Our bodies, according to some estimates, consist of 80% fluid. We’re supposed to drink, what, 8 glasses of water of day? How many of us do that? I know I don’t. When we stop drinking liquids, wholesome liquids, but especially water, our bodies become parched. Skin becomes clammy, vital organs shrink.
Does not our soul need spiritual water too? Just as our body can become parched, so our soul can lack nourishment too. Deprive our soul of spiritual water and it will tell us. Dehydrated hearts send desperate messages – waves of worry, short tempers, moodiness, thoughts of insecurity, sleeplessness and other maladies of the mind, body and soul. These are warning signs. Symptoms of a dryness deep within – proof that something within us is starting to shrivel.
Where do we go to find water for our soul? Jesus tells us “If anyone thirsts, let him come to ME and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38NKJV)
Like water, Jesus goes where we can’t.
- Thoughts from Max Lucado’s book, “Come Thirsty” as paraphrased by Pam Nelson, Development Department
Friday, September 29, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Remembering John Porter
In almost seven years working at the Mission with men from different kinds of backgrounds and experiences, I have had the privilege of ministering to many unique individuals. But invariably, every time the Lord reminds me of why I am in this ministry, He does so by reminding me of John.
John Porter was the very first client I ever had. I only had the privilege of knowing John for three days. You see, John was very sick and dying of AIDS. He was a very young man, only 30 years of age, and yet his prospects for the future were very bleak.
My first conversation with John revealed a man who was very much afraid of death. John shared that fear with me many times in his short stay.
On the second day that John was at the Mission, I had the opportunity to share the love of Christ with him. Through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, John found forgiveness and hope in Christ. I will never forget what John said to me the last day before he left the Mission, as we sat in my pickup truck. He said to me, with tears of joy in his eyes, that for the first time in his life, he was not afraid to die.
So, you see, the Lord often reminds me of John when I need to be reminded of why he has called me to the Mission. Thank you, John. I will never forget you, and I look forward to seeing you in glory.
-Dan Scheuerlein, Men's Ministry
John Porter was the very first client I ever had. I only had the privilege of knowing John for three days. You see, John was very sick and dying of AIDS. He was a very young man, only 30 years of age, and yet his prospects for the future were very bleak.
My first conversation with John revealed a man who was very much afraid of death. John shared that fear with me many times in his short stay.
On the second day that John was at the Mission, I had the opportunity to share the love of Christ with him. Through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, John found forgiveness and hope in Christ. I will never forget what John said to me the last day before he left the Mission, as we sat in my pickup truck. He said to me, with tears of joy in his eyes, that for the first time in his life, he was not afraid to die.
So, you see, the Lord often reminds me of John when I need to be reminded of why he has called me to the Mission. Thank you, John. I will never forget you, and I look forward to seeing you in glory.
-Dan Scheuerlein, Men's Ministry
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Come as a child, pt 1.
On Thursday our Men’s Director, Aaron and the chaplain’s board participated in a question and answer time with the residential men. It was truly a ‘red-letter’ day in the life of our mission. As Donna our long time residential ministries’ secretary said, “this was probably the most exciting thing I’ve ever witnessed here.”
And what was so thrilling about a Q&A time with the chaps? Well, the men were encouraged to ask the chaps anything! And they did! The questions were pointed and specific. For example, the first question for all to answer was this: “What is your biggest weakness in your role at the mission and what is your most troublesome personal sin?”
Imagine the paradox in this meeting! Historically, we have always related to the men from a position of superiority, from expert (chaplain) to novice (resident) so this ‘open-ended’ Q&A time was threatening as it encouraged vulnerability in front of ‘messed up’ residents. We expect the residents to be open and exposed and ‘weakness-revealing’ yet we work hard to not show any of our faults to them! And we believe they must be forthcoming because their private issues are what brought them to our doors! And yet if we don’t acknowledge our weaknesses how can we expect to connect to the residents? And if we don’t connect with them how can we effectively share the gospel? So this meeting was truly profound in what it revealed – that we can – and must - minister from a position of ‘not-having-it-all-together.’
Ministry from weakness is messy and demands that we come alongside a resident and come out from ‘behind our desks and titles!’ Ministry from weakness demands that we relate to the residents as peers. Ministry from weakness means that we are sure of our calling, our frailty, and our goal to effectively share the gospel. And ministry from weakness reveals Jesus as we ‘get out of the way’ so He can do His work through us! It was a ‘red-letter’ day indeed! Press on Aaron.
-Steve Brubaker, Men's Ministry
And what was so thrilling about a Q&A time with the chaps? Well, the men were encouraged to ask the chaps anything! And they did! The questions were pointed and specific. For example, the first question for all to answer was this: “What is your biggest weakness in your role at the mission and what is your most troublesome personal sin?”
Imagine the paradox in this meeting! Historically, we have always related to the men from a position of superiority, from expert (chaplain) to novice (resident) so this ‘open-ended’ Q&A time was threatening as it encouraged vulnerability in front of ‘messed up’ residents. We expect the residents to be open and exposed and ‘weakness-revealing’ yet we work hard to not show any of our faults to them! And we believe they must be forthcoming because their private issues are what brought them to our doors! And yet if we don’t acknowledge our weaknesses how can we expect to connect to the residents? And if we don’t connect with them how can we effectively share the gospel? So this meeting was truly profound in what it revealed – that we can – and must - minister from a position of ‘not-having-it-all-together.’
Ministry from weakness is messy and demands that we come alongside a resident and come out from ‘behind our desks and titles!’ Ministry from weakness demands that we relate to the residents as peers. Ministry from weakness means that we are sure of our calling, our frailty, and our goal to effectively share the gospel. And ministry from weakness reveals Jesus as we ‘get out of the way’ so He can do His work through us! It was a ‘red-letter’ day indeed! Press on Aaron.
-Steve Brubaker, Men's Ministry
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Thank you United Way and DofC volunteers!
If you would have happened to drive by the Mission on Saturday September 9th, you would have seen that we were completely overrun with green shirts. On that Saturday we participated with Lancaster United Way for the Lancaster Day of Caring. About 80 volunteers came to Water Street Rescue Mission, wearing their green shirts, ready to work.
We had volunteers from Pfizer, Harrisburg Area Community College, PPL, The Heart Group, Millersville University and Apostles United Church of Christ. These volunteers worked from 8:30am – 12noon doing various projects around the Mission. The Chapel, the Dental Clinic, the Medical Clinic and the Men’s Emergency Shelter all got a good cleaning! At the Lancaster Teen Haven Youth Center volunteers did some grounds maintenance and caught a snake! There was a group who sorted donations in our Redistribution Department. And there was also a group of volunteers who cleaned up trash on the grounds of the Mission.
We are so blessed to be a part of such a caring community. Thank you United Way for organizing this day! And a big thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to serve at the Mission! We truly were blessed by your efforts!
-Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator
We had volunteers from Pfizer, Harrisburg Area Community College, PPL, The Heart Group, Millersville University and Apostles United Church of Christ. These volunteers worked from 8:30am – 12noon doing various projects around the Mission. The Chapel, the Dental Clinic, the Medical Clinic and the Men’s Emergency Shelter all got a good cleaning! At the Lancaster Teen Haven Youth Center volunteers did some grounds maintenance and caught a snake! There was a group who sorted donations in our Redistribution Department. And there was also a group of volunteers who cleaned up trash on the grounds of the Mission.
We are so blessed to be a part of such a caring community. Thank you United Way for organizing this day! And a big thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to serve at the Mission! We truly were blessed by your efforts!
-Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator
Monday, September 18, 2006
Sharing in the gospel
A Bible I use is The Net Bible (New English Translation). Reading Philippians today I was reminded of two things. Philippians 1:5 says, “because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Verse seven puts it a different way, “all of you became partners in God’s grace together with me.” Later, 27 says, “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
To contribute financially to a minister is sharing in the gospel. Another way to say sharing in the gospel is partnering with the minister in God’s grace. In other words, those who financially contribute to ministers financially join with them as if they were on the field with them. A person can share in ministry without being a minister; he shares in the gospel by contributing to those preaching it.
Paul rejoiced in prison because, “my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel”. Paul was so motivated by the gospel that hardship which advanced the gospel was favorable. That is such a contrast to those who resist hardship. Imagine determining life or death on the basis of presenting the gospel.
Reading Philippians today I was reminded why we are here at Water Street Rescue Mission: to share the gospel. It can be easy to be distracted by other issues and focuses. An almost shocking thought is found in the context of sharing in the gospel financially—“the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (v. 6). Giving the gospel is not a work performed by man; God enables us to give the gospel. When we do good, it is God Who works in us this good work which we do. We are not just helping God out by helping ministers, but God is helping us to help others to share about His Son.
Two ideas I take from this is the purpose in ministry which should allow me to endure with joy is the gospel, and the one who performs good works is not just I, but God using me.
-Michael Haines, Men's Ministry
To contribute financially to a minister is sharing in the gospel. Another way to say sharing in the gospel is partnering with the minister in God’s grace. In other words, those who financially contribute to ministers financially join with them as if they were on the field with them. A person can share in ministry without being a minister; he shares in the gospel by contributing to those preaching it.
Paul rejoiced in prison because, “my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel”. Paul was so motivated by the gospel that hardship which advanced the gospel was favorable. That is such a contrast to those who resist hardship. Imagine determining life or death on the basis of presenting the gospel.
Reading Philippians today I was reminded why we are here at Water Street Rescue Mission: to share the gospel. It can be easy to be distracted by other issues and focuses. An almost shocking thought is found in the context of sharing in the gospel financially—“the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (v. 6). Giving the gospel is not a work performed by man; God enables us to give the gospel. When we do good, it is God Who works in us this good work which we do. We are not just helping God out by helping ministers, but God is helping us to help others to share about His Son.
Two ideas I take from this is the purpose in ministry which should allow me to endure with joy is the gospel, and the one who performs good works is not just I, but God using me.
-Michael Haines, Men's Ministry
Dependence or defiance?
Some time ago our ministry was discussing how dependence on God is manifested in our lives. The most common way we evaluate our dependence on God is by assessing our prayer life. However, if that is the only benchmark it can result in a shallow spiritualization of our relationship with God. Another benchmark of our dependence on God can be how we view daily activities.
Each activity that is a normal part of daily life is an opportunity for one to stand in defiance or kneel before God. It is not the activity itself which contains great value, but the posture of the inner man. In all activities, the inner man maintains a posture of humility or pride. Small insignificant activities can take on new meaning when we realize that they contain loud shouts of worship (or rebellion) toward God. It is in these small things that the true posture of one's heart is nurtured.
-Jere Shertzer, President, WSRM
Each activity that is a normal part of daily life is an opportunity for one to stand in defiance or kneel before God. It is not the activity itself which contains great value, but the posture of the inner man. In all activities, the inner man maintains a posture of humility or pride. Small insignificant activities can take on new meaning when we realize that they contain loud shouts of worship (or rebellion) toward God. It is in these small things that the true posture of one's heart is nurtured.
-Jere Shertzer, President, WSRM
Thursday, September 14, 2006
They need our hearts to love them ...
“Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus” –Mother Teresa
We serve the seemingly hopeless; those who feel the weight of being “unwanted, unloved, uncared for, and forgotten”; a state which one of my heroes calls “…a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat”. By days end, we are often spent; our perspective all but gone. Our beds, which promise respite, are often a place of tossing & turning & tears. But then, the One who loves our hearts comes to us. The next thing we know, we are recharged and rising to face a new day…
Each new day promises its assortment of joy and sorrow. Today began with a co-worker (Glen) coming in to share his Joy over one of his “guys” (Dennis) who invited our precious Jesus to create a new heart in him. After Glen left, I cried, remembering the many days of watching this friend love his guys without even a hint of heart-softening. Soon, Dennis came to class beaming, desiring to tell all of us of his newly found Love.
Our morning session was led by our new Lydia Center Learning Center Coordinator (Carrie) and Volunteer Tutor (Bruce), while my Ministry Partner (Sue) and I entered into a new experience of individualized Student progress assessments. Today’s assessments focused on two of our current Students (Lane & Richard), who are nearing program completion and will soon begin their Transition back into society. It was a beneficial time of discussing their progress, strengths, weaknesses, and plans for the future. The lunch hour was filled with quality Client (Orrin, Harry, and Jonathan) interactions and in a time of prayer for our Executive Secretary (Lisa) and for a member of our Community (Loren). During our afternoon session, Sue and Carrie worked with several of our Women’s Ministry Clients (Cynthia, Heather, and Wendy), while I interviewed with a local workforce agency representative (Helen), as part of a focused effort to expand our Career component.
My work day ended with a short meeting with my newest personal Client (Dennis) and with a one-on-one session with another personal Client (Doug). Again tonight I’m leaving tired, though with a happy heart…
Norm Lowry
Learning Center Coordinator
We serve the seemingly hopeless; those who feel the weight of being “unwanted, unloved, uncared for, and forgotten”; a state which one of my heroes calls “…a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat”. By days end, we are often spent; our perspective all but gone. Our beds, which promise respite, are often a place of tossing & turning & tears. But then, the One who loves our hearts comes to us. The next thing we know, we are recharged and rising to face a new day…
Each new day promises its assortment of joy and sorrow. Today began with a co-worker (Glen) coming in to share his Joy over one of his “guys” (Dennis) who invited our precious Jesus to create a new heart in him. After Glen left, I cried, remembering the many days of watching this friend love his guys without even a hint of heart-softening. Soon, Dennis came to class beaming, desiring to tell all of us of his newly found Love.
Our morning session was led by our new Lydia Center Learning Center Coordinator (Carrie) and Volunteer Tutor (Bruce), while my Ministry Partner (Sue) and I entered into a new experience of individualized Student progress assessments. Today’s assessments focused on two of our current Students (Lane & Richard), who are nearing program completion and will soon begin their Transition back into society. It was a beneficial time of discussing their progress, strengths, weaknesses, and plans for the future. The lunch hour was filled with quality Client (Orrin, Harry, and Jonathan) interactions and in a time of prayer for our Executive Secretary (Lisa) and for a member of our Community (Loren). During our afternoon session, Sue and Carrie worked with several of our Women’s Ministry Clients (Cynthia, Heather, and Wendy), while I interviewed with a local workforce agency representative (Helen), as part of a focused effort to expand our Career component.
My work day ended with a short meeting with my newest personal Client (Dennis) and with a one-on-one session with another personal Client (Doug). Again tonight I’m leaving tired, though with a happy heart…
Norm Lowry
Learning Center Coordinator
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Above and Beyond
One of the unique marks of Teen Haven is our leadership development with youth. Each summer and throughout the year, dozens of older teens who have been discipled through our ministry serve as jr. counselors and cabin supervisors at camp. Although we have adult supervisors engaged with the kids, the teens themselves are the primary leaders and usually the ones who engage in the most meaningful ministry with the kids at camp.
This summer, we saw a number of our young leaders begin to take steps above and beyond the call of duty as camp leaders. John Schleh, our Philadelphia field director began leading a Monday night bible study for kids in the neighborhood around our Broad Street center. As the numbers grew and the teen leaders found out about it, they began to ask John if they could come on the weeks they weren’t serving at camp to help out at the Bible study.
Soon enough, John was no longer leading the bible study, but rather facilitating the evening and then splitting up the kids into groups to be led by their slightly older peers. To see young men and ladies, not only hungry to learn, but hungry to teach God’s word to others is a wonderful thing.
-Teen Haven
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I Blew It Today
For the first time, my daughters are riding the same bus to school. This morning I playfully threatened to wave to them as they stood waiting for the bus. Imagine what they envisioned – Dad, with early morning hair and bedclothes, waving goodbye to them in front of their classmates! So instead of allowing this possibility their anxiety caused them to sneak out of the house while I was getting dressed without saying goodbye to me! And though I caused their nervousness – I was hurt when they didn’t say ‘goodbye!’
As I got into my car I could see them standing at the corner – and I decided to get back at them by ignoring them as I drove by! Sure enough, they waved to me as I passed them! And I looked at them – my two beautiful daughters – and didn’t return their wave! Amazing isn’t it? And I felt like a schmuck for the rest of the ride to work and throughout the day. How could I, an old guy, a supposed grown man, a father at least by definition … so easily let my hurt feelings keep me from acting in love and even nicely to these two special kids? And for the rest of the day as I interacted with the homeless men and women here I was reminded of how, I too, am driven by my feelings and often follow my impulses just like someone who struggles with addiction!
And yet amazingly, God wants me (and us) to be available for His use! It kind of reminds me of how Jesus responded to Peter when He appeared to him following the resurrection. Peter had three times denied knowing Jesus and was now asked whether He absolutely loved Jesus – and Peter answered something to the effect, ‘Yeah, you know I really like you, Lord!’ And yet after each of Peter’s halfhearted responses Jesus gives Peter an assignment – ‘Feed my sheep and tend my lambs!’ This is truly astonishing – how Jesus would choose to continue relating to and using those of us who have failed Him. There is hope for us who are so driven by our feelings. Now pardon me, I must be going. I have to go apologize to two young women!
Steve Brubaker - Residential Ministries Director
As I got into my car I could see them standing at the corner – and I decided to get back at them by ignoring them as I drove by! Sure enough, they waved to me as I passed them! And I looked at them – my two beautiful daughters – and didn’t return their wave! Amazing isn’t it? And I felt like a schmuck for the rest of the ride to work and throughout the day. How could I, an old guy, a supposed grown man, a father at least by definition … so easily let my hurt feelings keep me from acting in love and even nicely to these two special kids? And for the rest of the day as I interacted with the homeless men and women here I was reminded of how, I too, am driven by my feelings and often follow my impulses just like someone who struggles with addiction!
And yet amazingly, God wants me (and us) to be available for His use! It kind of reminds me of how Jesus responded to Peter when He appeared to him following the resurrection. Peter had three times denied knowing Jesus and was now asked whether He absolutely loved Jesus – and Peter answered something to the effect, ‘Yeah, you know I really like you, Lord!’ And yet after each of Peter’s halfhearted responses Jesus gives Peter an assignment – ‘Feed my sheep and tend my lambs!’ This is truly astonishing – how Jesus would choose to continue relating to and using those of us who have failed Him. There is hope for us who are so driven by our feelings. Now pardon me, I must be going. I have to go apologize to two young women!
Steve Brubaker - Residential Ministries Director
Monday, September 11, 2006
Relief or Oppression?
Two portions of Scripture that the Lord has been using recently to deal with me in the issue of service are these:
Ezekiel 18: 5-9 and Psalm 145: 8-13. In one God tells Ezekiel the characteristics He considers important in a righteous man and in the other God gives us the basis, or the foundation for where those characteristics come from and what the result of a righteous life will be.
Neither one have anything to do with my comfort.
Neither one has anything to do with my desire to take the path of least resistance.
Neither one has anything to do with my giftedness, my talents, my cleverness, or my acclaim.
Nope, they have to do with God’s goodness - and how do I respond to that.
God’s loving-kindness – and how do I live it out.
God’s mercies and works – and how does my life exhibit my worship of Him because of those character traits.
"To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts – And the glory of the majesty of your kingdom…".
Giving bread to the hungry and covering the naked with clothes allows us to fight against physical and spiritual oppression and presents the opportunity to shout from the mountaintops the wonders of God’s glorious works in our own lives.
I believe that Spiritual poverty is the worst kind of poverty that anyone can experience because it affects their eternal destiny, however, some will never know the depths of their need because of hunger pains that won’t subside, or a lack of hope because they feel trapped by their circumstances or position in society.
The only thing worse is when I as a believer put so many restrictions on my service to those in need that I become the oppressor.
Lord, grant me wisdom each day to serve you with mercy, grace, love, gentleness, patience, and joy – that I might make known through my life the glory of the majesty of your kingdom. Amen.
Rick Rutter - Outreach Ministries
Ezekiel 18: 5-9 and Psalm 145: 8-13. In one God tells Ezekiel the characteristics He considers important in a righteous man and in the other God gives us the basis, or the foundation for where those characteristics come from and what the result of a righteous life will be.
Neither one have anything to do with my comfort.
Neither one has anything to do with my desire to take the path of least resistance.
Neither one has anything to do with my giftedness, my talents, my cleverness, or my acclaim.
Nope, they have to do with God’s goodness - and how do I respond to that.
God’s loving-kindness – and how do I live it out.
God’s mercies and works – and how does my life exhibit my worship of Him because of those character traits.
"To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts – And the glory of the majesty of your kingdom…".
Giving bread to the hungry and covering the naked with clothes allows us to fight against physical and spiritual oppression and presents the opportunity to shout from the mountaintops the wonders of God’s glorious works in our own lives.
I believe that Spiritual poverty is the worst kind of poverty that anyone can experience because it affects their eternal destiny, however, some will never know the depths of their need because of hunger pains that won’t subside, or a lack of hope because they feel trapped by their circumstances or position in society.
The only thing worse is when I as a believer put so many restrictions on my service to those in need that I become the oppressor.
Lord, grant me wisdom each day to serve you with mercy, grace, love, gentleness, patience, and joy – that I might make known through my life the glory of the majesty of your kingdom. Amen.
Rick Rutter - Outreach Ministries
Friday, September 08, 2006
The power of reflection
Recently the Lord has been holding mirrors up to me from all directions. He shows me how I relate to those around me. It’s all about me, and I hate that. Even this article is about me; I can’t seem to escape, for very long periods of time, the ugliness that oozes from my flesh.
The few minutes of escape I do get are when I stop and reflect on the forgiveness I received through the Cross of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness forged by innocent blood and offered freely without regard to the severity of what I have done. As I reflect on that it makes me grateful; it fills me up and I can overflow onto others because I truly have been forgiven much.
The truth of it is, I am aware of more sins committed by me than any other person I know. When I reflect on that I am humbled in the presence of whomever I am with. But, again, it is all too rare that those reflections happen. Why is that?
Reflecting on the Cross is like medicine for my sick soul; it makes me better. Yet somehow, for some reason I don’t always take the medicine. I don’t have a good reason why.
…And there I am, forgiven again.
- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries
The few minutes of escape I do get are when I stop and reflect on the forgiveness I received through the Cross of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness forged by innocent blood and offered freely without regard to the severity of what I have done. As I reflect on that it makes me grateful; it fills me up and I can overflow onto others because I truly have been forgiven much.
The truth of it is, I am aware of more sins committed by me than any other person I know. When I reflect on that I am humbled in the presence of whomever I am with. But, again, it is all too rare that those reflections happen. Why is that?
Reflecting on the Cross is like medicine for my sick soul; it makes me better. Yet somehow, for some reason I don’t always take the medicine. I don’t have a good reason why.
…And there I am, forgiven again.
- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Eagles fan in Steeler country
Admission: I am a huge Eagles fan, I still occassionally root for the Bears since I spent my earliest years outside of Chicago idolizing Walter "Sweetness" Payton, but this year you may actually catch me cheering for the Steelers once in a while. I am not just jumping on the Super Bowl Champ bandwagon (really), it has more to do with the way they served as valuable object lessons for some of our teen leaders from Lancaster Teen Haven.
In mid-August, we took 7 teen boys on a road trip to visit Steelers training camp. The trip was both a reward for their service as leaders this summer, and a training camp and launching point for their future roles as leaders at Lancaster Teen Haven and at Teen Haven Camp. Too much happened during our whirlwind tour out to Western PA to share all the details, but we sense that this crew of 7 young men are ready to have as successful a year this year as the Steelers did last year.
One of the many lessons we took away from the training camp was how the Steelers are clearly not content to rest on their laurels (in the Laurel Highlands). Although the temperature was hot enough that those of us who were watching from the hillside needed to be deliberate in staying hydrated, the players ran from drill to drill and never let up. Many of the players stayed on the field after practice for extra reps in blocking, route running or just conditioning. Troy Polamalu, their star defensive back, was the last player to leave the field - after running an exhausting series of windsprints, and taking time to pray and thank God for his ability and opportunities.
Just as the training to stay at the top of the NFL never lets up, so our training in following Christ never ends (God will continue the good work that he has begun until the day of perfection).
-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven
In mid-August, we took 7 teen boys on a road trip to visit Steelers training camp. The trip was both a reward for their service as leaders this summer, and a training camp and launching point for their future roles as leaders at Lancaster Teen Haven and at Teen Haven Camp. Too much happened during our whirlwind tour out to Western PA to share all the details, but we sense that this crew of 7 young men are ready to have as successful a year this year as the Steelers did last year.
One of the many lessons we took away from the training camp was how the Steelers are clearly not content to rest on their laurels (in the Laurel Highlands). Although the temperature was hot enough that those of us who were watching from the hillside needed to be deliberate in staying hydrated, the players ran from drill to drill and never let up. Many of the players stayed on the field after practice for extra reps in blocking, route running or just conditioning. Troy Polamalu, their star defensive back, was the last player to leave the field - after running an exhausting series of windsprints, and taking time to pray and thank God for his ability and opportunities.
Just as the training to stay at the top of the NFL never lets up, so our training in following Christ never ends (God will continue the good work that he has begun until the day of perfection).
-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Beggars in need of "bread"
I realized the other day as I was speaking to a group from a local church that many truly do not understand what we do here at Water Street or understand who lives here.
As I am describing to them that we have clients here at the Mission who are college educated, to the illiterate (and everything in between), and that many know Jesus (or know of) and what they really need to grasp is that they are lovable, they were taking notes! This church wants to come and do chapel but truly doesn’t understand the need.
I don’t think they are that unusual. How many other churches or believers come to “help the homeless” at Water Street and have no clue what the needs are? We got into a discussion then that “we” are “they” and “they” are “us”. A couple of people in the group started to share from their life experiences how it could have been them that made choices that led to homelessness & hopelessness. I shared stories of abuse related by residents that makes me wonder how they even survived. Mental illness and substance abuse becomes an escape with many associated lies being told to them by family, friends, the world and Satan. After being told you are no good and worthless enough times you will begin to believe it. And yes, they have taken a path that alienates them from all support. They may have lied, stolen and abused others, just as they were lied to, stolen from, and abused. Satan loves this cycle of the lost that goes from generation to generation. Keeping them blind, hopeless and constantly hungry, this leads them to feed from what the world offers.
This discussion then led to some creative ideas from this church on how they can share their lives, not preach to others that they need Jesus, but come and listen & share what God has done for them. How they have been rescued, that we all need to be rescued by God. I couldn’t emphasize enough to them that they need to share what God puts on their hearts about their life with Him. He knows each person in that chapel and can (and wants to) meet their need in His perfect way. Whoever is sharing with the residents at Water Street, whether staff, volunteers, or churches, we must ask God to work through us for His glory. Only He can transform hearts and lives, remember how He transformed you? The residents are not any different than any member at any local church. We are all beggars in need of bread. We just happen to know the “Bread of Life” and should share!
-Gale Thomason, Water Street Clinics
As I am describing to them that we have clients here at the Mission who are college educated, to the illiterate (and everything in between), and that many know Jesus (or know of) and what they really need to grasp is that they are lovable, they were taking notes! This church wants to come and do chapel but truly doesn’t understand the need.
I don’t think they are that unusual. How many other churches or believers come to “help the homeless” at Water Street and have no clue what the needs are? We got into a discussion then that “we” are “they” and “they” are “us”. A couple of people in the group started to share from their life experiences how it could have been them that made choices that led to homelessness & hopelessness. I shared stories of abuse related by residents that makes me wonder how they even survived. Mental illness and substance abuse becomes an escape with many associated lies being told to them by family, friends, the world and Satan. After being told you are no good and worthless enough times you will begin to believe it. And yes, they have taken a path that alienates them from all support. They may have lied, stolen and abused others, just as they were lied to, stolen from, and abused. Satan loves this cycle of the lost that goes from generation to generation. Keeping them blind, hopeless and constantly hungry, this leads them to feed from what the world offers.
This discussion then led to some creative ideas from this church on how they can share their lives, not preach to others that they need Jesus, but come and listen & share what God has done for them. How they have been rescued, that we all need to be rescued by God. I couldn’t emphasize enough to them that they need to share what God puts on their hearts about their life with Him. He knows each person in that chapel and can (and wants to) meet their need in His perfect way. Whoever is sharing with the residents at Water Street, whether staff, volunteers, or churches, we must ask God to work through us for His glory. Only He can transform hearts and lives, remember how He transformed you? The residents are not any different than any member at any local church. We are all beggars in need of bread. We just happen to know the “Bread of Life” and should share!
-Gale Thomason, Water Street Clinics
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