Teamwork

Imagine a football team. In its ideal condition each player does his part to support the whole, under the direction of special team’s coaches, who in turn support the assistant coaches, who likewise support the head coach.

In this idyllic world, the Offensive Coach focuses on offense in full trust that the Defensive Coach is working on defense, and vice versa. Each one knows his best contribution to the team is two-fold: do his job and trust the others to do theirs.

In team sports there are three things which will bring the team concept to its knees:

1. Coaches who second guess other coaches: each coach is chosen for his expertise in some area. It is destructive to the team (and very silly) for the Offensive Coach to believe he would have made a better decision than the Defensive Coach made in some situation. This presumes that the one had all of the same information and expertise as the other, which is always untrue. We cannot possibly know what we would do in a situation until we sit in the seat of the decider. We must trust the other coach and focus on our own area, or the team fails.
2. Players who second guess other players: a good coach will never allow players to undermine team morale by negative assertions about other coaches or other players. Effective coaches will redirect a disgruntled player to the team goals and specifically, to his own contribution to team play. If the coach listens without redirecting, team morale will fracture and the team will fragment into isolation and competing interests. Our own personal disappointment must be set aside for the good of the team.
3. Murmuring to others about someone else: nothing is more destructive inside a team than this. It is the thread that connects items 1 & 2 above. Expressing negativity about others, instead of to them, is like pouring acid on the team; it eats away the foundation upon which teamwork is built: Trust! To foster trust we must all agree to two abiding principles: 1) believe that others are doing their best, and 2) never speak negatively about them; only to them.

We at WSRM are a team, assigned to the most important ministry in the universe. We are most effective as we work as a team. This work is too important not to. We are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Fathers Day Reflections...

...Having a good dad was nice. I just wish that he hadn’t died when I was twelve.

…This is my dad and mom. They came all the way from Missouri to visit with me.

…My dad was a monster and I was his evil twin.

…My daughter checked in to the women’s shelter last night. Do you think it would be okay to see if she would be willing to talk to me?

…My dad moved halfway around the world to fight a war. When he was done fighting, he just left…without me.

…I miss my children; I’m resentful toward my dad; but, I’m becoming grateful toward my heavenly father. Please pray for me.

…My dad and my children are dead.

…My daughter wrote to me and still wants me to be in her life.

…My daughter and I used heroin together.

…Look what my daughter gave to me: Dad—So much has happened in this past year and through it all I believe you have become a much stronger and better man…and father. You are and always will be my Daddy. I love you and hope you have a great Father’s Day.

- CLD Program Men

Who do these mattresses belong to anyway?

Note: Occassionally, other ministries and congregations contact us to see if we can assist them with a pressing need they might have as they attempt to serve their congregations and communities. When the Lord supplies sufficiently through our faithful donors, and the partnership fulfills our mission, we attempt to help as we are able. Being good stewards of what the Lord provides and staying faithful to the donor's intent are high priorities when making these decisions... God has a way of helping us know how to respond as well...

This week a camp called asking if we have any extra single mattresses we could give them since they needed to replace a bunch at their camp. We have a good supply of them on hand so I gave them a smaller portion (33) of what we had available (not meeting their entire need), since we do need to look out for our own needs too.

Just after he left this morning with his second load, I was asking Maurice (our food services coordinator) how to know when you should give away all that God has given to us and when to hold back something for our own use. Arriving back in my office I got a call from Conestoga View wanting to donate 100-150 single mattresses!

God will meet all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus! Thank you Lord for this reminder when I am so slow to get it.

-Dean Wenger, RDC

Eyes front

Did you ever walk by someone who lives on the street and look the other way, hoping they wouldn’t notice or, God forbid, speak to you? The temptation to react this way is huge, and society teaches us that this is an acceptable reaction to poverty and homelessness.

We’ve become so comfortable with poverty and homelessness that we hardly notice their end results. As a former resident of Chicago and Boston, my ability to see without noticing became finely tuned, although having this ability didn’t alleviate the nagging feeling there was more going on here than meets the eye.

I have the opportunity to interact and work with our clientele on a daily basis and I can tell you that each one of them has a life history filled with many of the same things as you and me. The biggest thing that usually separates us is a few decisions along that way the either of us could have made differently.

I recently had the privilege of having my teenage step-son (Daniel) spend a day with me at the mission. During that day, he spent several hours working with one of our clients (Don) and the two of them developed a real connection. As we were driving home that day, Daniel said to me “I really like Don. We had a great time together, he’s a great guy!” I agree; I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Don and he is a special person. The next thought that came into my head was: how would Daniel and I have reacted to Don if we’d met him on the street instead of at the Mission? It’s upsetting to me that there was a time when I would have discounted Don as a person and just walked past him while trying to avoid looking at him.

We can’t all work at a rescue mission, nor should we, but there is more you can do. I invite you to take a moment to consider your reaction to poverty and homelessness, based on only one idea: there’s a real person of God’s creation under the rags, the smell, and the dirt. It’s very likely that this person under the rags is someone that could have a real impact on Daniel, me, and you if given the chance. You don’t have to give money, cars, or even your time to our clients or those still on the streets, but I invite you to consider giving them your love, respect, and most of all, your prayers. Look them in the eye and say hello, you might be surprised at the good it does for both of you.

- Scooter Haase, Operations

Grace-based Ministry

A Father recounts the following story[i]:

“When my daughter Abrielle was four she came running down the hall screaming, "I don't want to die! I swallowed a stone!" I immediately determined that nothing was obstructing her throat but she was still in a panic."It's OK, sweetheart. You're not going to die," I said. She thought I didn't understand. "But I swallowed a stone! It was a blue one!" she emphasized, as if I should realize this was a particularly deadly stone.

Apparently, a babysitter, in order to discourage her from putting things in her mouth, told her she could die if she swallowed the wrong things, and to Aby, that included polished stones I'd given her. I assured her she was in no danger; that the stone would come out in the morning when she went "poo poo." She ran to the toilet, "I want it out now!" She was pushing so hard it looked like a blood vessel would burst. She was frightened and desperate.Moments like this test and refine your values. Truth and reason weren't working. So I lied."I know what to do," I said, and I ran to get a spoonful of maple syrup. "Here, swallow this syrup. It will melt the stone." "Will it be gone?" she asked. "Absolutely," I replied. She swallowed the syrup and announced triumphantly, "Daddy melted the stone. I'm not going to die." The emergency was over, but I hated lying to her. Though I worried she would never trust me again, I had to tell her the truth a few weeks later. Today, she's almost nine, and I heard her using the story to tell her sisters that her daddy always takes care of her. Funny, she trusts me even more.”

The Father in this incident stumbled on something deep: ‘Truth is really important, but trust is the ultimate treasure.’

Trust and Grace

At Water Street Rescue Mission, we are asking this question: ‘Is what we are doing, thinking, or saying building or undermining the potential for building trust?’[ii] Our mission to skillfully share the gospel leads us to establish a trust bond with each resident, with conviction of this culminating in ‘a resident trusting God.’[iii] So to effectively share the gospel we must do all we can to encourage this bond of trust with the men, women, and children who come to our door.

But getting someone to trust is not easy. Accordingly we promote this trust by encouraging an atmosphere where grace lives. That is, we motivate others to begin to trust us by always operating in their best interest – which is our practical definition of grace. And this grace is what draws others to a relationship with God.

This culture of grace is neither license nor law. It is a place where both resident and staff member can freely acknowledge their position in this process of becoming more like Jesus. It is a place of safety where weaknesses and failure provide glimpses into the deeper issues of the heart. It is a place of risk where staff members are vulnerable and residents are held accountable to their choices. And it is a place where true heart change occurs not through compulsion or coercion to conform but by the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit.

- Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries
[i] The Blue Stone and the White Lie, told to me by Brad Hoopes
[ii] See, Christianity Confronts Culture, Marvin Mayers, Zondervan, pp. 32-33.
[iii] Ibid.

Perspective...

Someone once said, of God, that He is “Lord of the Heights of Faith that can calm the troubled soul and Lord of the Depths of Fear that can tear such Faith apart”.

In our line of work, we daily come face-to-face with both extremes. Most everyone who finds our doors genuinely desires change; they want a reprieve from a life of choices that just do not work. For a brief moment, all are touched by God and by his life-changing faith. But few will find this place of life-change, because the personal “cost” is just too great. Most desire the better life but find little value in the need to die well (to self) in order to have that better life. This means a return to faith-rending fear.

As a leader (and as a daily-recovering addict to self-exaltation) my constant prayer is for Perspective. This world (Water Street Rescue Mission) that I so dearly love is full of destruction and death (and a few visible victories). In my middle-of-the-night prayer times, the burden of pain often seems unbearable. Yet always He comes very softly, holds me close, and reminds me of just Who He Is (and of who I am not). He also reminds me of the day (about a year ago) that I stepped into His absolute contentment that makes these nightly “deaths to self” have value. He reminds me of His absolute Sovereignty and of the fact that He is Good. He reminds me of how, since His lovely Jesus traded His Righteousness for the Sin of all humanity, He is able to use even Sin to shape us into His Image.

Truly, “He is the Lord of All; of the seen and unseen things; of the creation that proclaims Him; of the power not to sin. He has always been and always will be Lord of All”.

- Norm Lowry, Men’s Ministry

Complaining

“There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, ‘If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into the wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates and no water to drink!’” (Numbers 20:2-5 NLT)

The children of Israel were always complaining about food, water, and where God had placed them and where He was taking them. God showed me that when I complain I am saying, “God, what you have provided for me is not good enough!” What causes me to complain? When my eyes are focused on my surroundings and not on Jesus, I complain. Like the children of Israel I tend to focus on my surroundings (what I have and what I don’t have). When I find myself in the wilderness, I often complain, not realizing that God is the one who led me there and if God brought me to a place of wilderness then it must be a good place for me.

Just like the children of Israel I start to blame other people. The children of Israel cried out for freedom for 400 years. God answered their cry and sent Moses to bring them out of captivity and still they complained all the time, not realizing that although they were in the wilderness, they were free! Just like me – when I was dead in my sins, I cried out to the Lord to save me and He did. I still complain about the hard place in life that He has me in not understanding that though it may be a hard place, I am free!

Also when I am in the wilderness I tend to take my anger out on other people blaming them for where I am just like the children of Israel blamed Moses and Aaron. I have to realize that I am not fighting against flesh and blood, but the enemy of my soul. It is so easy to focus on people and blame them because we can see them.

When in the wilderness I have to understand that God has not brought me there to die, but rather He has brought me there so that I might have a more abundant life in Him. He is using the wilderness experience to mold and shape me into His image. So I have to understand that what God has provided for me is good enough, even the wilderness.

- Nicholle M. Norton, Wonder Club teacher

Treasures...

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth; where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Being involved in the learning center has been great. I am learning a lot. I recently took and passed three of my five GED tests. The learning center has taught me a lot about myself. I am discovering the value of slowing down and of asking for help. My need for rushing through life is disappearing.

A lifetime of making wrong choices brought me here. My life is coming together now. I have eight months sober and a vision which includes hope for a bright future. I am looking into options for College; seeking God’s direction. It is my desire to step into His design for me. I did not believe in God before I came here. I’m glad that He believed in me.

The Chaplains and Staff are so good and kind. They are a loving family to me. Prior to being here, I had not experienced stability in my life. It is great to feel wanted and loved by so many. If it were not for the Mission being here I would be dead. And, if it were not for the people who have donated money and resources, I would not have had a chance to survive. I am grateful. I am simply one of the many people who count on the mission being here every day. I see God’s work being done here, in me and others.

The bible says that we shouldn’t lay up treasures for ourselves on the earth but that we should give our lives to helping others. When we get to heaven, we will receive our real treasure—Eternal life with God. This is so cool; I can’t wait to see the streets of gold. All it took was faith in the One who will love me forever, no matter what mistakes I make.

Thanks to My Savior…

- Lester Laughman (Men’s Ministry Intern)

Sorry...

Once again, I need to apologise for the gap between entries. No excuse, just life and work and general distractions.

I will try to do better... In fact there should be a new one posted in a few minutes.

Thanks for your forgiveness (I hope that's not presumptuous).

-Jack Crowley, inconsistent blog administrator

Medal of Honor

I recoil inside when a homeless guy starts spouting off about all he can do, if he’s quick to detail his exploits, or if he too readily knows all there is to know about something. I don’t know exactly why but inside I wonder whether his next step is relapse or a fall or something worse. To me it seems that a resident’s bragging and posturing provide cover for unacknowledged uncertainty and doubt. And certainly, I would never brag about all I know and can do!!! Right?

Bragging and posturing present quite a contrast with a book I read recently detailing the lives of the 100 or so Medal of Honor recipients who are still living. The Medal of Honor is the “highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.” The fascinating thing about the medal recipient’s stories is that few of the men seemed extraordinary prior to their heroic act. As a matter of fact, they were remarkable for their ordinariness. Coming from places like Terre Haute, Indiana, Shelley, Idaho, Wakefield, Rhode Island, and Tichnor, Arkansas they seemed quite everyday and not necessarily destined for recognition or greatness. To a man there was a modesty of behavior and a willingness to remember others who performed similarly in the direst circumstances possible.

Interesting isn’t it? How such a high honor could be received and worn with such humility. Each of these men were willing to commit their very lives to something bigger than themselves – honor, country, another’s welfare – even to the point of death. And each responded without allowing their fear to dictate their actions. May we, who are called to an even bigger task – that of putting our lives on the line for Christ – be found so modestly faithful.

- Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

Being part of a community...

I enjoy being a part of community and am learning to have quality interaction with others. Getting input from people who care is important. Doing my best without being a fake has become important, too. For most of my life, I burned myself out doing things over and over just to please others. It is exciting considering new options that I think of myself.

My false beliefs led me to think that I was no good; that I would never be able to do enough; that I would always fail; that I would always be alone. Exposing them has been helping me to see that I have high value and good ideas. I have hope just knowing that God will never leave me; that He will always be by my side. There are also people who want to be with me. I used to just walk away from problems and conflict. My new way is to sit down and try to work things out. People are encouraged by my kindness. I try to treat people the way I want to be treated.

In the Learning Center, I have given my all. It is something I want so I will keep pushing until I make it. My biggest negative has been trying to work things out for myself (I am making progress on this one). I am learning to value consistency and input from those who are trying to teach me new things. My biggest positive is in learning to evaluate my choices and to find perspective in my decision making.

I try my best to be there for my friends; to help them out. Some say that I am an encourager. Being a part of community is something to really care about.

- John (Men’s CLD Program)

Missing a friend...

On March 18, we lost a dear friend, sister and fellow Servant, Joanne (Taylor) Horton. Joanne was a Teen Haven kid, starting as a camper and progressing as a junior counselor and cabin supervisor, even after leaving for college and graduating, she continued to return to Teen Haven to disciple young ladies as they learned to follow Jesus. She went home to be her Lord on Sunday the 18th, the autopsy showed she had an enlarged heart (watching her live her life for Christ and for others, we were not surprised).

Her Obituary:

JoAnne Jacqueline Taylor was born July 19, 1979 to the late Joan Rice and George Small in Philadelphia, PA. “Jay” as she was so affectionately called by those who loved her, was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. She continued her education at Community College of Philadelphia, proudly completing her Associates Degree in Bible at Lancaster Bible College May 2006. At LBC “Jay” directed the campus gospel choir. She also worked in the Library and cafeteria, touching the lives of many, in fact she was referred to as “Jay the jolly food service lady.”

After a long friendship with a fellow servant of the Lord, Jay knew the soul mate that God called for her. While serving at Teen Haven Ministries, God gave the anointing seal of approval for the union of Rodney and JoAnne Horton, December 9, 2006. JoAnne and Rodney made Middletown, PA, their home.

As a child she loved to play with her brothers and sister. She loved all of her family unconditionally. She was determined to complete her life goals.

At a young age she accepted God as her personal Savior at Galilee Baptist Church. Jay became involved in Teen Haven Ministry. She led many young girls to Christ. She was burdened for the lost souls in her cabin. Her favorite cabin was #8.

Jay loved children so much she would baby-sit for anyone, anywhere as long as transportation would allow. Her vision was to co-own a day care center with her cousin, Shawnik Rice, named “Building Bridges International Foundation.”

January 2007 JoAnne was employed by Crosspoint United Methodist Church as a kindergarten teacher. She loved the children at Crosspoint, she carried their burdens home and prayed for them. The children called her Mrs. H, Mrs. Jay, or Mrs. Teacher.

Jay had a special relationship with her grandmother, Mary Rice who has since followed her home.

Jay leaves to mourn, her husband of three and one half months, Rodney Horton of Middletown, PA, Father George Small of Philadelphia, PA, two brothers and one sister of Philadelphia, PA, Wayne, Kevin, and Kathy, one brother-in-law Charles, also of Philadelphia, PA and one brother-in-law Corey of Mississippi. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of friends.

Volunteering—through the eyes of a Learning Center Tutor…

Coming to Water Street Rescue Mission to volunteer is one of the most exciting steps I have ever taken. After a year and a half of a college education at Millersville University, I have started to learn who I am as a person in God, in the classroom, and in the world. Volunteering in the Learning Center has given me the opportunity to spread my wings and practice the lessons I have learned in the classroom. It has also taught me lessons that are unable to be taught in the classroom.

One of the most exciting things I have been learning by volunteering is the mission of WSRM and the Learning Center. As a born-again, Jesus-seeking Christian, I value and am passionate about having others come to know Christ. The fact that this is the mission of the agency as well as the staff is so exciting. By seeing the passion in Norm and Sue, I have developed a passion to see the students in the Learning Center come to a true relationship with God as well. My passion keeps growing as I get to know each of the students in the learning center and hear their stories. Some are still searching for something to fill the void but some are new Christians fervently seeking the will of God and that is what fuels my fire. Most people getting started into volunteering are seeking to help others. This is what I was expecting but I feel that the students and staff in at the Learning Center have taught me so much more then I could ever teach them.

- Kara (Millersville University Student)

Playing left-handed

This morning Jere and I played racquetball left-handed. It sure felt awkward hitting with our off hand but after awhile things got just as competitive. We chose to play with our weak hands due to the tendonitis lacing through his right forearm. And somewhere in the middle of our second game, Jere remarked that we were at least ‘strengthening our weak areas.’ And I had to stop and think about that. And you know there was deeper benefit than just pain relief.

As I survey the landscape of my Christian life and remember many who have walked beside me, I am reminded of some who have ‘lost the faith’ and by all appearances are no longer living a life of belief. And I wonder. Could these have ‘lost their faith’ through the disillusionment of trying to live a life free from imperfection? Could they have thought a life without weakness possible when this world has been so infected by sin?

When was the last time you heard the preacher acknowledge any personal struggles from the pulpit? Or the people next to you in the pew speak of their wearisome marriage? Or believing colleagues talk of an inclination toward porn, their desire for someone’s wife, or their inability to control their anger? How difficult it is to admit struggle and difficulty or even that some things are yet to be resolved!

May you be encouraged in your weakness today! It is in this failing that God shows up and becomes obvious.

My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. 10 Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size--abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

The grind in my soul

There is a man who comes drunk to the mission each time he comes, nearly every night. Here is the grind:

• Do we continue to provide services in the hope of eventually breaking through, even though he chronically exploits our mercy? If so, he may take our decision as permission to continue his behavior and die from his addiction.
• Do we discontinue providing services in the hope that hard consequences will help bring the breakthrough? If so, he may die from the elements or some accident while drunk.

Who is qualified to make such a determination? Who can be certain of the outcome of either choice?

If you already think that you know which answer is ‘right’, be careful. It cannot be decided ahead of time. It is not ‘one size fits all’. Both options have a place in addiction recovery.

It must be decided one person at a time. It must be decided in the context of relationship. It must be decided in the best interest of the person –not according to ‘policy’. It must be decided apart from our own like or dislike of the person.

Who can do that? Who can be sure that they are objective enough to be certain of the ‘right’ choice for each person? Not me! Yet, I have to make this decision every day.

That is the grind in my soul.

And here is all I know to do about it:

• Listen to hear the man’s heart
• Invite input from others
• Stay very close to Jesus
• Remain conscious of my own issues
• Be ready to change the decision at any time it seems appropriate
• Brace myself for the onslaught of criticism that will follow every new decision

The grind in my soul is good. I wouldn’t have it any other way. This work is too important to be easy.

-Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Numb, but not out of it

I had a filling replaced today. And I don’t like pain. So I was glad when the dentist used a topical anesthetic to blunt the sting of the needle before the real pain killing stuff! I can’t eat anything yet and the dull ache in my head is making it a little difficult to concentrate.

Does anyone really like pain? I remember the one time that I spanked my oldest daughter when she was young. She had openly defied her mother and I and knew the consequence of such direct disobedience. And she started crying before my hand tapped (and it really was a tap) her thick, diaper-padded bottom! And it was a bit humorous, that she would cry before the ‘pain’ was inflicted. Yet her crying matched my response to the prospect of pain at the dentist quite similarly.

This is an odd thing. Pain is painful and finding healing from the pain – is painful! The toothache hurt and so did the remedy. My daughter anticipated her bottom a bit sore but would have realized greater pain as an adult knowing only parenting without loving boundaries! Is it possible that pain whether inflicted or chosen can cause us to grow in character?

As we experience pain in life here is the reassurance for those who follow Jesus, the Suffering Servant: In times of our deepest pain, God can provide comfort adequate with the suffering. As another has said, ‘Jesus will go through our pain with us.’ May our pain encourage us to grow deeper in our relationship with this One who knows and understands!

- Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

Learning to be responsible...

Learning to be responsible can be difficult. Once you have learned this, change isn’t hard. Water Street Rescue Mission absolutely teaches change. It’s available, if the individual wants it. Adapting to change & structure is the model. Succeeding is what everyone should aim for. Once learning to trust the Program Staff & Counselors, dealing with the day’s situations becomes easier. This is not to say that everything is always smooth. Life here has its “moments”. This is when you learn to have a high tolerance level.

One of the biggest issues that God stresses is being humble. This being a Christian organization, devoting yourself to Bible studies during your stay here is a part of what we do. This can pick you up on the sad days and even make you think about life in a different way. Having faith will give you hope. Wanting something and having a group of people supporting you makes it possible to give your life to God.

All of the pain does not leave over night. Patience is a learning process, here. Healing is a learning process, here. And, we learn because we want to learn. I was looking for change so I came here. Blessing is in it for me. I’m close to the Staff. I finished my time here and chose to come back to finish the Learning Center and for Bible Study. I can say that I’ve received help from the Water Street Rescue Mission.

- Dominai (Learning Center Student)

A wild ride

Our shelter devotions this morning, from Chapter 25 of the Purpose Driven Life, dealt with God’s authority over everything that happens to us and His promise to make all of it work together for good when we belong to Him. I put that promise into practice personally when I left work last Friday evening – in a blizzard.

In my younger days, I was not so concerned about bad weather. As a matter of fact, snow was an occasion for celebration as my children and I took our sleds to Buchanan Park and raced each other up and down the hills. Now that my sledding days (and a few unwanted pounds) are behind me, I look at snow through different eyes. I must admit to being fearful of traveling in it. (Maybe “terrified” would be a better word.) While my heart tells me, “be not afraid,” my mind says, “you might break a bone or lose your car, and then what would you do?” and I want to watch it through my living room window rather than shovel it or drive in it “up close and personal.”

Before I left the mission Friday night a little after 10 p.m., I gave my safety to the Lord. And, as I traveled through the slippery streets of Lancaster, He was along for the ride. I thanked Him for the empty seat beside me where I knew my guardian angel was in residence, working overtime on my behalf. As I slid through the city looking for a path from shelter to home, (experiencing what it must be like to steer a toboggan over rough terrain), I went with a song in my heart. Actually, I think I made up about a dozen new verses to “God is So Good.” And indeed God was good. I made it home safely and found a son and grandson inside to welcome me.

It took slightly less than an hour to make the five-minute trip home. Yet the confidence that God would deliver me, no matter what, cast out all fear. I thanked Him again and again upon arriving home, but had to ask myself. Would I, could I have thanked Him again and again if my ride had not ended so well? Oh, I hope so. Would God have been any less good, had I slid into another vehicle on my way home, or not been able to stop at an intersection? Would I have questioned His faithfulness if I had awakened in Intensive Care?

Lord, I thank you for your unfailing faithfulness. May I be faithful right back, especially when things don’t go my way. What a blessing to know that your plan for me is perfect, no matter what it includes. I see the present clearly, but you know the first from the last. So, when I can’t understand, when I can’t see your hand, help me Lord to trust your heart.

- Vicki Bollman, Women’s Ministry

Finding Favor

One of my favorite Bible characters is Queen Esther. I suppose the fairy tale like image of a quiet little Jewish girl capturing the heart of the great king and becoming his queen would appeal to most people. We probably all long for the sudden rags to riches moment in our own lives, especially on those days when it seems like our own little world is falling apart around us.

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to study the story of Esther in greater detail and I have just begun to discover what it was that made her such a great person. Through reading and studying the book Finding Favor with the King by Tommy Tenney, I’ve been discovering the secrets of her success! Hidden among palace protocol is an in depth look at the purpose of the Bible – access to the very presence of God. The book of Esther holds the secrets to developing a relationship with God that leads us in to the very presence of the King Himself. Esther spent a year preparing herself for one night with the king in the hopes that she would find favor with him and become his queen. That year of preparation led far beyond her expectations to the point that put her in a place to save an entire nation from total annihilation.

Esther lived in the palace and studied the king during her year of preparation. She made it her goal to know his likes and dislikes. She was more concerned with knowing what would please him than she was with knowing what the kingdom had to offer her. In the same way we need to worship God for who He is and to bring Him honor rather than concerning ourselves with what He can do for us! We need to study our King in order to enjoy the intimacy that comes from spending time with someone we love. The greatest lesson we can learn from Esther is to fall in love with the King! Coming to God through a heart of genuine worship and praise brings us into the very presence of the King and we can enjoy His favor. Who knows what great thing being in the presence of our King will come from His favor. What is God preparing you for through an intimate relationship with Him?

It only took one night with the king to turn the peasant girl Esther into a princess. One moment in the presence of God can change our lives forever. So don’t worry about your future. Instead spend time preparing for your moment of favor. Intimacy with the King can change everything!

-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club

(Ironically, not knowing that Lorraine's post would be about Esther, my 5 yr-old daughter just drew the picture above, "Esther visits the king," for me to bring to work -- Jack C, Teen Haven)

Identity

The following was part of a letter I am sending to Teen Haven donors this week (since writing the letter, another teen was shot and killed at a party in Lancaster in the last week - 2 others shot in the same incident as well):

Recent local events have increased the sense of urgency around the issue of gang violence.

Within a two hour period, four separate shootings occurred in Lancaster City leaving several individuals hospitalized. Days later a seven-year-old girl was shot in the crossfire of rival gangs while walking to the store with her mother.

Police estimate that as many as 20 organized gangs operate in Lancaster City, totaling 600-2,000 members.

Lancaster is not alone. York and Columbia have seen similar gang related crime affect their neighborhoods. And in Philadelphia last year, police documented more than 1,800 shootings and 406 murders (more than one per day). Police estimate that more than half of these shootings involved young street gang members (under 20 years old).

When urban teens struggle to define who they are or who they want to be, and when their family or church is unable to provide a sense of self and belonging, a street gang often fills that void.

Interviews with gang members and former gang members prove the same: Teens are looking for a sense of identity and belonging. Teens often refer to their gang as their family.

Teen Haven is a part of the community-based conversation determining how to address the rise in gangs and violence in our community. One thing remains clear to us though, even in the midst of these discussions: Programs only provide a viable alternative to street life if they can help a teen understand who they are and how they belong to something bigger than themselves.

Every day through camps and city programs, Teen Haven is helping kids find their identity. In January alone, 27 teens decided to join Christ’s family by accepting His gift of grace and committing to follow Him. Hundreds of kids are being nurtured in their faith and prepared to walk with Christ in the face of all the trials and temptations of the city through our discipleship programs.

This is the core of what Teen Haven has been offering inner-city teens for over 40 years. When a youth connects with Teen Haven, they learn they are a child of the King and can be a part of the greatest family in the world. When someone truly grasps all that it means to be a child of God and to be loved by Him, when they experience the fellowship, selfless love and support that can only be found in the Body of Christ, the allure of a gang is greatly diminished.

- Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

More random thoughts … to follow Jack’s example

• I sure enjoyed seeing the movie, Amazing Grace, this weekend with my family though I’m glad the director didn’t graphically portray all that the African captives had to bear on the trip over. It was a bit easier on my conscience not to have to linger on the great suffering those on the ship endured. And it was striking to realize how long William Wilberforce labored to see slavery abolished. May we be as persistent in doing right.
• Yesterday, I was able to speak to a young female resident in a way that I would speak to my daughters. I was amazed at how she was riveted to my words as I spoke. I can’t think what I said was terribly profound. But what a great opportunity - in some small way – to fill the void left by a father who wasn’t there with hope that she might better know the Father who is always there.
• I felt sad at the Monday press conference announcing the guilty in the latest two shootings in Lancaster. Sad for a little girl – who is thankfully headed toward full recovery, sad for a young man who is dead, sad for turf wars and the presence of drugs in our community. Sad for young people out late at night groping for a manhood or womanhood they find elusive. Sad for those with a seared conscience to use the phrase of one state official. Sad for the role models of the day that champion bluster and self-interest.
• I guess Senators Specter and Casey can get some more bucks into our community and agencies can keep talking and partnering – which is all good. But who’s raising our children? Who’s there to build a sense of self, to provide loving boundaries when the kids are young, to model walking through tough times in a way that encourages the development of character and perseverance?
• Did you notice how the white snow by the side of the road so promptly turned black from the fumes of the cars and trucks that passed by? It kind of reminds me of how the world started – pristine and untouched – and how we quickly spoiled God’s creation with the dirt of pride and a consuming self-interest. And I remember G K Chesterton’s quote, "Certain new theologians dispute original sin, which is the only part of Christian theology which can really be proved." Sad, real, and profound. See above.

- Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

Least of these, Pt 5

The final installment in our study about responding to the needs of the "least of these."

Why do we respond?

• 1 John 3:16-18
• It is really quite simple – I respond because God loves me and as a result I love Him. That’s it in its simplest form. Anything else is window dressing. Its His love for me that drew me to Him, That even allowed for Him to desire to seek me, and to send Jesus on a mission for me. I respond – because its not about this world – and its not about me – its about God, His kingdom, and His desire that none should perish. Imagine using me (and you) so that none should perish.
• I respond because it is the evidence of my love for my Creator and His abundant love abiding in my heart. Oh, that I would get it right more often ….
• Father, “let me not love with word or tongue, but in deed and truth” …. Amen.

- Rick Rutter, former Director of Outreach Ministries (now owner of Bubba's Breakaway)

Integrity

Integrity: courage to meet the demands of reality

Recently I heard a definition for integrity that really struck me as profound: Integrity is the quality of character that has the courage to meet the demands of reality.

As I considered this definition in the light of the recovery process I had one of those "aha" moments. One of the things that have gone wrong in the addicted life is the loss of courage to meet the demands of reality (life).

Those of us who know Jesus and (are beginning to) understand his ways and means know that he promises to never give us more than we can handle. We also know his agenda for us all is growth toward maturity, and His favorite tool for helping us grow is hardships.

Trusting these facts we can embrace the difficulties of life (reality) with a courage that sees us through the event. This perseverance brings with it maturity and strength of character (integrity).

Those who have been damaged in their upbringing and who do not yet trust that the Lord loves and cares for them are often anxious (terrified?) by the demands of life. Our task for these ones then is to encourage them, or put the courage back in them.

We need to make certain that any assistance we provide is crafted to put courage into them that will help them meet the demands of life. Often the easiest assistance for us to give is the worst for them to get. Giving a man a fish is good, but if we never instill in him the courage to fish on his own –we have simply made him dependent upon us.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Random Thoughts: snow, coffee and conversation

• Man, I'm feeling sore. I spent a couple of hours today shovelling and my body is not used to it. It makes me long for the days when I worked hands on with the kids at the youth center and exercise (in the form of basketball, dodgeball, "monkey's run", roller skating, tag, etc) was part of my daily ministry. Now I spend most of my work time sitting (at my desk, in the car, at meetings, etc).


• Although the petty soreness I'm feeling as I type this doesn't compare to the pain he discusses in his books, I am reminded of how Dr. Paul Brand discusses pain as a gift from God. Check out his books if you get the chance. Today I can be grateful for a body that functions well enough to become sore from physical exertion and work.


• After my last bout of shovelling today, I spent a little time warming up with coffee and conversation at the youth center with one of our youth staff, Michael. 40 minutes of conversation about movies, biblical interpretation, sports, marriage (what percentage of the time our wives are correct and we are wrong- somewhere between 85 and 99.9%), exegesis vs. eisegesis, the kids we work with, rules of dating from our college days, and desert island dvds. I think the fellowship and conversation served to warm my body and soul more than the coffee ever could. As much as I like a good cup of coffee, it is the conversation that make a coffee house an inviting place isn't it?


• Shovelling also reminded me of a conversation I had at church on Sunday. A woman in my church who lives right behind the youth center came up to me to share how grateful she was for our Teen Haven youth. After the nasty storm on Valentine's Day, she wasn't sure when she would ever get her car free from the piles of ice and snow that the snowplows had buried her car behind. As she was beginning what she thought would be an interminable process, some young men from the youth center came to her rescue. They took over the work and stayed until her car was completely free. What a testimony of love and neighborly concern.


• Snow provides a visible reminder of God's creativity and power, and an opportunity for us to demonstrate his loving concern to our neighbors (if we'll only take advantage of it).

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

Least of these, Study pt 4

What happens when we respond?

• Acts 2:43-47
• Why do we worry so much about revival and filling our pews and yet neglect those outside the doors of our churches in the communities that God has placed us in. Why do we drive for miles to find the perfect church so we can get in, get our worship on, and get out, without ever having to engage the people around us … including our neighbors? Oooops, sorry. I didn't mean we, I meant why do I!
• Let’s see, people devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer – and the church grew. People ministered to the needs (without shooting the wounded) of the poor in their midst – and the church grew. Evangelism occurred as people noticed a faithful response by God’s people to God’s people – and the church grew. Hmmmm, I wonder … what might happen if I was that devoted to God and my brethren? What about you? Just a thought…..
• Father, may your Spirit challenge me to be devoted in all areas of my life and relationship with you – that your kingdom would be glorified and grow because of the heart and relationships among your people… In Jesus’ name … Amen.

Least of these, Study pt 3

Continuing to look at what the Bible has to say about responding to people in need...

What is a faithful response?

• James 2:14-18; Is my faith evidenced by how I live my life? Is it evidenced in my interactions with my children? My co-workers? My brothers and sisters at Crossroads Mennonite Church?
• Is my faith evidenced in my interactions with those who come to me with need? Do I send them away, hungry and confused, until they get this i dotted or t crossed? Have I regulated away the need to meet the physical needs of those in our community?
• How do I handle the unexpected phone call, the interruption into my quiet night or trip to the store? Does my faith shine through then? Or does it only shine through when I am “on the clock” and have my ministry face on (and is that really shining?) ?
• Father, Let your love and my faith be the evidence of my life and intentions as I serve joyfully and gratefully for all you have done for me… In Christ’s name … Amen.

-Rick Rutter, formerly Director of Outreach Ministries

Snow Day

When I was a kid, I loved snow days. Waking up in the morning to a blanket of snow sent us running to the radio to find out if school was in session that day. What a delight it was if we found out school was cancelled! A snow day meant an unexpected holiday from the normal activities in life. Okay, I admit, as a child I certainly didn’t realize the amount of extra work it created for my parents just to do the normal things that needed done on the family farm. For me and my brothers and sisters, it was a holiday from school and a day to romp and play in the big white world outside. Sledding, building snowmen, snowball fights, snow angels, etc. were just part of the fun. Life pretty much ground to a halt.

As a young adult I realized all that snow meant shoveling driveways and walks in freezing temperatures, and suddenly snow days weren’t quite as much fun. And most adults still had to drive to work in all that miserable stuff. But as a teacher there was still a certain amount of excitement to waking up to an early morning phone call and hearing the words, “no school today” by the caller on the other end of the line. Snow days meant an unexpected vacation day. They were totally “free” days. They were different from the scheduled days off – those days were filled with appointments and all the things I couldn’t do during my regular work hours. Snow days were different – there was a whole day to do just what I wanted (once the driveway and walks were shoveled, of course). I could curl up and read a good book, bake cookies, play a game, put a puzzle together, or get out that long awaited craft project without worrying about the work that wasn’t getting done!

Oh, how things have changed. Now my day starts at 5 in the morning as I get up, listen to the weather forecast and check what the other schools in Lancaster County are doing. Should we have a delay or should we just cancel school for the day? And then once the decision is made, I’m the one making a myriad of phone calls – to the staff and then to the radio and TV stations. And all this by six o’clock in the morning! As I stand inside my warm house and gaze out the window at the winter wonderland, I realize that modern technology has kept us from having the traditional “snow day” when everything grinds to a screeching halt. Computers now allow us to connect to the office from our homes and life goes on. As I logged on to my computer yesterday morning just to check if there was anything urgent that needed my attention, I was somewhat amused to see a message from the IT department that said they were working from home. Pretty amazing, I thought. My son-in-law, who works for the phone company, got 2 minutes away from home in his vehicle, and was slipping and sliding so much he turned around, came home, and spent the day doing his job from the comfort of his living room in front of his computer! I’m sure these are not isolated cases. In fact, here I sit at home “working” all due to the wonders of modern technology.

However, I can’t help but wonder if this ability to keep on going is all for the best. If a snowstorm can’t make us stop, slow down, and take the day off to rest and play, what does? We live in a work driven society. Our lives are constantly on the move. Do we ever take a “snow day”? Is there such a thing as a holiday? What about the Sabbath? While I’m not suggesting that things come to a grinding halt every time it snows, perhaps we should count this snow as God’s quiet nudge to take a moment to rest and reflect on His Goodness. At least for a minute before we check our email and answer the phone.

-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club School

ps- the picture above is not from Lancaster (its from Newfoundland)

Being nice vs. being helpful

As a recovering drug addict I can say that “niceness” almost killed me. People didn’t want to hurt my feelings or let me experience the consequences of my actions because that seemed too harsh.

The world is full of people who think that being “nice” is being helpful. I used to think this behavior was well motivated naiveté. As I grow older I am seeing that it isn’t well motivated at all –it’s selfish. People are more interested in avoiding conflict than actually helping.

Addiction is a resolvable condition, but it will not be achieved through being “nice”. It only gets resolved through relentless accountability (tough love); and that’s not “nice”.

Practicing addicts are masters at evading what could help them. They will use everything at their disposal to maintain their self-centered lifestyle: family, children, physical conditions… “Nice” people often unwittingly assist them in their evasion. Pulling out of the steep dive of addiction requires very specific, hard work, and addicted people shrink from that hardship. And “nice” people let them.

All too often, I get phone calls from people (even from within the mission) who cannot understand how we could be so unkind to person x. “As a Christian organization you should…” they say.

What I needed, and finally got, in my addiction were people willing to walk away from me if I didn’t accept help. I called my pastor for help once when I was on the streets in Portland, Oregon. He said, “Aaron I can’t give you what you want. You need to experience the consequences of your decisions. When you improve your choices, your life will improve.”

That man knew how to help and for a long time after I hated him for it. I love him today.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Mental illness and homelessness

John[1] spent most of lunchtime walking back and forth in front of the serving line. Attempts to engage him in conversation were met with a smile and silence. And as he paced he was observed speaking under his breath and laughing to himself. Clearly, he was not interested in engaging others nor did he notice the things happening around him.

Some of our residents hear and see things that others do not. Some are crippled with intense feelings of sadness. Still others have an incredibly difficult time getting along with peers and family. For many different reasons these residents, many who have been diagnosed with some form of mental disability, find their way to the Rescue Mission and provide a unique challenge as we attempt to get them the care they need.

Jesus offers us hope, peace and rest. He says in Matthew 11:28, “"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Our resident friend, John was not experiencing this rest that Jesus offers. And as we thought of John in light of Jesus’ statement we were forced to ask ourselves several questions:

How do we connect with someone who doesn’t necessarily see the need to connect?
How do we build trust with another who finds it difficult to trust?
And how do we get help to someone who doesn’t believe they need help?

We will pray with and for him. We will give him the support that a consistent schedule, a regular diet and times of rest offer. We will assess his needs. We will find out where he’s been and where he needs to go. We will evaluate his medical issues. We will carefully listen to his concerns. We will connect him with other service providers who can assist in his care. And we will do this in a way that values him as a person and operates in his best interest. And hopefully as he grapples with the confusion that mental illness brings he will know that he is of inestimable worth.

-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries
[1] Not his real name.

Praying for Chutes and Ladders

Carissa and I were in the middle of an intense game of Chutes and Ladders yesterday, and suddenly she realized that her Zoe game piece (we have the Sesame Street edition of the game) was in a precarious position. Although she was way ahead of her daddy (Big Bird), Zoe had a 2 out of 6 chance of landing on a chute with her next spin (which would drop her way back on the game board).

Suddenly, Carissa paused, turned slightly away from me, closed her eyes and grasped her hands together."Dear God, please let me get a 4, OK, please let me get a 4, alright."Wouldn't you know she spun the wheel and got a four. After a quick shout of joy and a "Thanks, God," we continued to play.

Now, as cute as this was, this whole situation left me a little perplexed. When I took the time to think about it, so many thoughts have been running through my mind.

• We have never really talked about praying for help in sports or games, and never really demonstrated this behavior, so where did Carissa pick it up?


• Is this a good thing for Carissa to do? Should we encourage her to think about God as an actively interested party in her board game play (and later with sports, etc)?


• I've always struggled with imagining that God cared a whole lot about the winners of athletic and other contests (even the Super Bowl), let alone Candyland or Chutes and Ladders. At the same time, I claim to believe in a God that cares about the smallest details of my life and my children's lives.


• To see Carissa model this level of dependence on God and trust that He cares is a humbling example to me... are there things that I consider too trivial to bring before God that he wishes I was humble enough to take to Him?
  

Maybe I'm thinking too much (OK, I know I am), but it is important to me that I raise up my daughters with a right understanding of who God is, and understanding that He is not some genie in a bottle waiting to grant our every wish and whim.

Most importantly, I got to see yesterday that my 5 year old daughter thinks about God as a friend who can help her and cares about what is important to her. Maybe she has as much to teach me about God as I do her.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

Family traditions at camp

It's great to see how God can impact entire families through camp ministry, both as campers and servants...

• Steven Jr. (15) - I had an opportunity to sit down and chat with a young man that has been part of the ministry since his diaper stage. Steve is walking in the steps of his dad. Steve White Sr. came years ago as a camper and developed into a supervisor. He came to know his wife through the ministry and started to take on the responsibilities of a husband, father and servant of Christ. When Steven Jr. came along he started to follow his dad’s steps in serving the Lord at camp. Steven senior ministers during older guys weekends in programs, prize presentation and teaching Scripture. As he serves the kids, Steve Jr. serves in the kitchen and as an assistant cabin supervisor. Like father like son!
• Andy & Andrew (15) - Andy came to us years ago as a camper and developed a love for the kids and a hearts desire to serve the Lord. He has married and has a son and daughter. When the opportunity comes, he takes great pleasure in joining us to serve our kids. This past weekend Andy served with his son as his assistant. What a powerful team and great witness to the campers as they see the joy of a father and son serving the Lord.
• Husband & Wife Team - This past girls weekend, it was very special to see our newly weds serve together. Rodney in the kitchen and his bride, JoAnne, supervising a cabin of young ladies. A powerful witness for our female campers. The joy of marriage and serving the Lord together.

-Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp

Least of these, Study pt 2

What is a righteous response?

• Ezekial 18:5-9; Not helping the poor is the same as oppressing them. When I do not oppress the poor I will not hesitate to “give bread to the hungry and cover the naked with clothing.” Oppressing the poor and needy is equated with (v 11-13) defiling my neighbor's wife, committing robbery, idol worship, and usury. The result of which is… death. Seems to me God’s righteousness requirement for me is to respond “fairly.”
• How do I respond fairly when the needs are so great, stories are exaggerated, and the faces of the poor coming for assistance never seem to change? By executing true justice – not man’s justice – but a justice that provides for love, mercy, and grace – equipping and encouraging people through relationships that (v23), rather than taking pleasure in the circumstances and death of the wicked, that they might turn and live. But in order for that to happen I must “Therefore, repent and live” (V32).
• Father, forgive the callousness of my heart and may your justice and righteousness guide my steps and guard my heart in all my relationships … for Christ’s glory, Amen.

Considering the "least of these"

Our Outreach Ministries Director, Rick Rutter, recently left Water Street to begin a new adventure as a small business owner (Quick shameless plug: When you just gotta have a quality cheesesteak, sub, or wrap visit Bubba's Breakaway on Lincoln Highway East).

Before departing, Rick helped us develop a new strategy for how we can do our Outreach Ministries (providing food, clothing, and furniture to families and individuals in need) in a compassionate and empowering manner. He also laid the groundwork for future partnerships with churches and other agencies so that we can serve the community together in a way that builds the kingdom. Part of his process in developing this strategy was taking time to think about, study, and discuss with others issues related to poverty, the poor, and what a biblical response to those in need really looks like.

Before he just tells us all the answers (just kidding), we thought some of you might want to wrestle with some of these questions yourself. Rick has organized some of his thoughts and questions in a semi-devotional format. We'll be posting it here in 5 parts over the next few weeks. If you're up for a challenging exercise, give these studies a try. Here's #1:

How do I see the poor?
Polar opposites in Scripture include:

• Job 16:1-5, 10-11; How do I respond to another in crisis? Empty words? Lip service in the name of encouragement – remember that the friends started out with good intentions. Blaming others for their circumstances? Judgmental and condemning? Do I make the poor feel defensive? Do I make them feel even more guilt and shame than they probably feel coming to me for help in the first place? Have I replaced (or am I doing) Satan’s work in eroding another’s confidence and moving them further from the kingdom of God?
• Luke 7:36-50; Am I so certain of my own poverty, my own sinfulness, and my own need for forgiveness that I respond out of humility and love? Do I embrace others as true co-heirs (or potential co-heirs) created in the Imagio Deo – the very same image of the very same God who loves them the very same that He died the very same death to spend the very same eternity with us?
• Pharisee or forgiven, condemning or consoling, executioner or encourager? How will I see the poor today?
• Father, remove the scales from my eyes and turn my heart of stone to a heart of flesh that I might see and be Jesus today to the people that you bring across my path… Amen

He's in it all

We often remind clients that God is aware and a part of everything in our lives. We cannot hide from Him, nor do we ever take Him by surprise. We are continually reminded of this fact when God shows up in the little things of life.

Several years ago, as I prepared for a missions trip (teaching English in Macedonia), I realized that I did not own a dependable, trustworthy camera. As I am not a world traveler or a skilled photographer, and because this trip marked a turning point in my life as well as one of my most exciting adventures, I wanted to be sure I had a reliable camera with which to record my memories.

One of the other things I am not (in addition to world traveler/photographer) is a yard sale enthusiast. This is not because I have any aversions to used items. In fact, one of my most prized possessions came from the dumpster behind Water Street Rescue Mission’s Thrift Store. No, distancing myself from yard sales stems from the abundant accumulation of “things” (qualified “yard saleable” stuff) left in my home by my three children and six grandchildren - all provided free of charge! However, as I prepared for the Macedonia trip, I ventured to a neighborhood yard sale – in my own neighborhood -where I found a Kodak 35mm camera (with tattered case) for only $5. When my neighbor heard I was headed for Macedonia, she offered the camera at the reduced price of $2.50. As a result, my Kodak and I preserved some wonderful memories from both Macedonia and Vienna.

Somehow that leads me to Christmas. You see, last year, my son and grandson woke up at 4 a.m. on black Friday to camp out in the Mall parking lot so they could purchase a digital camera at a great price for my Christmas gift. Since that time, my trusty Kodak has laid idle in a dining room cupboard. This year at Christmas, my children and I were all snapping photos with our digital cameras. My son and grandson, who had just returned from a weekend-before-Christmas trip to St. Louis (for a pro-football game) wanted to share the pictures taken on their trip by downloading them onto my daughter’s lap top. And so he said, “Mom, where is the computer cord for your camera?”

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays had ended, and the house guests had gone home, I began to think about the photos I had taken and needed to download to my home computer. As I searched for my camera computer cord, my son’s words echoed in my ear. At my next opportunity, I asked my daughter if she recalled where that cord had been placed after they used it. She confidently stated that she had given it to one of the grandchildren to put away. Several phone calls later and still no cord, I was pretty much resigned to purchasing a new one.

About that time, a friend invited me to a birthday party for her 10-year-old daughter. Although I couldn’t attend the party, I purchased a gift for her – a scrap-booking kit which had been reduced from a price I could not afford to one I could easily afford. Pleased with my purchase, I wrapped the gift to present Sunday morning when I picked the family up for church. I was, however, bothered by the fact that this family had no camera and couldn’t afford one for the child. During my Sunday morning devotions, I was reminded of the old Kodak in the cabinet and strongly felt I should give it to the child. When I opened the case to check the batteries and film, out popped the missing camera cord.

Had I not been prompted to give that camera away, the missing cord may have remained hidden for who knows how long. It could even have eventually been discarded. Now, not only was my gift complete, but the rightness of passing on the camera He provided for my trip was confirmed. This was just another reminder of how many times each day I need to acknowledge the reality of His presence in all things big and small in my life.

Vicki Bollman, Women’s Ministry

Challenges

As the Volunteer Coordinator, I find that I am constantly being challenged… Challenged in my faith. As part of the application process, prospective volunteers need to provide me with references. It is so encouraging and challenging to hear what these references have to say about the prospective volunteer.

I called a reference for one prospective volunteer. My first question to the reference was how she knew the prospective volunteer. She then described that they were neighbors. And more than that, they prayed together, watched each other’s children, and were great friends.

I was challenged by that conversation. After all, I moved into a new neighborhood half a year ago and have had only a couple of conversations with my neighbors. Never have I prayed with my neighbors. I would not be able to list one of my neighbors as a reference as this prospective volunteer did.

I am often challenged in other conversations with references when I ask the questions “Is ________ a Christian? How do you know?” The “how do you know” question is where I really am challenged. I get answers like, “because they keep their temper in difficult circumstances”, “they want to know and follow God’s will in every situation”, “by how they treat their family”, “they have such a concern for those who don’t know Jesus”…

I have to ask myself what people would say if they were asked how they know that I am a Christian. I hope they would know that I am a Christian! I hope that God is evident in my life. But I know that all too often I do not resemble Jesus at all.

God, thank you for these challenges that you have built into my job. Help me – help us – to live and act as your children.

- Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator

Progress Reports

It’s that time of the year again. Not only is it the beginning of a new calendar year, but it is also midpoint for the school year. It is that time when we take a good hard look at out students, assess their progress, and then sit down to share with the parents the progress their child is making. For the past week or so the teachers at Wonder Club have been “testing” the children on their knowledge of numbers and letters, colors and shapes, and all sorts of other early learning and kindergarten skills. Their main concern: is to have an accurate and realistic picture when they sit down to share with the parents just what each child knows and how well prepared he/she will be for kindergarten or first grade next fall.

As I was driving to school one day this week, I was reflecting on how thorough the teachers are with their assessments and how careful they are to give an accurate picture. I couldn’t help but wonder: What kind of progress report would God give me if we sat down for a conference? How would He assess my knowledge of Him? What would He say about my social and emotional relationships? What would my spiritual growth and development look like? There’s no doubt about it – He would be accurate and thorough and quite truthful in His assessment. I wonder how I would respond to my progress report from God.

Recently I had an opportunity to evaluate my spiritual progress. At our church on the last Sunday of December, we always have an opportunity to fill out a 3x5 card with one or two prayer requests we have for the coming year. These cards are then put into an envelope which we address to ourselves and seal. The envelopes are collected and the church office staff and prayer teams faithfully pray for the requests every week (even though they don’t see the actual requests). In early November they are mailed to us. As part of our celebration at the end of the year, we share testimonies of how God has worked in our lives. It is always interesting to see how God has answered our prayers during the past year, even though the answer may have been “not yet” or “no”. And often we see that God has faithfully gone over and beyond what we asked.

Well, this year the pastor asked us to take a spiritual inventory before we wrote our prayer requests. We were asked to divide our card into 3 columns and label them past, present, and future. Then we spent a few minutes on the first column listing all the blessings we already have. We looked at what is currently happening in our lives, and finally what we would like to see happen in the future. After we had completed that little spiritual inventory, we were told to turn the card over and write our requests for the year. Next November when we get the cards back, we will be able to see how we viewed our spiritual lives at the end of 2006 and whether or not we have made progress in 2007. Now that’s a progress report!

-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club

He makes all things new

The new clinics will be opening to see our 1st patients this month. Last year we thought this day would never arrive, and now we are overwhelmed with the thousand details that are coming at us to actually get the clinics open! Lord, we are overwhelmed! The Water Street Medical and Dental Clinic staff has been meeting frequently to work out the details, but more importantly to pray! Without prayer and God’s calming, reassuring hand upon us, we would be in a panic. Each time we go to Him, and not try to do it on our own, He gives us His peace beyond understanding.

We have had so many wonderful volunteers helping us in the move. The Medical/Dental volunteers are truly demonstrating their servant hearts for Christ and others when they make the 100th trip over to the clinics carrying boxes. This is truly faith in action! Working in the warehouses to bring together all the items that have been donated to the clinics is tiring, dirty and some days cold hard work! Dean and his crews have been awesome in helping to move the furnishings & skids of supplies.

As we look at the new clinics compared to where we currently have been taking care of patients, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. He has provided for us beyond our expectations! Our current 1200 sq ft area has no separate areas for: lab, pharmacy, storage, office space, dental lab, dark room and kitchen. The new 6,000 sq ft clinics have this and more! From two exam rooms to six exam rooms, and from 2 dental operatories to 4 dental operatories. We have seen over 6,000 visits in 2006 in our small area and lives have been changed! Lord, we are excited to see what you have in store for your new clinic. With Christmas like anticipation we wait upon you!

The connection to this time of year is perfect! As He makes a new clinic we are remembering how He came to earth as a tiny baby Jesus, so that we can have new life! As we open the new clinics in 2007 we know that He will be there to make our patient’s hearts and lives new. All we have to do is ask for His help. I love the words of Jesus when He says we do not have, because we do not ask. He never forces anyone to follow Him or listen to Him.
Even thought He knows perfectly what we need and what is best for us. Choices, choices, choices…

We know we cannot open the new clinics without Him and so we are asking, Lord, please lead the way & we will follow. In the days ahead we will have great need for many more medical dental volunteers, and the funds to cover the clinic operations. May he touch the hearts to serve as Dr’s, dentists, nurses, hygienists, dental assistants, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, registrars, data entry, physical therapists, social workers, housekeepers, counselors…. And we are open Lord to whomever you bring to do your work in your clinics!

Hallelujah, Jesus Christ is Born…the Savior of the World!

Merry Christmas from the Water Street Clinic staff!
- Gale Thomason, Executive Director, Water Street Clinics

Where have we been?

Hey Everyone (the thousands of you who check here daily) -

If you haven't already written us off completely for not posting anything new in almost a month, you're probably wondering where we've been. Well, we've been right where we've always been... doing our best to not get in God's way (and maybe even be available for Him to use) while He works to change hearts and lives, bring sight to the blind, freedom to the captive, and hope to the lost here in Lancaster.

The reason there haven't been any recent posts is really all Jack's fault (that lazy bum). It seems that he allowed himself to get distracted by a busy December of work/family/church/holiday stuff, etc., and once you break a good habit it can sometimes be hard to restart it (if only that were true of our bad habits).

Well, starting today, you should be able to find something new on this site just about every weekday - that will be our goal. Some weeks you may only see 3 or 4 new posts, but our hope is to get back to having a new story, thought, picture, testimony, or some slice of life from here at the mission (or our other sites) each day - so check back regularly to see what God is up to here at the Water Street Rescue Mission.

Thanks for checking us out. And to learn more about who Water Street is, check out our regular website at www.wsrm.org (I think we may be seeing a transformation of that site sometime this year as well).

Peace -

Jack

Come as a child, pt 2

I’m trying to resist the urge to be a detective. Many days I am confronted by a unique resident’s story that seems totally plausible. And I find myself having to weigh his words and evaluate whether I’m hearing truth or not. And I don’t want to be a cop because quite frankly I didn’t come to the mission to be a cop and pretty much every one I run into is smarter than I am! So where does that leave me?

I need to become like a child.

Imagine living life as a child might! Imagine laughing as though for the first time. Or crying with no concern about what others are thinking. Imagine loving without reservation. Or speaking instantly and openly. Or being fascinated without any cynicism. Imagine being amazed with no doubts. Or trusting without concern.

I am reminded of how Jesus encouraged us to become like a child! He welcomed children to his lap and treated them with great tenderness and drew attention to their native qualities. And with His example I can lay aside my impulse to be a detective. Some guys have and will ‘get over’ on me. Many will talk faster, argue harder, and debate better than I! And that’s okay! Success here is not about how slick I am nor how often I can lay out a superior argument in a discussion but how much like a child I can be as I live for my Father. It is when I am, and we are – childlike – that God will be most evident.

Lord, help me to be less childish and more childlike.

- Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

God's provision

Once again, we are amazed at how God provides - and reassures us that He is in control.

We were greatly blessed when, after putting out a plea before Thanksgiving that we were low on turkeys as we approached our two large giveaways (Thanksgiving and Christmas), God provided more than enough through his people. When the counting was done, we had over 3000 turkeys to use for our food box giveaway programs in partnership with local churches, and to use for meals throughout the year. We were even able to share the blessing with other ministries that help families in need in our community.

This week, we became aware of the fact that City Team Ministries in Chester (a ministry similar to Water Street that we have some contact with) was facing a shortage of turkeys and food for their holiday food program. We quickly decided to share what God had blessed us with in order to help our fellow ministers care for their community... but after evaluating where this left our supplies, we realized that we had begun to deplete what we had hoped to keep and use throughout the year for our services at Water Street. Problem was, the truck from City Team was on its way, and we could not go back on our commitment to help an immediate need in order to maintain what we felt was a needed surplus - it didn't seem right to any of us.

Enter God... while we were awaiting the arrival of the truck from City Team to pick up 210 turkeys, Steve Hackman received a phone call from a local church telling us that they would like to donate 200 turkeys and 50 hams (we will pick them up next Friday).

God is good. And we are blessed to serve him along with each of you.

-Jack, Steve, and Maurice, Outreach Ministries and Food Service

Where are the parents?

I found this in some old papers. I wrote it a long time ago. Though it is not even good as poetry goes, it does convey very well life at my house at 5 years old.

Raised on TV

Peter was flying; Wendy was smiling and happy.
Daddy was yelling.
Howdy told jokes; we all watched cartoons.
Mommy was screaming at Daddy.
Beanie and Cecil chased Dishonest John; Nell was kissing Dudley’s horse.
Daddy was hitting Mommy with a stick.
Underdog was Shoeshine boy; Sweet Polly always got saved.
Daddy pulled Mommy’s hair.
Sgt. Preston of the Mounties pets King his wonder dog.
Daddy kicked Mommy on floor.
Casper was a friend to all; the Ranger wore a mask.
Daddy bled from both arms.
The Hardy boys find the treasure; Rin Tin Tin helps Rusty out.
Flashing lights? A car that screams? A bed with wheels like my wagon?
Flipper jumps so high; 86 & 99 fight Chaos for Control.
The walls were red and runny.
Annette and Cubby sing me songs, and I feel good.
I’m afraid to turn away again. Please leave the TV on.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Stories from camp

Vinny Mikusow, our Teen Haven Camp Director recently shared these stories from recent weekends at camp:

A special reminder! Charles (14) - The bus pulled in Friday night and in comes running Charles. Huffing and puffing, he slams into me, hugs me and with a smile says, “This is my first time back since summer camp. Thank you for changing my life.”

We hugged and sat down at the nearest table and made clear as to the real person involved in his changed life. He smiled and said, “I know! But thanks anyway!”

Troubled but not beyond hope! Daniel (14) - Daniel was a first timer from Lancaster. Trouble from the start. Attention-getter during chapel and into everyone’s face throughout the day. Saturday night it was suggested by a staff member that we might need to consider taking Daniel home early. The Lord has His time.

One thing after another never allowed us to make that move. Sunday morning, during our morning breakfast prayer, I noticed Charles in a different light. As I got to his table, his supervisor said that Charles had something to say. We made eye contact and with a great smile he said, “I got saved last night.” There was a change! After chapel he walked along-side of me and we chatted as brothers. A different step, a different walk, a different person. A new creature!

Rejoice with us in the work God continues to do at Teen Haven Camp and through all of Water Street's ministries.

- Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

Words from a planter in Philly

Several months ago, Jamie Centeno left his role with us as Lancaster Teen Haven Director to prepare (along with his family) to return to Philadelphia as a pioneering pastor sent out by In The Light Ministries. They have now been in Philadelphia for a few months and are faithfully following God's call to serve and share the love of Christ in North Philadelphia.

As I looked back over his newsletters and updates today, I felt compelled to share one of his columns (I hope you don't mind Jamie). Please pray for Jamie, his family, and In The Light Ministries Philadelphia. Also, check out their website to see how God is working in their midst in Philadelphia... www.itlmphilly.org

Faith doesn’t feel good. That’s the revelation I have been shown by God. Most likely that is an elementary statement to you but bear with me.

Though God orders my steps I am not always walking on the smoothest terrain. I must admit sometimes it seems that the easier road would be the one everyone else travels. I see myself ‘rubbernecking’ at what I left behind. Comfort, security, the familiar and the list could go on.

I had great aspirations at what my act of obedience would produce. Somehow the circumstances blew the wind out of my sails. Where before it was so real that I could sink my teeth into it now the only thing my teeth have sunk into are my fingernails. The old school song comes to mind ‘feelings are nothing more than feelings’. The truth is my feelings are not the point and my life is not my own.

I am reminded of the covenant that was made between God and me. If I stay faithful on my end I can be confident because God has never failed me from His end. I need constant reassurance of this. That need has revealed to me how fragile my faith is. The Lord is looking to toughen my resolve. I am becoming more aware of this as the days move forward.

So even though faith doesn’t feel good if I will continue my resilience in trusting God then I can believe the end result will be worth the momentary discomfort.

Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Jamie Centeno

Lessons after childbirth

My family is in the midst of transition – all caused by the birth of a baby. My wife, Jean, and I work out how to manage the care of a newborn while maintaining the nurturing care of the 5 other children in our household. My children also are transitioning as Mom and Dad tend to the needs of an infant who cannot take care of himself.

Because the children range in age from 1 week to 18 years they reflect varying maturity levels and need levels. My response to each of them is based upon their ability to understand the changes taking place as well as their ability to take care of themselves. The 18 month-old craves attention and has begun to cling to mommy more than before Justice’s birth. The older girls coo and care for Justice, helping with everything – complaining only at the changing of diapers (but don’t we all?). My 5 and 3 year-olds think He is neat – but want the space on Daddy’s lap that has always been reserved for them.

Wherever they are at, it’s my response to their needs, wants, cries, and joys that will help them in the maturation process from child to teen to adult.

As I was speaking in chapel this week I was reminded of how this same process takes place in the ministry of WSRM. Men, women and children come to us at varying levels of spiritual maturity. God has placed us in the position of walking alongside other men, women and children created in His image to help sharpen them and to use the unique gifts we have to help them in the maturation process. It is in my response to their needs, wants, cries, and joys that will help them in the maturation process from infant to adulthood – from milk to meat.

But it doesn’t stop there …

My kids help me mature in my faith as well. The simple faith of my children challenges me to see and grow in places and ways where my heart has become ragged and cynical. They help me to see love and experience love – and therefore to communicate love – in ways that the wisdom of the world considers foolishness.

The men, women and children at WSRM also help me mature in my faith as they begin to use their gifts and experience the joy of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through them. Watching them mature (as well as my own children) reminds me of God’s faithfulness to me.

I hope I never forget…

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries