Friday, June 27, 2014

Whose Got Talent? The Women of Caritas!!!

Last night we hosted a talent night for the women of Caritas.

All week Gina went around and asked the women if they had a talent that they would like to share on stage Thursday night.

The response was great!

We had about twelve different acts!

There was singing, comedy acts, a reading and even interpretive dance!

Tears were shed from the depths of one's soul as they performed their songs.

Laughter was heard through out, as profound words of wisdom came from the comedic routine.

The lady who self proclaimed herself as being the "crazy one" brought down the house!

She spoke the truth about her experience with her stay here and then performed her own interpretive dance.

A standing ovation at the end of her performance!

The women were awesome!

The emotions were raw but true!

Joy and laughter were over flowing in this place like never before.

It was a blessing to have witnessed something special!

My thanks goes out to Gina for putting it all together, but my heart goes out to the ladies that were brave enough to get up on that stage!

Whose got talent? The women of Caritas!

PS Thanks Mark for playing MC!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Where Do You Place Your Hope?

Monday night two more friends of mine came and shared their stories of life change.

They had amazing stories of how God had moved them along the path of hardship to a path of fulfillment, grace and hope.

There were tales of chasing men, abuse and no where to go.

Sleeping on couches became the routine.

Drugs and jail were part of the picture, but grace and redemption was the true celebration.

The stories were told from ladies that had turned their lives around as a result of their relationship with Jesus Christ.

On Monday we heard from two ladies that had gotten master degrees and graduated from Seminary.

Only God!

The stories connected with the women in the seats because the speakers had walked in their shoes. 

I looked out into the crowd and saw ladies nodding their heads in agreement with what was being said.

I was encouraged!

There is hope if you will focus that hope in God and not the things of the streets.

Thank you Qasarah and Denise for sharing your lives!

Monday, June 23, 2014

A Woman of Faith!

Last night during the evening a friend shared her life story with the women of Caritas.

She shared the harsh reality of having been homeless herself and all the things that led to her situation.

Drugs, abuse, jail and prostitution all played a role in her life.

Then God came into the picture and she saw Hope.

Her new name became Grace for the love God showed her.

She still has a long way to go, but she is well on her way down that road of peace and contentment.

She says she is only 2 seconds away from being homeless again, but she's not!

She is grateful for everything God has done in her life.

She counts the trials, as stepping stones in building her character and encouraging other women who are where she was. 

I am honored to know her and call her my sister in Christ.

Love you Liller!

Only God!

Saturday, June 21, 2014

They're Back!





The halls are lined up with luggage.

The rooms have mats, pillows and linens in them.

The kitchen has been prepped!

We are ready for 6 pm!

That's when 40 women will arrive from Caritas.

These women are homeless.

I am hoping that God will move like he did last time!

One woman's life is totally different than a month ago.

Will that happen again or something different?

Will the church step out in faith?

I am excited about having the ladies back and see what will happen.

The possibilities are endless!

We have some inspirational speakers coming Sunday and Monday night.

Movie night is Tuesday!

The band is playing on Wednesday night.

Thursday night the ladies will be hosting their very own talent night.

What a week!

Come by one evening and check out what's happening!

Atlee Community Church - Northminster Campus


Thursday, June 12, 2014

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Soccer and the Homeless

I love soccer.



I played in high school.



I love watching soccer on tv.



I can't wait for the world cup.



After this story I love soccer even more!



For Chile’s Homeless, Soccer Is More Than A Game | Only A Game

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Hope in One

There is always hope if your willing to walk along side the one in need.

We need to encourage and give hope to others.

Lives will be changed if we are willing to walk alongside someone.

Even the most harsh circumstances can be changed through God's love.

This story happens more than you know.

My friend Charles is working through the exact same circumstances with another individual as I write this.

This happens all around us, but we don't see it.

I used to never know of such because I was blind to it.

I never sought to help another person in need.

If we will focus on just ONE person we can change the world.

One person at a time.

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and change the world?

Give hope and encouragement to just one!

http://m.timesdispatch.com/news/local/city-of-richmond/homeless-teens-share-their-unique-challenges/article_498e7ce5-c0b5-5510-b89b-7941192a2c57.html?mode=jqm

Thursday, June 5, 2014

"Hope that it sparkes Hope"

http://www.yourdailyjournal.com/news/home_top-localnews1/4937235/Homeless-advocates-plan-tent-city#.U5BStJHD8m8

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Come Join Us as We Host Caritas for a Week!

If you have ever wanted to help the homeless in any way, come join us in less than three weeks. 

That's right the week of June 21 - 28 we will be hosting 40 women here at Atlee Community Church - Northminster Campus.

We are partnering with Caritas!





Below is the link to sign up and get involved!

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps: 

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/SPhbS4 

2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 

3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

If you have any questions please contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Last month when we hosted this same event, a woman's life was changed forever!

I can't wait to see what will happen this month!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Hosting the Homeless

The week of June 21st - June 28th Atlee Community Church - Northminster Campus will be hosting Caritas (Local Homeless Shelter).

We hosted almost 40 women last month. 

I wrote something about it the other week.

If you are interested in walking along side these women for an evening or two please drop me a line and I will get you some more info.

This is not about just serving a meal. 

This is about caring enough about a person to make a difference in their lives, not yours.

I might be coming off a little strong, but there needs to be a change in how we serve each other.

The homeless are not some kind of disease.

This is not about how it makes you feel, but what it truly means to serve your fellow man.

This is about dignity, respect and most of all Love!

I know this might sound like I am standing on a soapbox preaching.

The truth is, I am confessing all the many thoughts I had about the homeless just three short years ago.

God has opened my eyes and my heart.

I view people through his eyes now and not my judgmental lenses!

If you want to be a part of life change then come out and join us.

The last time we hosted, lives were changed!

Not only the people who served, but a young woman is now in a home and employed!