Water Street, the Church, Poverty and Homelessness

Question: What’s our role as Water Street Ministries in partnering to meet needs of poor folks caught in a cycle of homelessness and poverty? And how does our role mesh with the role of the local church in working together to meet this need?

We are discussing this question on campus right now! Our goal of course is that our residential men and women become essential members of local congregations in the community. As our men and women emerge from this cycle of addiction and homelessness it is absolutely vital they connect with people in the church in a healthy and mutual fashion!

So we are speaking internally about how we can better coordinate our efforts at every point with the local church. And we are inviting discussion with local pastors about how we can serve them as they work to heighten awareness about issues of poverty and homelessness in their congregations.

If you’d be interested in dialoguing more about how Water Street Ministries might connect more intentionally and effectively with the local church, give Steve a call at 393-7709, X250 or e-mail him at Steve.Brubaker@WaterStreetMinistries.org

Sharing from a Volunteer

Below, a volunteer reflects about a first time experience serving at the Mission. We appreciate the sacrificial giving of time and energy that each volunteers invests into the ministry. Thank you for sharing this story too...

My son and I served in the kitchen last night and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We would like to do it on a monthly basis. The staff was very kind and the folks we were serving surprised me. I didn't realize how much the Mission does in a holistic approach to helping people heal and the tools that are available to foster them into a healthy and fruitful life. I don't think I mentioned to you that I have 17 years in recovery (AA) so I have spent plenty of time around those that are malnourished and in constant relapse. Your residents look so healthy - it's fabulous. Tom (I think that was his name) explained that a lot of it is the 3 nutritious meals per day.

I believe God has a role for me at Water Street. I'm learning to listen and be patient - I don't know what He has in store, but I'm suspecting it's not in the kitchen although I look forward to serving much more often. I'm one of those volunteer types that'll do anything and then ask what else needs to be done. Just put me to work :)

Children Seeking Truth

In one of the Pre-K classes of Wonder Club, the children were learning about the days of creation and the teacher was telling the class that on the seventh day God rested. One child got a very puzzled and concerned look on his face and wanted to know why God got arrested. “No, God didn’t get arrested; he rested.” A little extra clarification was needed for understanding.

3 John 1:4
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Isn't it humbling to hear the words of these children as they learn new truths about their Heavenly Father? Perhaps the true message from this story isn't simply that God has a sense of humor, but also that He wants us to follow the example of these precious little ones and keep seeking His truth and wisdom daily as we walk with Him.

Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

Robert's story

For a class project at Millersville University, Sam was asked to create a form of art that exists online. Wanting to incorporate his passion for people, Sam chose to tell the stories of several clients at the Water Street Mission. Through his project, he said he hopes individuals will be “reminded of how fortunate they are to have what they have, and that they easily could have ended up like any of the people at the Water Street Mission.”

I walked into the library, a small space the size of a bedroom. Books on practical living, motivation and inspiration sat on the tables and lined the walls. Robert, 55, was comfortably seated on one of the couch chairs, legs crossed. His gaze on the book between his weathered hands was peaceful and meditative. His eyes lifted, meeting mine and we shook hands, introducing ourselves. There was something very honest about him that I could feel right away and knew I was going to love. The notebook I was using to record his story didn’t survive the meeting very long. It was pulling me away from being engaged in the conversation him and I were getting lost in.

Robert was raised in Baltimore and moved to South Carolina when he was in seventh grade. He graduated from a rough high school where fights and race riots were nothing out of the ordinary. “If you could survive, they passed you. I graduated high school and hadn’t learned a thing,” he told me. Robert was a big drummer, playing in both school bands and rock bands including Archie Belle and the Drells. He moved back to Baltimore and eventually to Pennsylvania where he started a drywall company.

The consequences of a few bad choices changed the route of Robert’s life in a dark way. When he began experimenting with hard drugs it was very occasional. Before he had the chance to take a step back and realize what he was getting into, his life had spun out of control. Life was no longer in his hands, but in the hands of the heroin that swiftly pulled him under. Heroin and crack dictated Robert’s life for years. When snorting no longer sufficed, the syringe came into play, and shooting up became a daily dependence simply to function. This threw into play another corkscrew; in 1981 Robert learned that he was HIV positive. The will to live was gone. “I figured ‘hey, I’ll be dead soon anyways, why stop now?’” he told me. After a long ten years passed and Robert was still alive, a light was starting to shine within him. He managed to quit using I.V. drugs, but was still tired of living life hanging by a thread. Three years ago, he fell upon the Water Street Mission, and they took him in with open arms. “I just wasn’t yet ready,” Robert said. He found himself back on the streets after relapsing. Then the result of one solid choice finally put his life back on a road to freedom from the sick cycle carousel of drugs and the emptiness that consumed him.

Robert was in the area and swung by the Water Street Mission to talk to Chuck Albright, shelter manager/intake worker. Chuck was a man Robert became close to through his first experience at the Mission. He just needed someone to talk to and confide in. Chuck of course asked him to come back and give freedom from his emptiness another try. Robert agreed to come back in about a week. “I remember that moment like it was yesterday” he said with a smile. “I had already planned where I was gonna get high that day.” And Chuck knew it. “No,” Chuck said. “If you’re doing this, you’re gonna do it right now.” That bit of persistence on Chuck’s part might have saved Robert’s life.

God can inevitably do some purely beautiful things and Robert’s life is a testament to just that. “Ninety-five percent of the people I used to do drugs with are all dead. They just couldn’t give it up,” Robert said. Almost thirty years have passed since he was diagnosed with AIDS, yet his medical condition is currently better than it has been in any of those years. Among his six children Victor, Tony, Kim, Ronetta, Targus, and Tina, not a single one of them have inherited the virus. “I had so much of the virus in me, I was taking twenty-two pills twice a day. Now I’m down to just two and better than I ever was with the virus.” Doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital are contacting him constantly trying to figure out how he is still alive. The virus in his body is currently ‘non detectable’.

It has been four months in the program, and things are going well. Normally there is heavy bigotry towards those suffering from AIDS, but the Mission didn’t hesitate to support him. He explained the Water Street Mission’s ministry as very open. There is a strong love here that is inevitably rooted in Christ. He went on to tell me how much he loves the Biblical Life Management class. “Nothing religious is forced, but is always available,” he told me. They want those in need to see the love of Jesus through the love the Mission gives. Robert has found a place to stay as he continues his journey, and he has found his home in Christ. I heard Robert’s whole life story, and in his 55 years, he has never had so much peace. The love of Jesus emanates from him.

You won’t get what you want but you will get me!

Sometimes we can drift as an organization and as individuals to think we don’t need God. The building of the Tower of Babel as described in Genesis 11 pictures a people eager to demonstrate the power of their collective unity rather than in God. So God chose to confuse the people’s language so they couldn’t understand each other forcing them to disperse into different people groups! God knew their heart was bent toward trusting in themselves; so He scattered them showing the need to rely on Him and Him alone. What they wanted – power from their collective wisdom apart from God – wasn’t what God wanted.

Isn’t it interesting that God doesn’t always give us what we want – but we can be confident that we will ‘get Him.’ And we can be certain that His agenda will go forward – with or without us!

Steve Brubaker – Chief Vision Officer

A Gift of tickets to The Fulton

Last week, Wonder Club Early Learning Centers were given 25 tickets through PNC Bank and the Fulton Theater to see a performance of “Annie” at the Fulton Theater. These tickets were made available to the parents of Wonder Club students so that they would be able to attend the show together as a family.

One Mom told us this story: She was looking online for tickets to Annie for a special Christmas present for herself and her daughter and her sister and niece. After browsing the website and seeing the cost, she knew this was unaffordable and called her sister to say she would not be able to do this. The next morning when she brought her daughter to school at Wonder Club Early Learning Centers, she was given the flyer stating that these tickets were available on a first come, first serve basis. She was ecstatic that she was now able to do this with her daughter, sister, and niece!

Praise God for the provision of these tickets! May God's extravagant love reveal opportunities to give generously just as PNC and The Fulton did for the families of Wonder Club Early Learning Centers!

If you are interested in more details for the Annie show, check out the website at:
http://www.thefulton.org/annie/

Randl's Story

For a class project at Millersville University, Sam was asked to create a form of art that exists online. Wanting to incorporate his passion for people, Sam chose to tell the stories of several clients at the Water Street Mission. Through his project, he said he hopes individuals will be “reminded of how fortunate they are to have what they have, and that they easily could have ended up like any of the people at the Water Street Mission.”

At 27, Randl had had enough. “I was in a whirlpool of crap,” he told me bluntly. Financially his life was spiraling downward. Though he tried to make ends meet, supporting himself and his eight-year-old daughter, Hayley, was becoming next to impossible.

Randl is a laid back guy with a quiet demeanor. It took a little bit of time to get into his past. During our first meeting we conversed for over a half hour but I didn’t realize until after I had left for the day that I had learned nothing about Randl’s life prior to the now. When we finally got into it, I understood why. A deep pain rides closely next to the memories of his history.

Randl grew up in a broken family, mainly residing in Quarryville, but moved around a lot as a kid. As a kid he suffered from bipolar disorder, anxiety and extreme depression. As he got older it worsened. He was in a tough financial standing as it was, so he had no medical or health insurance to visit a doctor. “I had no guidance and was pretty much left to fend for myself,” he told me. He couldn’t continue the way he was, and began to self medicate with alcohol and drugs. It was his only escape. He paused, as his gaze started to zone out. “I still hate even talking about this.” There was a pain that swept over his face as he continued. “Before I came here I didn’t know what else to do. To calm myself down, I was drinking and smoking so much.” It was his only release from the emotional and mental torture he endured daily. “I was at the point where I was on a melt down; completely self-destructing.” He was through with it. “I didn’t know where to go, but I wasn’t about to go back to the whirlpool.” He cried out to God for help, to follow His way, because he realized that his own strength just wasn’t working.

There are a lot of pretentious assumptions made about rescue missions and homeless shelters. “To be honest, I really didn’t want to go live with what I assumed were just a bunch of bums. I just needed somewhere to stay for a few days till I could get back on my feet for a bit.” He had no idea of what was in store for him. He knew nothing about the recovery program that was available, and that there were volunteers at the Mission specifically engaged in their client’s lives, to develop relationships with and help the struggling to find peace. Here he was able to receive proper medical help and find direction as he sought God’s guidance, giving up his pain and putting his trust in Christ. “I had to be completely taken apart and reassembled,” he told me. And that’s just what he did through the help of the Water Street Mission. The need for drugs to escape from his pain is no longer necessary. Love has taken over and saved him from the destruction he was quickly moving towards.

Randl is now twenty-eight years old, and has been in the program for eighteen months. He is working towards going to Thaddeus Steven’s School of Technology where he plans on getting his degree in architecture. Randl is solid and steadfast on moving forward in his life, and is happy to have had the help of the Mission. He tells me, “This is a great place to be if you’re ready to change.”

Dennis's Story

For a class project at Millersville University, Sam was asked to create a form of art that exists online. Wanting to incorporate his passion for people, Sam chose to tell the stories of several clients at the Water Street Mission. Through his project, he said he hopes individuals will be “reminded of how fortunate they are to have what they have, and that they easily could have ended up like any of the people at the Water Street Mission.”

Dennis walked into the room, a middle aged man with a grizzled light beard. He moved with a subtle caution in his step but a smile on his face. As soon as we began to chat I could feel that I was talking to someone with a lot of insight on the value and beauty of human life. As we spoke, it quickly became clear to me as to where this wisdom was coming from.

Dennis grew up in Pittsburgh in a family of alcoholism and abuse, both verbal and physical. For as long as he can remember, his parents were constantly putting him down for not being good enough or not meeting their standards. All the negativity that constantly bombarded him took a toll on his sense of self-worth. He told me that when he was young he would hide away from people and just daydream about a better life, one free from all the cynicism. Instead of encouraging Dennis, his parents would hammer him down. As he got older he began to find refuge in drugs and alcohol. “Those little daydreams I had as a kid were so enhanced when I was doing drugs. I was able to completely escape reality for a little, and I loved that.” Years continued to pass and he began to be convinced that he must be different, that he was a step below the rest of the world. He told me that while substance abuse “numbs the pain,” he also described how it “robs joy from the soul.” Dennis was hollow.

The years continued to pass and Dennis was going through life with a mindset of emptiness and aloneness. The people he thought were his friends took advantage of his vulnerability. He would try to be nice to everyone in hopes that he would be accepted, but instead he would end up being walked on. He grew more and more submissive and was losing respect for himself. It left him even more alone and deeply bitter. Through bad choices and adverse circumstances Dennis was given an ultimatum that landed him at the rescue mission.

When Dennis came to the Water Street Mission, he was taken aback. He wasn’t used to anyone showing him genuine love. It was something he had to adjust to and even now, at forty-nine, is still learning to embrace. To recover from spending the majority of life being trampled on requires a lot of healing. As we spoke, I could sense that between his words he was still subtly putting himself down. I was deeply burdened to hear such an honest and insightful person feel that he is falling short of some mark. Christ’s love is reflected in the love that the Water Street Mission shows Dennis, and he is learning to find genuine truth and self worth in Christ. He is developing a truer self-image of the man of God he is. He has been in the program for 20 months, and works at the Mission.

Dennis loves to read and write. He is also an artist. I had the privilege of looking at some of his computer-based artwork and was impressed with his solid understanding of basic design elements. He also shared with me a few pages of his journaling; his writing style is very honest and aesthetic. Dennis is continuing to grow in his relationship with both the people around him and with Christ.

Shoes for the Kingdom

Isn't it interesting how God desires to constantly use US, wherever we are, and with whatever we have? Yet, too often we aren't willing to lay down the things that God wants us to surrender to Him most. In the midst of the "busyness" of this Christmas season, may we all remember the sacrificial love that Christ demonstrated for us. Are we willing to give of ourselves, as he gave of Himself for us? Are we willing to surrender our possessions and our desires to give him glory? Wouldn't that be the best gift we could ever share with someone else?

The following story reflects the beauty that is seen in sacrificial giving...
A pastor of a local church was sharing with his congregation on the need to be generous. He challenged them to give to those in need - to reach out to their neighbor. Through this message, he went on to talk about the Bible mentioning we are to give the clothes off our own backs to the poor. The depth of this message resonated within the church members hearts in such a powerful way that they didn't want to leave without responding. In fact, someone actually decided to remove their shoes and leave them in the church. Before the morning had ended, the idea spread and 50 people walked out the door with NO shoes.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

The sacrificial love and surrender of these 50 bare-footed believers truly reflects the good news of our Savior! Praise God for the humble obedience of each person who gave of themselves for someone here at Water Street Mission. Each of these 50 pairs of shoes was delivered to Outreach Ministries where many will be impacted through the generosity of each person.

Matthew 25:34:40
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Keith Shetter • Director of Donor Relations

Talent Show at Teen Haven Camp

It was our first girl’s weekend camp of the school year. Our group had just arrived to the camp ground and headed straight for the dining hall. As I walked in I saw a girl shoot a shy smile my way. It was Tiana*. Tiana was a camper I had this past summer. The cabin she was part of was one of the most challenging cabins I’ve ever lead. In just a split second the memories of frustration and “fed-up-ness” hit me like a Mack truck, but when we hugged I felt so overwhelmed with love and affection for her that the memories of that week of camp immediately disappeared. We hugged and her countenance changed. It was almost like she was relieved that I remembered her and still hugged her…yea, that’s how bad it was.

Anyway, this weekend’s theme was talent show. Sign up was Saturday morning right after chapel and as the girls were getting in line Tiana comes up to me and with frustration in her tone says that she wants to do a talent but she doesn’t know what. I made some suggestions that she wasn’t excited about then she asked me to do a skit with her. Of course I wasn’t going to say no, so we started practicing for a skit based on friendship and how Jesus is the best best friend to have. She was so excited about it, until it was time for the actual show. She came up to me looking like a scared little girl…mostly because she was a scared little girl, saying that she didn’t want to do it. She was afraid everyone would laugh at her and she didn’t want people laughing at her. I told her if they laugh they’d be laughing at me and we practiced too much to give up and we’re going to do it cause everyone should know how to make Jesus their best friend. So when they called our names I took my place, she took hers and we did it! I was so proud of her. She did great!

On Sunday afternoon, after lunch, Miss Elizabeth began to make the announcements for who won the talent show. She began with 3rd place, then 2nd. Unassumingly I waited for the announcement of 1st place when I heard “Tianina!” (Tiana and Nina put together, which was our groups name) Tiana looked at me with eyes so big I thought they’d drop out of their sockets! She was shocked and not knowing what to do she just stayed in her seat with her jaw almost hitting the floor. She snapped out of it when I got up, we hugged (more like I hugged her) and we went forward and got our prizes. After sitting back down she shot me a shy smile again and whispered, “Thank you”.

As we all got dismissed to go home, God gave me the opportunity to share this message from Him with her. “You followed through with it for Me, and I rewarded you more than you could have ever imaged. Always remember that that’s who I am, a rewarder.” She smiled and shook her head in agreement and acknowledgement of what she’d just heard, then we hugged, again, and she said she’d see me next time. I know she’ll remember that moment for a long time.

I pray that we would also know that Jesus is a rewarder. He’s not looking for our falling short, His heart is to reward us for our faith even above and beyond what we could ever ask or imagine.

Nina Maldonado • Teen Haven, Lancaster Girls Program Coordinator

*Names of youth have been changed

Prayer Is the Key

The little phrase, “prayer is the key” is one we hear often. In working with children I am reminded again and again how true that little phrase is. I get excited about the stories that the teachers share during our prayer times regarding the impact that prayer has and is having on our students. We recently held our first parent teacher conferences of the year. These conferences usually either begin or end with prayer. Often during the conference we ask the parents how we can pray for them. While sharing these requests, parents help us see a clearer picture of the child and his needs. Not only can we pray more effectively for the children and their families but we are given insight into why they react in different ways as well.

One parent mentioned how her son is now praying at night. “God is great. God is good. He takes care of me everyday.” She also shared that they were talking about the child’s grandfather who is in heaven where God is. The son added that God is everywhere and not just in heaven. In another instance we had just prayed during our morning staff prayer time for two little boys in one of the classes who were not getting along. As they came in to school one of the boys said, “Jose is my friend…you’re my friend, right Jose?” and gave him a hug.

One of the teachers shared how impressed she was with the way in which her coworker prayed with the children. “She will pray with them when they are having a hard time coming into class in the morning, when a child is hurt, when there is a conflict between two children, when a child is having a hard time with discipline consequences, and on Fridays she will pray for the requests that are mentioned by the children during Bible time.”
The children are learning to pray and it’s exciting to hear from parents that the children are praying at home!

Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

Poetry Classes begin at the Lydia Center

Poetry. It’s an ancient craft that has wooed us and confused us for centuries. From the Song of Solomon to Shakespeare to modern free verse, poetry is at once moving to some and illusive to others. So what is poetry? How do we define it? Is it an outpouring of emotion? A way to express oneself? A portal to the truth of life? Yes, yes, and yes - all of this and more according to the women participating in the Lydia Center’s premiere poetry class. We called out our ideas and wrote them on the white board. We were a class of eager beginners – me, a first time poetry instructor, and five Lydia Center women, having chosen this class as an elective, new to studying poetry.

Several weeks ago, we opened this poetry class with a reading and discussion of Walt Whitman’s “I Heard the Learned Astronomer.” We addressed questions about the meaning and significance of this poem, why the poet chose to write in a certain style, what he might have been feeling in order to write this piece. We came to understand that often poets draw relations between unrelated things making their words resonate with the audience.

Whenever creative writing, especially poetry, is brought to a classroom, it seems there is the expectation that raw emotion accompany it, the nitty-gritty, the dark stuff. When the time came for each of us to try our hand at writing, I was astounded by the candor these women were willing to place palms-up at our table of sharing. One woman wrote of her difficult and exhausting inner journey, ending with words of hope. Another wrote the beginnings of an ode to her deceased father. Still another wrote of the loss of her mother. Each piece of writing included phrases that drew murmurs of emotion from the audience. Each piece held within it shards of truth gradually forming into a reflection of the writer’s heart. All of this on the first night! Not only was this the mark of strength and bravery on the part of the writers (some of them had never written poetry before), but also an indication of WSM’s successful efforts to create an environment of safety and honesty. I’m so excited to discover the creativity lying within these women in our meetings to come! It was a good first class indeed.

By Jennifer Chunko, volunteer

Support Water Street Ministries by Eating Out!

Dine at Loxley’s during the month of December and Donate 5% of the restaurant check to Water Street Ministries.

Here’s how it works:
1. Order your Meal
2. Choose Water Street Ministries
3. Pay the Bill

So, Make it a date night with family, friends, or a loved one in December and support the homeless and poor this Holiday season!

Loxley’s is attached to the Heritage Hotel on Centerville Road right off of Route 30. Take the Centerville Exit and it is right next to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater.

The website is http://www.heritagelancaster.com/dining.html

Thanksgiving Reflections

What are you thankful for?

I am thankful not being the one at the top who has to make the tough decisions for this ministry.
I am thankful for the Godly men and women who God has placed in this ministry to do so.
My prayer for them is to continue to follow Christ and not lean to their own understanding in making those decisions.
Praise God the ministry is still going forward.
Praise God for a godly headship.

Oddet Mears • Philadelphia Girls Program Coordinator, Teen Haven

Thanksgiving Reflections

What are you thankful for?

I was so thankful to be invited to the baptism of a gentleman in our Residential Recovery Program at his church last Sunday. It was a tremendous joy to see him beaming and seated in the same pew with his 3 children who had NEVER been together before that day. These 3 young people had the honor of seeing their dad, a man changed by Christ, experience baptism, and declare a public profession of his faith. This was one of the highlights of my opportunities as a counselor. “Thank You, Lord, for changed lives and how these folks impact their families and others.”

Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

Graduates Sharing about their Experiences - Part 3

GRADUATE REFLECTIONS - PART 3

Listen as the Water Street Mission graduates share about their experiences as they answer the question... What wisdom would you pass on to those struggling in similar situations?

Erik: There is a lot of stigma to this place (from those looking from the outside). But, there are so many people’s lives being changed here, whether they graduate or not, countless. The scales are tipped to the graduates, but it should be emphasized that everyone gets help here.

Leonard: With people like these counselors and volunteers, there is love everywhere. We are the healthiest homeless people in the world.

Dennis: It was difficult at the beginning; reflecting back makes it all worth it. One of the turning points for me in the program was a book I received, “The Power of Christ.” It taught me to give thanks to the Lord in adversity. Being thankful for adversity has made all the difference in the world. I learned that it’s not all about me, it’s about helping people.

Leonard: Water Street has been a blessing.

Lonnie: A lot of people drive by and see what Water Street is on the outside. Lancaster, as a whole, doesn’t really see what’s happening.

Ken: If people take the time to get to know the people and the program, they’re minds would be changed.

Dennis: People think this is just a soup kitchen, and a place with a bed. This is a place for change...people who believe and trust in change.

Ken: I have a wife and 3 kids. If it wasn’t for Water Street, I would be divorced for sure. If people would be just willing to stick with it, change is possible.

Jose: If you want to play games, this is not the place. Whatever you want to do, the staff will walk beside you every step.

Erik: Dream big, find what makes you happy, and go all out.

Compiled by Jon, volunteer

SWEET donations at the Lydia Center

Tuesday morning I had a conversation with Melissa about the dietary needs of our women and the steps we have taken to give them nutritious meals and cut back on sugars and carbs. I left her office thinking we were doing well at minimizing salts and sweets. As I entered the foyer a group of women arrived for a tour. They brought some clothing donations and gifts of food. I called Melissa out and we just had to laugh at God’s humor. Those sweet ladies brought us 81 pounds of soda, chips, cookies and chocolate bars. Imagine the smiles these treats will bring.
Paula Sentgeorge • Lydia Center, Kitchen Manager

It’ll be exciting to see how Paula and the ladies at the Lydia Center enjoy the blessing of these treats… just don’t forget about the healthy eating plan too!

Graduates Sharing About Their Experiences - Part 2

Listen as the Water Street Mission graduates share about their experiences as they reflect on this statement: Describe was it was like living as a community.

Lonnie: Community living was very difficult for me. It still is. Everyone has different personalities, you have to wait in line, and there are people with different opinions. But something changed. People I would have normally passed by, the needy, I find myself being drawn to them. I’m finding compassion, but it is still a struggle.

Jose: needed relationships, because I was isolated. I was happy when I came here, happy to be with other men. I got to meet great mentors and friends.

Erik: I am generating sober relationships, but it is a struggle to be outgoing without the drugs. It took ten years to get to the point where I was. Now it is very easy to function in the community.

Leonard: If you want to hear God laugh, you tell him your plans.

Compiled by Jon, volunteer

Donation Stories

Below, staff share about two specific donations that were received. Each testimony gives evidence of the faithful supporters who are impacting the ministry! We desire to be good stewards of all the gifts that come our way, but it is amazing how the "widow's mite" often moves one's heart more than the "larger" gifts...

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
Treasures in Heaven
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I just wanted to highlight a donation we received on the Collection Center on Saturday. Apparently a young girl had been saving some money and brought it to us in a little envelope.
Her donation came to 64 cents and reminded me of a boy with a couple fish and some bread that fed 5,000. May God continue in his own ways to enable this ministry to go on.
Dean Wenger • Redistribution Manager

As I was helping open the donation mail on Wednesday, we received $2 gift with the shakily, handwritten note ”I am sorry that I cannot give more”.
Let us thank God, that as we seek to experience Him, he blesses us … and also the givers.
Paul Pearce • VP of Advancement

Food Drive - YOUTH EDITION

Check out this video to see the hard work and energy of the youth groups who participated in the Rescue Mission Food Drive YOUTH EDITION which took place at Amelia's Grocery Outlet on Saturday, October 24th!

Volunteers share about their Experience

A note from some volunteers who recently served at Water Street Ministries...

Hi Pearl!
We really enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to coming back =) We loved helping and it was nice to see that it was appreciated. Everyone was so nice. It really taught us a lot of lessons and it was wonderful interacting with the people while we served them food. A man named Eli, who was a member of the community we served food to, came up to us afterwards and talked to us a little bit and thanked us. We will definitely remember this experience for the rest of our lives!
Thanks,
Mindy and Arianna

For information on volunteering, visit:http://waterstreetministries.org/MakeADifference/Volunteers.aspx

Conversations in the Community

After receiving more than a handful of disparaging remarks sent to the mission in recent weeks I decided it may be best to try and calm the brewing storm. So I set out to visit face to face with a few of the ministries constituents. After finding the home of the person I had hoped to speak with, I noticed a car slowly backing out of the driveway. It was the women I had just traveled 20 minutes to see. She stopped as I approached the car and rolled down the window. For the next 15 minutes we discussed everything but the matter I had hoped to address. By the time I finally mentioned her note and concern for how her donation was being used she had assured me she believed in the work being done at Water Street and would continue to support our efforts. A few simple words spoken on behalf of all those who seek refuge in the Lord’s hands at Water Street Ministries. Taking the time to let someone know we appreciate the support they give us can be a double blessing.

As I walked back across the street to my vehicle a man was collecting his mail and gave a shout asking who I was. Walking over to him I sensed I was in for a bit of a battle. But the Lord used the moment to allow me to speak to the heart of this man. Uncertain of who I was and less certain of what Water Street Ministries was all about the spirit went to work on this man’s heart as I explained my role and what I was doing in his neighborhood. I spoke of the various ministries and the need for support, even mentioning opportunities for volunteering. The man thanked me for my time and went inside his house. Once I returned to my vehicle I sat there for a moment and just thanked God for putting me in that place at that time and allowing me to share the good news about what is taking place on the 200 block of South Prince Street.
Amen

Keith Shetter • Director of Donor Relations

We were out of sugar...

All week long we have been out of sugar. Whenever someone would complain, I would tell them that they need to pray and ask God for the sugar because that is something we were not going to be purchasing. Today, out of the blue God provided sugar. We just got 600 lbs donated this afternoon. What really delights me is that we really don’t need sugar, drinks can be drank without sweetener, but because it was the desire of a few faithful He chose to bless everyone. God is good.

George Eckman • Water Street Mission, Dining Service Manager

Turkeys, turkeys, TURKEYS....

Would you consider helping us provide meals for the poor and homeless this holiday season?Drop off your 12 lb. frozen turkey at the Water Street Mission Food Dock by Friday, Nov. 20 for Thanksgiving or by Friday, Dec. 18 for Christmas!

Drop off hours:

M-F: 6am-6pm
Sat: 6am-1pm, 3pm-6pm

Sun: 7am-9am, 3pm-6pm

Questions? Call (717) 393-7709

A trunk full of generosity!!

Last night I represented the Lydia Center at an event that hosts a different charity each month. I shared about the various needs we have and presented them with the opportunity to be involved by filling brown grocery bags with non perishable items. After I finished sharing a woman came up to me and said, I know this is really weird but I have a whole trunk full of groceries - would you be able to use them? I was speechless because just earlier that afternoon, I had heard testimonies from other Water Street staff that had experienced God’s faithful provision and just a couple hours later- God was at it again. I thanked the woman for her gift of groceries and let her know that her contributions were an answer to prayer.

In this experience, I am reminded that God answers prayers often in my daily life, but I don’t take the time to be aware of how he is answering. I believe that God delights in us experiencing his goodness and I have been reminded to be more watchful and thankful in the ways that I see him working.

Joy Gehman • Lydia Center, Case Worker

Wonder Club - Learning and Laughter!

Here’s a fun glimpse of the learning fun that takes place in the classrooms of Wonder Club Early Learning Centers:

In one of the Pre K classes of Wonder Club, the children were learning about the days of creation and the teacher was telling the class that on the seventh day God rested. One child got a very puzzled and concerned look on his face and wanted to know why God got arrested. “No, God didn’t get arrested; he rested.” A little extra clarification was needed for understanding.

Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

God Provides at the Lydia Center

Saturday morning at the Lydia Center, we received 38 pounds of ground beef. On Sunday a lady at church gave me 3 homemade pies for our ladies, and on Monday we received 81 pounds of groceries from a visiting group!

But God still wasn't finished... Just this morning we received another 64 pounds of groceries!

We serve an awesome God. He provides exactly what we need when we need it.

Paula Sentgeorge • Lydia Center, Kitchen Manager

Salvation Stories at WSHS

On Fridays I have the great privilege of overseeing the Behavioral Health Clinic at Water Street Health Services. Gale asked me a week ago Friday if I thought we were making an impact on our patients. On that morning one of our patients had prayed to receive Christ as the volunteers faithfully present the gospel every week. No doubt this is the greatest impact that we can ever make in this ministry. Watching a person without hope receive Jesus as their Savior is one of the most awesome demonstrations of God’s hand at work. No doubt God is at working at Water Street to set the captives free and to bring His light and His love to our needy world.

Susan Wolfe, RN, Water Street Health Services, Staff Nurse

Partnering in Prayer for Teen Haven

Teen Haven is excited for another season to welcome urban youth to attend the city programs in Lancaster, Philadelphia, and York. We'd like to share some specific situations to lift up in your prayers for the youth who attend Teen Haven.

- Oddet Mears, Philadelphia Girls Program Coordinator, shares, It seems like each week I hear about a girl who has had to leave her home, because of behavioral issues. Four of my Teen Haven bible study girls will not be returning at this time because of these issues. Please join in prayer that these young women would feel the love and support of God, and understand their need for one another! Also pray, for parents and youth to believe in the authority of God’s Word.

- John Schleh, Philadelphia Boys Program Cooridinator, shares, My prayer request is regarding the beginnings of Bible study for the boys and girls in Philadelphia. It is very hectic picking up a very large number ( praise the Lord ) of youth from all over. Pray that they will be cooperative and desire to be discipled. Pray for wisdom on the part of me, Curt Saxton, Brian Mincer, Oddet and Joyce in dealing with many new teens and getting them going on quiet times and memory verses, being patient and encouraging. For their heart response to the Lord.

Ephesians 1:15-19
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Thank you for your PRAYERS, to remember the urban youth of Teen Haven!

Graduates Sharing about their Experiences - Part 1

October 9, 2009 was a powerful day for the lives of the residents who graduated from Water Street Mission! To learn more about the ceremony, and graduates, visit Lancaster Online to read the article called, Graduation offers a second chance at life: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/243346

RESIDENT REFLECTIONS - PART 1

Listen as the Water Street Mission graduates share about their experiences as they answer the question...

What were some of the challenges you faced working through the program?

Lonnie: Open accountability and knowing what the right thing to do was; what God wants me to be. I had to learn my own false beliefs. It is hard to stay on the path.

Leonard: It was time for a change. I had to stop running and experience brokenness. For me, the spirit of God is brokenness. I didn’t know that man, Jesus; and just going to church wasn’t working.

DC: What brought me here was dealing with the past and learning to yield to God. I knew there had to be something deeper; there is just something to make sense of all the adversity. Rejection, parents, and not being worthy to be in relationships.

Lonnie: God brought us here; the way we were living would just not have lasted.

Erik: [the hardest thing was] not wanting to change, clinging to, letting go; it was easy to self medicate.

Russell: I was Just scared; what am I going to do? I had no place to go, got thrown out, people gave me warnings, the police had to escort me off the property. They dropped me off at the Ephrata Hospital where I stayed for 3 days. A doctor recommended Water Street where they had a bed for me.

Russell: My counselor later asked me what I wanted and I said, “I want to find God again.” He responded, “You never lost him.”

Erik: I got completely stopped when I was trying to fast forward; I had to persevere through it, and not try to avoid it.

Leonard: This is not an overnight thing. It gets to a point where you have to want to change. For me, I changed when I got into relationships; that’s the key thing, when you know it’s not just you.

Russell: Most people can’t get what they are doing. I didn’t want to accept what the counselors were telling me.

Leonard: It’s important sometimes to be silent.

- Compiled by Jon, volunteer

Books donated through a Birthday!

Two weeks ago, I got a phone call from a person I talked to several weeks ago. In the busy-ness of the beginning of school, I forgot about this conversation until she called me again. She had called to inquire as to whether we could use books for our kids. Her 9-year-old daughter was having a birthday party and instead of buying gifts for her, she wanted to invite her guests to buy books for the Wonder Club children.

This mother called to tell me that through the Birthday party they had collected 69 books, using the list on our website (http://waterstreetministries.org/MakeADifference/WishLists/WonderClubWishList.aspx). Together, the Mother and daughter came to drop off the gifts last week. I had the opportunity to chat with the child and her mother. One of the questions that we asked was, “why did you want to do this instead of receiving gifts for yourself?” The child’s response was that she and her family like to read and have lots of books and she knows that many of our children do not have books of their own to read!” Already at age 9 this young girl is learning the blessing of giving.

Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

Provisions through Prayer

On Wednesday of this week there was a corporate time of prayer for everyone at Water Street Ministries. This was a time for reflection, seeking the Lord’s face, and meeting in community to pray and focus on God together. Listen as two staff members share about the hand of God providing in the midst, and following this prayer time…

While we (FS) were finishing up praying together for the finances of the Mission and the well being of the staff today, the back dock buzzer rang. I went to answer it and there was a man with 110 pounds of pork to donate. Is that some sort of sign? I don’t know, but it was really cool to experience that.
- George Eckman • Dining Service Manager, Water Street Mission

The evening after our prayer time I attended a small group. When we went to leave we found two large bags of groceries for the Lydia Center in the bed of our pick-up. Be watchful, for God’s hand is moving. Thank you Jehovah Jireh.
- Paula Sentgeorge • Kitchen Manager, Lydia Center

Be encouraged by these stories of God’s generosity which is demonstrated daily through the body of Christ!

BoxTops to support Wonder Club ELC

As we are at the beginning of a new school year, I want to remind all of you that we would love to have your help in collecting Box Tops for Education (found on most General Mills products and its subsidiary companies) and Campbell’s Labels. All you need to do is clip the little Box Tops coupons or the Campbell’s proof and send them to:
Wonder Club Early Learning Centers
PO Box 7267
Lancaster, PA 17604

The complete listing of products can be found at www.Boxtops4education.com and www.labelsforeducation.com

You can also support Wonder Club by participating in the Giant A+ rewards program. We appreciate the many of you who took the time last year to register your bonus card and designate Wonder Club to receive these funds. However, you must re-register your card each year. If you are a Giant shopper and have a bonus card, please take a few moments to log on to http://www.giantaplus.com/ and register your bonus card using the designation number 02287. That is all you need to do; after you designate our school every shopping trip to Giant using your bonus card earns cash for our school!

Or for more details on supporting Wonder Club visit our wish list at: http://waterstreetministries.org/MakeADifference/WishLists/WonderClubWishList.aspx

Thanks!
Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

Has God done your Grocery Shopping?

A juicy pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions is mouth watering. Sizzling steak on the barbecue grill can almost make us drool. But there isn’t anything this cook loves to get more than ground beef. There are so many things you can do with ground beef. And with a little engenuity and some corn flake crumbs you can stretch a few pounds to feed a crowd.

That is what I did last week with the help of my volunteer. On Monday I took the last 5 pound package of ground beef from the walk-in freezer to thaw. It was a sad event for we had not gone without ground beef for over 2 years. Yet I was thankful knowing it would feed 25 people for two large meals later in the week. On Wednesday Miss Judy made her famous Sloppy Joe and on Thursday I used the second half of the meat for Tacos. I prayed often that week that God would bring in more beef. He owns the cattle, after all.

Then on Sunday morning a friend asked me if I would like to have some meat for the Lydia Center. They happened to have some ground beef in their freezer left over from the E-town fair. My inside voice was jumping up and down but since I was in church I calmly said, “Absolutely. Thanks you Jesus.” I will be picking it up over the weekend. I don’t know how much there will be but I do know my God will make it be just enough. You gotta love it when God does the grocery shopping!!

Paula Sentgeorge • Kitchen Manager, Lydia Center

Thru the life of Eugene

Eugene recently died from cancer, he was not a resident here for very long. But in his 6 months here Eugene touched all of us through how he dealt with life and his impending death! Granted he was blessed to come to a place that loved him and where he could not only be sober but also learn to accept God’s love and acceptance of him. I think we all really loved his attitude even as he knew he was dying.

I think God encouraged us all to live a little more like Eugene did and how Paul told us to in Phil 1:29a – WHATEVER happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

The memorial we celebrated with Eugene’s sibling was indeed joyous, AND neat to see how God used us all to not only bless the family but be tremendously blessed ourselves, God is good!

Chuck Albrecht • Shelter Manager, Water Street Mission

Lunchtime with Don

I sat with Don at lunch on Wednesday. I was aware of his friendship with Eugene (a resident who recently passed away) and thought it may be a good opportunity to check in with him. Don and I have been involved in some solid conversations since realizing Don knew my father from his attending Grace Church at Willow Valley.

I inquired as to how he was dealing with Eugene's passing and Don was very open with his feelings in fact he went on to share with me how he really needed to get things right with his children. He had resolved his feelings toward his father and knew that would be a challenge, but now he felt this last hurdle would be the most difficult. In seeing his friend Eugene lying in a hospital bed unable to communicate with his family he knew the importance of at least attempting to establish contact with his children.

Don was sitting at the table by himself and while I often sit with the men on this day I was led by the spirit to take a seat across the table from Don. Don thanked me for asking about him and asked me to pray for him. I have been reminded of Don at various times since our conversation and I will hold Don up in prayer.

Keith Shetter • Director of Donor Relations, Water Street Ministries

EUGENE IS DYING

The following entry was shared at the memorial service of a resident whose life impacted many staff, residents and friends here at Water Street Mission...

Eugene is dying today.

I don’t know much about Eugene’s life. I don’t know how long he lived in Florida. Or the name of his girlfriend. I don’t know why he walked with a cane. I do know a little about his last days.

A week ago I stopped and talked to him as he waited for a ride to his radiation treatment. He wore a New England Seafood baseball cap and squinted in the sun. He told me he was feeling good and had determined to wake each morning remembering that this was the day the Lord had made and would rejoice and be glad in it. “I could just as easily have died on a sidewalk,” he said. “I have everything I need at the Mission.”

Several months earlier Eugene’s cancer had started in his lungs. Now it was in his brain. He smiled as he spoke. He spoke—almost gratefully—about having the opportunity to walk in the shoes of his girlfriend who had died of cancer many years earlier.

A few weeks before our conversation in the parking lot, Eugene was with a group of us gathered around a long Amish dinner table. We ate a hearty meal and shared our stories. We were joined by an Italian photographer and his family from New York. Retired missionaries from France. A basketball coach from Arizona. When I introduced myself, my voice cracked when I spoke of the honor of calling Eugene, Allen and Kenneth my friends. The sacredness of the moment had surprised me in the darkening farmhouse. We ended the evening singing “amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me”.

Today Eugene nears eternity. This is a sacred time. Eugene’s life has been redeemed by the Saviour who knew him in life and will greet him in death.

The last words Eugene said to me were, “Thank you for talking to me.”

Thank you for talking to me, Eugene.

-Debbi Miller, Executive Secretary

Coworkers sharing God's heart

How have residents, youth, coworkers and/or children shared God’s heart with you this week?

While growing up I had a father that I went to usually as a last resort. I tended to transfer that to my relationship with God and still struggle, at times, with a hesitancy in approaching “the throne” to talk with God.

I’ve been at Water Street Ministries for over a month now but had some questions this week about shelter and counseling session related procedures and went to a co-worker. I know that she is very busy but when I approached her with my questions she talked to me so receptively that I never felt that I was an interruption or inconvenience at all. She reminds me of that part of God’s heart that encourages me to boldly approach the throne. It also encourages me to do the same when I cross paths here with anyone, whether client, co-worker, or stranger, so I, too, can reflect God’s heart to those around me.

Christina Lickmann • Program Counselor, Water Street Mission

Residents Impacting Staff through Sharing

How have residents, youth, coworkers and/or children shared God’s heart with you this week?

I am a firm believer that offering a smile or a kind word affirms the value of someone who is homeless. Even if it’s short, a healthy interaction can make someone feel alive.

As I was walking down the sidewalk in front of the Water Street Mission the other day, I saw a homeless woman eating a huge chocolate chip cookie. She held a second cookie in her other hand. I smiled and commented on how delicious they looked. What happened next jolted me. With her belongings in bags at her feet and slung over her shoulder, the woman asked if I wanted her other cookie.

I tried to hide my surprise, but I’m afraid my gaping mouth may have given me away. Amidst my stammering, I was finally able to politely (I hope) decline. As I walked away, I was embarrassed at my degree of shock. I realized I had begun to fall into the trap of ‘us’ and ‘them’. I had begun to think that ‘us’ were the kind folks who give, and ‘them’ were the folks who take.

So yes, it’s true; kind words can affirm someone’s value and make them feel alive. I know because one sunny day, a homeless woman respected me enough as a human being to offer kind words. She helped crack open my pride and remind me that, no matter our circumstances, we all have something to give.

Maria Schaszberger • Director of Communications

WSHS --- Following God’s Heart

I was speaking yesterday with a co-worker about providing Christ centered health care to the poor of Lancaster and discussing the struggle of needing volunteers to provide the care we give but to also not allow the Vision of Christ centered health care to be lost to the world’s view of healthcare. The boards that run our organizations are given the task of keeping the health services we provide focused on the Mission, which is “To provide Christ centered health care to those without access”, but at times we offend those who want to join us and help by being too “religious”. As we discussed this dilemma, we realized a few key points:

1. Are we truly running a health center that is God’s? We must be sure that it is not just a good Christian idea, but that we are called by our Father to minister to the poor in this manner and in His way. Once the Boards and leadership know this to be true, through answered prayer and from His Word, not just based on our own opinions, then we must,
2. Be committed to what He has called us to do! We must trust God to provide for His ministry and lead us in His ways on how to treat others, both Christ followers who may not have the same faith tenets that we have & those seekers who come across our paths so we may be a light to them & plant the seed for them to come to Christ as followers.
3. We must be sure to never compromise on who and how we serve, but be ready to speak the truth to whomever asks us why & how we do what we do. As we are faithful to Him, He will be faithful to us!

I found this discussion with my sibling in Christ to be thought provoking and encouraging for I & the Board of Water Street Health Services know that Water Street Health Services is God’s healthcare facility for the poor & homeless without access to healthcare in Lancaster & Lebanon! My prayer is that each Board member and staff person seeks God’s leadership on what that means for them and how they are part of His plan to carry out the work of providing healthcare. If they are truly called to be part of His plan, then they need to commit everything they have to the calling!

As I reflected on our discussion more, I also know we must be cautious to not be like the religious leaders in the time of Christ here on earth, for it was those who were “religious” that got His most severe criticism. It is about love, as He commands, first to love God with all of our hearts, souls and mind and then to love others as ourselves. If we follow these two commands, we will be following Christ’s way as we care for those He brings to us to help as employees, volunteers, to learn as students or to receive care from us in the name of Christ!

Gale Thomason - Executive Director, Water Street Health Services

Residents sharing God's Heart

How have residents, youth, coworkers and/or children shared God’s heart with you this week?

Consider this situation: you're trying to get your life back together, but as part of the turnaround, you are forced to live in a dorm room with someone you've never met and had no part in choosing. Now imagine that your roommate is seriously ill and in need of a tremendous amount of help and attention. How would you handle this?

Listen to Jim Stanton, one of our men's counselor share what he has seen in the life of one of the men at Water Street...

One male resident is sharing a room with another man with some serious health concerns. The “healthy” man is experiencing a newfound love for others who need help! This is a new set of feelings and concerns that had not been part of his life before "Christ impacted change" happened inside him. How can we deny that Christ changes people’s outlooks, desires, feelings and attitudes?

I see change happen before me constantly in my workplace. PTL (Praise The Lord) that He allows me to recognize that this is from Him!

- Jim Stanton, Program Counselor

Wonder Club - Experiencing God's Love

I’ve experienced God’s love for me through several interactions during this past work week.

First, I entered the one preschool classroom where I was working, and several children raced to give me hugs. No, they were not using “walking feet,” but I chose not to address that. Later, as we were dropping the students off at their homes, the one student started walking towards her house, and then turned around and ran back to give me a hug.

I also have experienced God’s love for me through the care of my co-workers .They ask me how I’m doing (and really want to know!) and include my name in their prayers. It’s been a blessing to not only share God’s love with others, but to feel like I’m receiving more than I give.

- Carmen Garber, Wonder Club Teacher

Diana shares her testimony from Teen Haven

These last two years at Teen Haven have been the most fulfilling of my life. I remember back when I started volunteering there, almost two years to the date, and Pastor Jose Jimenez asked me one day if I could sweep the pool room and begin setting up for the after school program that was taking place that day, Torch. The program was for elementary school aged children from 3rd-5th grade. When he asked me this I thought “what, does he know how old I am why can’t I do something more important?” I quickly repented and remembered, “He who is faithful with little will be blessed with much”. It was hard at times, humbling, but God remained faithful in spite of my negative and prideful mindsets. He continued to lovingly rebuke me and remind me why I volunteered there and why it was so important for me to serve in such a way, my love for Him and the ministry. The kids I was able to meet and minister to made it more worth the long hours and the not so glamorous duties. Their hearts, smiles and testimonies really impacted me. This and just the simple reminder that God is faithful to those who remain faithful and that whatever I did no matter how small, my reward was being stored up in heaven. This gave me the drive that I needed to minister, to serve, to submit and do whatever small and/or great thing I was asked to do.

After a year and half of serving and wondering if should remain there, God opened the door for me to become a paid intern at our Teen Haven campsite on girl weekends; this was an answer to my long awaited prayer. Being an adult and having to go to school fulltime and work was not always easy and often took me away from Teen Haven, my favorite place on earth. How amazing and wonderful, what a blessing! As the school year ended I was remembered again by our Heavenly Father and was offered a full time position there as a summer intern, after some prayer and some meeting with my church leaders I took the position, what a summer it was and just on time. Going back and forth to camp, serving at different churches throughout the city and having day camp programs was satisfying and exhausting at times but God remained faithful. Now the summer is over and God has blessed me with a new job at George Washington Elementary School as an Outreach Paraprofessional. This job will give me an opportunity to work with families in that neighborhood and help them get connected in the school and community, possibly Teen Haven. A major part of my job is being able to work as a team member and also being able to bring my strengths to the table to help equip the team and better serve our community something that Teen Haven really focused on this summer.

Now God has blessed me with much because I was faithful with the little. There were definitely times when I doubted that I should remain at Teen Haven and others when I did not want to serve. I even prayed if I should take the position at Teen Haven, isn’t that so much like the human nature, praying for so long for an opportunity and then when God gives it to us, we pray and ask God if this is really Him, thank God for His grace, patience and faithfulness. I am so thankful to all the staff at Teen Haven, everyone has blessed my heart and affected me in such a way that I cannot describe in words. Continue to remain faithful and God will bless you. Your treasures are being stored up in heaven for the sweat, tears, long hours, and torn ligaments, I love you Angel.

Blessed and Highly Favored,
Diana Serrano

Food Drive Partnership!

This fall, help us raise 112 tons of food; your donation will help to provide thousands of holiday food boxes plus meals for the homeless all year long.

Find out how you can make a difference: http://www.rescuemissionfooddrive.org/

Teen Haven Camp: Testimonies & Transformation

Throughout the summer, there have been hundreds of urban youth who have spent one week encountering the beauty of God’s creation and serenity at Teen Haven Camp. Tomorrow will be the final day of camp for summer 2009. Please join us in praying for lasting change in the hearts and young lives of the campers. Pray that God would remind them that THEY ARE STRONGER IN HIM alone. Also, pray that they would know and experience God’s continuing mercy and peace, and remember that He desires to walk with them through all challenges they may experience.

Below is a specific testimony of the transformation that impacted the life of a young girl at Teen Haven Camp…

From the start of the week, she made known that she did not want to be at camp. She wasn’t a troubling child. She wept and would not take part in some activities and insisted on going home.

I spoke to her and asked what she did while at home. “I watch T.V. and like to read books a lot.” I encouraged her to stay away from the T.V and to continue reading. I also reminded her of the importance of being very selective in reading “good stuff”. At that point, out of the blue, she asked me for a Bible. I said on one condition, “You read it through once!” She smiled and agreed. I told her to remind me Friday before she left for home.

She came up to me on Friday and reminded me of our agreement. I gave her a brand new Bible. She embraced it and smiled. I reminded her of her promise. She smiled and said, “I will! Thank you.” Some plant, some water but the Lord gives the increase. Praise Him!

- Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director

Songs, Sharing and Unexpected Blessings

Recently my wife Deb and I had the privilege of speaking about the Water Street Mission to a group of residents at Country Meadows Retirement Home. We were greeted by a very sweet lady who happened to show up to chapel early. We were blessed to hear her story and inspired by her faith and love for the Lord. As the evening progressed we were treated to a variety of the old hymns that just aren’t sung much in most churches anymore. (Deb was particularly pleased with this part of the program.) After I spoke for a few minutes about the Mission, the group was asked to pray for two new employees, and then several of the residents gathered around Deb and I.

Along with Pastor Jim, this group of veteran prayer warriors prayed over Deb and I, our kids, the Mission staff and our clients. We were then presented with a gift from the group in the form of a song that they sang to us. Pastor Jim said that the residents had been rehearsing for some time. The whole point here is that we went there to talk about the mission and to hopefully inspire some of the residents, but God turned it around so that it became a huge unexpected blessing to us.

Scooter Haase - Executive Director, Water Street Mission

Outreach Ministries - Serving our Community

Last Tuesday, we found there was more donated produce than we could distribute through Outreach Ministries so we loaded a pallet of bread/pastry and a pallet of cantaloupe and took it to the streets. Two of the program men came along, one made a sign that read “From God to you” which we hung on the back of the truck. When we found the right spot off South Duke Street we pulled over and displayed the free goodies. One of the residents of Men’s Ministry headed off with small gospels of John to invite people to come and partake of the free food while we waited at the truck. Curious folks soon came to see what was going on and word spread fast once it got out!!

There were many neat things about this experience. We could communicate how God remembers them and is the one who ultimately provided this gift for them. It was a delight to see the expressions on faces and answer the “how many can I have question” with “as much as you can use but no more!” One of the men who came along made the connection that this is one thing his pastor was talking about on Sunday when he said – “love God, love people and impact your community” What a joy to help spread out the bountiful harvest God has given again this summer!

Dean Wenger – Redistribution Manager

Campers Encountering Christ

In the midst of challenges experienced at Teen Haven Camp, God is impacting the lives of urban youth. His grace sometimes even uses personal areas of brokenness and weakness, in the young campers, to reflect his love even more fully!

During a recent wagon ride, a young boy attending Teen Haven Camp shouted profane words to a lady walking her dog. That evening, her husband called and voiced his anger and displeasure towards the young man and us.

We took the necessary corrective action for his harsh words, and he took the rest of the week to take inventory of his actions, the consequences and the pain caused by his words. What he realized even more was his need for someone that could help him in this area. Thursday he found that One. He accepted the Lord as his Savior and made things right with all of us.

My concern was for making things right with the lady and her husband. I prayed and asked the Lord to reveal these folks. On Friday morning, I took the guys out for a wagon ride and told the guys to look for a dog that would resemble the one the lady was walking. Just as we thought the cause was lost, a young man spotted the dog and pointed to a house.

That evening I visited the house and met the lady and her husband. I expressed my apology and asked for forgiveness. They shrugged it off as typical for kids in today’s society. I told them how the Lord used all this to instruct the young man and help him realize the pain of such words but most importantly that he found his cure in Jesus. He got saved Thursday night and expressed a heart of restitution. He apologized for his actions to all and included them in this apology. They were both very moved and expressed a joy in hearing this turn of events. They thank me for sharing with them the rest of the story. In all things He is to be glorified. He was! };-))

- Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director