Fear Factor

The tv show called Fear Factor is all about facing your fears! Today was a new day to face one of my fears!

Things started off in the usual way. I went to my spot beside Northminster to pray. Around 7:30 am the school bus came around and I knew that I was going to get to see Geraldine!

I love speaking with her because she loves life and loves God! She is so inspiring to be around. We laugh a lot together. I am ALWAYS smiling after I leave speaking with her.

As I made my final lap around the block I asked God for courage and the ability to face my fears.

Through this journey I have refused to go to the hood or what some may consider the strip by myself! I was scared!

I said to myself that I would only walk down Brookland Park with another person, especially someone of color. In most cases no one will speak to you if you are white. If I am walking with an African American everyone will speak with him, but not to me.

I was too scared to be the only white man on the street. I am always viewed strangely and probably looked at as a cop. This was confirmed today when I spoke to a cop about the situation.

So as I drove away from Northminster I began to plan my next steps. I decided to take a small step forward. Progress for me was to go to six corners and have breakfast at the Firehouse Cafe by myself!

I showed up looking for my waiter, Corey. He was not there.

As a matter of fact NO ONE was in the restaurant except a waitress and the cook. I sat down to eat by myself. It wasn't too long after I got served a WONDERFUL breakfast (cost less than $3), that Martha from Boaz & Ruth showed up unexpectedly!

She asked if she could join me. I said yes and we proceeded to have a great conversation. She gave me some history lessons and began to explain to me the information behind the study called "Unpacking the Census" done by my friend Dr John Moeser whom I met last week.

We had a WONDERFUL time together which was cut short because she had another meeting to go to. We discussed getting together again real soon. I love spending time with Martha!

I love how God meets you right at the place where you fear the most and surprises you when you least expect it!

I hope that I will continue to play Fear Factor and see how God will show his face!

Jigsaw puzzle

What is it that I like about jigsaw puzzles?

It's not the time it takes to put it together. I don't have the patience!

What I like, is the challenge and to see the pieces fit together. I like seeing it take shape!

As this journey unfolds I see some of the pieces fitting together.

Yesterday I got a call from Charles. He said that another house would be available by mid June. What that means is somebody else who needs an affordable place to live will have one. Every non profit that I have come in contact with, has said affordable housing is one solution to homelessness in Richmond. There are not enough affordable places to live in Richmond, but come June there will be ONE MORE!

Another piece of the puzzle, was put in place today when a van was donated to someone in need. Transportation is the biggest hurdle to employment. There are people available to work and work to be had, but a lot of folks don't have transportation to get to work. Just yesterday I was made aware of two job openings, but you needed to have transportation!

The next piece to fit in place was a young man needing a place to sleep. He was living in his car. A call was placed to Cassie of Hands Up Ministry to see if she could help. She met with the young man and spent some time getting to know him. She gave him a chance and the next couple of weeks he will be living in the 4th ave house. This is the house that many from Atlee, as well as many from all over have spent some time fixing up. It is almost finished, but right now it serves as a safe place for someone who was sleeping in their car.

The challenge of it all is to learn what God can do through us, if we are obedient to his call!

A jigsaw puzzle gets put together one piece at a time. It doesn't happen right away.

I am beginning to see the pieces fall into place and the picture of the puzzle is starting to take shape!

Dr. Visit

This morning I had a meeting with Dr John Moeser.

Dr. John Moeser, Senior Fellow at the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at the Univeristy of Richmond and Professor Emeritus, Urban Studies and Planning, at Virginia Commonwealth University.

I had requested the meeting based on seeing a video of a talk he gave at the non profit organization ACTS. When I heard the talk I knew that I needed to meet with him. He said a lot of things that I have been dreaming of.

http://www.actsva.org/p/acts-in-action_23.html

I was excited to hear his perspective on the status of the poor and homeless in Richmond. He has a wealth of knowledge.

It turns out we knew a lot of the same people that I have come into contact with over the last few months. I was especially encouraged that he seemed to confirm the direction that I have been on.

He also suggested that I pull together more people to get involved, so that I don't burn myself out.

Great advice!

Let's pull together and see what God can do through us!

The Dream from across the pond!

Today was highlighted by a meeting in Shockoe Bottom at Legacy Fellowship International.

I was invited to hear Dave Connolly from Liverpool England. He is one of the senior pastors at Frontline Church!

http://www.frontline.org.uk/detail/Pastor_Dave_Connolly/484/282.aspx

He has a huge heart to see THE CHURCH come together to reach the lost! I was very encouraged by what he had to say. Here is The Dream of  "Together for the Harvest"

For almost two thousand years Christians have prayed, ”Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”. The TFH Dream is to see God’s Kingdom break in as we pray and work together. 

Imagine a world where crime has been reduced and families strengthened. 

Where integrity, honesty and faithfulness are commonplace.

Where churches are filled and new churches are being planted.

Where the poor and the vulnerable are helped and safety and decency are enjoyed by all.

This is the impact of the gospel that has been seen elsewhere and in other times.

May we come together for "The Dream" for Richmond, Va!

Boaz & Ruth

I met Martha with Boaz & Ruth on Monday!

I was invited to have lunch down at the Firehouse Cafe on Meadowbridge Rd, which is right up the street from six corners.

Before we met I asked Martha to read up on my blog to see what had taken place over the last few months. This is always an easy way for new friends to get up to speed on what is happening.

We sat down for lunch. She asked for me to share some of my story with her. I spoke about how the journey began back in the summer. She then shared the history behind Boaz & Ruth.

I was impressed with all that they had accomplished in 10 years!

I have stated from the beginning that I wanted to support affordable housing, employment and prevention as it relates to homelessness.

Boaz & Ruth have been involved in all of these!

We spent about two hours together. She introduced me to a number of folks. It was fun meeting some more new friends from the neighborhood! I enjoyed getting to meet Corry, our server.

I enjoyed my lunch at the cafe so much, I took Charles back there this morning for breakfast! Corry was there again and he even remembered my name!

Martha proceeded to show me all the properties they own around that neighborhood. They have created quit the little social enterprise in that neighborhood.

I also got to see one of the stores they have. As I began to share the vision I have for a thrift store, She was very interested in partnering with me.

Every day I can see God's hand at work bringing people together with different talents and background. It was exciting to see how much we share in common.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Martha and the ministry she has in Highland Park. She must have liked what I had to say, she asked if I wanted to serve on her board. I respectively declined because at this point, I don't feel called to get tied down to any one organization.

There are a lot of great organizations out there that are doing tremendous work! I look forward to bringing together those that are willing to work together for the common good!

What will tomorrow look like?

Get out of the boat!

Today I had a great time with the Lord this morning, just thinking about everything that has happened since the first of the year. It's only been about 3 1/2 months!

Time flies when you are having fun!

That is a true statement if I ever knew one!

A few years ago I read a book. It was called If you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat.

I was reminded of that book again this morning when I heard a message from Craig Groeschel called Why would God use me.

http://www.lifechurch.tv/watch/why-2012/4

God has blessed me in so many ways I couldn't begin to write it all down in one post, thus you can retrace everything by reading prior posts.

A few weeks ago Jeff mentioned during the service that God needs to first work in your life and then he can work through your life.

Craig Groeschel asked in his message "What does God want to do through you?" He then said the answer is "You have to step out to find out!". "You have to step out in faith to find out what God wants to do through you."

One thing I want to share with you, are all of the new relationships I have come into contact with over the last few months. I cherish everyone that I have met. I have spent more time with some than others, but I am confident that God will continue to use all of the folks I have met to further his kingdom.

I am thankful for Cassie, JT, Purnell, Todd, Muhammad, Eureka, Rush, Charles, Roger, Rudy, Wendy, Louis, Marti, Karen, Tom, Karen, Butch, Steve, Nancy, Carrolann, Melba, Christy, Michelle, Ashley, Lucinda, Tim, Bob, Leroy, Katie, Wanda, and today I met Martha!

I will follow up tomorrow with my time with Martha of Boaz and Ruth!

It was awesome!

What a great group of people! All who share a vision to see lives changed for the better!

(Please forgive me if I have left your name out by mistake! I am over 50!)

It all started when I did something I knew was out of my comfort zone!

I knew that I had to depend on God. I was NEVER going to do it on my own!

God was calling me to get involved with the homeless situation, but this is an area that I knew absolutely nothing about four months ago!

When I started I had NO idea what would take place, if I had I probably would have run away FAST!

Now that God had brought these people into my life and revealed some of what is to take place, I am more excited than EVER!

I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!

As I reflect back on the past 17 weeks I am amazed at what has happened and who I have met, but more importantly NONE of this would have happened, if I hadn't gotten out of the boat!

Can we work together?

Yesterday afternoon I met with several folks who represented some churches and non profits. We were gathered together to see if we could find common ground on how we might as a faith community come together to help solve the homeless situation in Richmond for those who want help.

This was our second meeting. The meeting was hosted by Steve at First Baptist Church.

The first part of the meeting was to agree on what some of the challenges  are that exist for someone who is homeless.

It was great to have Charles there! Charles can speak from experience (33 yrs on the streets) and inform all of us as to what the challenges are.

We had some good discussion and then we moved on to what resources are available in the community. There are hundreds of different resources in the Richmond area and thus part of the problem.

The problem is that there are so many folks operating as silos and nobody knows what the others are doing. If we could pool our resources, think of the possibilities! There are way too many food pantries and clothing closets. Is this the best use of our resources?

It was agreed by all that the Faith Community can make a difference in this cause!

Steve will send out a resource book that he has put together for everyone to review.

When we ended the meeting I got a chance to speak with Nancy who works with ACTS. She also serves on the board of Freedom House. It was great to meet her. She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the homeless situation.

I believe if the Churches and non profits come TOGETHER then we can solve this situation.

We must first set aside our egos and self serving attitudes and just be obedient to what God wants.

I believe God wants us all to work together!

Dinner on the boulevard!

I am always thrilled to see how God is going to show up!

I got a call at 4:30pm yesterday from Wendy, asking if I would like to come to a meeting.

The meeting was in less than 30 minutes! I gave her a hard time.

Not much notice!

I said I didn't think I could. I called home to my wife. Pamela said she had a small group meeting to go to. I said I guess I'll go then!

The meeting was setup at Twiggie's cuisine! Right smack in the middle of brookland park blvd corridor.

The restaurant had on its menu Panamanian, Caribbean, and American cuisines. I had the Caribbean jerk chicken for dinner.

The setting was not your usual fair, seeing how there were bars on the windows and what look liked bullet holes in the glass probably made from a BB gun. There were lots of people on the street corners conducting  business.

Inside was a different story!

The meeting was with folks from all different backgrounds and churches. Several folks were from Northminster. Wendy from Embrace, had put the meeting together to draw in folks who were interested in making a difference in the north side.

We all introduced ourselves and what brought us to the meeting. We then proceeded to eat dinner. Mine was delicious even though I don't care for the spicy stuff. The staff and owner, Twiggie were awesome! We enjoyed getting to know them!

We had a time of devotion and then I was asked to share my story about prayer walking around the neighborhood. I started to talk about the book The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

I told everyone that I had been prayer driving around the city, the north side and even prayer walking around Northminster.

It was exciting to share how God was moving!

We then proceeded to walk to some of the buildings around the block that Wendy was interested in getting.

We prayed for what could be! What God is going to do!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself last night!

I look forward to another dinner on the Boulevard in the near future!

Father knows best!

How many folks remember that show?

Guess what! 

It's even older than I am! So I figure a lot of folks reading this won't have a clue?

The last few days have reminded me that my Father in heaven knows better than I do. I have been sucked into the mind set of today that everything needs to happen NOW!

I long for the day to see affordable housing for those who need it, employment for those willing to work for a fair wage and families staying together.

More than all that; I long for the day that people will come to know Christ because someone showed Christ's love to them through an act of kindness or generosity!

On Sunday a good friend reminded me that Moses had to wait 40 days or was it 40 years! 

I got to admit I don't have that kind of patience, but guess what?

God knows that about me!

I have been able to observe over the last couple of days, small steps of movement towards significant change. A family taking charge of the challenges they face and making the necessary changes to get out of the rut their in. My good friend Charles calling to say there are business possibilities happening on Brookland Park. Starting new friendships in the north side. Non profits looking at where their best impact for the area could be. Meetings set to discuss with other business folks about new job opportunities for the area.

These are just a few significant events happening in the area!

I'm impatient!

But my Father knows best!

Mustard seed

Am I crazy or am I just planting a mustard seed?

Yesterday afternoon I took off on my prayer walk around 3pm to the Northside.

I parked the car in my usual place.

I started right away picking up trash in front of a parked car on the side of the road. I noticed the front door of the house was open, which is unusual. A lady came out and said I must be picking up after the hoodlums. She thanked me and I continued on my journey.

I began making the turn down Montross ave, as I saw a neighbor working in her yard.

Let me take a moment and say the other day I felt led to go down the other side of the road. In other words I have expanded my prayer circle!

I make a point of one pass around the Church and then the second time around I cross the street and make the circuit. I found it interesting that after months on one track, you get a totally different perspective when you just cross the street!

Now let me pick up the story. I was on my second pass on the far side of the street. As I walked in front of this house, a neighbor was trimming her bushes.

She called out to me and said "Thank you for picking up the trash. Do you go to that Church there?" She was referring to Northminster. I said no I don't. She asked "Where do you live around here?" I said that I live on the Southside.

A puzzled look came over her face? She took a second and asked "Do you mean, that you drive all the way from there to here?" I said yes mam. She then said "God bless your heart" I replied; He is the one who told me to do it, so I do!

Now there have been many a time, that people have accused me of being crazy and I have given them plenty of ammo, like the time I wore a _ _ _ _ _!

I am going to stop there less I digress.

I know the neighbor might have thought I was crazy, but I would like to think I planted a seed of question and wonder!

Am I crazy or am I just planting seeds?

I am going with the mustard seed theory!


Parable of the Mustard Seed

31 Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

What happens when nothing happens?

The last couple of days have been challenging. A lot of things going on.

It was a short week because we took off Monday and so I had to squeeze everything in. There were several people out on vacation or sick.

I found myself running around with my head cut off!

I had to slow down and take my prayer walk, so it's given me time to reflect.

I read this post from Seth Godin two days ago. I found encouragement in it even though it is not intended for some great spiritual enlightenment. His blog is mainly intended for the business world.


Don't give up (you're on the right track)

Wrestling with a puzzle, a project or a problem, the likeliest reason to give up is the belief that it can't be done. What's the point of persevering if it's actually impossible to succeed?

"It can't be done," we say, throwing up our hands. Not "I can't do it," or "It's not worth my time," but "It can't be done."

In the year after Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile, the record was broken again and again. Once people realized it could be done, it wasn't an impossible task any longer. And that's why there's a flood of tablets on the market, many from companies that had what they needed to build the first one, but didn't until Apple showed them the way.

Two things you might take away from this: First, there's solace in finding someone who has done it before, whatever "it" is you're trying to do. Knowing that it's possible and studying how it was done can't help but increase the chances you'll stick it out.

Second: huge value accrues to the few able to actually do a thing for the very first time.


God has this way of using ALL things to get a point across to me! I reflected on the past two months! I am excited about the adventure God has me on!

I must be honest, I have been feeling like the past few days I haven't seen God answer my prayers. It tends to be all about MY prayers!

Yesterday in a podcast from Craig Groeschel, he was talking about unanswered prayers. God used that to bring home the point!

Craig said "Prayer reminds me I am not in control, but it keeps me close to the one who is! Prayer is not about my wants, but God's will!"

AMEN!

Keep pressing forward!

Seven Words!

I have never been so excited about seven words!


You might not be able to understand, but let me try to explain. When I started this journey of prayer walking in the north side, I felt called to pick up the trash while I walked.

This idea was confirmed again in a book I read a few weeks ago called "The Cause within in you".



For Adopt-A-Block, we typically pick up all the trash on the streets and sidewalks and vacant lots in the neighborhoods we serve. A lot of people normally think of that as scut work, a task meant for the lowliest of the low. We try to elevate the importance of that task by helping people realize they’re not picking up garbage; they’re restoring respectability to the place where God’s beloved people live. They are rebuilding people’s dignity by providing them with a beautiful place to live. They are demonstrating their love by doing something that many people would turn up their noses at.


Barnett, Matthew (2011-02-01). The Cause within You (Kindle Locations 1575-1579). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Today I started by getting up late. I slept in! This contributed to the fact that I actually saw some people in the morning!

I went on my normal routine and while making my second go round the block, as I approached Ladies Mile Rd from Montross, I saw an elderly lady cleaning the hood of her car. I was praying for a conversation with her even though she was across the street!

I passed by and nothing! Oh well!

Then I heard THESE words from behind me shout out as I passed by "Thank you for picking up the trash". 


I turned and said did you have a nice Easter? She said " Yes I did and I am glad to be alive!"

Those words almost brought me to tears! It's not only the words she spoke, but the fact that she was excited to be alive! 

For some in that neighborhood that means more than you know, as they hear gun shots at night and constantly leave their blinds down ALL day long so no one can look inside.

I can not relate, but I can share in my concern for the neighborhood.

I am not talking about me! Im not looking for recognition! Please don't read into this!

So why is this so significant! It's all about relationships!

A while back I told you about Geraldine the school bus driver. We talk at least two to three times a week! Now I have a relationship with the lady on the corner of Ladies Mile and Montross. Even though it maybe just a few words it starts there! 

A relationship is a two way conversation!

I have been praying for this community for months now and I am thrilled to talk with a neighbor!

I started, knowing that people would be watching this old white dude walking the streets every morning wondering what the heck?

Most days I speak with a middle school age girl as she waits for the school bus, the guy walking his dog each morning and Geraldine (my angel!). Now another neighbor!

It's working!

In the small little details God can do the most amazing things!

Prayer

This came came from Mark Batterson's Blog!

I couldn't say it any better, it's as if he was writing my thoughts for Richmond, Va!!!

The 7:14 Experiment
Posted: 03 Apr 2012 01:24 PM PDT

We began an experiLENT on Ash Wednesday. What would happen if we circled II Chronicles 7:14 everyday during Lent by hitting our knees in humility and seeking God’s face? Well, I’m in awe. Actually, a better description would be: shock and awe. I don’t know how else to describe it. Sometimes God shows up and that’s awesome. Sometimes God shows off. Not sure how else to say it. God reveals His glory in a way that is so unmistakable that you’ll never be the same. That’s how I feel right now. I’ve been swept in the powerful current of prayer and it’s taking me places I never imagined. God has proven once again that “He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.” I feel like I’m walking on clouds, breathing rare air, and marveling at God’s sovereignty. Speechless.

So here’s my question: why would we stop hitting our knees when Lent ends? Why would we stop circling Chronicles 7:14? What I thought was an experiment has become a way of life! I look back and I’m not who I was! And I don’t want to go back! I’m going to press in and press on. This is my new normal. I feel like God has given me a glimpse of what life can be like when prayer and fasting become a way of life and there is no other way to live! Every day is an adventure filled with holy anticipation. Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t come without a cost. I’ve never experienced spiritual warfare like this. I still have bad days. And there is nothing easy about dying to myself daily. But I’m done with business as usual. Business as usual is out of business! I’m going to be about the Father’s business!

Not only are we going to continue our 7:14 AM prayer meetings, but there is a 7:14 PM gathering on its way. I don’t know when. I’m not sure where. But it’s coming. God is birthing something in our spirits. I’m believing for nothing less than revival in our nation’s capitol. We don’t have to start it or lead it, butwe want in on it.




Still circling II Chronicles 7:14!

The Church vs the church!

I mentioned yesterday that I was going to see the old church on brookland pkwy!

This was an opportunity I had been praying for for weeks, if not months!

After numerous attempts of trying, I finally got a call to set up a time to meet over there yesterday afternoon with a few friends. I had high hopes based on a few things that had happened weeks earlier. I believed that the old church could be converted to some great ministry opportunities in the brookland park area. At one point it housed the Bethlehem Center and was originally a Presbyterian church.

I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I was disappointed by what I found inside.

The inside was in total disarray! Plaster was falling off the walls and the walls were falling down. The stairs to the third floor were collapsed. The sub-basement was flooded and causing humidity, which in turned caused mold all over the place.This is just a small taste of what was there! The environmental issues could be huge!

I may never know why God called me to that church, but this is what I do know!

God knows better than me! I am just called to be obedient!

I truly enjoyed my time with those who were there with me! They too were curious about what might be before we entered the church?

It's fun to dream together!

Some were there to show their support, some were there to make sure I didn't make a mistake and another came to walk down memory lane and revisit the times back in the mid eighties, when he used to do ministry in that building.

As I found myself reflecting on the afternoon, I realized that I was more enamored by the building than what the building or church stood for. The church was dilapidated and falling apart similar to what the neighborhood was going through.

Is The Church a building or a body of believers?

A few of us gathered together to dream of what could be when we walked into that building! All of us with different backgrounds and different perspectives. Two non profits and three different churches were represented!

That's the Church!

It's awesome when The Church comes together and dreams of what God could do in the area!

Please continue to pray for The Church and what God would have us do in the north side of Richmond.


Well, The Church showed up that day!

When the Church gets to it!

I just received this email below from Cassie and JT from Hands Up Ministry!

Dear Friends..How can we thank you all for such a beautiful Day...from the furniture donated...to the last piece of tile to the drywall...which I have never appreciated and loved so much as I did at the end of the day!
Thanks for Lynn for climbing on the roof and risking his life, for Tommy Davis for bringing in his brother and friends. For the drywall team...for our Latin American finisher..Emanuel.....
For the Subs, chips and brownies...For Suzanne and Shellie and Kelly for making and serving lunch!
God is amazing for giving comfort to the neighbors who came over and introduced themselves. I believe God is working it all out! Thank you Lord!
When something so big happens, like all your gifts...its so hard to know what to say...so we'll just give you are humble thank you..and pray we are good stewards of your time, and talents, gifts, and mostly your unconditional love!
If you have time, check out the pictures on "Hands Up Ministries Facebook page, "Like Us" and you will stay in the loop for the progression of photos!
Look at them from the beginning and you will see many before photos!
Thanks to Nelson...for so much enthusiasm and support and such an amazing encourager!
Finally, thank you for treating our friends from the city with genuine kindness...your love goes a long way. We are amazingly filled with humble gratitude.
Have a Blessed Easter.....
Faithfully His,
Cassie & JT Matthew
Founders of Hands Up Ministries!

What's New!

I ran into Geraldine on my early morning prayer walk the other day.

Geraldine is the school bus driver, who is my Angel (mentioned on previous posts).

She began to share with me the idea that Spring is a great time to celebrate Easter!

Easter is about our risen Lord. It's about a new life that is given to us through Christ who defeated death!

Geraldine suggested that I look around early in the morning on my walk and see the leaves coming out, the flowers sprouting out of the beds, the songs of birds hatching new born, the grass getting greener and so much more. There is a newness to nature this time of year.

Make sure you stop and smell the roses!

Remember what God has done for you!

Thrift Store?

Friday morning I awoke at 3:30am!

I woke up from a crazy dream!

I had dreamed of a very large thrift store that was full of people. They were all hustling and bustling about prepping it for the grand opening! It was full of energy and excitement. Everything had its place! Not a thing was missing. Everyone was thrilled to be there and be a part.

I awoke in panic because I hadn't signed the lease on the facilities yet, and I hadn't even spoken to the Landlord about renting the facilities!

That's the administrator in me coming out!

The dream of a thrift store is REAL!

I believe a thrift store can be the driving engine behind a sustainable business model that will open many more opportunities of growth in the future! This has been ONE of the many ideas swirling around in my head for several months now.

Please pray that, that day will come soon!

Today is Friday, But Sunday is coming!

Hebrews 11:17-19
New Living Translation (NLT)


17 It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, 18 even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.”[a] 19 Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.
This story is telling of what is going to happen many years later with God's only son.

May we be mindful TODAY of the sacrifice that God made for us through his son Jesus Christ!

Are you blind?

Sometimes I find myself in such a hurry that I can't see what God is up to!

As I reflect on the events of yesterday, I realize that God has a plan and I need to acknowledge the path he has me on, even though I don't know the destination or understand it all.

When we walk blindly down a path God has us on, we might call it Faith!

Faith that God loves you and has a plan for you!

Sometimes you need to stop and rest, just to reflect on his plan for your life!

Watch what happens!

It's a great day when someone gets employed!

It's a fantastic day when TWO people get employed!

That's right, two people who have been unemployed for a while and live in the North-side area start this week with a landscaper.

It's exciting to see things progress so fast!

That brings the total to NINE folks who have gotten jobs in just the last month!

Good news keeps coming!

Over the weekend I ran into some old friends who have expressed an interest in getting involved with the Homeless Initiative and then today, I received an email from some more friends who said that they wanted to jump in as well!

What a day!

I want to say thanks to all the folks who took a chance to hire someone who has a past!

I would encourage anyone who reads this, that if you are in a position to hire someone please take a chance and allow someone an opportunity to help themselves to get a fresh start.

That's what happens when people care!