Monday, April 28, 2014

Save the City some Big Bucks!

Statistics don't lie. Housing First can save money!

I like the concept and I have seen it played out here in Richmond and Charlottesville.

Unfortunately the bureaucracy can get in the way and make things look really bad.

I saw an apartment complex in Charlottesville that had an apartment that was fully furnished and no one in it. 

There was even a waiting list of homeless wanting to get in. 

Bureaucracy got in the way and the apartment sits empty for months on end!

Fully furnished and ready to go, but no one is home!

That is not right!

Study: Charlotte's apartments for homeless save money | CharlotteObserver.com

Thursday, April 24, 2014

The Power of Prayer!!!

For two and half years I have prayed for a church which at the 

beginning, I knew nothing about. 

Along the way I have seen God's hand at work over and over again.

Today I stand in awe of what God has done to this day.

I now am humbled by God, as he has appointed me to lead this 

same church.

Along the way I have met people who have earnestly prayed for 

this church over the years. 

Many of whom did not even attend the church. 

They were seeking God to bring back a new life and new direction 

for this place.

Many people have poured out their lives for this place called 

Northminster.



I have met people who have grown up here for close to 90+ 

years.

This is their home. 

The only church they have known.

I pray that I might honor those that have gone before me and those 

that will join me into a new future.

These are exciting times, for God is hearing the prayers of those 

that have earnestly sought him.

This is not an end to an era, but a start to something new and fresh.

I pray for God's direction and wisdom as we move forward into this 

new chapter.

God has heard the prayers of many and we are moving forward into

new uncharted waters, but with a God who hears our prayers!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

A Statue that Causes Angst for Some!



If something causes you to stop and question, then I think it's a good thing. 

I believe you should seek out the answers for yourself and not just take things on face value.

Not everything you read is true and not everything appears as it may seem.

We should never stop seeking answers about our relationship with God.

We are responsible for our own spiritual growth.

God has given us his word as truth.

When we question something, then we should seek God for the answers.

This statue may be controversial to some, but that's OK.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.


Statue Of A Homeless Jesus Startles A Wealthy Community | New York NOW

Friday, April 18, 2014

Simple and Awesome! - The Street Store

Introducing The Street Store. 

The world's first rent-free, premises-free, free 'pop-up clothing store' for the homeless, found entirely on the street and curated by you.

Could this happen in your town?


Found this on you tube!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Together We Can Accomplish Much

Great article about people coming together and helping find jobs for the homeless.

Quote from Friendship Place Blog;

"The goal of AimHire is to ensure that every person who walks into the doors of Friendship Place can leave with a job."
http://friendshipplace.wordpress.com/2014/04/11/street-sense-features-friendship-place/

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

It Takes Work, but Your Future Can Change. It's Up To You!

Another Success Story Through the VA. 

Best quotes of the video;

"The work is all on you!"

"Don't give up on yourself."

"There are people out there to help you. You just have to reach out."




Sunday, April 13, 2014

It's official!

Below are pictures of 
Atlee Community Church 
Northminster Campus


Looking forward to what God is going to do!


It all started with prayer!


Don't stop praying!


Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Don't stop!

NA = Narcotics Anonymous

Last night I went to an NA meeting for only the second time in a years time.

The first time I went I was nervous. 

I was there to celebrate a friend's 7 year anniversary of being drug and alcohol free.

Last night was to celebrate year eight!

This time I was not nervous. 

I was there to learn from the men and women who struggle with addiction.

I was amazed by the openness and honesty that was presented.

It was raw and true to life on the streets.

There was a family of camaraderie in the room.

Men and women who were looking out for one another.

One gentleman shared that he had been clean for some 23 years and yet he almost slipped up very recently.

He expressed his need to stay connected with the group in order to stay on the path of being clean.

Their reliance on God came through loud and clear as well!

I was thrilled to see three individuals step forward and say that they were there for the very first time.

I was honored to be there and learn from them. 

Accountability and Love of God were the things I learned last night.

Don't ever stop learning even if your an old dog like me!

PS Congratulations for year eight! You know who you are and I love you!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

His Life Has Changed My Life Forever!


STEWART, David Robert, 44, of Richmond, went to his eternal home on March 27, 2014. He was the youngest son of the late Ernest and Charlotte Stewart. David was preceded in death by his niece, Erica Williams. He is survived by his sister, Theresa S. Williams; his brother, Jesse W. Stewart; two nephews, Matthew and Jonathan Stewart; and one niece, Jessica Stewart. David was a skilled automotive painter and was responsible for restoring many vehicles. He loved the outdoors, was an avid kayaker and loved to fish. David will be remembered as a brave, considerate and faithful man. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, in the Chapel at Northminster Baptist Church, 3121 Moss Side Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Atlee Community Church or the Massey Cancer Center.