our old cars, the day I dropped off the car for inspection was nerve racking one... how much will it cost this time? Is this the end of the road for this car?

How does (or should) inspection play a role in our walk with Christ... does self-examination make me squirm the same way that car inspection day does? How do you feel knowing that God can see "under your hood" all the time?"

Here at Water Street and Teen Haven, "self inspection" is part of our growth process - as individuals being transformed by Christ (both staff and clients) and as an organization. Honestly, some days it feels like I'm taking the old '77 Chevy Caprice Classic into the shop and I know the mechanic is going to give me a laundry list of repairs needed... other days are like yesterday (my car passed with flying colors - although I had them rotate the tires for good measure).

The good news is we have a mechanic who is more than willing to work with us... he knows our vehicle better than we ever will... he can find the beauty in in the most beat up old hoopty (or jalopy)... and he already paid the price for all the repairs we need.

Knowing the mechanic makes "inspection" day a lot less nerve-wracking.

Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

PS - my friend ended up just using my thoughts for his blog... so I thought it would be OK to steal it back - you can check out some of his other thought provoking posts at http://radaph.blogspot.com

God's Provision in the Heat!

2010-07-14T09:16:00.008-04:00
The Lebanon Free Clinic (Satellite of Water Street Health Services) is located in a row house in Lebanon city and has wall unit air conditioners. Guess what – last week in the heat of course, the AC’s were not working well, freezing up, not able to keep up and the staff, volunteers and patients were suffering from the heat and poor ventilation. Difficult for one of our staff in Lebanon who has asthma and couldn’t breathe!

A call for help was sent out to the Lebanon community donors and we now have a new AC unit in the treatment area and a gently used one for the front waiting room! God, as always, meets our every need!!

Gale Thomason • Executive Director, Water Street Health Services

Refreshing Treats at Teen Haven Camp!

2010-07-08T13:55:00.005-04:00
This Monday at Teen Haven Camp, Vinny Mikusow was waiting for the campers to arrive and praying for wisdom and discernment about the schedule of camp. On a week with such record breaking high temperatures he wanted to be creative about how to keep the campers cool, and refreshed, so that the boys could have a really positive time at camp. Just about this time... up pulls a vehicle that is literally brimming with food donations for the Camp. From fresh sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, pastries, and fruit to 6 gallons of ice cream!

I was , one of the people that happened to be praying for camp, and for God’s grace to guide the staff and camp counselors as they welcomed the 9-11 yr. old boys to camp! And if you know me well, you’ll know I happen to be a bit of an ice cream fanatic. This donor’s willingness to give so generously reflected God’s perfect timing to meet Vinny and the campers with a very real and tangible need. Afterall, what tastes better than ice cream on a really hot day??

As Vinny helped unload the donations, he watched as slowly the countertops of the kitchen were filled. One of the many delicious blessings of this donation was that the camp staff decided to use the ice cream to bless the campers with a surprise ice cream sundae party, to conclude one of their evening activities!

God's faithfulness, in using his people is a beautiful thing. In this story, he was answering Vinny's prayers before the campers even pulled in to camp.

Janae Dagen
Teen Haven Secretary

Serving in the City - Answered prayers at Teen Haven

2010-06-25T15:36:00.000-04:00
Often times, people outside the city are reluctant to come in and volunteer in the city. But as God's Word tells us where two or three are gathered in my name there am I.

For a long time I had been praying about starting a Girls Bible study which has been non-existent for over a decade, at Teen Haven in the city of York, PA.

And as those prayers were whispered…. a dear sister in the Lord, who herself is battling Lupus, felt the Lord leading her to reach out with her life to young girls. She heard about this ministry opportunity and our need to have someone come and lead the girls program and Teen Haven. She contacted a friend about volunteering with us, and that's where their journey began alongside our ministry.

After our first Bible study, one of the women shared that she was definitely "outside her comfort zone," but the other day after Bible study she told me how much she enjoyed being with the girls and getting to know them personally. She shared that through these growing relationships that she is falling in love with them.

I'm thankful for the power of prayer and the divine timing of our heavenly Father. So if you have never volunteered to help those in need you have missed out on a blessing. Consider giving of your time, talent, and treasure; you won't be disappointed.

Alex Mikusow, Teen Haven, York Field Director

Prayers from Wonder Club

2010-06-17T15:48:00.009-04:00
The faith of the children at Wonder Club often reveal aspects of God to us. Listen to this story that was shared with by one of the teachers at Wonder Club:

Near the end of the school year a student came in and right away showed us his cut on his finger. For most of the day he complained that he could not do an activity because his finger was hurt. Eventually (should have done this much earlier), I offered to pray for him. I prayed that he would still be capable to do activities despite his cut and that God would be with him. After I was done, he asked me to pray for God to heal him. I did then ask for healing. It took a child to remind me of what’s important – healing. How cool that the child grasps healing!

Also, please join us in praying for the precious children over the summer; some as they prepare for starting Kindergarten in the fall, and others as they will move on to first grade!

Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

Blessings in the Kitchen

2010-06-10T16:41:00.007-04:00
Isn't it amazing to see the everyday evidences of God's hand at work? Sometimes we need to stop to glimpse it, listen for it, and even taste it...

Not long ago the news reported that unusual weather patterns ruined the tomato crop. Prices rose and some restaurants removed tomatoes from their menus. It occurred to me this morning that ever since that announcement was made we have had fresh tomatoes to serve our clients. (Tomatoes are not something we usually have). It would appear that God’s tomato crop was not damaged due to inclement weather!

Thank you God for being our provider and sustainer, and for the overflowing generosity of so many in our community who reveal your hands and feet.

Paula Sentgeorge • Lydia Center, Kitchen Manager

God Moment at The Lydia Center

2010-05-27T14:06:00.001-04:00
Psalm 68:19 (New International Version)
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah”

This beautiful story, experienced at the Lydia Center, is a true demonstration of the freedom, and renewal found in the healing embrace of God. May we be encouraged by the strength and hope that God revealed in this experience!

We went to the river with a bucket of stones. Each stone represented a “failure” that she had been holding on to. She read the list & after each one would throw the stone in the river as in giving it to God. Then after she threw all of her stones she read a letter that was from God to her with truths for each “failure”. It was truly a sacred moment & I can’t tell you how privileged I felt to be a witness of God doing a tremendous healing just with those seemingly small things. She read a scripture from Ephesians 1:4 which talked about how God loved her & “chose her in Christ to be holy without fault in His eyes.” She then played her guitar & sang the song “Lead me to the Cross”. We both just sat there & looked out at the river. It was so heavy with the presence of God that neither of us could or wanted to speak. This was a really a healing time for her since she carried such a weight around with these. God showed her just how big He is & when she has her head up she sees His bigness & not her failures.

Carrie Libonati • Learning Center Instructor

Questions and Realizations Experienced at Wonder Club

2010-05-20T09:19:00.005-04:00
Today as I was reading a “Jesus book” to 3-year-old Moses*, he started punching the picture of Jesus. This surprised me, since Moses had just been admiring Jesus and how he had held the children in his arms. I asked him if he was mad at Jesus. He said yes. He said he wanted Jesus to be here. We were looking at the picture of Jesus leaving his friends and going into heaven. Moses then went on to say that he wished “Jesus would come out of the book.” I went on to explain how Jesus can live inside each of us and be with us all the time, even if we can’t see him with our eyes.

Earlier in the day, we had been acting out the story of Noah in the water table. I showed the children a picture of the rainbow and the ark, and told them that God said he’d never cover the whole earth with water again. Moses* kept asking me where God was in the picture, because he wanted to see God.

Pray for Moses and his 4-year-old sister, that Jesus would “come out of the book” for them and that they will know His deep love for them. Pray that they will be able to see the evidence of God all around them.

Thank you, Jesus, for your love for children!
Carmen Garber • Prince Street Teacher

*name has been changed

From My Office Overlooking Prince Street

2010-05-17T09:12:00.004-04:00
Being in an office at WSM that overlooks Prince Street has its joys (sunlight) and its “moments”. The “moments” turn out to be the traffic controller who seems to express her life angst though her whistle during the morning and afternoon school times. The car alarm (it’s going off now) that seemingly has a mind of its own and breaks up the background noise of the traffic every 15 minutes or so, again and again ...

In another “moment”, I had the joy (hint of sarcasm) of experiencing a “clapper” who seemed to enjoy clapping while holding a conversation with someone. These conversations could last up to ten (long) minutes. The non-rhythmical clapping sometimes connected with the car alarm and created another level of mixed annoyance.
So what?

As I started to process my irritation, God asked me why I was getting annoyed. The whistle is needed to help make a crossing safer. The alarm is only a device that is way too sensitive (aren’t we all?). Maybe the “clapper” needs to clap, or has an issue or whatever, but really the bigger issue is about me.

How do I really deal with life’s annoyances? What is it in me that gets irritated and why? This gets a little too deep and close to home.

I do not yet have clear answers, but the whistle, car alarm and “Clapper” are all part of someone else’s day too. I am not the center of it all.

Getting annoyed is a choice. Can I make better ones when these things happen next? They do and will happen again. Maybe God can speak though the irritations of our day as well as the joys.
Paul Pearce • VP of Advancement

The National Day of Prayer at Binn’s Park

2010-05-13T14:28:00.005-04:00
On Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 The National Day of Prayer Youth Edition was held at Binn’s Park in Lancaster City! The evening was truly a demonstration of God’s hand at work in our city, as hearts were interceding for the needs of our community, nation, and world.

Here Jose Jimenez, the Teen Haven Lancaster Field Director explains more about the evening:

“It was an amazing collaborative event where young and old joined as one in prayer - from countless ministries and churches. Everyone came together, in support of praying for our city, our families, our schools and our civil authorities.

You could hear the echo of worship in our city; such a beautiful unique and united sound. A cry of freedom. Everyone was “Kingdom” minded.

The evening contained many unique demonstrations of prayer! From musical worship, to dance, and even through the paintings of several youth who creatively expressed what God was revealing to them as they prayed.

The National Day of Prayer Youth Edition is only bound to grow and bring more excitement to what God is doing. We are stronger together.”
-Jose Jimenez, Teen Haven Lancaster Field Director

Reflections on the Achievement within one man’s Journey

2010-05-10T10:42:00.001-04:00
Matt* came to WSM directly from Lancaster County Prison several years ago with only the clothes on his back. He was only 18, had not finished high school, and did not have an intact family situation to return to from prison. This young man became like a sponge and absorbed the healing water that faith in Christ and a new way of life had to offer him. As his Program Counselor I got the joy of walking with him through realizing that forgiveness was free and a new life was ahead. We shared some difficult seasons as well including the death of his mother.

In just a few months Matt passed all 5 GED tests and completed our Residential Recovery Program in less than one year. He obtained several jobs and commuted to Thaddeus Stevens for several semesters. Surprising himself and others, Matt pulled a decent grade point average. During this time Matt was involved in his local church and maintained a continuous relationship with his mentor. The day came when campus housing was a reality and this young man moved out to a new living situation.

My role as a Program Counselor includes many moments of joy! Matt’s walk with God and others into a new future has been an exhilarating time. He is still in communication with the staff and residents at the Mission and is managing life at school and work quite well. I count it an honor to have the opportunity to walk with men in their individual journeys, and praise the Lord for Matt!

*Name has been changed
Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

Happy Nurses Day!

2010-05-07T17:23:00.003-04:00
In case you haven't heard....May 6-May 12, 2010 is Nurses Week!
We are so thankful for all of the nurses who work and volunteer at the WSHS free clinic and around the country for their dedication to free clinics and our patients.

Pray for the nurses here at WSHS and around the nation!
May we have Your healing hands Lord! Touching not only the physical but the whole person as you see them! Meeting them where they are as you showed us so many times when you were here on earth healing the many that came to you!

Luke 6:19“…and the people all tried to touch him (Jesus), because power was coming from him and healing them all.”

Gale Thomason, Executive DirectorWater Street Health Services

New Life Blooms

2010-05-06T11:11:00.002-04:00
As I sit in my office watching the blossoms blow off the trees in the prayer garden, I am so thankful for this peaceful place where hurting women can start taking off the layers that have been smothering their souls and be revived with new life.

When Stella* first came she struggled a lot with the program- not caring or sharing with the other women. Through her trials she was motivated to pursue a relationship with her Lord Jesus and he has transformed her life in a beautiful way! Just recently I was driving her to an appointment and she pointed out how pretty the trees were with their blossoms and how green everything was. Before her transformation it would not have been likely for her to point these things out, she was focused on struggle going on inside of her. I shared with Stella the changes I’ve seen in her and we talked about how awesome it is that when we love the Lord and the people around us, it changes our vision- we see things differently.

Lydia Center is not always full of peace but it is so good to know that even through the turbulent times God is working, desiring to bring people to himself and giving new life!
*name has been changed

Joy Gehman • Lydia Center, Case Worker

Miss Nikki Is Missing

2010-04-29T09:30:00.000-04:00
When the K-4 children came in from recess, they were greeted by a strange sight. Standing in front of their whiteboard was a woman dressed all in black. “Who’s that?” one of them was heard to say. Another child asked, “Is that Miss Viola Swamp?”
The stranger turned around. “Boys and girls,” she said, “I have heard that the boys and girls in Room 201 have been misbehaving. I am here to change that. I am Miss Viola Swamp, and I mean business! There will be no centers today. We will work, work, work. We have lots of work. Now take your seats.”
You could have heard a pin drop as the children cautiously walked to their tables and sat down. They didn’t know what to think. They knew it was not Miss Nikki in their classroom. Miss Viola Swamp introduced herself and said she was there to see that they did their work. No talking! No laughing! No smiling! And certainly no speaking without raising your hand. Miss Viola meant business. Even when Miss Karen stepped out of the room for a minute and then returned Miss Viola Swamp wiggled her finger at her and said in her sternest voice, “Miss Karen, no more!”
The children quietly did their work. They didn’t know what to think. Except for a few suppressed giggles from the adults in the room, all that could be heard was the scratching of pencils on paper as the children did their work.
You see Miss Nikki had been reading her class the book Miss Nelson Is Missing by James Marshall and a few of the sequels. The class enjoyed the stories so much that Miss Nikki decided to act out the story by pretending to be missing and having her sister-in-law come and visit and play the part of Miss Viola Swamp. Miss Nikki didn’t stay away very long, but the students were very glad to see her return. It was an experience that they won’t soon forget.
Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

The Blessing of Teamwork

2010-04-27T09:57:00.002-04:00
One of the blessings of working at Water Street Ministries is seeing the wonderful connections we have in our community that compliment us as we compliment them. A great case in point is Joe(*see below) who just stumbled into our Recovery Program about a year and a half ago. Joe did as well as he could in our Recovery Program (he had a head injury years ago that has affected him) and as it neared the end it seemed more natural to finish up in our Supportive Services Program where he would be more closely assisted in finding semi - supported housing. To have helped Joe without the help from any other agencies would have been overwhelming and the results would have been meager at best.

First of all because of this head injury Joe was in need of a payee and they continue to be a great help in paying his bills and keeping him on track financially (Neighborhood Services). As it became time for Joe to look for housing – I directed him to an apartment building that is closely managed and especially designed for the elderly and disabled – I thought this would be a perfect match for Joe.

As we did the paperwork though, we soon discovered a problem with Joe’s credit. This led us to another wonderful agency in Lancaster City – MidPenn Legal Services. There Attorney Linda helped us not only figure out what the bill was (it was a mystery to us) but that actually Joe was being overcharged and it ended up in reducing his wage attachments and thus increasing the net monthly check Joe has to live on.

But maybe the greatest blessing was Joe’s long overdue meeting with his now 17 yr old son who he had not seen in years – this meeting took place because of the kindness of McCaskey High School in facilitating this supervised meeting. Because of this meeting Joe got the clear go ahead to call or visit with his son whenever he wants.

I think that in the process of Joe’s moving out – something we thought would be an easy endeavor, we discovered the huge benefit agencies could help us attain; what we wouldn’t have been able to do by ourselves. At least five agencies and many individuals helped Joe get to this stable place in his life, housing where he is thriving and has many meaningful things in his life which will help him continue to succeed in life. Besides a comfortable, safe and friendly living environment, Joe has stayed in regular contact with WSM: volunteering in food service, eating meals here and continuing to fellowship with the clients and staff. Joe also continues to fellowship at the church he discovered while he was in the Program. He stays in touch with the mentor that walked with him during the program.

Joe’s story shows that recovery, getting established and remaining steadfast on the community is no easy accomplishment and it requires a lot of help from a lot of people and places. I praise God for the help available in Lancaster County to end homelessness for anyone truly desiring life change.

*name has been changed
Chuck Albrecht • Shelter Manager

Help Teen Haven Refresh their Old Gym!

2010-04-15T16:03:00.004-04:00

Want to share the vision of Teen Haven Youth in Lancaster City? Then, support Teen Haven in the Pepsi Refresh Project!
Learn more by watching the video below... and then simply vote everyday for Teen Haven at: http://www.refresheverything.com/teenhaven
Thanks for your support!

Expressions of God's love at Wonder Club

2010-04-12T14:00:00.002-04:00
In the past few weeks, it has been neat to experience the random love of God expressions. While the students were getting in line, it was a bit noisy. Then, out of nowhere, Ian yelled out, “I love God!” Another time while doing a written activity at the table, I was standing behind Kiara. She looked up at me and said, “I love God!” God is really moving in all the students. It is wonderful to hear and see those things happen. Thanks, God!
- Nicole Imhoff • Wonder Club Teacher/Site-Supervisor
And just this morning as I was greeting the arriving students, Alejandro came bouncing up the steps, full of life and energy. I asked him if he had eaten Wheaties to give him so much energy. His reply, “Jesus gives me energy!”
- Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

Transformation of lives at Teen Haven

2010-03-30T17:13:00.001-04:00
He’s calling you by name, turn around and you’ll see who He is…..He loves you……He says that You have a purpose, hope and future……Faith, Accepted by Christ, Expressed In Truth…..FACE IT….

These are the statements, words and verses that have shaped our Teen Haven girls program: F.A.C.E. I.T.

He calls us by our names. He doesn’t call us in anger, He calls us with such a lovely voice. It’s full of grace, mercy, peace, forgiveness and love. It’s tender yet strong. It’s soft yet unmistakable clear. He even has our names tattooed on the palm of His hand. (well, maybe not an actual tattoo, but I like to think of it as one J)

I’ve called out a lot of names, but to be honest, I don’t call the way Christ does. When I call out someone’s name, many times it’s in frustration or in anger. One name really comes to mind. “LALY!”

5 months ago Maraly aka Laly walked into Teen Haven because she heard we were having a pizza party. After about a month, I said this to God: “Look, if she don’t come back it’s ok with me. I’ll pray for her and let someone else deal with her cause I’m about to get real “Madea” on this little girl!”

So needless to say, she was a heck of a challenge. And guess what God did next…He answered my prayer! and Laly came back to Teen Haven the following week! Talk about a sense of humor. Good thing God doesn’t always give us what we ask for; He does give us what we need. See, God began to show me how much like her I used to be and still was. I was literally looking at a flash back of myself at her age. Good kid on the inside, but everything she did and said on the outside was a desperate cry for attention. Most importantly He showed me how He didn’t give up on me and that He’s not giving up on her and that if I’m truly in this for Him and not for myself, I have no rights to give up on her either. So a little thing called conviction overwhelmed me! So, after a rough night, I dropped her off at home and told her exactly what God told me. “Laly, Jesus ain’t giving up on you, so neither will I.”

Since then, she’s given her life to Jesus, comes faithfully to Heir Born (girl’s bible study), has become one of our most faithful teens, won the TRANSFORMATION award and we’re looking forward to her coming on board as a student leader! Transform her life is what He has done and is still doing! How amazing that we get to work with Him as He does these kinds of miracles!

God is amazing. He loves the multitude, but the multitude come when they see Him working in the one. It’s amazing to see how He does this and how He continues to do it. He is responsible for the changing of a life. I just show up. He has even shown me His faithfulness through her.

Though I still may get frustrated, now when I call her name I am in nothing less than complete awe and amazement at what a mighty God I have. All praise and all glory to the real TRANSFORMER!!!!

Nina Maldonado • Lancaster Girls Program Coordinator

The Father's Love - Sent in a Letter

2010-03-23T16:00:00.003-04:00
Recently, at Teen Haven Lancaster, the Girls Program in Lancaster spent an evening reflecting on God as our Father. The girls who attended along with volunteers and staff shared about their earthly Fathers, along with insights on discovering God as their Heavenly Father. I was so blessed to be a part of this time, and reminded of the amazing grace and mercies of our Heavenly Father that embrace and strengthen us to face even the most difficult of times.

The following letter was given to each girl to read (as if God had written it directly to them). Each girl was encouraged to underline the scriptures that revealed a new truth to them about God as their Father. It was a powerful time of transparency. As the girls shared about the scriptures that stuck out to them, there was hardly any that went unspoken. Their brokenness in sharing revealed that God’s love will reach deeper and stronger than the love of anyone on earth. As you read this "letter from God," may you be encouraged and reminded of how God has created you and has profound purposes in store for your future too.

- Janae Dagen, Teen Haven Secretary

Here's the scriptural "letter from God" that the girls journeyed through together...

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish youwith all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I lovedthat I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love,
Your Dad
Almighty God

A Soup Party with a Purpose!!

2010-03-17T12:59:00.006-04:00

For the last three years, Rick Anderer and his wife, Karen, have hosted a middle-of-winter party for some friends. But it’s not just any party; it’s a party with a purpose!

Tell us about the event.
Rick: This is the 3rd year I have held the “Anderer’s Soup Kitchen” event. We solicit donations from local restaurants and grocery stores. I send out invitations, and the guests bring a mug and as many non-perishable food items as they can. The day after the party, I take the food items to the Water Street Mission, have them weighed and then send out a thank you letter with the final results to all involved.

Why do you do it?
Rick: I had a brother who spent some time in a shelter in Atlanta, so this is very personal to me. It’s my way to help return the kindness my brother received.

What comments have your friends made about the event?
Rick: My guests love the event and tell me it is much more fun shopping for food than giving a monetary donation. To many, the shopping part is an event itself. They arrive telling me where they went, how they decided what to get and which things were the best bargains, etc. In addition, each guest drops off their donation on my front porch as they arrive. They tell me how motivating it is to see the pile growing as they arrive and depart. The large pile of food is something tangible, something they get immediate gratification from, and it inspires them to make it bigger. Some guests return the next day with additional items to do just that. Many of those who were invited but couldn’t make it drop off donations the next day, also.

What type of results have you seen this year? How did this year compare to other years?
Rick: This year the event donated 1209 pounds of food (during the big blizzard) as compared to last year’s 977 lbs.

Where did you get the idea for the event?
Rick: I got the idea from John Jarvis (a former head master of Lancaster Country Day School) who would have a yearly get together for all his neighbors on Charlotte Street. I modified it into a benefit.

Thank you Rick, Karen and all your friends, for your kind hearts!

What happens when someone asks for a glass of water?

2010-03-15T09:00:00.004-04:00
"Can I have a drink if water?"- It was Friday night and the young ladies were settling in from the long bus ride and drying off from a heavy down pour. I noticed a young lady sitting at a table hugging and talking to her grey teddy bear. I approached her to see if she was alright. As we talked she told me her name Vicky* (12). She also shared that this was her first time at camp and that her teddy bear was named Kelly. I realized that Vicky would need some additional support and tender care throughout the weekend - she found some words difficult to annunciate, her right eye was a bit crossed; but her gentleness, smile, humor and needs were gifts that erased any physical distraction or limitations.

Vicky looked up at me and asked for a glass of water. My response was immediate and we became friends. Natalie* (17) wasn't feeling well and asked for a cup of hot tea. My response was quick and I made another friend. As cabins were being assigned, Vicky and Natalie became cabin mates. As they were leaving for their cabin, I pulled Natalie aside and asked her to keep a caring eye on Vicky. She smiled and assured me that she would care for Vicky.

The following morning I made sure that Natalie had her hot cup of tea and got an update on Vicky. As the week end went on, where Vicky was, there was her friend Natalie. Saturday morning, during chapel, I spoke of the love and tenderness of Jesus. As I started speaking, Vicky raised her hand and asked for Kelly. She left her teddy bear in the cafeteria and felt lost without it. An intern immediately left to retrieve Vicky’s teddy bear. As Vicky sat there, I could not help but equate and relate to the warmth and security of being in the arms of Jesus to the relationship that existed between Vicky and her teddy. The Holy Spirit painted a beautiful picture of forgiveness and a need of a love relationship with the Father through His Son. As I related campers but especially Vicky was able to relate.

Saturday night we watched the Jesus movie and Vicky responded to the love of Jesus. She was first to respond by a raised hand to the call of salvation. Sunday morning we read and meditated on "Bless the Lord - Psalm 103". I gave the campers and interns an opportunity to give praise and to thank the Lord for something. The first to raise her hand was Vicky. There was a hush in the chapel as she clearly expressed her heart praise to her Lord. "I want to thank God for loving me. I thank God for having me come to camp. I like it here because everyone here loves me." That set the tone for waves of praises from the rest of the group.

To think, it all started with a glass of water. It reminded me of another lady who asked Jesus for water and received the same water that satisfied the soul and yielded eternal life.
The Lord is so good!

Blessings in Jesus.
- Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director
*names in this story have been changed

Staff Reflections from Poverty Simulation

2010-03-11T09:53:00.002-05:00

This week I attended a poverty simulation where I played the role of a 20 year old single mother who was trying to attend college. We were given a limited amount of money and transportation vouchers, etc. and by the end of the simulation, not only was I getting evicted, but I hadn't gone to a single class and had only fed my family for half the month! It was sooo stressful! The morning was really eye opening as to how confusing our systems can be and the importance of good relationships between agencies, non-profits and churches.
After the simulation we all shared our frustrations and ways we can use what we learned to better work together (the room was full of real representatives from local agencies/non-profits) to service those who come to us for help.
Another staff member played the role of a 15 year old girl, whose irresponsible father lost his job because of being late to work too many times. Meanwhile as she tried to balance school and a part time job she was constantly worried about whether or not the family was able to survive. It was easy to see how quickly this young girl began carrying burdens from the whole family , and isolating from neighbors, and classmates who weren't taking a proactive approach to supporting her and her family during their time of need.
This simulation was presented by the Community Action Program and hosted at the Family Center of Gap. It was an awesome way to see each other in a new perspective and emphasize the importance of relationship between all of the providers there!
- Carrie Keagy, WSM Graphic artist

To learn more about the Community Action Program visit:
http://www.caplanc.org/Index_files/Index.htm

What Is Love?

2010-03-08T08:15:00.000-05:00
I can still remember those afternoons in elementary school, toiling over piles of red construction paper, white lace, and heart templates. Between the plastic safety scissors (did they even have cutting edges?) and my painfully awkward pre-teen hands; it was a miracle any project requiring even a remote sense of dexterity was ever accomplished. But I didn’t care what it looked like; I didn’t care how long it took. It was the 14th of February and I needed my valentine box. How else was I going to know that I was loved? That I was accepted? See, the box was the key, I had it all figured out.

When we grow up we lose our beloved valentine boxes, full of reminders that we are loved.

But, then I graduated to junior high, where the school system decided it was time for me to become an adult. Algebra, shop class, and sex-ed. My idea of love, that bright red heart-shaped box full of valentines was replaced by popularity contests and teenage crushes. My youth pastor, whom my parents made me visit, offered little refuge. He just handed me a billion page book with silver page edges he called the Bible. “Now that you are an adult,” he instructed, “its time you learned about real love.” I faintly recalled seeing a similar book under the left TV stand leg for stabilization when dad watched the big game. How could this religious tome possibly take the place of hand-crafted valentines?

When we grow up we are expected to express love for each other without the help of cupid, barbies, or popular celebrities on card stock.

The bible, as I later discovered, at its most simplified core is simply a collection of stories. Each one, a narrative of God’s engagement in its character’s life. Each one, a depiction of the community we share. Each one, a love letter, passed from generation to generation, to encourage individual’s who need to hear its words. And for a long time I believed the only place to interact with God was to read these letters, these ancient stories.

When we grow up we must instead be willing to rely on each other to show and be shown the love that God has written into our lives.

But the stories continue on, throughout history people have relentlessly documented their engagements with the Lord. Just because these stories are not collected in an anthology and blessed by a priest, does not make them any less valid. In fact, each one of us has dozens of our own stories to tell; a ‘living bible.’ A testament to a love that sets us free. Letters of love and acceptance. Valentines from our Lord; to give to others.

And since the bible is no longer accepting entries for future publication; we must instead hand deliver each letter to our neighbors who need to hear its message. The valentine in your box. For there are people in this world who need to hear your story; and there are countless stories written by others that you need to hear.
By Jon, Volunteer

What does it mean to be righteous?

2010-03-04T09:00:00.000-05:00
I came to work knowing what was on my agenda for the day. I had one meeting and a ‘To Do’ list to get accomplished. However, upon opening my e-mail I discovered a project that was given to me and told “Urgent priority for the day.” This project had to be completed by the end of the work day. The first thought to enter my mind was “What? I have my day planned! How can I accomplish a project in an eight hour time-span that usually takes weeks?” My second thought was “This was handed to you for a reason. Do it and don’t complain.”

This second thought stemmed from a church message the previous Sunday that focused on what it means to be righteous. The word righteous in our culture can carry a negative connotation of doing all things right, which seems pretty pious. However, the meaning expressed in scripture is something totally different. Righteous is doing right by God.
This is how I approached my surprise project for the day! I needed to do right by God. I needed to assess the work load with a clear mind. I needed to ask questions like: What information do I need to gather? Who do I get this information from? Do I have enough time to achieve the project in a well presented manner?

At the end of the day I achieved the project with God by my side the entire time! I was challenged. I overcame the negativity that wanted to consume me, which was not easy by any means. Looking back on the situation, even if I didn’t complete the project due to the time constraint, I still would have done right by God. Why? Because I addressed the situation in a positive way not letting negativity get the best of me, which is doing right by God. Thank you God for a lesson learned!

Jennie Heydt, Grant Coordinator

Wonder Club Staff Art & Prayer Session

2010-03-02T13:30:00.001-05:00
Each Wednesday the staff of Wonder Club Early Learning Centers meet together to pray. During a prayer session that I was leading this time, I decided to focus on our Core Value of Dependence Upon God.

This core value, “Dependence Upon God,” states that, “We look to God as our source of vision, provision, and transformation.”

So after reading and reflecting on this approach to ministry, we did an activity about what that means to us. We used glue sticks and colored construction paper to make art about it. Below are the pictures of what we created, along with a short statement by each “artist” about their piece. I thought it was neat to see what was created and what God spoke through that.

Nicole Imhof • Teacher/Site Supervisor Wonderclub Early Learning Centers

As we depend on God we need to take what He gives us and what He takes away. God does not just give, give, give, sometimes He takes away too and we need to continue to trust and depend on Him during those times also.

As God spends time with me and I spend time with Him and I experience His love, light and truth, I in turn impart His love, light and truth to the students I teach.

The reason I made this is to remind me of the sun rise and sun sets. When I see them they remind me of God’s love for me and how powerful and in control God is of all things and circumstances.

I made a little mountain out of glue stick. Then I placed brown (typical mountain color) construction paper smoothly on one side of the mountain. The back side of the mountain had unusual mountain colors randomly/roughly placed. Dependence upon God reminds me that the dependence is with all of me… especially in the rough places. That (the back side of the mountain, the “rough” places of me) is where God’s beauty really shines through. Therefore the arrow is pointing to the back side.

The Lord’s voice is mightier than the waves of life. Smoke will come out of his nose if anyone touches His children. The Lord our God is a sun and shield. He gives grace and glory. No good thing would He withhold to them that walk uprightly. Our God is an awesome God.

Ambassadors for Water Street Mission

2010-02-24T08:46:00.000-05:00
It is so cool to see 20 of our Learning Center students be ambassadors for Water Street as they each share with a student from Millersville about their life during an introductory session for a writing course that David (Director of the Learning Center) organized with Millersville University.

Listening in on conversations, I can hear our students talk about themselves, about the program…(quote “this is revolutionary stuff I am learning here”).. and about their relationship with God. In response I am hearing words from the MU students like “you are such an inspiration” and “I never really thought about it that way before”. Great conversations and great relationships are being developed. As we approach the lunch break, it is hard to stop some of our men from talking. GOD IS GOOD!

Some words from our students… “I was actually dreading this, but it was OK!” And “That kid was cool, man!” Another student struggled a little, “That was a little too personal,” but he did it anyway. This is a stretching, growing experience for him. Another said, “It took me back to my college days” and it seemed to be a good memory for him.

This is an ongoing course, and we look forward to seeing relationships develop and continue beyond the 6 class sessions that have been assigned for this project.

Sue Pearce • Learning Center Instructor

Moving Day Surprises!

2010-02-22T08:14:00.000-05:00
Last week two volunteers and I were making a delivery of furniture to a Water Street Mission resident who just moved out. As we got out of the truck to start carrying in the furniture I was surprised to see a familiar face a couple doors down—another volunteer who rides on the truck to pick up furniture with yet another volunteer who drives for us. Okay, that’s a lot of volunteers in one spot but I am amazed at who God brings the community together with the time, energy and ability to make this service to the poor possible.

Dean Wenger • Redistribution Manager