Mission trip to the Los Angeles Dream Center - PART1 - SKID ROW

Statistics from www.csm.org:

There are at least 91,000 homeless people each night in Los Angeles County. About 15-20,000 homeless people live on “Skid Row”. This is a ten square block area at the center of downtown Los Angeles. At any given time at least half the homeless population literally sleeps on the streets. The average age of homeless person is around 40 years old. One third to one half of the homeless population is women and girls.

Causes of homelessness shown in research tend to include the following:

• Lack of affordable housing
• Poverty
• Low-paying jobs and labor market changes
• Unemployment
• Mental illness
• Substance abuse
• Changes and cuts in public assistance
• Domestic violence
• Changes in family structure
• Prison release
• Chronic health problems
• Lack of access to affordable health care

Heading to the LA Dream Center, I expected to learn a lot of "facts" and information about budgets, help with establishing a non-profit organization, securing funding, etc., to help our church establish a Dream Center here in Collinsville, VA.  While I did learn a lot about these things, I am SO grateful for the life-experiences that I was not expecting - like the time our group spent ministering to the people who call Skid Row "home".

Trying to describe Skid Row is like trying to describe labor pains to someone who has never experienced childbirth.  Words cannot fully describe the intensity of the sights, sounds and smells that make up Skid Row - amongst which, people are existing - not living, existing.  Stray animals live in better conditions.....

I felt a little desperation come over me when I realized that the cookies and water our group was distributing was gone within a matter of minutes - leaving me looking into the eyes of three dear souls who were waiting for their portion.   Telling them that we had no more, was heartbreaking.  I was quickly aware that I had nothing to offer except a few moments of my time, the offer of a prayer and a hug.  It wasn't until after our group was back at the Dream Center that I realized that those things were, in fact, the best things any of us had to offer.  NO ONE turned down my offer of prayer; NO ONE turned down my offer of a hug.  They accepted those gifts as quickly as others had taken water and cookies from me.

Holding filthy hands in prayer, hugging someone who smells of old body waste, urine or alcohol becomes a precious experience when you realize that you are an extension of Christ's love to that person.  It was truly a privilege to spend time with these precious people who God loves as much as you and me.

We may not have a Skid Row here in Henry County, VA but pain, loneliness, hunger and despair are universal languages which are spoken as clearly here as in Los Angeles.  As Christians, we are called to address these issues.  James 2:14-17 says, "What good is it my brothers if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?"  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food?  If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well fed." but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead."

God has called us to action - to build a Dream Center here in Henry County in order to demonstrate His love; to meet  people at the point of their needs, to rebuild lives and offer hope that is only found with a relationship with Him through Christ.  Visiting the LA Dream Center - seeing their ministries in action and hearing testimonies of lives changed - allowed me to clearly understand the impact that a Dream Center can have in our community.

To learn more about the (original) LA Dream Center and it's 200+ outreach ministries, please click this link:  www.dreamcenter.org/  

I AM my brother's keeper.

By the time a man reaches the age of 57, he's most likely looking forward to retirement or at least easing back a bit on his workload.  But, what happens when this man finds himself laid off from his job, lost within a sea of others who comprise a (now) 30% unemployment rate in our community?  He becomes a statistic within the new generation of homeless in our country.  A generation that is growing at such a rapid rate that government agencies, faith-based and benevolent groups cannot keep up with.

Meet James.  He is not an alcoholic, not an addict, not a felon and does not suffer from mental illness.  If he fit into one of these "categories" it might be easier to understand his current situation.  James has worked hard his entire life, beginning as a child picking tobacco at the farm where he grew up.  As an adult, he worked at one of our local furniture manufacturers, ultimately becoming a supervisor.  When that company relocated overseas, James went to work for another manufacturer which, ultimately swept him out with dozens of other workers in one of its many layoffs.  That was a year and a half ago. 

When his unemployment compensation could no longer keep up with rent, utilities and other basic expenses, James found himself with barely more than the clothes on his back.  A local church paid for several nights in one of our low-cost motels which, is where I first met James.  The motel manager called my pastor because it was obvious to her that James was in need of assistance.  He was not expecting me, so when I met him sitting with his Bible open and TV tuned to a church service, I knew he was not setting a stage for my sake.  Rather, he was clinging to his faith while trying to wrap his mind around the circumstances that had now become his life.  A life that no longer supports a once hard-working man's basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. 

So what does the future hold for James?  The answer to that monumental question is not clear right now.  What is clear though - I AM my brother's keeper and so are you if we are followers of Christ.  

When you meet (a) James, and chances are you will, what will you do? 

1 John 3:17 "But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him?"

1 John 3:18 "Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions." 

1 John 3:19 "Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord."

My Brother’s Keeper Prayer

Lord . . .

When I have food, Help me to remember the hungry.

When I lie in my bed, Help me to remember those who sleep on the floor.

When I have a warm home, Help me to remember the homeless.

When I have work, Help me to remember those without jobs.

When I experience the joy of giving to my children, Help me to remember the agony of those who must watch their children go without.

By remembering, Help me to destroy my indifference and arouse my compassion.

Make me concerned enough to act in your name, to help those who cry out to you for that which I so often take for granted.

Amen  

(Prayer from www.mybrotherskeeper.org)


A portion of proceeds from every purchase you make from one of my Websites goes to help someone who is hungry, hurting or homeless.

www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com

www.InLovingMemoryGifts.com

www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com

Haiti - what will you do to help?

Prov. 21:13 He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need.

Mother Teresa said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." With the greatest depth of compassion, she did what she could with what she had in order to bring the love of God to hurting souls. She did not allow the magnitude of the work ahead of her to overwhelm her to the point of doing nothing. Perhaps it is a coping mechanism, but often when faced with a crisis as large as Hurricane Katrina or the earthquake in Haiti, we do nothing because we feel our efforts would be insignificant. Please don't buy into that lie! Certainly, most of us will not be called to physically go to Haiti, but each of us can show love and compassion to these precious people. Every dollar helps! Each of us can do something. No good, done in the name of God, is insignificant. Please, open your heart and your wallet and give what you can to one of the wonderful agencies who are already operating within Haiti. For a partiall list of some of these agencies, you can follow the link below: http://www.klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=5521 God bless you and the precious people in Haiti.

"A True Christmas Miracle" (by Hope Kerkof)

The power of God's love can cut through the hardest of hearts. The power of His compassion can restore hope to those who have long ago given up on themselves and society. The power of His mercy and grace can transform an existence into life, restoring dignity and self-worth.

The following link takes you to one of the most compelling stories I have read in a very, very long time, "A True Christmas Miracle" by Hope Kerkof. Them power of God's love, compassion, mercy and grace flow from Hope and Kevin Kerkof into the life of a homeless man, "William".

Grab a handful of Kleenex, you'll need

http://blog.lightunderthebridge.com/2009/12/30/a-true-christmas-miracle.aspx

We are Christ's "body" on earth

"Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours, no feet but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which to look at Christ's
compassion to the world.

Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good.

And yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now."
~St. Teresa of Avila 1515-1582

Though these words were penned in the 1500's, they are SO very true today. As followers of Christ, we are commanded to love our fellow man as He would. We are to do the work that He began here so long ago. As individuals, we fall short of the ability to change a nation but, as individuals, we can each do something to make someone's life better. If each of us do something our community will be a better place.

Today, pray asking God what He would have YOU do. Then, open your heart, your eyes and your spirit for the answer.

Father, open my eyes, my spirit and my heart today and show me what I can do to help even one person. Help me to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit's leading so that I don't miss an opportunity to serve others for you. Amen

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18



Please support our efforts to bring the gift of warmth and compassion to the homeless. Purchase ANY cross pendant or necklace from either of our websites and 100% of the profits go to buy Friendship Blankets for the homeless. If you'd prefer, for just $12.66, you can purchase a Friendship Blanket in honor or memory of someone special. We make NO monestary profit on the Friendship Blankets. Our profit is knowing that you and I are making a difference in people's lives. Please, open your hearts!
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com

He is in control of all situations.

I'm a pretty upbeat and positive person by nature but yesterday I found myself feeling a bit blue most of the day. Lingering within my thoughts was the fact that sales have dropped on my websites rather than increasing during what is typically known as the start of the Christmas shopping season. My desire for sales is truly not for personal income because I'm blessed to have a husband who provides very well in that area. But, I want to serve God by helping my church family provide food and blankets for the homeless in our community. God has clearly put in my heart to give 100% of all profits made from the sale of any cross pendant or cross necklace I sell to buy blankets. I am to give 10% of all other profits to help buy food.

Seeing no sales the past week, left me feeling discouraged. By the time I was ready to turn the computer off last night, my discouragement had turned to a low-grade anger. From the desktop view on my computer monitor, I saw the links to my two websites. I sat there looking at the links for a few moments, then decided to step out on faith, put my fingers on the screen, and pray. If this seems foreign to you, let me just say that touching the screen was simply a tangible point of contact for my prayers nothing more. I prayed that God would allow me to make a sale on both of my websites. This was truly stepping out in faith because I'm used to making a sale on one site or the other, not both in one day. I told God that I would give him the honor for the sales.

Well folks, this morning when I checked my e-mails, there were two sale notifications - one for each of my websites!!! My heart was so full that my eyes were flooding with tears. God was clearly reminding me that He is in control, that He hears my prayers, and that He knows the attitude of my heart.

I was also reminded that because I am obeying what God has directed me to do, I can rest in knowing that He will handle the outcome. I must trust in God's timing, not my own. I must trust, knowing that though I may not understand, HE does. I am simply a vessel doing what I am purposed to do. I am not responsible for anything other than that! Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

Father, I thank you for the lessons you continue to teach me as I struggle to remove my feelings and emotions from situations, to do what you have called me to do, and to turn the rest over to you. I thank you Lord for answering prayers and renewing the passion that is in my heart to help others. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be a vessel to show your love to others. Forgive my doubting heart and I thank you for for reminding me that your timing is perfect in all situations! Amen.




Please support our efforts to bring the gift of warmth and compassion to the homeless. Purchase ANY cross pendant or necklace from either of our websites and 100% of the profits go to buy Friendship Blankets for the homeless. If you'd prefer, for just $12.66, you can purchase a Friendship Blanket in honor or memory of someone special. We make NO monestary profit on the Friendship Blankets. Our profit is knowing that you and I are making a difference in people's lives. Please, open your hearts!
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com

Be careful what you pray for!

I've often heard pastors say, "Be careful what you pray for." Usually said with a bit of humor, but truly an admonition. If we open our hearts to God when we pray, asking Him to show us ways to serve others, it's going to cost us something. We may have to endure rejection and ridicule from those whom we usually expect to encourage us. We may find ourselves feeling the need to explain why and how we are involved in something that, viewed through human eyes, seems impossible.

Imagine that for this next week, you had to trade places with someone (other than Jesus) from the Bible. Whose shoes would you like to walk in for the next seven days? You're probably thinking, "Not Job!" What about Noah? Could you put aside the ridicule he endured and step out in faith doing what you knew God was calling you to do?

If we truly have a servant's heart, we'd better pray that God will allow us to develop thick skin. Thick enough so that the barbs of rejection and criticism cannot pierce us so deeply that our focus is on the pain rather than on doing what God is calling us to do.

Father, I pray that you will give me the strength and courage that Noah had as I follow the path you have laid on my heart. Help me to stay focused on you Lord, so that your directions resonate louder within me than anything negative the world may speak to me. Amen.



Please support our efforts to bring the gift of warmth and compassion to the homeless. Purchase ANY cross pendant or necklace from either of our websites and 100% of the profits go to buy Friendship Blankets for the homeless. If you'd prefer, for just $7.95, you can purchase a Friendship Blanket in honor or memory of someone special. We make NO profit on the Friendship Blankets. Every penny goes to help the homeless. Please, open your hearts!
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com

Friendship Blankets for the homeless

Matthew 25: 35-40

Too often, I think that most of us (myself included) feel that we can't possibly do anything to make a difference with situations as overwhelming as homelessness, so we choose to do nothing. We divert our eyes, avoiding personal contact with the homeless. After all, it is much easier for us that way. If we allow ourselves to look into their eyes, the image of the homeless may be etched in our minds so deeply that we are compelled to do something. And, that requires us to move out of our comfort zone. Are we really so selfish that we can continue to do nothing? God forgive me, because I have been.

If each of us did something for the homeless, our collective efforts could have a huge impact on their lives. God gives each of us different talents or gifts and if we could just realize that each of those talents fit together like puzzle pieces, we may catch a glimpse of God's plan.

Recently, God placed in my heart a very clear direction to buy blankets for the homeless. He pointed me to a wonderful American blanket manufacturer, Northwest Woolen Mills in RI, that has a program in place that allows the general public and advocates to purchase blankets for the homeless. I am excited to now partner with the program, Friendship Blankets, by selling the blankets on my websites. For a very modest fee of just $7.95 - $12.66, you can purchase one or more blankets and offer hope and warmth to someone who lacks in so many of life's basic comforts that we take for granted. I make no monetary profit on these blankets but the profit in my heart, knowing that you and I can make a difference, is priceless.

Please, follow the links to one of my websites, open your heart and purchase a blanket.
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com







www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com
"Quality clothing & gifts for your little cherubs!"

www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."

WORLD VISION - Will you do your part to help a child in critical need?

About 15 years ago, while living in Gadsden and Rainbow City, AL, I began listening to the Rick and Bubba show http://www.rickandbubba.com/ who broadcast their show from there. Over the past several years, Rick and Bubba's show has become a nationally syndicated talk show as well as a TV show. Now that I live in VA, I listen via the Internet, to these 2 wonderful guys every morning. They are hysterically funny, have hearts of gold, and are outspoken about their faith in God - on a secular radio station! Countless times, they have had me laughing so hard that I could barely catch my breath. Most of the time, their shows are peppered with serious issues. Today is such a day as they focus their 4 hours on-air to promote and help out with the wonderful folks at World Vision. World Vision is doing unprecedented work to change the lives of thousands of children who are in critically dire circumstances around the globe. At least 85 cents of every sponsorship dollar goes directly to help a child in need. As a sponsor, you develop a true relationship with your child through letters, photos and care packages (optional) that you send your child. The children write you letters and you are able to see how your sponsorship is directly changing the life of the child. When you click on the World Vision link (provided on the home page of Rick & Bubba's website) a child's photo will appear with a description of the living conditions, health conditions, etc. of the child in need of sponsorship. Now, you have the option to search for a child with specifications that you are led to (age, country of origin, etc.) or you can do as I did and agree to sponsor the child whose info and photo appear on the page. Know that the children show up on the screen in the order of the length of time they have been waiting for sponsorship.


I should add here that my heart truly lies in home missions because I see such needs within my own community that I've always found it hard to justify sending my money outside of my own country. I've done it, but my heart hasn't always been in it - just being transparent here. BUT, God has been moving on my heart lately about expanding my giving to other areas outside of my community. It has been said, "The poorest of the poor children in the US would be RICH compared to most of the children in third world countries." So, in obedience to God's leading, this morning, I signed up to sponsor a child and her information is below. Won't you please prayerfully consider sponsoring a child who, without your help, faces a painful life of unbelievable poverty, hunger and disease. God bless you for considering this.



Congratulations! You have sponsored Tigist from Ethiopia

Tigist lives with her parents and 3 sisters. Her parents struggle to provide for the family. Her father is a farmer and her mother is a housewife. Despite their efforts, it is difficult to meet the family's needs.

Tigist and her family live in a community severely affected by the HIV and AIDS crisis. In some communities, AIDS affects the entire social structure as a generation of hardworking adults is being wiped out. Frightened children and exhausted grandparents rarely have money for food, school, or medical care. Through sponsorship, you can help with these and other basic needs for Tigist and her family.

Tigist is not in school at this time. She likes to jump rope. She helps at home by carrying water. She is in satisfactory health.

Your sponsorship commitment will help provide Tigist and her community with the assistance they need to save a generation from the HIV and AIDS crisis. World Vision will faithfully use your sponsorship support of Tigist to meet her needs and minimize the impact of AIDS in her community through tangible prevention and care programs. You are an answer to prayer, helping children and families gain access to basic needs and learn about God's unconditional love.

TEN PERCENT OF ALL PROFIT MADE ON MY WEBSITES (LISTED BELOW) GOES TO HELP FEED THOSE IN NEED IN OUR AREA. PLEASE, do what you
can to serve the hungry and homeless in your community.

www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com
"Quality clothing & gifts for your little cherubs!"

www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."