Check us out this Sunday...

Hey - This Sunday is our Fall Open House!

This is second Open House since our big renovations were completed this Spring. Try to stop by between 1-4pm to see what things look like today. Above are some pictures from the beginning of the Renovation Process - the change is amazing... come and see!

If you can't make it on Sunday, give us a call to set up a tour at your convenience.

Thank You God...

I used to drive past the Water Street Rescue Mission and think to myself, “Boy, I’m sure glad I’ll never end up there”. Well, here I am! The worst thing I thought could never happen…turns out to be the best thing that ever happened in my life. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t like being here but without the help of all the good people here, I would never have had the courage to surrender and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Thank God; He gave me this chance.

I have learned a lot since coming here…so much that I didn’t think my brain could accept anymore information. Well, I kept stuffing it in there and some things started making sense…like doing things the easy way, just to find that it usually makes everything else difficult. It’s hard being a Christian but in the long run, with the help of the Lord everything seems so much more bearable.

There are two good teachings that really stick with me: #1. There is nothing I can do to make God love me less. And there is nothing I can do to make God love me more (Thanks, Scooter); and #2. Real growth comes when I learn to trust God at the hardest possible time (Biblical Life Management).

Thanks to everyone here for opening my eyes and letting me know I am worth it. Thank You, God!

--Mark, resident - Christian Life Development program, Transition phase

Serving Water Street... and Haiti

A group of volunteers recently replaced the ceiling tiles in our men's emergency shelter. Needless to say, we were quite grateful. As they emailed Chuck, one of our chaplains, with the rest of the story, we were amazed by God's goodness and timing in blessing not only us, but a ministry in Haiti as well.

Hi Chuck-

... Here is what God has done.

My husband, Ken, and I planned a spaghetti dinner to raise money for Good Samaritan Mission School in Beaufort, Haiti. It took place on Saturday, May 5. We had spaghetti, salad, and bread left over and took it to WSRM on Sunday, May 6 after church. Our friends, Claudette and Michael Austin were with us. We did not know that on that day there was an Open House. We decided to stay and take a tour. The medical and dental facilities and the women's shelter were beautiful. Then we arrived at the Men's Emergency Shelter. It had not been renovated. Ken stated that he thought that we should do a fundraiser and raise the money to replace the ceiling tiles in the Men's Emergency shelter. It was decided that we would.

On Saturday, July 7 a yard sale and aluminum can drive was held. We raised $850.00. We approached building supply stores to ask for a discount to purchase the supplies we needed. The Home Depot responded with a 20 percent discount. Our bill for the ceiling tiles, light defusers, and a bathroom fan came to $721.00 exactly.

During the time we were preparing to do the work at the mission, we went to the PA Haiti Benefit Auction. Ken and I have gone to this event for many years and have developed a friendship with Leon, a missionary that drills wells in Haiti. Since I am a school nurse, he asked if I could find some uniforms for a soccer team that he was forming in Haiti. I said that I would. After searching for a good price, Ken and I decided that we would order the shirts and shorts from a local apparel printing shop. The sales person offered a discount. When we recieved the bill we found that the amount due was exactly $129.00. The exact amount left over from the fundraising.

God reminds me always that we have nothing to worry about. He has ALL things taken care of.

Thank you, Chuck. I hope to see you soon when we hang the new curtains and the shower curtains.

With Love, Ken and Kathy Wall

Everyone deserves a second chance...

Solomon aptly said, “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away…” Song of Songs 8: 7

Like most of our serious clients, Russell could barely stumble through the doors of the Water Street Rescue Mission. He had sold his life off for a steady handful of pills; a price that could no longer purchase relief. Dark shadows haunted Russell, reminding him of his life’s most painful memories; memories of a wife who now belonged to another and of a daughter and granddaughter who had grown up, without him; memories of countless broken promises.

On Russell’s first day with us, he met Chuck (men’s counselor) who simply began loving him to our precious Jesus. Imagine my joy, when Chuck called to share the news that Russell had accepted Jesus, flushed the pills, and was going to join our Christian Life Recovery Program (to change his life). For nearly 1 ½ years now, Russell has been following Jesus, “by faith”. He has surely relished the tender moments, when God would touch him in a deeply personal way, but mostly Russell has trusted Jesus, as he takes “one more” painful step of Recovery.

In September, I was blessed to attend a wedding with Russell. His daughter had invited her changing dad (and me) to share in her day. Imagine the immense Joy on Russell’s face, as a long line of relatives and friends from his past (relationships he thought were utterly destroyed) came up to shake his hand and to hug him, welcoming him back into their lives. And imagine a beaming Russell, as his daughter came with a welcoming hug saying, “Daddy, I have always wondered if you would be at my wedding but you came and you’re doing so well. I’m so proud of you”. Now imagine a happy man being hugged by a lovely little granddaughter (who he only held as a baby).

It was interesting to note that the scripture Russell’s daughter chose for her table gifts was the very first scripture Russell memorized, “Love is patient; love is kind…” How apt are the words of his former in-laws, “Everyone deserves a second chance, Russell”.

--Norm Lowry (Learning Center Coordinator)

It's not fair that...

I was asked to assist my Pastor with a presentation at church relating to "justice and longing for God," so I decided to take a little poll of some staff and residents. Here are the results:

Please complete the following sentence:

"It's not fair that..."

…some people are homeless while others drive $80,000 cars past them
…some of us are allowed to work just one bad decision away from being homeless
…millions of children are undernourished and many of us throw away sinful quantities of food
…life is hard
…those who choose to live a healthy life free of smoking, alcohol & drug abuse, etc. still get cancer.
…young people die
…Some get over, others don’t
…Good things happen to bad people
…Bad things happen to good people
…Children suffer
…The rich get richer, the poor …
…I was born in America and … someone else was born in poverty
…my poverty disrupts my family
…people don’t know Jesus
…when we get wisdom it’s too late to stop what we shouldn’t have done
…when you commit to following Christ, you are not exempt from being emotionally & physically abused by Christians.
…Christians harshly judge others by their political choices
…I am the one who sinned, and Jesus is the sinless One who became sin for me, and gave me His righteousness instead.
…the Lord gave us the Love Commandment, and the Holy Spirit to enable us to do it, and yet we treat each other as if we were not even His children.
… I have parents that love God, each other, my siblings and me, while so many of my struggling brothers and sisters in Christ do not know what it is like to be in a nurturing environment like I was.
…we got off the hook at Jesus’ expense
…some couples try unsuccessfully for years to have children they would love, while other couples breed like rabbits to produce children they don't want
…there are millions of children without parents, and adoption costs tens of thousands of dollars and years of red tape
…the biggest disease on the planet is loneliness
…the burden (and often, cost) of raising children too often falls to the mother.
…grown children disrespect and disregard their parents and/or grandparents.
…I have been wrongly accused by another
…I was grounded this weekend
…I don’t have his office
…you have more money than I do
…so many people live in poverty and I live in abundance
…some of us had opportunities for education and advancement, while others were stuck in situations of merely striving for subsistence
…I sit here with a full stomach typing on the computer, while people have just died from starvation

- Debbie Miller, Administration

We are only a part of the journey

When I first started in the ministry of rescue I was a bit naïve and thought a bit too highly of my part in the life of the men. At that time, if a man would attempt to leave the program prematurely, I would (literally) stand in his way and plead with him not to go. I truly believed that for him to leave us would mean that he had stepped out of the Lord’s work in his life.

Today that thinking seems obviously misguided. I realize now that the Lord has been working in a man’s life well before he ever gets to us and that He will continue to work long after the man leaves us. We only get to participate with the Lord’s work in a man’s life and then only for a season (and seasons come and seasons go).

With this wiser, more accurate sense of our part in a man’s life we work hard to sense what the Lord is already doing in him when he arrives. As we interview him for potential intake into our program (we do not use this process for Emergency Services), we are looking for signs that we are the next step in the Lord’s plan for this man’s life.

We believe the Lord has led us in the development of the program services we offer. We also believe that if we are the best next step for a man then he will fit who we are. The essential criteria to help us make that decision are these:
Brokenness: has this man come to the end of his own efforts to make life work his way?
Openness: is this man ready to receive input from others?
Desperation: does this man see the severity of his life condition and the consequences if he does not get help?

The intake interview is a two-step, two-person process. The Emergency Shelter Chaplain begins the process and I complete it. Along the way we attempt to connect deeply enough with the man to see his true condition –often by offering him alternatives— to see if he is actually ready for who we are. If we believe he is ready, he is invited in. If we are not sure he is ready, he is placed on a one week trial period. If we do not believe he is ready, he is not invited in.

Once a man enters the program we evaluate him regularly as to his continued brokenness, openness and desperation. If it becomes clear that a man no longer has these key life-change prerequisites, it may be time for him to leave. To discern this, we convene a panel of his peers (3) and staff members (3 or more). And through a lengthy conversation with him, we determine whether or not he should continue to be in our program.

If we release a man, we are not at all “giving up on him.” We are instead stepping aside for the next step in the Lord’s journey for the man. We may, down the road, be used again in that journey and we may not; we are only part of the journey.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Apologies...

Sadly, my blog management has been pretty pathetic. Once again, I will pledge to try to do better. Hopefully you will see at least 2 new posts per week (I will try for more, but 2 is a realistic commitment at this time).

I hope the stories we share are an encouragement to any who read them and give you a glimpse into life at Water Street.

-Jack

God gives lemonade...

A story as told by Maurice Yarbrough, Food Service Director:

God (through his people and many local companies) keeps our kitchen stocked with enough food and drink to provide 3 meals a day to hundreds of residents and friends from the community. Sometimes though, both staff and clients can begin to take God's abundant provision for granted. Earlier this week, we ran out of flavored drinks (teas, juices, etc) and we had several meals in a row where the only option we had was water.

Some individuals, a little disappointed and frustrated, began to complain about the situation. God prompted me to help them check their spirits, so rather than listen to their complaining, I encouraged them to pray about it and ask God to provide something other than water.

How exciting to see God answer the prayer so quickly, when later that same day, a truck dropped off two cases of juice. Then, the next morning, we received a donation of two skids of Turkey Hill lemonade (if you never worked in a warehouse, that's a lot of lemonade).

Maybe someday, we'll all be more like Paul: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phil 4:12b) Still, we will acknowledge and thank God for all he does (in spite of our attitudes, sometimes).

Jesus was a Homeless Stranger

At the end of an especially trying week, I pulled into the parking lot at 210 South Prince Street. The male residents were making their way to chapel. The mothers and their children were returning from the dining hall to their dormitory.

While in the car still, I finished up a phone call with a friend caught up in turmoil. His life was spiraling downward and he was fragile and angry. The conversation was turning accusatory and I was receiving the brunt of it. It was becoming harder and harder emotionally for me to maintain my composure. I began to sob in my car now parked in a space in front of the mission. I quietly said goodbye and hung up. I sensed our friendship coming to an end. I felt the sting of rejection. I was in pain.

But there was a job waiting for me in Administration. I had a supervisor depending on me. I wiped away tears and began to cross the parking lot. From the corner of my eye I saw Francisco, a newer resident, who I greeted every morning on the corner where he started his day.

I didn’t have any energy for Francisco this morning. I’ll pretend I don’t see him, I thought. He won’t notice. As I neared “his” corner it became obvious our paths would intersect. He extended his hand to me. I reached out mine... he grasped it and he held it up to his heart. “Buenos dios,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Hello,” he said, smiling a wide toothless grin.

There are times my problems can seem so small. And yet so big. Simply put, God sees them all. And in this instance He provided me comfort from a homeless stranger. Francisco showed me Jesus. May I be able to do the same.

- Debbi Miller, Administration

God says that He loves me...

I say I want help…but I spurn advice.
I say I want to change…but I refuse to learn how.
I say I want to love…but I continue to hate.
I say I want to know God…but I seek him not.
I say I’m tired of this life…but I hang on with a death grip.
I say I understand…but in reality I haven’t a clue.
I say that I’m listening…but I don’t really hear.
I say that I care…but yet it’s all about me.
I say that I’m grateful…but I complain everyday.
I say that “you’re right”…but I sneer at your stupidity.
I say that I’m afraid…but I never let anyone see it.
I say that I’m hurting…but I cover it with a laugh.
I say that I’m willing…but then I break all the rules.
I say I love my Dad…but I’m still waging war with him.
I say I love my Mom…but my feelings matter more than hers.
I say I want to go to church…but I seek out hypocrisy.
I say that you’re my friend…but that’s solely for my benefit.
I say I know I’m a sinner…but I’m not as bad as you.
I say that God has blessed me…but I take everything for granted.
I say “maybe tomorrow”…but I don’t even have it.
I say I desire humility…but I don’t bend my knees to pray.
I say that I practice forgiveness…but I cherish perceived ways.

God says that He loves me…but I say, “Why?”

—Don (Men’s CLD Program)

Waves happen

There seems to be a never ending series of waves that course through our lives. Many of them seem to arrive with a crash, knocking us down and pummeling us under their weight. Others sweep in to swamp us; they lift us from our footing and leave us feeling vulnerable and out of control. Still others provide a great opportunity to surf.

Recently I commented to my boss that I felt as though I had caught a wave. I was blissfully surfing through life feeling courageous, even invincible. I further commented to him that I knew it wouldn’t last, but boy was it a great ride!

Sure enough, that wave ran its course and while I was there basking on the shore in the memories… the next wave hit. Today I am pressed to the bottom as what feels like the full weight of the ocean sits on my back.

I have felt like quitting recently, yet not a very short time ago I felt like a champion, exercising heroic faith and conquering in the Name of the Lord all that came at me.

As I prayerfully analyze this fall from crest to crevasse, to see if I can learn something that might reduce the expanse between the two, I become aware of a few things:
-In both conditions I sense the Lord is very close.
-In both conditions I sense the Lord is Sovereign and in control.
-In both conditions I sense that time is running and change is coming

My conclusion in all this: waves happen, and then they are gone and then another one comes. Some will crash, some will swamp and some will provide a great opportunity to surf.

At the end of the day, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10)

-Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Tears...

The women’s shelter can be very sobering. In one night I experienced three issues that nearly brought me to tears.

1. On Monday evenings while adults are in chapel, a volunteer provides a special activity for the children. On this particular night, the mother of a 7-year-old girl was called out of chapel because her daughter was practically screaming for her mom. I found out later that while out of the mission on an approved pass that weekend, the mother had run into her husband. The two got into a fight which landed her in the hospital with a concussion. Her oldest daughter, the one crying, must have seen it happen, and now didn’t want to leave her mom’s side.
2. After praying for months, one mother in the shelter recently received custody of her 5-year-old son. Since coming to the shelter, the boy’s disposition and attitude showed that his past years of life with his father had included little discipline or stability. When he was playing with some other children tonight, energy levels were high and the play soon turned a bit dangerous. Before his mother could step in and calm things down, the boy ran into the corner of a piano and cracked his head open. While by itself, it wasn't very serious, the injury would add to several other recent accidents that were incurred from the boy doing the opposite of what his mother said. As the two sat together waiting for a ride to the hospital, she mouthed to me with despair, “I can’t take much more of this.”
3. For evening check-in, adults over 18 report to the counselor’s office. A woman’s children have no responsibilities at this time. Tonight a woman checked in holding a newborn, saying it was her granddaughter. The baby’s mother didn’t check in, so I assumed the grandmother had custody of the baby, or some such situation. Later that night, I dropped off sanitary supplies in the same woman’s room. It was then that I finally saw the mother of the newborn – a 13-year-old girl. A girl who should have been doing her hair or studying for school but was instead pumping breast milk. I had to leave the room before tears spilled down, realizing that this baby would be 11 by the time her mother was my age.

I never realized the role that stability plays in a child’s life. I’m hurting inside tonight, and I’m wondering if I would be able to make it if I were homeless.

-Maria Ream, Development Dept

Encouragement...

Lately, we have been asked to take special notice of the "good" that is happening all around us... In our last staff meeting, we were asked to encourage our co-workers... The other day, Cheryl Wahlberg sent an email, requesting that we take time to encourage our volunteers...

Encouragement is big...our words can uplift or tear down.

What does God think of us?

God thinks that we are extraordinary people. He sees our interactions as being compassionate; full of grand knowledge & wisdom. He imagines the Joy that we will experience, when our feet first land in His eternal Heaven. He sees the many who will greet us, among whom will be those we didn’t even think could possibly be touched by our attempts. His only desire is that we step into the next level of life with Him; simply freeing our whole being into His capable hands—for greater, fuller ministry. Though we feel under qualified, we are eternal Royals, to whom He has given a very special & precious name that is way too wonderful for any other being to even hear. It is this precious name that we have heard in the quiet moments of our days. He has been calling & inviting us to Him; to deeply know His heart of Love.

God knows all that we do and yet sees us as walking in humility, simply allowing Him to shine His Glory through us. He perpetually invites us into deeper Joy & intimate relationship with Him & with those we serve. He invites us to “Watch what He does, and then do it", like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.

Mostly what He does is love us. He desires that we keep company with Him and learn a life of Love. He desires that we observe how Christ loved us. His Love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. God desires that we Love like that” Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message).

God thinks that we play a large part on His Team, here at the Water Street Rescue Mission.

- Norm Lowry, Men’s Ministry

Supplies

Philippians 4:19—But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

According to Strong’s Greek dictionary, the word “supply” here means: to make replete, that is to … satisfy… accomplish… (be) complete… fill (up)… perfect.

I am constantly amazed at the way God acts to “supply” the needs of Water Street Rescue Mission. In the few short months that I’ve been here, I’ve seen many examples of God providing according to His riches, including the following unsolicited contributions:

• Sarah, a woman who called me to verify the validity of a fundraising project she had read about and ended up donating to that project
• An offer from an individual to donate a washer/dryer pair, which was until then an unmet need at the Lydia Center.
• An offer from a local truck maintenance shop to provide maintenance and inspections for our large fleet vehicles.
• Several vehicles donated to the Mission by community members. These donations have allowed us to provide transportation for clients as well as staff job-related travel.
• Individuals and groups coming together to provide new roofs for several of our Teen Haven Camp buildings.
• A consistent supply of volunteers that provide much-appreciated and critical assistance with facility maintenance, food & clothes sorting, kitchen duties, and many other tasks.
• A camp called asking if we could donate mattresses to them. At the time, we did not have enough to fill the needs of the camp as well as our own, but we gave them as many as we could. Shortly thereafter, we received a donation of over 100 mattresses! (See Who do these mattresses belong to anyway? , posted on the blog on June 13).
• Groups from local churches that have pulled together to meet needs, such as the church group that is currently working on redoing our Men’s Emergency Shelter ceiling.

One of the great things about working here is seeing the hand of God daily in the way he sends “supplies” to us and helps us meet the needs of our clients.

-Scooter Haase, Director of Operations

Fake I.D.s

Many of us may be walking about with fake I.D.’s. By this, I mean we are not living out life as the person God says we are, but rather who we think we are.

Since God likes to use people in keeping His promise to supply our needs, I put out a sign-up sheet a while ago asking for help with some painting at the outreach center. I was specifically giving the folk who receive goods from God through Water Street Rescue Mission the opportunity to help upgrade the place. We had a few sign up but none actually came on the designated day.

How, when, why, where, and who we serve or don’t serve will always be determined by who we think we are. Working in outreach over the last few months one thing has become clear to me. People who volunteer to serve do so out of a perception of who they are and whose they are. Most of our volunteers would say they know they are people of God and have something to offer. Many come with an understanding that they are missionaries of sorts serving here at the rescue mission.

Those who receive services through outreach also have a perception of who they are. How we interact with one another either confirms or dispels what we believe to be true about ourselves. Many of those served see themselves as the mission field only. Do we confirm that identity or dispel it? While it is true that they are receiving from God according to God’s promise it is unfortunate if that is all they see about themselves.

The same holds true for those considering themselves missionaries exclusively. Do we confirm or dispel that illusion? It is unfortunate if the only role they perceive for themselves is that of the giver. People assuming themselves to be missionaries have to learn how to live by faith before they can truly be effectively used of God. By effective I mean that God’s purpose is fulfilled - that the givers and receivers are all blessed. God’s people must know how to receive graciously in order to be gracious givers.

No individual is merely mission field or missionary. We are all both. It is in learning to be gracious receivers from God that we become capable of being gracious givers. Believe it or not we all play a vital role in shaping the identity of the people we interact with. Let’s be careful that our identities are not misshaped and that we don’t misshape the identities of others. Those who see themselves as mission field only will never volunteer to serve because they assume the role of receivers only. They miss the blessing God promises when we give of ourselves. Those who assume they are only givers have taken on the role of God and that role is already filled.

- Conrad Moore, Outreach Ministries

A day in the life of Water Street volunteers…

Water Street is a place where you can go to feel happiness and love coming off everyone’s face. Ever since our mom got a job at Water Street we have wanted to volunteer.

Before we came to Water Street we knew that something was missing in our lives. We didn’t quite know what. When our mom got the job at Water Street we knew that volunteer work was our calling from God. We have come down to Water Street frequently and we love it. The atmosphere at Water Street just puts a smile on your face and a feeling of joy in your heart.

We have helped out at many of the events at Water Street. We helped face paint at the Open House and had a memorable time. We also enjoyed everything about working at the Golf Tournament. Everything except for the fact that we woke up at 5:30 in the morning!

Working with the people at Water Street have helped us look at people differently. It has also given our hearts a boost for caregiving for the rest of our lives.

- Naomi and Esther, age 14

Real people

As a volunteer in women’s ministries, I assist counselors in the evening. Simple tasks like marking off each woman when she checks in for the evening or getting sheets and towels for a new resident allow me to slowly build relationships. It also gives me a chance to simply hang out with real people who happen to be homeless.

Last night when one resident checked in for the evening, her makeup was smeared and her eyes were red. I knew that she could have quite a temper, so at first I simply greeted her and did the necessary paperwork. Later I had a chance to talk to her briefly and learn just a bit of her pain. She has a 6-month old daughter who was taken away by Children and Youth. Her 2-year-old daughter, who she hasn’t seen for about a year and a half, is living with her sister. Someone at work that night apparently knew these facts and others, and made some harsh comments. The truth often hurts. At just 22, this young lady is experiencing a lot of guilt. I’m not sure that she sees her life in God’s perspective – that she is His beautiful creation, that He loves her and has actually already cancelled her sin if she’ll only believe.

So much of her life is ahead of her… plenty of time to fix things and still be a mother to her children. Please pray she will not give up. Pray she will fall in love with Jesus and never let go. And as she’s on this journey, pray for the staff and volunteers who interact with her…that we may offer real help that will empower not enable.

- Maria Ream, Development Department

Taking it home...

When I originally started my job as a counselor [at the Lydia Center], my boss told me "don't take it home with you," and I thought 'sure...I leave the paperwork at work.' Not so. It's not the paperwork that goes home with me. It's the precious hearts and pain and disciplinary issues of the ladies that go home with me.

• Some days all their requests and the chaos and noise make my head spin.
• Some days the attitudes make me want to shake them and tell them to grow up.
• Some days the angry outbursts make me want to hide under my desk.
• Some days the refusal to talk and share of themselves during counseling makes me want to scream, or at the very least walk out of the room for a bit 'til my impatience calms down.
• Some days I mourn as I see the continual hardening of a life, or when another lady chooses to leave...unchanged.
• Some days (like today) I am priveleged to pray with ladies as they commit their lives to Christ for the first time.
• Some days I rejoice at an "aha" moment, or b/c of the emotional and spiritual healing that God is doing in their lives.
• Some days I love them so much I cry...because I want so much more for them than they want for themselves.
  

I find I am learning at the Lydia Center the things I most wanted (when initially taking the "job") to learn:

1) Not to stereotype, judge, or look down upon people who are living in addictions, sexual immorality, and crime, b/c in my heart I have the same exact pain and sins...I only choose less physically destructive and more legal coping mechanisms, and hopefully allow myself to be convicted of my sin and live in a lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.

2) The heart of the Father. Surely He feels some of these things when He deals with me!

3) To be stretched. Oh yes, WAAAAY out of my comfort zone! But that is good. Because He is good and He is with me in the stretching. I had a thought the other day that (like a rubberband) God only stretches us to the point that He wants to launch us. So I'm getting excited about what He's preparing to launch me to in my future. Yet for now I will be stretched...b/c I am called here and my heart is here.

I am thankful for the heart of compassion that Christ has given me for these precious ladies, and I only hope that I will be faithful to love them with His love, to see them with His eyes, to walk with them to the best of my ability during this crucial time of their lives.

-Lorene Brubaker, Lydia Center

Testimony

When a friend from church died, I was looking in the Obituary column, I discovered this "testimony" of Madelyn "Tootie" Dixon who died in 2006 ( "In loving memory of"... by her family).

I thought is was so good, I cut it out and want to share it with others:

When I said..."I am a Christian"
I wasn't shouting "I'm clean livin."
I was whispering, "I am lost"
Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I said...."I am a Christian"
I wasn't bragging of success.
I was admitting I had failed
And needed God to clean my mess.

When I said..." I am a Christian"
I wasn't holier than thou,
I was just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow.

- Arlene Snyder, WS Clinic Volunteer

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