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

What am I thankful for?

What am I thankful for? Hmm…first and foremost God. Of course my family, friends, and oh yea my job!

What about my job am I thankful for? I could probably write the longest blog ever if I were to share EVERYTHING! For your sake I will focus on the relational part of my job.

I work in the Development Department and we develop relationships with donors and of course these relationships are very important to and valuable to me. I also value the relationships with the residents here at Water Street Rescue Mission. These relationships make me smile, they make me sad, they make me angry, they make me cry, they make me laugh but most importantly they let me see the work of God.

Here is an example:

I got to meet a resident by the name of Richard. Richard helped us out during one of our events. One day, I saw Richard in the dining hall; he was not his usual chipper self. I looked at him and asked him if he was struggling he said “yea, how did you know?” and I responded “No need to say anymore I will pray for you.”

About 3 days later I was getting out of my car headed into work for the day and I heard a voice calling around the parking lot “Ms. Evelyn, Ms. Evelyn! Do you have a minute?” He then proceeded to tell me that he has an eleven month old son, who will be turning 1 in about 2 weeks and that he will be visiting him for his birthday, he hasn’t seen his son in 6 months. He also shared that the main reason he is here at Water Street Rescue Mission is because he wanted to be a better father to his son, a father his son can be proud of. We concluded our conversation with me promising to pray for his visit.

I headed to my office and the minute I stepped into my office something hit me. Does this man have a gift to take to his only son for his first birthday? The man does live in a shelter, he is basically homeless. I went and spoke with Steve Brubaker who is Director of Residential Programs. I knew we had a “gift closet” for the children somewhere here. He directed me to the right department and I was able to pick out several birthday gifts for a 1 year old boy.

Several days later I asked Richard to meet me at my office and shared with him that God has blessed him with gifts for his son. Words can not express the look on this man’s face. He was actually speechless. I saw this grown man tear up. I saw this man witness God’s love. How blessed am I to be part of this? How awesome is that?

How many of you can say that about your job?

Thank you Jesus for giving me a place that is more than just a JOB! Thank you for the relationships I have with my family, friends, co-workers, donors, residents and most importantly YOU!

-Evelyn Rankin, Development Department