Thought I'd post a couple of quotes and see if I could provoke some thoughtful responses or at least get you thinking.
The first is one I only recently encountered and it has made me think a lot about our relationship with clients, kids, our community, donors... and also my own motives for service:
“If you are coming to help me, you are wasting your time. If you are coming because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us struggle together.”
- Aboriginal Activist Group, Queensland, 1970's
The second one is a long-time favorite of mine that I first heard from John Perkins, a favorite author, speaker, CCDA guru, and one-time houseguest of mine on South Christian Street.
"Go to the people
Live among them
Learn from them
Love them
Start with what they know
Build on what they have:
But of the best leaders
When their task is done
The people will remark 'We have done it ourselves.'"
-Lao Tsu (various attributions, sometimes simply referred to as a Chinese proverb)
Pondering these quotes, I wonder... does my role and work here at Teen Haven and WSRM reflect what is expressed in these quotes? Should they?
-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Leaving the outcome to God...
Not every client story has a happy ending. But I've come to watch and wonder about the ways in which God uses the Mission to prepare the ground in those clients who aren't yet ready to receive the life change Christ offers.
I think about one client who was with us for a month in the shelter. Some of her life goals - education, a career - were good goals, God-given. But the way she went about trying to acheive those goals involved manipulation and avoidance. For one whole month I watched staff continually work to help this client recognize that her life was unmanageable and that her way of relating to people involved using them.
Eventually, she left... and honestly we can't say that we saw much "progress." But at the same time, we cannot say that she left without hearing truth spoken in love. We have to leave the long-term outcome to God.
-Daral Boles, Women's Ministry
I think about one client who was with us for a month in the shelter. Some of her life goals - education, a career - were good goals, God-given. But the way she went about trying to acheive those goals involved manipulation and avoidance. For one whole month I watched staff continually work to help this client recognize that her life was unmanageable and that her way of relating to people involved using them.
Eventually, she left... and honestly we can't say that we saw much "progress." But at the same time, we cannot say that she left without hearing truth spoken in love. We have to leave the long-term outcome to God.
-Daral Boles, Women's Ministry
Friday, June 13, 2008
Filling the emptiness
When I got here to Water Street Rescue Mission August 1, 2007, I was physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. I was looking for a way out of the hell that my life was in because of alcohol and drugs.
Most of my life I was searching for something to fill the emptiness that I’ve always felt inside. It appeared that drugs filled that hole for a while, and then I began to experience the ugly side of addiction that robbed me of everything, including my self-respect and self-worth. It was through being here at Water Street Rescue Mission that I had the opportunity to seek a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
With the help and encouragement of the counselors here, especially Carissa who I have grown to love, I began to reach out and ask God for help. I wanted to change my life for the better, and I knew from past experience that I couldn’t do it by myself. Each day I began to spend time with God through prayer, meditation and reading the Word of God. Participating in devotions [in the shelter] every morning helped me to learn how to set aside some time each day to spend with God. It was in God’s word that I learned no matter what I’ve done or how messed up my life is, Jesus loves me. With His blood, He paid “the full price” for my sins – past, present and future. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Jesus is my peace in the midst of any storm.
I met with my counselor [at Water Street Rescue Mission] once a week. She helped me set goals for myself according to my needs. With the 8 months that I spent at the Water Street Rescue Mission, I successfully completed 6 months of intensive out-patient drug and alcohol treatment, I became an active member of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), I joined a Bible-teaching church – Brightside, I’m working with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to pursue an Associate’s degree at HACC in Allied Human Services, and on April 1, 2008, God blessed me with a beautiful one bedroom apartment.
Although the time came for me to move on [from Water Street Rescue Mission], I stay connected to the Mission by volunteering at the food distribution center and participating in the Women’s Alumni Group every other Tuesday of the month.
I know that God is not finished with me yet. I’m looking forward to Him using me in a mighty way.
-Marlo, former resident
Most of my life I was searching for something to fill the emptiness that I’ve always felt inside. It appeared that drugs filled that hole for a while, and then I began to experience the ugly side of addiction that robbed me of everything, including my self-respect and self-worth. It was through being here at Water Street Rescue Mission that I had the opportunity to seek a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
With the help and encouragement of the counselors here, especially Carissa who I have grown to love, I began to reach out and ask God for help. I wanted to change my life for the better, and I knew from past experience that I couldn’t do it by myself. Each day I began to spend time with God through prayer, meditation and reading the Word of God. Participating in devotions [in the shelter] every morning helped me to learn how to set aside some time each day to spend with God. It was in God’s word that I learned no matter what I’ve done or how messed up my life is, Jesus loves me. With His blood, He paid “the full price” for my sins – past, present and future. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Jesus is my peace in the midst of any storm.
I met with my counselor [at Water Street Rescue Mission] once a week. She helped me set goals for myself according to my needs. With the 8 months that I spent at the Water Street Rescue Mission, I successfully completed 6 months of intensive out-patient drug and alcohol treatment, I became an active member of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), I joined a Bible-teaching church – Brightside, I’m working with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to pursue an Associate’s degree at HACC in Allied Human Services, and on April 1, 2008, God blessed me with a beautiful one bedroom apartment.
Although the time came for me to move on [from Water Street Rescue Mission], I stay connected to the Mission by volunteering at the food distribution center and participating in the Women’s Alumni Group every other Tuesday of the month.
I know that God is not finished with me yet. I’m looking forward to Him using me in a mighty way.
-Marlo, former resident
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A Father's Journey
(The following article can also be found in the most recent Water Street Messenger)
By Wendy Capoferri, volunteer
Russell Mumma does not sugar coat his life choices. He shares, “I was a lousy father to my daughter. I was not around for birthdays or anything. Holidays were all about me, me, me. They were just another day to get high.”
Until two years ago, Russell hardly remembers a time when drugs and alcohol were not the focus of his life. Married at age 19, he was already an addict. When his marriage ended five years later, he continued to live a destructive life until he hit rock bottom at the age of 48. Suicidal, addicted to heroin and homeless, Russell ended up in a local hospital. Upon his release, he came to Water Street Rescue Mission and enrolled in the long-term recovery program.
“No one would have wanted to be around me two years ago,” states Russell. However, change did not happen overnight. “God is working on me daily. I see things happening in my life that can only be the work of God. They can’t be me,” he says.
Currently working on earning his GED, Russell recently became a Men’s Ministry Intern. Love and kindness are two feelings Russell prays will grow and develop as he strives to be a positive influence to others. “Being around Christians here at Water Street makes me see how good it feels to help others. It feels so much better to give than to take,” he says.
As for Russell’s daughter, who is now 30 and has a 9-year-old daughter, she has given her father a wonderful gift – forgiveness. Russell recently attended his daughter’s wedding. He shares, “I rejected my daughter, her mother and the rest of the family for 25 years. They were happy to see me and so glad I became a Christian. They welcomed me with open arms. I even got a hug from my granddaughter. I will never forget that.”
Although his daughter now lives out of state, Russell talks to her as often as he can. This Father’s Day, he would rather think of others than himself. Russell explains, “I’m thankful my daughter had a good mother and step-father. I am proud of my daughter and I’m glad she forgives me. I can hear it in her voice, read it in her letters and thankfully, I saw it on her wedding day.”
By Wendy Capoferri, volunteer
Russell Mumma does not sugar coat his life choices. He shares, “I was a lousy father to my daughter. I was not around for birthdays or anything. Holidays were all about me, me, me. They were just another day to get high.”
Until two years ago, Russell hardly remembers a time when drugs and alcohol were not the focus of his life. Married at age 19, he was already an addict. When his marriage ended five years later, he continued to live a destructive life until he hit rock bottom at the age of 48. Suicidal, addicted to heroin and homeless, Russell ended up in a local hospital. Upon his release, he came to Water Street Rescue Mission and enrolled in the long-term recovery program.
“No one would have wanted to be around me two years ago,” states Russell. However, change did not happen overnight. “God is working on me daily. I see things happening in my life that can only be the work of God. They can’t be me,” he says.
Currently working on earning his GED, Russell recently became a Men’s Ministry Intern. Love and kindness are two feelings Russell prays will grow and develop as he strives to be a positive influence to others. “Being around Christians here at Water Street makes me see how good it feels to help others. It feels so much better to give than to take,” he says.
As for Russell’s daughter, who is now 30 and has a 9-year-old daughter, she has given her father a wonderful gift – forgiveness. Russell recently attended his daughter’s wedding. He shares, “I rejected my daughter, her mother and the rest of the family for 25 years. They were happy to see me and so glad I became a Christian. They welcomed me with open arms. I even got a hug from my granddaughter. I will never forget that.”
Although his daughter now lives out of state, Russell talks to her as often as he can. This Father’s Day, he would rather think of others than himself. Russell explains, “I’m thankful my daughter had a good mother and step-father. I am proud of my daughter and I’m glad she forgives me. I can hear it in her voice, read it in her letters and thankfully, I saw it on her wedding day.”
Monday, June 09, 2008
More Wonder Club thoughts...
I'm excited to get up and come to work because of... smiling children's faces, hugs...
A unique story:
Recently a parent came in to drop off her child and said that she was thankful for Wonder Club. She remarked that she sees the impact we are having on her child, and especially notices the good manners her child is learning and how much that stands out compared with other children.
- Nicole Imhof, Wonder Club Teacher
Why I'm excited to come to work in the morning:
Watching the smiles and enthusiasm of the 4 and 5 year olds as they bounce in each morning with lots of energy and enthusiasm for learning.
- Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club Director
Friday, June 06, 2008
Wonder Club school-year ends...
As the school year comes to a close, a few notes from Wonder Club staff...
What I look forward to every morning is worship time with my students. No matter how bad I feel, when it comes to worship I feel refreshed. I love hearing the children sing to the Lord... I love to see God touch their hearts as they sing.
-Nikki Norton, Wonder Club Teacher
What excites me about coming to work in the morning? Change... or should I say watching God work in my life and the children and their parents. In Wonder Club I am excited to say about 4 or 5 childrenhave asked Jesus into their lives. Watching them change as they say and do many things they would not have said or done before. Hearing comments from parents saying that they too see a change in their son or daughter.
-Karen Smith, Wonder Club Assistant Teacher
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Keeping my word to a father in Heaven...
It was three years ago. Daniel Rhodan (a teen intern) visited the hospital with a minor injury and I was able to chat with his dad. As we ended our conversation he commented, “Thank you for taking care of and loving my kids. Keep an eye on them for me.”
Three months later Daniel's dad died of a heart attack. He left behind a wife, three boys and two girls (ages 6-15). Daniel (15) took on the responsibility of being the head of the household. The adjustment was extremely difficult and painful, and in the midst of that a minor conflict over Daniel's role in our programs become a significant breakdown. Although we maintained some contact with the family, we did not really see them for about three years.
Three months later Daniel's dad died of a heart attack. He left behind a wife, three boys and two girls (ages 6-15). Daniel (15) took on the responsibility of being the head of the household. The adjustment was extremely difficult and painful, and in the midst of that a minor conflict over Daniel's role in our programs become a significant breakdown. Although we maintained some contact with the family, we did not really see them for about three years.
Two months ago we reconnected. The family expressed a desire to reconnect with Teen Haven, and Daniel (19) and James (17) returned to serve (initially as volunteers and eventually as interns) and brought their brother Joel (11) as a camper. Last month Jasmine (15) returned also to serve as volunteer junior counselor.
A couple of Sundays ago, just as the bus was to leave, a young lady (9 yrs old) came seeking my help. She wanted me to retrieve her pink sweater, lying in the middle of the baseball field. I told her to get in the golf cart and we went for a ride she would not forget. As we bounced and made our way, she laughed and giggled. She scooped up her sweater and we headed back to the bus. As we scurried. I asked her name; she smiled and said, “Diamond”. I kidded her about her name and she smiled and boldly said, "My name is Diamond Rhodan." and from that moment on our conversation centered on the wonderful memories of her daddy and what he meant to both of us.
As the bus left, I sensed heaven open a window and a smile on a daddy’s face.
Keeping my word to a father in heaven.
And a special reminder from our heavenly Father.
And a special reminder from our heavenly Father.
Thank you Lord.
-Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp
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