Ambassadors for Water Street Mission

It is so cool to see 20 of our Learning Center students be ambassadors for Water Street as they each share with a student from Millersville about their life during an introductory session for a writing course that David (Director of the Learning Center) organized with Millersville University.

Listening in on conversations, I can hear our students talk about themselves, about the program…(quote “this is revolutionary stuff I am learning here”).. and about their relationship with God. In response I am hearing words from the MU students like “you are such an inspiration” and “I never really thought about it that way before”. Great conversations and great relationships are being developed. As we approach the lunch break, it is hard to stop some of our men from talking. GOD IS GOOD!

Some words from our students… “I was actually dreading this, but it was OK!” And “That kid was cool, man!” Another student struggled a little, “That was a little too personal,” but he did it anyway. This is a stretching, growing experience for him. Another said, “It took me back to my college days” and it seemed to be a good memory for him.

This is an ongoing course, and we look forward to seeing relationships develop and continue beyond the 6 class sessions that have been assigned for this project.

Sue Pearce • Learning Center Instructor

Moving Day Surprises!

Last week two volunteers and I were making a delivery of furniture to a Water Street Mission resident who just moved out. As we got out of the truck to start carrying in the furniture I was surprised to see a familiar face a couple doors down—another volunteer who rides on the truck to pick up furniture with yet another volunteer who drives for us. Okay, that’s a lot of volunteers in one spot but I am amazed at who God brings the community together with the time, energy and ability to make this service to the poor possible.

Dean Wenger • Redistribution Manager

Dental Clinic experiences Breakthrough!

We had a God intervention moment yesterday in the Dental Clinic.

The dental film processor stopped working and a staff member had to develop film by hand which is more difficult and they don’t turn out as clear. She had called the repair company and they couldn’t come to repair the machine until Friday. So, she decided to pray over the machine. She laid hands on it and asked God to “heal” the machine so it would work. Once she stopped praying she turned it on --- and it didn’t work. So, she stopped and said OK Lord what do you want me to do. The next thing she did was hit it on the side and you guessed it --- it works! She then called back the repair company and testified to the power of prayer! I loved her statement to me that we often think of prayer as a last resort and when we say we pray about and for everything, do we really?

I know she inspired me to remember to talk with God about everything, no matter how small (or big), for He cares and He has the answers for us!

Gale Thomason • Executive Director

A Teen Haven Supporter Shares Her Story

I was greeted at the door by a Spanish speaking woman who questioned my intentions. I said my name and that I was with Water Street Ministries from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over her shoulder I could see an elderly woman sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket.

It was a grey, rainy day in Southern California, but not what this PA native would consider chilly even in April. Edith was a frail looking woman in her early 80's. I introduced myself to this matriarchal lady and she responded in kind. While Edith appeared cold on the outside her smile was warm and inviting. Familiar with Teen Haven, she required a brief explanation of Water Street Ministries. She of course was curious as to how someone associated with Teen Haven was in her living room. (I was attending a conference in California and thought it would be nice to look up some of our long distance supporters during my free time).

As we shared together our conversation centered around how Edith and her husband came to know Bill Drury, the founder of Teen Haven. She explained that they were drawn to the passion Mr. Drury had for helping urban youth. Loyal supporters of the ministry for more than 20 years Edith spoke of her commitment to follow God and his commandments. She had never been to Pennsylvania and thus had not seen Teen Haven ministries in person, but she knew the locations and the work being done. Before I knew it 45 minutes had passed. If it had not been for Edith's assistant reminding her it was time to check her medication I could have been lost in conversation for much longer. As it was the day was growing late and we both recognized the need to part company.

Edith, delighted someone had taken the time to say hello, asked that I remind everyone back home of the good work we were doing and to stay strong in the Lord for He is our strength. We shook hands and as I looked into this women's face I could see the love she spoke of for her husband, Teen Haven and the Lord. As the door closed behind me and I walked to the car I realized how truly blessed I was to be able to spend some time with this lady of the Lord.

Keith Shetter • Director of Donor Relations

Teen Haven - taking on the SNOW!

I would simply like to share how awesome God is by providing the young people that he has entrusted to us. These young men and ladies are so amazing and bless my heart each time I get to be with them, with this type of weather they still find a way to get to our home, to hang out and to help shovel (home and Teen Haven and a couple of other places). Their attitude is so selfless, it is so much work and yet they continue to serve with a Christ-like heart, these young folks are very dear to us and I praise God for the opportunity to be part of their lives and growth.

This past weekend they helped me shovel Teen Haven and then we walked around the city asking God what he had planned for us to do and whenever we asked that question, God provided the opportunity to serve and to pray for people. We helped people who were stuck on the road get out, parked cars that were covered and people struggling to get them out, we helped them out in matter of minutes. And each time we were finished we told them who we were and that we were from Teen Haven, and then asked them if we could pray for them (which we did). And as we kept walking the students kept asking ok, Lord what’s next? “The Missioners” are here at your service. We started out that day at 11am and finished at 6pm.
And today was no different; I’m blessed to see the growth of these young people.

Jose Jimenez • Lancaster Boys Program Coordinator

What is a Home?

Alvin was my client, is now in Transition, and is on an awesome path in following the Lord. He wrote this on his own and read a handwritten copy at my former church where he and some other men shared about Water Street. I asked him to type it out and share it. The touching part is that the author has NOT had a home of his own for nearly 2 years. Blessings as your read – watch out for tears!
Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

What A Home is to me.

Home is a place for happiness; where laughter is a cure for pain.
Home is a place for togetherness; when lights go out in heavy rains.
Home is a place for family; where conversations last into the night.
Home is a place for truth, because you lead by example and not by flight.
Home is a place for love, it’s so easy, sitting around with a smile.
Home is a place for nurseries, because we’ll be practicing for a while.
Home is a place for education, for it’s the key to success.
Home is a place for building confidence; doing your very best.
Home is place for relaxation; to kick your feet up and close your eyes.
Home is a place for therapy, to talk about things, even if one cries.
Home is a place for fun; where acting silly will surely pass the time.
Home is a place for honesty, because we don’t want lies on our minds.
Home is a place for religion, because without God, our souls are lost.
Home is a place for keeping the faith, no matter what the cost.

• Written by Water Street Mission Resident: Alvin

Learning from One Another

Ephesians 4:15b-16, English Standard Version
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Here at Water Street Ministries we desire to speak love and life in situations and struggles where it is often absent. One staff member shared these profound reflections that many times it is the residents and community that are the voices and hands that reveal honest, selfless love to us - and not simply the other way around! Listen, to these stories...


I find myself quite often on the streets of Lancaster, walking past groups of people engaged in conversation. Some of the words overheard in those conversations cannot be repeated here. But the other morning, while walking into work, I overheard a conversation between two male clients, and words such as “appreciate” and “blessed” reached my ears. This experience impressed upon me that we really are having an impact on the people who pass through our ministry.

On another occasion...
I had an appointment in Lancaster at 7 PM one Monday evening, I decided to work a little later rather than run home and right back again shortly thereafter. I usually park on Water Street and by the time I left to go to my car, the rear gates were locked. Still unfamiliar with access to different areas of the buildings, I asked the ladies who were sitting on the benches near the parking area if they knew of any short-cut way that I might use to go more directly to my car. They said there was no short-cut, that I would have to walk out to Prince Street, down Farnum and then down Water Street to my car. Before I even thought of it as a personal safety issue, Donna stepped forward and asked if I would like her to walk with me to my car. I was overwhelmed! I felt, as an employee here, my work was “providing” for the clients, and here it was a client who so thoughtfully “provided” for me! I guess it proves that we all have something to give each other no matter how little we may seem to have.

Girls' Weekend at Teen Haven Camp

Listen to some of the memories and encounters from the first weekend at Teen Haven Camp for Girls in 2010….

We shared in a weekend of fun - One specific highlight was on Saturday night at the PJ party, where the girls enjoyed a game called “Move It or Lose It.” Oddet Mears, the Philadelphia Girls Program Coordinator shared that, “The supervisors did a great job at running the activities at the PJ party. These leaders are growing up so fast, and are maturing into spiritual young women. As I observed the leaders and the campers it is amazing to see them growing up right before your eyes. I often I think, I remember when they came many years ago…but look at them now!!!!” At camp, leaders and first time campers have a dynamic opportunity to grow and develop together as they learn about themselves and encounter the beauty of camp, and presence of God sometimes for the very first time!

We shared in a weekend of transformation – Another highlight of the weekend was experienced on Saturday night, when the girls were able to view the Christmas Cantata celebration from Mt. Zion Baptist Church. This cantata was recorded during the weekend of the major snowstorm on December 18-20, when girls camp needed to be canceled. It was neat how even after the New Year has begun, this Christmas celebration still captured the hearts of the girls, and 4 young ladies came to the Lord at the conclusion of the play. In the words of Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director, “There is no cancelations of eternal things with the Lord.”

We shared in a weekend of personal growth and sharing - Nina Maldonado, the Lancaster Girls Program Coordinator, had countless opportunities to walk with many of the girls through the challenges and struggles that they needed support with. Each of these times of sharing and breakthrough, were answers to prayer! Nina also shared her highlight, and the joy she had watching one of the girls as she stepped up as, “a leader, a peacemaker, and an encourager!”

Please join us in praying that God would continue to guide and direct the hearts and identities of each of the girls, as they continue to learn and grow together. Pray that they would continue to remember their Identity in Christ and choose to live for Him!

"The Very Hand of God" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"The Very Hand of God"
By Dymphna, client, the Lydia Center

As Jesus strolled by my side
I pondered his mercy and grace.
From his fingertips,
Energy illuminated nothingness
From deep in the soil, new life.
In the stillness, the earth moved
As the Holy Spirit drew a tender shoot
So frail, even the slightest touch would crush it,
Yet so mighty it breaks the hardest earth.
What is this, that draws me so gently?
That which could mightily judge me?
That cleanses me from the filth of sin?
Like clean water, mercy from his lips
Reveals my own holiness.
From my innermost being,
The very hand of God
Removes my heart of sin
Freely replacing with new obedience.
As the new sprout of a wild flower reaches
Towards the light from beneath the darkness,
So my new heart reaches for
The very hand of God.

(Poem 6 of 6)

"Prison Cries" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

Prison Cries
By Dymphna, client, Lydia Center

As I was led into the prison of my own making
This time it was not only in my mind.
It seemed death had reached up and took hold of me
Leaving me incapable of calling for help –
Who would hear? Who would care?
What was this place that I had become?
Had death shown his face without the grave?
Uncertainty was my clothing, darkness my sight.
I laid in a weight unknown to me,
Through small openings in doors of steel
The sounds echoed like raging storms.
Eyes like china dolls looked back at me,
China faces in shadows of gray.
Silent prison cries desperately seeking –
Where is my Savior?

(Poem 5 of 6)

"Sadness" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"Sadness"
By Anita, client, Lydia Center

I’ve begun to feel a sense of loss –
Oh why does my heart ache?
No matter how I am feeling
There is always hope to come.
I cannot hang my head down all the time.
I am a happy person.
Despite the sadness,
Positive perspective is always near.
I will no longer be
The unhappy person I once was.
To be strapped down with sadness
Leads me to healing,
To become happy and content again.
There is always hope after feeling the pain.

(Poem 4 of 6)

"Moments in Time" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"Moments in Time"
By Elaine, client, Lydia Center

Here they come again.
They fall like streams over the rocky mountainside.
Will there ever come a day
When the tears are as dry as desert sand?
Though desert sand does not cleanse
Like the streams that flow,
I never want the tears to stop.

(Poem 3 of 6)

New Beginnings at Teen Haven Camp

It was our first weekend of Teen Haven Camp in January. The temperature was 14 degrees and with the wind chill it felt like 0 degrees. As the kids huddled in the cafeteria and we started our orientation, one young man stood out: Javier* (age 12). Throughout the orientation it was nearly impossible for me to get even one word out, without him being disruptive. I realized that he was going to bring some challenges to our weekend. The next morning, I was told that Javier had to be moved to another cabin during his first night of camp (on Friday). I chatted with him and made clear his need to cooperate.

At that time I was introduced to Kendel* (age 9). He was also disruptive and had a serious problem with the “N” & “F” words. As we chatted I found that Kendel and Javier were first timers and lived together in the same foster home and that they were 2 of 5 young men, at camp, from the same foster home. It was at this point that the Lord placed a heavy burden on my heart for the foster parents of these 5 young men. I just couldn't get them off my mind all weekend.

Sunday morning, I was informed that Kendel provoked Javier at the pool table Saturday night and Javier proceed to beat Kendel up a bit before the counselors could intervene. Kendel wasn't hurt but I feared potential injury to other campers by Javier because of his temper. Mid-Sunday morning, Kendel was brought to me charged with threatening to hit another camper with a pool ball. After our meeting he confessed and apologized to all parties. I also spoke with Javier and shared that I needed to make a decision as to his future at camp and that I would pray about it and inform him and his parents of my decision. They both admitted to loving the camp and wanting to come back and pleaded to return to camp.

Sunday night, I started to write the letter of discipline to their family, but just couldn't piece it together. The staff agreed that Javier would need to be suspended for two months and Kendel warned and allowed back. I had it all before me but just couldn't put it together. I tried Monday and still could not. As I sat Tuesday trying again, the Lord directed me to call the foster parents and spend time with them heart to heart.

I did so and got Mrs. Smith* and her husband on the phone. She put the speaker phone on and we were able to carry on a three-way conversation. I shared with them about the challenges that emerged throughout the weekend. We chatted for a good amount of time and I was greatly blessed and encouraged by what the Lord was revealing and doing in the lives and ministry of these two precious people. They are Christians and have dedicated their lives to care for hurting and broken young people. They were extremely grateful for the phone call, our care, concern, love and desire to work together for the Lord and the sake of the kids. They agreed with the suspension for Javier because they felt like I did, that this would be the best way for him to learn. He has been with them for one year and at this point, they felt that he knows better. Kendel has been with them one month and has not yet understood the consequences of losing good things because of bad behavior. We agreed.

And then a special blessing, Mr. Smith* said, “Mr. Vin, you don't remember us but we remember you. We used to come on Family Retreat. We loved coming and never forgot those times. Thank you!” And then Mrs. Smith started naming generations of kids and families that attended and attend the camp. They were extremely thankful for our part in the lives of so many. Mrs. Smith ended our conversation by saying, “Mr. Vin, between the Lord, our church, me and my husband and Teen Haven, my children are blessed beyond measure. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! God bless you!!

I can see now why I had such a hard time putting a letter together. In the midst of our heart to heart was the heart of our Jesus. We certainly sensed that from start to finish and even now. };-) Thank you Lord!

Vinny Mikusow • Field Director at Teen Haven Camp
*Name changed throughout entry

The Joy of a Secret at Wonder Club

Several weeks ago my mother came to visit WCELC. She was going to be here right after nap time. As I looked around the room, I saw a little boy just not having a good day. So I pulled him aside and asked him if He could keep a secret. He shook his head, And I said remember a secret means you can’t tell anyone. He again shook his head. So I told him, Mrs. Karen’s Mommy is coming to visit. His whole face lit up and he quickly turned around and yelled “Hey everybody Mrs. Karen’s Mommy is coming to see us after nap!”

This Morning that made me think. Why do I at times keep Jesus’ birth and His coming back a secret. Jesus coming back is so much more exciting then my Mother visiting for a little time. Soon WE will be with Him and see Him face to face. WOW!!!!!

Karen Smith • Assistant Teacher, Wonder Club Early Learning Centers

"Life is a Roller Coaster" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"Life is a Roller Coaster"
By Anita, client, Lydia Center

Life is like a roller coaster
With its up and down struggle.
The road ahead always throws a curve.
We have to make the right choice
Of which way we want to go.
Whenever I think of life
It reminds me of a roller coaster.
It seems to me that someday soon
We will see daylight and continue
At any cost.

(Poem 2 of 6)

"Compassion" - A Poem

The art of poetry has been experienced in new ways at the Lydia Center, where woman have been given an opportunity to learn, write and express through poetry together! There are six poems which these woman wanted to share on our blog, so be sure to read the upcoming poems from this collection.

Many thanks to Jennifer, a volunteer, who lead the poetry class where the following poem was composed:

"Compassion"
By Dymphna, client, Lydia Center

As I sat in the circle
Of the ones chosen to hear,
The cries and remorse ripped
From her innermost being,
My heart longed to embrace her,
To comfort and encourage.
My own fear kept me bound.
As my tears welled, I felt
The ocean of anguish inside
As I fought to anchor.
All I could do was pray.

(Poem 1 of 6)

Finding Hope and a Fresh Start!

There are times in life when it’s hard to see the opportunities God presents us—especially when it seems that everything around us is going wrong. Yet if we have faith and open our hearts to possibility, we will inevitably find the path we’re meant to follow.

Alondra, a resident of the Women’s Ministry at the Prince Street campus, first came to the Water Street Mission with her daughter a few years ago when the family fell on tough times. Though Alondra needed help, her struggle to stay in control made it difficult.

“I wasn’t humble enough to listen to anybody’s input about my life,” she remembers. Despite her financial problems, Alondra refused suggestions to sell her two cars; to her, it meant admitting she had failed. Perhaps too soon, she left the mission to try to rebuild her life. “I was mad and disappointed, and I let that affect my relationship with God,” she says.

Things went well for a while, but a change in her job situation brought Alondra back to the mission a few months ago. This time, however, Alondra had changed. Instead of fighting her faith, she allowed God back into her heart and realized a path was there for her all along.

While the old Alondra might have viewed her return to the mission as another failure, the new Alondra knows that this time, she’s really just begun her journey to success.

“God has put me in a position where I’m getting discipline,” she explains. “The reality of my life can be very unpleasant if I don’t stay on the path.”

“Water Street gives you those resources [to stay on the path],” Alondra continues. “No matter what has brought you here, you have opportunity here. It’s allowed me to refresh my spirit. That’s priceless. It’s OK to ask for help today.”

By Jacqlyn Mori, volunteer

Pondering Prayer

During Morning Prayer in the Learning Center, each client was asked to pray for their personal prayer requests. When it was Bram’s turn to lift up to God what was heavy on his heart, he began by thanking the Lord for the opportunity to speak with him.

It seems silly right, to have a prelude to our prayers?

Or do we take being able to come to our Lord, knowing that he is always willing to listen, for granted?

I have had the privilege of getting to know Bram over this past year in the Learning Center, and it has been such a blessing. Bram is never shy about his 18 wheeler, and how much he loves the open road. There is not a conversation topic in the world that he could not turn around, by the end, to truck driving. And he will be the first to tell you that having a life where you are always on the go, and where you are forced to spend very long hours alone, can be very taxing on you both physically and spiritually. He has experienced the depths of loneliness and the emptiness of addictions, but because Bram has persevered through these tough times, he can fully appreciate someone who is willing to simply sit and listen. He will never take that for granted.

It is through this simple, grateful prayer where Bram reveals an acceptance of his past, and an understanding that he is here to serve the Lord, and not the other way around. How many of us can say the same things when we pray?

By Jon, Volunteer

Lesson Learned!

One of the teachers was explaining to the children that getting a “yellow card” (part of the classroom discipline system) is a consequence for disobeying. A child responded, “Like Adam and Eve?” “Yes,” the teacher replied, “and what was their consequence?” Another child said, “They had to leave the garden.”
In another classroom the children were learning that everybody makes choices. They can choose to be obedient to God and their teachers and their lives will be good. Or they can make a bad choice and then there will be a consequence. One day one of the children was acting up and his brother came to the teacher and said, “Mike is not making a good choice.”

It is nice to know that our Bible stories and lessons are sinking in and exciting to hear the words of truth from God’s word come back through the mouths of these precious children!

Lorraine Brandt • Wonder Club Administrator

Lydia Center students experience healing

Recently, at the Lydia Center, I completed teaching a class called Steps to Sexual Health where a small group of our women work through sexual brokenness. I was again in awe at how Jesus cut the chains off these 3 women. They were able to share what their “wound” looked like 10 weeks ago & what it looks like now. They all showed real signs of healing: One young woman shared how she saw God reaching down to her but she did not trust Him (1st week) & today she drew herself sitting in His lap (& called Him Father – which is huge). I really felt like I saw them (with spiritual eyes) go from hunched over with the weight of their sexual past to sitting up with their heads held high over these last 10 weeks.

Carrie Libonati • Learning Center Instructor, Lydia Center