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.