An Open Studio Project at Teen Haven

Angel Luciano is a passionate volunteer within the Teen Haven programs in Lancaster City. He is also an extremely talented artist who is sharing his creativity on the walls of our youth center. (progress picture of the mural posted on the right)

Here’s how this mural project came about…
Jose Jimenez, the Lancaster Teen Haven Field Director, asked Angel if he would be willing to come up with a mural design around a specific theme verse. Angel agreed and used this verse in Hebrews 12:1 in the design which says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

As people view this mural our hope is that crowds of witnesses will be reminded of the Sacrificial Love of Christ, and not forget what Jesus endured for our benefit! This mural reminds us that heaven is our goal, as we see the gates of eternity opened by the blood of Christ our Savior.

The Process...
The mural project is still in progress, and it's been so fun to see the process as he's working to complete this masterpiece. We're so thankful for Angel's partnership in serving at Teen Haven and sharing his artistic expressions on the walls of our youth center!

If you're interested in additional artistic opportunities where you might be able to serve at Water Street Ministries, check out our Open Studio page which contains more information and details on getting involved: http://waterstreetministries.org/MakeADifference/OpenStudio.aspx

Trusting God with Tuition

When I accepted the position of Program Counselor in the Men’s Ministry this year my wife and I were concerned that we would have to withdraw our two older children from the Christian school that they had been attending since elementary school (my son is now a senior and my daughter is now a junior).

We decided to enroll them this year and trust that God would provide for our financial needs. In December we were contacted by the school to inform us that someone had anonymously paid for their tuition expense for the rest of this year! Needless to say, we were awestruck by God’s provision as well as the generosity of His people. God be praised!!!

Mark Noel • Program Counselor

“'Golden Voice' homeless man finds job, home after viral video success”

I have to wonder about the celebrity we’ve made of Ted Williams, the ‘Golden-Voiced’ homeless man! Since being ‘discovered’ in Ohio in January his video on You Tube has been viewed almost 8 million times and media from around the world have written about him. He’s also been offered jobs and advertising spots and interviews.

Personally, I’m not surprised at Ted and his giftedness - I’ve met many talented and educated and intelligent people who have been addicted and homeless - the Master Chef, the Missionary, the Doctor, the MBA banker, the Artist, the Mason. It’s not surprising to see great gifts among the homeless.

What’s surprising to me is our desire to make him a story. Has this effort been helpful to him? In the days since becoming nationally known his addiction has resurfaced landing him in a ‘celebrity’ rehab in California! And the hope is that he will find a way to find freedom from the life-depleting compulsions in his life. We wish him well and pray that he will be able to come out of the destruction that has been his life.

But can we also allow this to remind that addiction easily embeds in a life and recovery from such is often complex and long-term? Can we also hesitate a little bit the next time we’re compelled to view a homeless guy through our lens without considering history or the intricacy of his situation? For Ted’s sake, we can do no less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rPFvLUWkzs

Steve Brubaker • Chief Vision Officer

Lydia Center receives more than just Groceries...

I was recently grocery shopping for the center at a local market. While I was unloading a very full cart at the checkout a stranger walked over and asked if I would like the slip of paper she held out to me. She said she could not use it but I probably could.

It was a coupon for 7 dollars off any grocery order over $65. I smiled and thanked her and then told her she had just helped feed the ladies at the Lydia Center.

She said “Praise the Lord” to which I replied “Amen”. “You must be a believer” she said as she walked away and I smiled.

I gained a new friend that day. I don’t know her name and I probably won’t see her again this side of Heaven but I will remember for a long time the smiles and the words we shared that day.

As I shared this story, the residents here were blessed with this woman’s giving heart. So many hearts join in the ministry of the Lydia Center. Some names are known to us, others aren’t. Regardless, please be assured that we appreciate your generous gifts and do our best to share the love of Christ here on Grace Plateau.

- Paula Sentgeorge • Lydia Center, Kitchen Manager

An unexpected Gift

A candid reflection about gift giving. Have you ever received a similar blessing from a gift that you gave?


Concerned for the amount of time our son spent playing video related games, we decided to make it an “electronics free” Christmas this year. Of course his wish listed included various video game requests, even an ipod (we were not ready for that one). Our thought was to find a gift that would be engaging as well as entertaining. We decided upon tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters. This activity would be visually stimulating yet not involve a power cord. It would also afford me some one on one time with my son.

The trip to Hershey started with conversation around sports, as it so often does, but at some point we got on a discussion about Sunday School. This led to why I thought it was important and if it really mattered to God if we went to church. WOW - truly meaningful conversation! I shared a few things and in time the topic changed back to the games of the day and before we knew it we had arrived.

The Globetrotters were hilariously entertaining. We both seemed to enjoy ourselves. He thanked me for taking him to see “the funniest basketball players in the world”. Traveling home we talked about various things, but nothing so compelling as before.

As I kneeled by his bed side saying our prayers that night I realized the impact of the day. My son’s prayer contained this praise … “and thank you God for loving me and wanting me to go to church so I can worship you and for my Dad who loves me too.” I believe I was the recipient of the true gift of Christmas on that night.

- Keith Shetter, Director of Donor Relations

Seeing Transformation at the Lydia Center

Last week I met with a resident that was requesting a phase promotion. I remember her first day here as she arrived on a major holiday. She did not make a lot of eye contact and she certainly did not talk much. Since that time, she has come to know the Lord.

What is also so encouraging is that she is now teaching her child, who is living elsewhere, the tools she is learning here. She is also teaching him about taking responsibility for his actions – something we talk about all the time at Lydia Center. In addition to that, she has asked forgiveness from several family members that she felt she had hurt in the past – things that she found very hard to even think or talk about 4 or 5 months ago. The shame is gone and I see new-found freedom.

As I see her take leadership roles here and see her walk with her head held high now, I just stand in awe of God’s amazing grace! It’s unbelievable what God can do in couple of months in someone’s life!

Melissa Alcorn • Lydia Center Executive Director




To Learn more about the Lydia Center visit: http://www.lydiacenter.org/

A New Partnership & Season at Teen Haven

I’ve learned about seasons. Some seasons are good, and some are not so good. For me, I’m not a winter guy. But if I endure Winter, I get to appreciate Spring and Summer.

Last year was the season for me to be a gym teacher at a local charter school. It provided finances, but it meant a lot of sacrifice, like me not being at home much with my family. I didn’t have a peace about returning this year, but the school didn’t want to lose me. In the end, God saw fit for the school to contract with Teen Haven to provide the physical education classes this year. Now several of our staff will be sharing the role of gym teacher.

Not only is this relationship providing finances for the ministry, but it’s providing opportunity for Teen Haven staff to connect with over 120 students daily, to be role models, and to promote Teen Haven programs and Camp. You see, part of the state’s requirement is that students get plugged into community programs. Because of our staff’s influence, it is likely that the students will get plugged into Teen Haven.

Already we’re seeing results at Teen Haven. Numbers had been low for our girls program. After we got connected with the school, the girls program exploded. When one of these new girls first started attending our programs, her attitude was very poor – especially at school. She didn’t want to get to class on time, and she didn’t want to participate in anything. What she found at Teen Haven was people who really cared for her. It wasn’t long before she gave her heart to the Lord!

Since then we have seen real fruit: her attitude has changed, her music choice has changed, the way she speaks and dresses has changed, and who she spends time with has changed. Plus her grades are up, and her teachers are seeing the difference. She’s plugged into a local church, and her mom even has become involved in Teen Haven.

God in His sovereignty knows the needs of the ministry of Teen Haven and knows our hearts to partner with the community. Before anyone else knew, he knew the relationship He was establishing. What people see to be impossible, God makes possible. With the right heart and willing people, God can do anything. Even through this economic state, God knows how to take care of his people.

By Jose Jimenez, Teen Haven, Lancaster Field Director

I AM with you always.

Butterflies have always been an encouragement to me. They are the symbol of restoration, hope & something new & beautiful. I shared this with a precious young woman I have the privilege to share Jesus love with.

She has a life long history of brokenness, hopelessness & horrible abuse. Anything hopeful was foreign to her yet she clung to a hope that there had to be something better. She was very fearful to share things from her past because she was always told no one would believe her & no one would care. You could see how fearful it would be to share yet she continued to press through. We did most of our counseling outside. God always showed up at just the time she needed it.

Every time she needed encouragement a butterfly (or two or three or more) would fly by her or land on her to see, it was as if God was revealing His presence, His faithfulness, and His love for her through this tangible symbol. It became something that we would laugh at. At just the time that she needed hope that she could face the incredible pain from her past God brought that hope in front of her eyes to see.

Recently she was looking at some extremely painful hurts done by some people who were supposed to protect her. She was afraid to look at it. As she was sitting outside a butterfly came & landed on her pen. As she watched it the butterfly then flew to her left shoulder & then to her right. She said she had such peace come over her that she was able to sit there & look at the pain with hope that this pain was not the end of her story. She said she felt God’s presence.

It is priceless to see hope in the eyes of such a wounded soul. She has a hard road ahead in healing but she can tell you that she knows she is not alone & she has a hope not that “there has to be something better” but that there IS Someone better – Jesus Christ.

- Carrie Libonati, Lydia Center, Learning Center Instructor

Looking Back

The following are reflections from a graduate of the Men's Recovery Program...

I am awed by my experience here at Thaddeus Stevens. Even to the point of being overwhelmed. I wonder if things can get any better. I am discovering things about myself that for the longest I only fantasized about. Both in terms of ability and emotional experience.

I question why I did not go back to school when I was younger. In reality I know the answer. It is because I was overly involved in my emotional pain, and choose to comfort myself in attachments instead of seeking solace in relationships.

At the risk of sounding pretentious I now believe that I can, I will, I do, I am, and I have. In a way I am living my dream, and it’s fantastic. At this point Craig Hickey would remind me of Romans 12:3, and I do well to remember that the only accurate way to understand myself is by what God is and by what he does.

This verse says, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

All of this of course comes by grace, and is the result of my experience here at college and, also from having been involved in the programs, and opportunities presented to me by you and Water Street; without which I would not be here continuing my education. You have a part in my success, and I thank you!

To Learn more about the programs within the Men’s Discipleship Center of Water Street Mission visit:
http://waterstreetministries.org/Ministries/WaterStreetMission/MensDiscipleshipCenter.aspx

Lititz Area Mennonite teams up for Teen Haven

Teen Haven has been so blessed by the creativity and support of the students at Lititz Area Mennonite School! This Christmas their 3rd grade students joined together to help provide needed games and sports equipment for our ministry. Two classes teamed up and worked hard to raise money for these gifts through all sorts of tasks. Some students washed dishes, raked leaves, and so much more – all so that they could be a part of providing these special gifts to the youth of Teen Haven.

And, in addition to these gifts each student also made their own Christmas card. Their handwritten cards contained beautiful drawings, handwritten notes, and scriptures for our youth. Within these cards many students shared their excitement and awe of Christ's gift of being born for our salvation - it was clear that they wanted all of our youth to grasp this life changing reality. What a special gift to have 3rd grade testimonies to share with our youth, as they too seek after Christ!

One of the teachers shared that, “Our Christmas service project is a very special time of the year for our third grade students at Lititz Area Mennonite. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about the true meaning of giving. The students worked hard to earn money to buy games and sports equipment for Teen Haven. After the students raised the money they were able to choose which gift they would like to buy for Teen Haven."
Katie Shenk
Lititz Area Mennonite School
3rd Grade Teacher

As these young students worked so hard to bless Teen Haven they demonstrated a sacrificial love that we believe will shine Christ’s love into our city programs and at camp. We pray God’s blessing on the ministry at Lititz Area Mennonite School, and to these students as they continue to learn and grow throughout this New Year!

Merry Christmas from the Lydia Center

Last week at lunch the ladies gave the Lydia Center Staff a Christmas present – it was a song to the tune of 12 days of Christmas! I've included the lyrics below for you to enjoy!

I had asked the ladies what was different about this Christmas, and some of the answers I received were “this is the first Christmas I am not dreading”, “this is the first Christmas I have peace”, “this is the first Christmas in 10 years that I will be clean and sober”, “this is the first Christmas that I have joy” and “this is the first time I’m spending Christmas with people I love and who love me”.

At Lydia Center we had our “family time” on Christmas morning opening gifts that the body of Christ has provided for them and then cooked and enjoyed Christmas dinner together.

So from our home to yours – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Melissa Alcorn • Executive Director

12 Days At Lydia Center
On the first day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
Jakey with a snotty nose

On the second day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the third day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the fourth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the fifth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the sixth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the seventh day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the eighth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the ninth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the tenth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
10 loving staff
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the eleventh day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
11 chapters of heart-work
10 loving staff
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

On the twelfth day at Lydia Center my sisters gave to me
12 self evals
11 chapters of heart-work
10 loving staff
9 feet of snow
8 hours of weeding
7 ugly bows
6 greasy pizzas
5 hours of task
4 days of cooking
3 hours of counseling
2 holey socks
and Jakey with a snotty nose

Students joining the ‘Diaper Dump’!

Have you heard about the current ‘Diaper Dump’ going on now at Water Street Mission? Our goal is to collect 5,000 diapers by Dec. 31!

Just after we announced that we were in dire need of diapers, a big blessing came our way! A 7th and 8th grade teacher named Rebecca Harvey from Resurrection Catholic school, had talked to her students about having a diaper drive. She called me and I thought it would be nice to get to know her and thank her personally when she brought the diapers in. A few weeks ago she delivered 17 boxes of diapers! She told me that they will do another big Diaper Drive for Christmas. The Women Ministries team hopes to have her and her students come and meet our women and children, to see first-hand the way their support is making a difference for these families.

We are so blessed by the generosity and support of these students and so many others, who are joining to help us provide this diapers for the precious children we serve.

Learn more about our 'Diaper Dump' at: http://waterstreetministries.org/events/10-11-02/Diaper_Dump_Help_the_Water_Street_Mission_collect_5_000_diapers.aspx

- Gentine Clark • Shelter Manager

Challenged to Increase our Faith

Each week on Wednesday afternoons, the Water Street Ministries staff spend an hour, from 3-4pm, seeking after God in prayer, and ‘fasting’ from work priorities as a community!

Recently, during this staff fasting time, we were challenged to look at faith through the lens Hebrews 10-12. It was a humbling experience to examine my faith quotient.

How does faith in the unseen affect my life and ministry?
To what extent would my faith need to change and expand to be included with the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11?
How does my lack of faith hinder my life and ministry?

These are things about which I need to meditate on and listen to God’s voice.

Philippians 1:6 reminds me that God will complete the work He has started in me until the day of Jesus Christ. It says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

It is that confidence that allows me to move forward in the journey Christ has for me.

Donna Doutrich • Ministry Assistant, Lydia Center

The Lord has no language or age barrier!

Kobe* is a young man that loves the Lord, has a heart’s desire to serve and present the gospel in any given opportunity. Last weekend during a retreat for boys 12-17 years old, Kobe took the position of senior cabin supervisor at Teen Haven Camp. This meant that he’d oversee and help direct the other cabin supervisors throughout the weekend.

We’ve been blessed over the last year to welcome many new youth from a neighborhood in Western Philadelphia that is primarily Vietnamese. And on this particular weekend, Kobe had two young men from this community. One of these campers spoke no English (age 14), and he came with his younger cousin who was able to speak limited English (age 13).

Throughout the weekend I saw that Kobe was really passionate about sharing with these youth, especially the one who wasn’t able to speak English. This created a dilemma since he wasn’t able to communicate in Vietnamese. Yet, God presented a solution. Kobe realized that he could work with this young man’s cousin to share about Christ’s love for him.

As Kobe shared the love of Christ, this young camper translated for his older cousin so that he could understand! Through this time of sharing, and dialogue this young man responded with a smile and accepted Christ’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

Sunday morning, I saw this young man’s smile and eyes, each reflecting his new found faith. I was reminded that age and language is no barrier to the Gospel message or messenger.

Vinny Mikusow
Teen Haven Camp, Field Director

*name changed

Thanksgiving Blessings at the Lydia Center

In this season of Thanksgiving, the staff and residents of the Lydia Center have many things to be thankful for! Two items stick out in my mind: warmer buildings and the employees of JK Mechanical, Inc. of Willow Street, PA. On November 10, 2010, a group of 68 employees from JK Mechanical came to bless our ministry through a community service project. Wow! Did I say 68 people? Yes, I did! The grounds of the Lydia Center were buzzing with activity as doors were being replaced on the cottages, as windows were being replaced in the child care room, as the heating/cooling systems were serviced and as windows were being caulked and cleaned.

The residents have already expressed how much warmer it is in the main building where they attend classes. The new windows in the child care room come at a perfect time as a children’s ministry coordinator has been hired and is planning to start in December. Yeah! The children will have a warm place to play and sleep!

As a way to bless the group, the residents baked cookies and delivered them to the company. Here is part of a thank you note we received. “And as far as the cookies, everyone is enjoying them immensely. The thank you card was quite an encouragement too-especially the personal notes that everyone took time to write. It meant so much to us to know how the Community Work Day has benefitted each person individually. What a blessing this was to us!”

Thank you, JK Mechanical, Inc. for your generosity and service! We are grateful and blessed to see how you took time, resources, and energy to invest in our ministry.




Lisa Good, Lydia Center Program Counselor

'Challenges' from Men's Ministry - Part 2

Here are the remaining testimonites from the Men’s Ministry team in response to the question, “Where did you experience a challenging situation at WSM in the past month? How did you see God meet the need?”

“When a CES guest got up close and personal I experienced God’s protection through others who came to my aid and blocked him from harming me.” – Philip Wrightstone

“I have seen God facilitate several conversations and help the people involved communicate.” – Jon Shacklett

“God met the needs of the men at WSM, and he provided all the personal help that I am able to receive." - Intern Howard

“God used the team work of Men’s Ministry to develop a positive experience for our guests during the Family Day event!” – Mark Noel



"A client I had no hope of getting benefits for - now unexplainably has full benefits! This client is teaching me to trust God and commit ALL to Him."

'Challenges,' from Men’s Ministry – Part 1

The Men’s Ministry team has prepared some short testimonies in response to the question, “Where did you experience a challenging situation at WSM in the past month? How did you see God meet the need?”

"God met my need in helping me accept people by getting passed my preconceived notions. God met my need by giving me an understanding that I shouldn’t be a stumbling block in the path of my brothers and others." - Intern Jerome

"I have met two very young men in the past week that do not know Christ. The challenge I have recognized was overcome when God allowed me to share some of His truth with them individually so we were able to build a relational bridge." - Jim Stanton

"God met the needs at the Family Day activities. He met it with kindness and a smile!" - Intern Bob

"One of my challenges has been to stay positive and joyful in the face of a medical diagnosis that is chronic. God has been challenging me to pursue Him and to trust Him even when He changes the plans I had made for my life. He has been teaching me that I am known to Him and He knows my needs." - Sue Pearce, Learning Center

WSHS - Providing Healthcare and Relief!

A young man, 23, came to Water Street Health Services recently due to severe pain in his armpit. He came in because a “growth” was developing under his arm that was making it difficult for him to work. With little money and no insurance he didn’t know what to do until he heard about us. He was so grateful as the doctor lanced and drained the large cyst that had developed and gave him an antibiotic to cure the infection.

The pain relief was instant when the pressure was released. This released for him not only physical pain pressure but emotional pressure that was building over what he could do to get help and fear of losing his job due to either not being able to work or loss of work time.

We saw him after work hours, and he asked why we do this; provide free care? I was then able to tell him that we serve as the hands of Christ – who came to heal us all of our sicknesses, both physical and spiritual. We are sharing His good news of salvation and hope. After a brief chat where he listened intently – seeds were planted and with a big smile he thanked me so much for helping him and taking the time to talk with him.

This is an example of one of hundreds in Lebanon and thousands through Water Street Health Services Lancaster that we are providing God’s healing! What a privilege to be called to be part of His work!

Gale Thomason • Executive Director

Seeing Change at the Lydia Center

Change can be good or bad. Either way, it can “rock” our world. It makes us unsteady and off kilter, at least for a little while.

The ladies at the Lydia Center face constant challenges to their thinking and behavior. It has been my privilege over the past few weeks to watch one young lady deal with the struggle of change in her life. The changes are healthy changes, but they are ripping out everything that she has believed about herself and her life. The struggle is evident and painful to watch. However, there is great encouragement in watching this struggle.

Jesus promises to “make all things new.” Birthing new beliefs and attitudes is just as arduous as the birth of a baby. There is usually discomfort and pain, which is necessary to the birthing process. But, oh the joy that comes to all involved when that “new creature” enters this world. Be thankful for the pain that comes with change.

Donna Doutrich • Lydia Center, Ministry Assistant

Feed the homeless AND support your health!

In need of a chiropractic examination? Here's a perfect way you can support your health and help share meals with the homeless this Thanksgiving.

Learn how you can support...

• Anyone may receive a complete chiropractic examination from Family Chiropractic of Lancaster County for a donation of $47.20. The chiropractic examination will include a computerized spinal screening, complete chiropractic examination, X-rays (if needed), and a report of findings.


• Each $47.20 donation to the Water Street Mission will provide a Thanksgiving meal for 20 people.


• Stop by the office on Old Philadelphia pike or make an appointment by calling Family Chiropractic of Lancaster County, Ltd: 717-393-9955 between now and November 24, 2010.


• Thanks for your support of Water Street Mission!

“Our goal is to help feed over 1,000 people in Lancaster County,” said Dr. Martin Rodgers, President of Family Chiropractic of Lancaster County, Ltd.

“Sharing the gift of good health while helping those in our community who are desperate to get off the street and make a change in their lives is a double blessing.”
Keith Shetter, Family Chiropractic of Lancaster patient

From the Family:
More than 95% of Water Street Ministries' work of changing lives is made possible through private donations. That's why we're so thankful for the creative ideas organized on our behalf by businesses, churches, organizations and individuals -- our family!