Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Monday, December 12, 2011

Miracle on CLE's Public Square

Dear friends,

Yesterday morning, my devotions brought me to Isaiah 61. I wasn't searching it out, God brought it to me ... I go to this Catholic website and I follow the readings each day. It's one of my favorite chapters. Let me share a couple of the verses I claimed when God called me to minister.

"1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.t2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,t and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies."
Well, I saw this verse come alive at We Care. So many things have stuck out from yesterday, however here is the Christmas miracle. One of the ladies we minister to at the square last Monday had Darlene, Homer, Karen, Tom and I over for dinner and Tom (who is also our bus driver) decided that he was going to wear his Santa suit and bring some Christmas cheer to the homeless and hand out candy canes. We all thought it was a great idea.

So, I pull up in the ally at the square and I see a bunch of kids looking out the window of one of the restaurants pointing and I can see their mouths saying "Santa! Santa!" My friend, Karen describes it best ... some women came out and asked if we could come inside ... "He went in and was received with yells and laughter and waves !!!

For the next hour or more Tom sat in the chair and held each child on his lap while they received their Christmas toy. But....the story gets more miraculous. The owner of the restaurant was giving this party for women and their kids of a homeless shelter !! (exactly our ministry) AND the Santa Claus that was coming had cancelled. She prayed earlier that day that it was God who would be the one who could make this happen. So here we were feeding the homeless but God brought Tom there at the right time to fill in. The kids were so excited and we all stood in awe at the timing of it all." It was so amazing to be a part of this Christmas miracle. I keep thinking, wow, what if Tom didn't have a Santa suit ... or what if he decided it was a crazy idea and didn't wear it? Can you imagine how disappointed those kids would have been with out a Santa. I mean that's not what Christmas is all about, however, to bring a little bit of joy to a child who live in a shelter ...


When we went into the women's shelter, I went ahead of our group and I walked into the common room and noticed a Christmas tree was up and decorated with home made ornaments. I was brought to tears when I saw this. The ladies at the shelter made each one ... and I talked to some of the ladies who asked "did you see my ornament?" they were so proud of their work. I had brought some candy canes with me too, and I was handing them out, when the conversation with one of the ladies, "C" turned to she wasn't doing good. I shoved my basket into the hands of someone else and said "here, you're in charge" and went and spoke with "C" ... she had shared that Saturday was her first night in the shelter, her son had thrown her out of the house because he wasn't on the deed she had to leave. She had broke into tears, I could see the fear and sense of loss in her eyes. Her father had passed away last month and she hadn't had time to grieve his loss. I asked her if she knew Jesus, she said she was a Muslim and wasn't ready for that. However, she said she has faith and she asked me to pray for her. And as we sat there, a group of volunteers were singing Christmas carols. "C" started to sing along to "O Holy Night". God is working in her, she even expressed interest in Bible study.

I also met "M" yesterday as well, a lady maybe in her 50's who said she was in there for circumstances she couldn't control. I knew she was a Christian and I just observed her walking around and ministering to the ladies there. She had a sweet spirit. When she saw me with candy canes, she told me about the candy cane poem and she went to her room and brought it out to read. Well it was loud and my voice was going because of the choir performance I had done earlier. Well, "J" said she would read it. She did ... well, I talked to "J" she shared that she was in the shelter because her husband tried to kill her a couple years ago, he's in jail but his family was trying to get her. Pray for "J" she is getting an apartment this week.

There was so much going on. It's exciting to see the ladies at the shelter and talk to them, some of the older ladies have taken the younger ones under their wings and they are also doing small Bible studies in their rooms. God is working, and I'm glad He has called me to be a part of it.

Serving Him,

Becky

Friday, August 5, 2011

"Poverty steals children's potential and . . .

. . .in doing so steals from all us."- Marian Wright Edelman

Did you know?
  • 38 million people live in households that experience hunger and/or risk of hunger
  • 13 million children in the U.S. do not have access to enough food to lead an active, healthy life
  • Having one child puts a minimum wage earner below the federal poverty guidelines
  • Of the estimated 160,000 people served by Cleveland Foodbank member agencies each year, 31% are children under the age of 18 years, and 7% are children under the age of 5.

Programs for Kids:

Programs for all Ages

Frequently Asked questions

Connect with the Foodbank
website, Facebook, Twitter

Connect with Feeding America
Website, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flicker

Thursday, August 4, 2011

God is an "On Time God"



Friends,

I stepped "out of the box" so to say in ministry on Monday ... well, out of my box, out of my comfort zone of homeless ministry.  But I was far from uncomfortable.  It was a great time and I was truly blessed.

As some of you may recall, Emily brought residents from where she works to church on Sunday night. Well, that is where I started talking to Willa.  This sweet lady who sang "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" along with our ensemble.  I talked to her after church on Sunday night for a little, but they had to leave.

Well, Monday night after work, I decided to stop by at Summner to visit Willa, even though it was one of the long days for me!  But I know I made the right choice.  We had a great visit and to hear stories about her kids and her grandson.  She then talked about her family, how she was robbed by a cousin, about losing her husband at a young age, how she had two strokes and was told she wasn't going to make it, but though the grace of God she made it through and He has plans for her!  One of them is to encourage me.

She kept saying that "God is an on time God."  I just needed to hear that.  There is a song by Dottie People's called "On Time God".  It says "He's an on time God, yes He is.  He may not come when we want Him, but He'll be there right on time."  I needed that, there are some things I've been praying for and waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting.  And I believe I'm seeing this unfold.  God coming just in time and the wait is almost over.

Is there something in your life that you are praying for and asking God for?  Make sure you are in His will ... stay in the Word, stay in prayer, go to church and keep serving Him.  I am so thankful we have an on time God!

I will leave you with a verse

"God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NLT  ... I am claiming this verse!

I am looking forward to my next visit with Willa and the encouragement she has!

Serving Him,

Becky
Original post on August 4, 2011 at 12:17am as note on Becky Phillip's Facebook page.

_________________________________________________
Dottie Peoples - He's An On Time God Lyrics @ LyricsTime.com

Friday, July 22, 2011

Providence House



Confidential, temporary shelter for children (birth to 5 years old) who are at risk of becoming victims of violence or neglect.

Of those served:
60% of children were at risk for abuse/neglect
48% of families were homeless
  • One in three children had a caregiver with a medical crisis
  • One in ten children had a caregiver affected by a mental health crisis
  • One in 11 children was a witness to domestic violence

Our results: 99% of the families served are reunited with 86% of those families complying with the full range of services. 

More great AWARENESS videos produced by Medical mutual can be found by clicking here.

Providence House, Inc.
216-651-5982
2037 W. 32 Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Connect with them:
Website, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Lakeside 2100


On January 1, 2005 Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry began administering the men's shelter at 2100 Lakeside Avenue in Cleveland. The shelter serves up to 350 men per night with an additional 30-60 beds available as needed at partner provider overflow sites.

The staff offers hope while providing tangible services for men in transition and in crisis. Six communities within the shelter address men's individual journeys, providing appropriate supports along the way: Entry, Decision, Transformation, Work, Partnership, Service.

Emergency Shelter for Men
  1. Serves 350 men on a given night
  2. Length of stay in emergency shelter program: one night to 4 months
  3. Services:
    • Provides for basic needs: meals, bed, shower, laundry
    • Provides for veterans, mental health & drug/alcohol assessment and referral
    • Provides case management to assist clients in developing domestic skills, higher education, job readiness/training, D/A recovery, emotional stability
    • Provides & facilitates referrals to transitional housing, treatment, permanent housing
Michael Sering, Director
Carol Fredrich,
Executive Director
cfredrich@lutheranmetro.org

Visit the Portraits of Homeless exhibit--online  or in person.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Laura's Home



Emergency Shelter for Women & children
  1. Serves up to 30 women & their children
  2. Length of stay in emergency shelter: from one night to two months depending on needs of client; extended stays are available to families seeking more assistance
  3. Services:
    • Provides for basic needs: meals, bed, shower, laundry
    • Provides for mental health & drug/alcohol assessment and referral
    • Provides & facilitates referrals to transitional housing, treatment, mental health residential programs, return to family
Pam Glicker,
Director Phone 216-472-5500
Fax 216-472-5501
pglicker@thecitymission.org


Connect with the City Mission
Website, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Blog 

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Continue Life, Inc

Continue Life Inc. is the primary homeless shelter and transitional housing program for pregnant and/or parenting teens and women in Cleveland.

Continue Inn Shelter
In 1988, in response to a need for housing, Continue Life, Inc. opened “Continue Inn”, a homeless shelter for pregnant and parenting women. The 22-room house accommodates nine residents. Mothers (18 and over) may remain at the Inn throughout their pregnancies or until housing is located.

Continue Inn Shelter Care
In 2005, Continue Life, Inc expanded its shelter services to include shelter care for families with open cases at the Department of Children & Family Services. The program provides supportive services in a structured environment that keeps the family unit intact.

Emergency Shelter for Pregnant Women

  1. Serves 5 pregnant women
  2. Length of stay in protective shelter program: Up to 4 months
  3. Services:
    • Provides for basic needs: meals, bed, bath, laundry
    • Poof of pregnancy is required and attendance at a parenting program.
    • Provides case management to assist residents to obtain income and housing.
    • Provides on site life skills, drug/alcohol education, and domestic violence classes
    • Provides referrals for drug/alcohol treatment and mental health services where indicated.
    • Provides shelter letters after a 30-day stay.
     Balinda Cavor Director 
balindac@continuelife.org
Hope and Glory Transitional Housing Program and Independent Living
In 1995 Continue Life, Inc. opened its first transitional housing Program offering home-like settings, one of which is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services to provide independent living arrangements. Serving pregnant and parenting women 17 years of age and older, Hope & Glory places special emphasis on delivering healthy drug free babies, continuing education, and balancing the demands of motherhood and employment.

CONTINUE LIFE, INC.
17917 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44112
Tele: (216) 383-1984

Connect with us:
Website,  Facebook

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Family Promise of Cleveland

"Our mission is to inspire and empower homeless families to transform their lives, become self-sufficient, and fulfill their promise."



Family Promise of Greater Cleveland is an organization formed from the merger of Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cleveland and New Life Community.

We’re an affiliate of national Family Promise, the parent of 162 affiliates spread from Alaska to Florida. As an affiliate we’re free to create programs to meet local community needs but we are connected to a pool of resources in homeless services research and best practices, government relations and advocacy to have an even stronger voice for homeless families.

Emergency Shelter for Families

  1. Serves 8 families
  2. Length of stay in emergency shelter program: from one night to two months depending on needs of client
  3. Services:
    • Provides for basic needs: meals, bed, shower, laundry
    • Provides for mental health & drug/alcohol assessment and referral
    • Provides case management to assist clients in referring to job readiness/training, D/A recovery, emotional stability, housing resources
    • Provides & facilitates referrals to transitional housing, treatment, return to family

Sarah Cruise,
Executive Director
ihnexec@sbcglobal.net


Friday, June 24, 2011

The data has been found! Education for Homeless Children & Youth Program

Found the data about homeless children in the US and it is broken down by state.  Thanks National Center for Homeless Education.

Data was just published in June 2011 and it reflects 2010 year with comparisons to earlier years.  It is compile through U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) which requires all State Educational Agencies (SEAs) and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to submit information regarding child and youth homelessness. (That's the form  found and mentioned in a earlier post)

The online portal for the Consolidated State Performance Report opened for manual entry and certification on November 8, 2010, and closed on December 17, 2010. The portal reopened for corrections and recertification on February 28, 2011, and closed on March 16, 2011. All fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) submitted SY 2009-10 data.

For Ohio it is--

Total  for 2007/08: 14,483,     % change between 07/08 and 08/09(1 year):11
Total for 2008/09 : 16,509      % change between 08/09 and 09/10(1 year) :19
Total for 2009/10: 19,113       % change between 07/08 and 09/10(3 year): 32

For all reporting sites:  See the figure below

(obtained from the Education for Homeless Children & Youth program SY 2009-2010 SCPR Data Collection pg 11.)
Possible factors to which these increases and decreases could be attributed include:

  • Economic downturn (for example, students becoming homeless due to foreclosure) 
  • Natural disasters 
  • Changes in data collection as States align their data collection processes with the requirements of EDFacts and the CSPR
The four States comprising the largest percentages of the total national enrollment of homeless students in LEAs with and without McKinney-Vento subgrants in SY 2009-10 were, in order, California (21%), New York (9 percent), Texas (8 percent), and Florida (5 percent). The combined number of students in these four States (400,995) was 43% of the total enrolled (939,903).
(obtained from the Education for Homeless Children & Youth program SY 2009-2010 SCPR Data Collection pg 11.)

According to the report only 4% of these homeless children live in unsheltered environment.  Still though 4% is a large number when you are thinking children K-12. (pg 15)

(obtained from the Education for Homeless Children & Youth program SY 2009-2010 SCPR Data Collection pg 15.)

Also according to the report,  academic progress of Homeless children is affected. (page 25 & 27)
(obtained from the Education for Homeless Children & Youth program SY 2009-2010 SCPR Data Collection pg 25)   

(obtained from the Education for Homeless Children & Youth program SY 2009-2010 SCPR Data Collection pg 27.)
 Click here to read/view the entire 35 page report.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

You just lost your job! Can you make it through the month?

Hunger Task Force serves more than 48,000 meals per month at our soup kitchens; helps more than 29,000 people receive emergency food at our pantries each month, and distributes nearly 9,000 Stockboxes a month to senior citizens in Milwaukee County. How do so many people need help? Put yourself in their shoes and find out! Play the online game SPENT to see what it is like to make hard, life-changing choices just to survive and feed your family. See if you can make it through the month!

Share your results with your friends!

Get involved here in CLE:

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Hitting Hard Times

After a period of homelessness as a young teenager, Aaron Boyar was finally taken in by a loving family, and then hard times hit. Listen to an inteview between Aaron and 60 Minutes Scott Pelley below:



60 minutes web extra--March 6, 2011

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Finding Strength while Homeless

Tiffany Langhorn's parents lost their jobs and the family is now homeless, but the honors student says the experience has made her stronger and more responsible.  Listen to her story as Scott Pelley, 60 Minutes interviews her.

60 Minutes Segment Extras--March 6, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Hidden America

A 60 Minute Overtime Extra. . . March 6, 2011 6:42 PM



60 Minutes sum up theeconomy with numbers: the Dow Jones Average, the unemployment rate, the price of a gallon of gas. During the country's recent recession, Scott Pelley and his "60 Minutes" team of producers and editors have worked to put faces in front of those numbers and tell the stories of the men, women, and children who have suffered in the economic decline.

How you can help
Watch Scott Pelley's report

"60 Minutes Overtime" talked with Pelley and associate producer Nicole Young about their passion for working on these stories and the unforgettable moments they've experienced along the way.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Homeless in America

For some children, socializing and learning are being cruelly complicated by homelessness, as Scott Pelley reports from Florida, where school buses now stop at motels for children who've lost their homes.

View the 60 minutes presentation on March 6, 2011 below.



Even looks like you now have the option to dowload through the itunes store.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Homeless Students of OH

Okay,  so the Facebook post about American Homeless students (RT, June 18,2011) peaked my interest.



So off to google,  search Cleveland OH homeless students.  Need to put the OH in there or  end up  with Cleveland Tennessee results!  WOW a boat load of information.

First thing that catches my eye-- ODE, Homeless Students: Ohio Department of Education.   Well we have enough in Ohio for a whole section to be dedicated them in the ADMINISTRATION area at that.  There sections seems to be providing resources and facts to all admininistrators in schools throughout Ohio about a particular act of federal legislation--Any child lacking a fixed, regular or adequate residence, protected by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which allows enrollment of homeless students in their schools of origin or district of residence, despite a lack of records.  The overview page had lots of referring links and of course as well as a   new phrase to look up too--McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Homeless Education is a collaboration between McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance,  Title 1 and the No Child Left Behind Title 10c. There is actually a 12 minute online training session that take you through all the different connections for any who are interested.  Also at the document library,  there was a form all districts must download that collects data for homeless students in the districts, excluding preschoolers.   


The downloadable posters at the National Center for Homeless Education are a tad more informative.  Click here to download a copy.  The text of the poster is copied below.

If you live in any of the following situations:


• Inashelter,motel,vehicle,orcampground 

• On the street 
• Inanabandonedbuilding,trailer,orotherinadequateaccommodations,or • Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing.



Then, you have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.



You have the right to:
• Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there.You must be given access to the same public education provided to other students.
• Continueintheschoolyouattendedbeforeyoubecamehomeless or the school you last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. The school district’s local liaison for homeless education must assist you, if needed, and offer you the right to appeal a decision regarding your choice of school if it goes against your wishes.
• Receivetransportationtotheschoolyouattendedbeforeyou became homeless or the school you last attended, if you request such transportation.
• Attendaschoolandparticipateinschoolprogramswithstudents who are not homeless. Students cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.
• Enrollinschoolwithoutgivingapermanentaddress.Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.
• Enrollandattendclasseswhiletheschoolarrangesforthetransfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
• Enrollandattendclassesintheschoolofyourchoiceevenwhile the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrollment.
• Receivethesamespecialprogramsandservices,ifneeded,as provided to all other students served in these programs.
• Receivetransportationtoschoolandtoschoolprograms.
When you move, you should do the following:



  • Contact the school district’s local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling in a new school or arranging to continue in your former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.)
  • Tell your teachers anything that you think they need to know to help you in school.
  • Ask thelocal liaison for homeless education,theshelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.

If you need further assistance, call the NationalCenterforHomelessEducation at the toll-free HelpLine number: 1-800-308-2145

Monday, June 13, 2011

Hygiene Items Needed!

Summer has arrived and hygiene items are flying out of our tubs!

If you can help with any or all of the items below,  please contact Darlene Yeater as soon as possible.
  • travel/trial sized Shampoo
  • travel/trial sized conditioner
  • travel/trial sized Hand/body lotion
  • Travel size soaps
  • travel/trial sized mouth wash
  • travel/trial sized toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • travel/trial sized deoderants
  • bandaids
  • Suntan Lotion
  • Bug Repellant Spray
  • Pocket Tissues
Keep connected with our needs by "liking" our Facebook page, We Care Connection.

We Care Connection
C/o Darlene Yeater
3596 Fulton Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
Cell: 440-567-7582
Send Email

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Redemptive Conversations

Have you ever wondered how to share your story? 
Did you even know that your life is a story? 

If you would like to learn - we are hoping that we can give you the tools. 

Saturday, May 21st from 9am to 3pm, We Care Connection is sponsoring a training, "Redemptive Conversations" presented by Jacob Hawes

It will be conducted at the Cleveland Bethel Church of the Nazarene (3596 Fulton Rd., Cleveland). 

If interested, please send an e-mail to wecareconnection@sbcglobal.net.
Sandwiches and beverage will be provided - we are asking everyone to bring a snack item to share.

Darlene

Friday, April 22, 2011

Stinky feet

Friends,

This morning in my devotions, I was brought to the Gospel of John 13:1-17 when Jesus washed his disciples feet.  John 13:14 & 15 specifically spoke to me this morning.

"14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you."

I started thinking about foot washing which was a custom back in the day of Jesus.  Something we don't practice thanks to shoes (well unless you wear flip flops and sandals) ...  It was necessary back then and was a demeaning task meant for the servant in the household.  Washing mud, dirt, manure off of the feet of the guests.  It was a dirty job and someone had to do it.  As I read this and think about Jesus, master, teacher, claims to be the King of Kings and the one to save the world humbles Himself and becomes a servant and washes smelly, stinky feet.

I started thinking about what Jesus said in these two verses ... how are we doing at washing others feet?  Are we willing to be a servant to those in society who are stinky and dirty?  I think specifically of the homeless you can't get more stinky or dirty than someone who lives on the streets!  How often do we turn people away because they are not like us?  Their lives are smelly because of sin.

As I read this passage, I thought about an experience I had on Sunday afternoon.  I'm sure if you've been keeping up, you know my little friend, Mary at the shelter.  I had promised to take her to lunch since I wasn't able to serve with We Care that Sunday.  So I arrive at the shelter to see if she still wanted lunch.  She thought about it and then she asked me where we were going, I asked where she wanted to go, she shrugged.  I asked if she liked hamburgers and she nodded.  So I thought of either McDonald's or Wendy's ... so I told her what I was thinking.  She then said that she didn't want to go inside because her hair didn't look good and she didn't have regular shoes.  I told her that would be fine.  So off to the Wendy's in the Ohio City neighborhood in Cleveland we went.  I went in and ordered and we sat in the car.  It was a quiet afternoon, Mary, again didn't talk but I would look over and notice a smile on her face.

Mary doesn't wear normal shoes due to diabetic feet, her breath stinks (yours would too if you don't have resources for proper hygiene) and she is as skinny as a rail.  No family, not sure what her past is, but one that society would consider a stinky outcast.  One whom Jesus would touch and wash her feet.

As we think about the events leading up to Sunday, let us remember that Jesus did this for ALL ... whether we know we need it or not ... the rich the poor, the clean, the dirty.  We have all had a stinky past and stinky lives ... some more stinky than others ... we don't deserve what Jesus did for us, but He did it anyhow.  We choose to accept His gift and we now need to share it with others.

Micheal Card's song the Basin and The Towel says
"And the call is to community,
The impoverished power that sets the soul free.
In humility, to take the vow,
that day after day we must take up the basin and the towel."

I challenge you today to wash some stinky feet today!

"To wash the feet of a brother or sister in Christ, to allow someone to wash our feet, is a sign that together we want to follow Jesus, to take the downward path, to find Jesus' presence in the poor and the weak." Jean Vanier, founder of the L'Arche communities

In Him,

Becky
Original post on April 21, 2011 at 8:02am as note on Becky Phillip's Facebook page.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

God is Full of surprises

Friends,

This past Tuesday we had our monthly Bible study at the women's shelter in Cleveland.  I have been working out of a Women of Faith Bible study book called Amazing Freedom, but I was feeling lead to go a different route.  At 11:30 PM, I was praying and struggling and was not sure what God was going to do.  I looked at my bookshelf and found another Women Of Faith book about life in Jesus.  So I opened it up and read the first chapter, and knew that was the study I needed to do.  It was about having a new life in Christ.

Now, God is full of surprises, if you remember the last e-mail I had sent it was about a silent lady at the shelter named Mary.  When I arrived at the shelter, I told Beth and Darlene I was going to check on Mary and I did.  I came in the room and she was laying on her bed and she smiled!  Then she pointed to the chair and said "have a seat" so I sat down and I asked her how she was doing, she said she was good.  We had a verbal conversation!  She didn't use signs or nods or shrugs, she used her words!  I asked her if she wanted to come to Bible study and she asked where it was and who was going to be there.  I told her and then she thought and thought and thought and she asked if she had to dress up, I told her no and she said, ok let me freshen up and she came to Bible study!  The workers were amazed that I had Mary out of her room!  Mary came into Bible study, she was quiet as usual and that is okay, but she seemed to listen.

We had two more ladies at Bible study as well, Laura and Linda.  We were talking about helping others and I'm not sure exactly what triggered her, but Linda just became upset and said "this place is full of drunks and drug users and they are beyond help" and then she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.  I didn't let that get to me.  Laura is new in the shelter and she said that she feels as if God has her in the shelter for a purpose.  Instead of me giving the salvation message I wanted to do in the end, I used my witness bracelet I had and taught Laura how to use it.  Please pray for Laura.  Pray for Linda as well, I know she is getting an apartment, so her days in the shelter are numbered, but as she is in the shelter he needs encouragement.

Lastly, I visited Donna who has a shattered spine and is facing possible surgery.  I went to her room to check on her as well.  She is supposed to find out when she is having surgery.  Pray for her because with this surgery she will have a 50% chance of not walking and she is afraid.

God is moving and I am excited to see what he is doing.  Please pray for me as I minister to these ladies.  It is humbling to be used by God in this aspect.

Again, it is fun serving Him!

Becky
(Becky Phillips, Wasdworth Church of the Nazarene.  reprinted from her Facebook Note on 3/30/2011)