Where is the Hope?

As I pulled through the drive thru at Sonic, the last person I expected to see was Robert. Robert is a homeless man I met 3 years ago.  At the time he wasn't homeless.  He lived in a nearby apartment.  Since then, he made some bad choices, ended up in jail for a while, and could be found camped out in his truck in the Ministry Center parking lot for nearly 7 months last year.

 I did a double take at the man sitting at the picnic table.  Was that Robert, I thought?  I hadn't seen him in his silver Dodge pick up truck parked under the tree at the Ministry Center since last November.  Seeing him sitting at the picnic table at Sonic was out of context,  I just wasn't sure.

As I was placing my order for my diet peach green tea, a scruffy man walked up to my window.  Amy?  It was Robert!  I asked him quickly where he had been.  He recounted his whereabouts of the last 4 months and what he had been doing.  As I was moving up in the line, I said, "well, we have missed seeing you around".  The 54 year old homeless man began to weep. 

I stared at the pain in his eyes.  I invited him to follow me to the Ministry Center, because I was headed there for Homework Huddle.  He nodded his head yes, too choked up to speak.

As I nudged forward in the drive-thru line, I watched him out of my rear view window walk back to his truck.  I wondered if he would really show up.

After nearly 20 minutes had passed, I saw the silver Dodge truck turn into the parking lot.  Robert proceeded to the end of the parking lot and backed into his usual parking spot under the tree, like he hadn't been absent for the last 4 months. 

He slowly walked back to the picnic table outside the Ministry Center and plopped down.  I could feel the heaviness of his body as he sat across from me. 

About the same time, Craig pulled in with a bus load of kids for homework huddle.  He joined us at the table.  Robert shared his struggles with us.  No job, filing taxes, needing to be on anti-depressants and heart medicine, but not being able to afford it. We were able to help him trouble shoot some help with free income tax filing and prescription help.  These little helps seemed to give some hope.   He lamented about his family wanting nothing to do with him because of the choices he made years prior.  He talked about how lonely he is.  How he has lost hope and has even contemplated suicide. 

We asked Robert where he found hope when he wasn't feeling so low.  He really didn't have an answer.  He told us he had been helping other homeless people in Olathe.  He had given them rides to the shelter in Shawnee.  He gave them some clothes and blankets he had, leaving him with nothing, but he had his truck.  He said we were the only people who seemed to care about him and ask how he is doing.  He said we were always nice to him.  How lonely that must be?  We haven't seen him in nearly 4 months!  He shed lots of tears sharing his heart.  This man sitting across from me was completely broken and hopeless.  Sometimes just listening to someone provides hope. 

Craig and Robert exchanged phone numbers with an encouragement to pass along any job possibilities that might come our way. 

As the afternoon wrapped up, I saw Robert head down the train tracks to the South of the Ministry Center parking lot.  He was headed to the tree lined area he used to sleep in and hang out in.  He disappeared for about 15 minutes and returned wearing a smile.  He jumped in his truck to go purchase some chicken for some homeless friends he found in his old stomping grounds.  This man who is completely broken, has very little material possessions, no money to buy the medicine he needs, was sharing what he had.  It was evident to me, that Robert found hope in encouraging others and sharing what he has.  Please join me in praying for others to encourage him.  All people want to be known and cared for.  Pray he can see Jesus through us and learn of the hope found in HIM while we are listening and caring. 

God's Timing

I've known Rachel for 6 years.  Her daughter wrote me a thank you note that really launched me into the ministry here at Mission Southside.  About a month ago I invited Rachel to discover more about God's plan for her life.  She was so surprised that I asked her because she had just purchased this bible at Saver's the week before!  Truly, God's timing.

We have been meeting now for about a month. This bible that she purchased used to belong to Marvin Sweigart....we know this because it is engraved on the brown leader cover.  Every week she reads from Marvin's bible.  Sometimes there are things underlined.  Sometimes there are notes in the margin.  Every week we wonder a little bit more about Marvin's story.  Who was/is Marvin?

Tonight we added someone else to our group.  We were all comparing our bibles.  Mine is LARGE print...my eyes are getting so bad.  Stacy's bible is REALLY small print, I don't even know how she can read it.  Then Rachel shows Stacy her bible.  We all realized there had to be a story about Marvin.

When we finished reading about Adam and Eve, Stacy pulled out her phone.  "Let's see if we can find out who Marvin is/was she said.  She googled his name......

Marvin was a pastor for 12 years.  This could have been one of many bibles he owned.  Marvin died on July 1, 2017.  The end of his obituary said:

 To know Marvin was to love him.  That love and affection will cause countless family members and friends to greatly miss him, but his influence and testimony will live on forever.  

Marvin, your testimony is living on in a bible now owned by a woman studying it for the first time.  Praying that your little notes in the margins and your underlined scripture continue to teach and preach to my dear friend Rachel.

I love writing and underlining in my bible.  I love to look back at different times in my life that things stuck out to me.  I have to admit that when Rachel first showed me that bible I thought, " how sad that someone threw this away or donated it".  But, what I realize now is that that bible continues to testify for a life of a man who made Jesus Lord of his life, and perhaps he continues to disciple long after he has left this earth.  This is his legacy.

Harrison Square Fire

Meeting the families for breakfast and supplies and fellowship the morning after the fire.

Joan, my new friend

A New Home for our New Friends

As the year end approaches, I am convicted to share with you all three videos over the course of the next three days about the work I am blessed to be a part of at Mission Southside. Whether you are near or far, I invite you in to join Greg and I in making a monthly donation, or a one time tax-deductible donation or volunteering to help. We all have our time, our treasure and our talent we can offer. Mission Southside honors what you bring.
This video is near and dear to my heart. One evening at 10:28, one of the 15 year old kiddos in our Leaders in Training Program, reached out to me just as i was getting into bed. He lives right down the street from this apartment and was worried about the residents. He had helped at a free garage sale just that day at the apartment and met several people. Greg and I reached out to the management and headed there. My husband was amazing. He left to get milk and chicken nuggets for a family of 3 kids who hadn't eaten yet when the fire broke out. He got water and tons of snacks from Quik Trip for all the residents who were outside. He ran to our ministry center, just one block away, to see if we happened to have shoes in 5 sizes for a family who ran out with out shoes, and to God be the Glory we had all of their sizes. Because of Mission Southside we were able to put these families up in a motel at 3:30 am and come along side them to help them navigate this tragedy for the months to come.
The thing about being a part of Mission Southside is that is allows us to LIVE OUT our faith. Jesus commands us to love God and love our neighbors.....Several of the families I met that night have become near and dear to my heart. I just met one of the ladies for coffee last week. As the volunteer in this video says, it's not just about going to church, its about BEING the church.
Please consider donating to this Mission of loving people right where they are. No donation is too small. www.missionsouthside.org

Be Part of Something Bigger

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER One evening in August, at 10:30 p.m., we were made aware that one of the apartments we had just hosted a lunch and free garage sale at that day, was on fire! A 15 year old,  who is involved in the Leaders In Training Program, called me concerned about his neighbors. Feeling God’s prompting, and the encouragement of the 15 year old boy who lives down the street, my husband and I loaded up to go see if we could find some of our friends from the apartment. When we arrived we were met by the fire chief, who said residents had been asking for Mission Southside. We came alongside families, found shoes for the barefoot, purchased chicken nuggets and water and milk and fruit for those who hadn’t yet eaten, when the fire broke out, and were famished because it was a long night. At about 3:30 am we were able to help not only pay for rooms, but to encourage, console and escort the displaced families to their motel room for the next several days. The next morning we met them with breakfast and coffee at Mission Southside, where they were able to find clothing and shoes, food, and even gift cards to meet physical needs. Our friends from one of our church partners, met us there to help their friends they had recently met in the last couple months. When I asked one of my friends if she was going to church this morning, trying to figure out when she could meet the families, she said, “ THIS is Church today!” There were many emotions. There were questions about why Mission Southside would go out of our way to help these families with more than just "stuff". There were hugs, lots of hugs. There were tears.  In this vulnerable situation, we became good friends. Everything we do is about relationship. 5 months later these relationships have grown to a whole new level. Because we loved you so much.....we were delighted to share not only the Gospel of God, but our lives as well.  1 Thessalonians 2:8 Recently, my friend, Rocio, a former resident at one of our 15 under resourced apartment communities we serve, reached out to me about helping a friend who experienced a bad fire a month ago early in the morning. How could I say no? Rocio and her husband, Jose, delivered food every Friday to one of the communities faithfully for two years, and even continued for 5 months after they moved into a duplex with more room than their tiny little apartment. While they lived at this apartment community, they also became volunteers of Mission Southside, wanting to give back and be a part of something bigger. Rocio asked if we could help this family, a mom and 5 kids, with clothing, blankets and shoes today. You see, Rocio and Jose had generously taken in this family of 6, until they could find another home....which could be weeks. They told her not to worry about food or rent, they will take care of it, and they could stay as long as they needed. After Mission Southside helped this family with clothes, bedding and some gift cards, Jose reached out to me. He wanted to thank us for taking care of their friends. He was grateful and kept repeating gracias a Dios por la Mision.  (Thanks to God for the Mission) After chatting for a bit he revealed that he lost his job on Tuesday, just two days before they took in this family. Yet, they graciously offered to share what they have, with their friend who lost EVERYTHING the next day.  We were able to help move this family into their new house last week. A few weeks ago, I got to sit in on an amazing offer of tuition paid to a kiddo who would definitely have struggled to pay it.  This 18 year old from Olathe North works, has to help with rent, and doesn't have a vehicle. The offer didn't come from someone with an affluent business, but someone who drives a 2007 van, and she admitted she could have used the money to by a new van with less than 250,000 miles on it. But sitting at a table, listening to the reasons that prompted this generous donor to give such a gift, and how she felt God leading her to do this, I was overcome! God's evaluation is different than man's. This season where we are dependent on the grand gestures of giving, I am reminded that God LOVES a cheerful giver big and small. He is faithful to take care of His own. Whether it is the deceased woman's family who looked out for a cancer patient by bringing what she had, (her couponing extras) or the woman who could have updated her car, or the guy who lost his job, but took in a family, or your donation to Mission Southside of $5-$5000. God will honor what is brought to the table, the widow's mite. God is faithful to our mission and to, and through, the people we serve and serve with. Would you consider joining Greg and I in making a monthly donation, or a one time tax-deductible end of the year donation to help Mission Southside be prepared for future crisis and to keep our programs like Leader's In Training, ESL, Homework Huddles, Discovery Studies and other ministry going?  If you already do or have, we are humbly grateful.   Thanks for your generosity and your ongoing prayer for this ministry of putting God's love into action by extending help through hope.

Friendship Family Ties.............

Have you ever felt that nudge from God to actually care about someone you don't know?
 This is my friend, Miranda, whom I have been meeting with every week since June.  I have known her for four years.  Our relationship started out as knowing her son, junior.  He would come to Homework Huddle and Fun Friday at the apartment she lived at.  Then she started coming out more.  I still remember that moment our relationship went beyond a wave and a simple hello.  It was Christmas time, 2014.  We, "the church people", had shown up with some gifts to surprise several families who had become dear to us through our ministry at this apartment community.  The families had no idea.  We invited parents to come to the laundry room at the local apartment where they lived. They were given bags of toys and allowed to gift wrap them and take them home.  It's not about Mission Southside getting credit for anything.  It's about possibly meeting a need, and allowing the parents to bless their kids. 

 When Miranda showed up she was so surprised.  We had time to chat while wrapping gifts.  This sweet woman had a story.  These unexpected gifts came at a very much needed time.  While her husband had a VISA, he needed to go back to Guatamala for about 4 months to clear some things up, before he could return to the US.  She was going to be alone for a while.  A single mom.  She had several health issues, as well.  I asked if I could pray for her, and we had a sweet time of just praying through a list of things that were on her heart. 

A few months later she found herself pregnant, and with a husband who was in Guatamala, straightening out his Visa.  Through this time of uncertainty, Miranda and I connected more.  I would stop by and see her, she would start coming outside more when we were at the apartments.  Sometimes we would just chat, sometimes something was weighing on her heart and we would pray.

Miranda's pregnancy ended up being high-risk.  She had many health complications.  She was trying to continue working, being a single mom to Junior, and keep this unborn baby healthy.  She ended up on bed rest towards the end of her pregnancy.  She was beginning to get anxious about having her baby without the help of her husband.  One day we were talking about what was the most stressful thing and she said she didn't know where Junior would go when she went into the hospital.   Here was a woman I knew, and probably shared more time with than many of my friends, and I felt God nudging me.  I went home and had dinner with my husband and kids that night and told them about Miranda's stress.  Truthfully I knew what I wanted to ask them, but was a little hesitant about how they would react.  Well, I didn't have to even ask.  My kids said, "well, mom.  You told her he could stay with us, didn't you? 

Several weeks later, she ended up in the hospital.  Junior came to stay with us for 3 days, and then his mom returned home.  Miranda had some health problems and went back to the hospital, and Junior returned to our home, and baby Amalya went to another friend.


 Three years later after our relationship went from a "hi" and a "hello", she passed away unexpectedly the week of Christmas, 2017.

 Every week since June, we would meet and we would share what we were thankful for, what was challenging and continue our study of creation to the cross. She died a believer, but what I came to realize was that the time, the relationship we have had for... four years and the significantly deeper relationship these last six months was just as important to me and there is a giant hole in my heart. Time is short. If you feel that nudge to grow deeper in relationship with someone and to discover God’s plan for their life or just that nudge to spend time caring and sharing your life and the gospel as well (1Thess. 2:8) do it! You won’t regret it. 

Everyone Can Love Their Neighbor

When you think about the great commandment you probably think of this: 

 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

 But does Jesus mean even when you are under resourced?  Mission Southside can be found in 20 under resourced apartment communities around Johnson County.  When we go in, it is not with the mindset that we will do everything for that community and enable them.  It is with the mindset that we are loving our neighbors in community WITH one another.  It is not an US and a THEM, it is a WE.

At one local apartment complex, a resident named Pilar, delivers welcome baskets to new residents.  She creates them with items from Mission Southside and some items donated by the site team.  This has become her little ministry.  She welcomes people to the apartment community, she invites kids to Homework Huddle and moms to bible study.  She finds out is people have very little or are perhaps sleeping on the floor and she contacts Mission Southside to perhaps get a bed for kids sleeping on the floor.

At another complex a gentleman who has lived there for 8 years has started a Food Co-op Ministry.  He retrieves the food that is sorted at Mission Southside on Fridays and delivers it to his apartment complex.  He knows when his neighbors have been in the hospital, he knows the neighbors who perhaps have recently lost a job.  He also knows the single moms who struggle every month to keep food on the table for their kids.  He works at McDonalds, but happens to be off on Friday.  This gentleman walks a little bit taller and is doing his part.  He even has a Mission Southside t-shirt. 

We can all love our neighbors.  We all have something to give.  It may be our time, it may be our talent and it may even be our money.  But all of these things can help to raise up leaders right in the communities we are serving, and empower them to bring what they have to give. 

A Homeless Man’s View of Mission Southside

A Homeless Man’s View of Mission Southside

Last night, during Sports Night, I met a man named Robert.  Robert Showed up on his bike and was watching us shoot some hoops from afar.  We invited him to play.  He was obviously athletic, even in his flip flops and he started rebounding the balls for the kids.  Robert “appeared” homeless. 

After about 30 minutes of hoops, we began chatting a lot more.  He told me he has been watching what we do and he thinks it is really important.  I asked him why?  He said he used to be homeless and lived behind the Ministry Center.  He saw several of these kids on a regular basis.  He said the most important thing we could do is pour into these kids so they don’t end up like him.  He grew up in KCK on Troost, got into drugs, and lost everything.

He told me he had been trying to help the homeless who live there.  He knew Danielle’s new friend Amber.  He knew Colin, the guy I saw shoplift at Price Chopper and we would see several times a day heading down the tracks, but hadn’t seen for a while.  He knew everything about them.  He was very concerned about Amber’s whereabouts.  He said that Colin is in Jail until at least August, and he is really on drugs.  He is hoping he can get clean during his stay in Jail.

He told me that he has been working with a husband and wife who owned Olathe Ford(?)  He said there is not an answer for homelessness in Olathe.  The City isn’t doing anything.  The Church isn’t doing anything.  If you are a woman with kids you may be able to find someplace and some help, but if you are a man there is nothing.  That is why he is really trying to work with these people and figure out an answer.  He said that there is no one living back in the woods right now.  They all moved over behind the Wal-Mart on K-7.

He went on to tell how he lost everything because of drugs.  He said he hasn’t talked to his kids in a really long time.  He was reminiscing about when he coached his son’s baseball team and they won the championship.  He loves sports.

He told me he lives at Harrison Square Apartments, where we have a site team.  He said he is just getting back on his feet.  I asked if he needed anything and he said his apartment is all furnished.  He kept bringing it back around to the kids and that we need to pour resources and time and relationship into the kids.  He said that sometimes he struggles with having food, but he has a job at the granite company, he has his bike, and a roof over his head. 

At the end of our convo, he told me that he is really not a church person. When I asked why, he said that he grew up Catholic.  He tried a couple of churches, including one in Spring Hill, and he just didn’t feel welcome.  He said he sees us doing our “church thing” at Harrison Square, but he really doesn’t come out because he isn’t a church person.  He said it took him two months to even come talk to us, because he wanted to see what it was all about.  I told him he would be welcome to come out for sure. 

This guy has a testimony in the works.  He referred to faith, and hope, and used a lot of words that definitely have a spiritual flavor.  He just doesn’t know who God is, and honestly I am sure no one has ever offered to help him figure it out.  I invited him back on Tuesdays.  Told him he could get a hot meal, hang out and just talk. 

We never know who is watching.  And more than ever, I believe our actions and love for others is the greatest testimony of Jesus, especially in the lives of someone who is far away from Him or has never heard of him.   “Dear Children…let us not love with words and speech, but with actions and truth” 1 John 3:18  Who knows what could happen in this guy’s life especially when he is already fulfilling the second part of the Great Commandment…..Loving his Neighbor.

stew·ard²   manage or look after.
Sometimes I dread the annual "stewardship" sermon at church.  My heart starts to pound.  I wonder if the pastor is talking directly to me.  I question whether my weekly tithe is enough?  I wonder, am I truly honoring God with the amount I am giving?
Today I looked up the definition of what the verb steward really means.  To Manage or look after.

Money is always a controversial conversation.  How much do we need to survive?  How much should we save?  How much should we donate? 

Yesterday I witnessed the most amazing act.  A friend of mine, of the advanced age of 13 years, came to our local homework huddle at a local apartment complex with his brother.  This is a servant hearted kid who has participated in our Backyard Bible Clubs for the last 4 years, he was part of our Leaders in Training Program, and has applied again this year.  This young man went out for track at his local middle school this year with encouragement and some of the supplies like shorts, t-shirts and running shoes provided by some generous donors. 

What you don't see on the outside is that his rent is 1 1/2 months past due.  His electricity was turned off about an hour before he arrived at homework huddle because his mom didn't have the money to pay it.  What you don't see from the outside is that his refrigerator is pretty bare most of the time and there is always food insecurity. 

As we were wrapping up homework huddle he asked if he and his brother could run across the street to the Quik Trip and grab something to eat.  His mom had given him $10, in between working all day and coming home for an hour and going to work a temp job overnight.  My 13 year old friend headed off with his brother.  When he got back he asked if I had ever seen or helped a homeless person?  I told him that yes I had.  He proceeded to tell me that on the way over to the QT, he and his brother passed a homeless man and his dog hiding behind the dumpster.  He headed into the QT and he and his brother each bought a hotdog, and he decided not to get drinks because he wanted to get a couple hot dogs for the homeless man.

Here is a 13 year old boy, going home to no lights, no electronics, no mom.  Here is a 13 year old boy with only $10 to his name, and he passes the man on the side of the road, the man behind the dumpster and thought, "well, I have a home, and a little bit of food at my house, and $10 in my pocket I can take a shower and I have clothes" I'm doing pretty well.

This young man was "stewarding" the homeless man.  He was looking after him. 

Luke 3:11

And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 

After I took these two young men home to a dark, lonely apartment I thought to myself, " why do I have a hard time with stewardship?  Why do I hesitate to give $100 to someone or a ministry who needs it?  Is it because I think my $100 is not going to amount to a hill of beans in the grand scheme of things?  Is it because I am hording my money for a "rainy day"?  Here is a kid who doesn't know where his next meal is coming from, whether they will have to move next week or whether he will go home to a dark apartment, but HE realized a guy was worse off than him?  He has the faith of a mustard seed.  He loves Jesus and puts all his faith in HIM.  He knows God will provide for them, and he knows exactly what Jesus commands us to do, to LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS. 

Mark 12:30-31

 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Am I encouraging you to be careless with what God has given you?  NO.  But, what if we lived not only believing in Jesus, but participating in what HE commands us to do?  What if we had the faith of my 13 year old friend who sees need and rises up to meet it even when he literally has nothing, at least in my eyes.  I can only imagine that in God's eyes, my little friend has everything.  He has faith and is truly loving his neighbor.

Would you like to know how you can get involved in helping your neighbors right here in the community we live in?  Mission Southside is the perfect place.

1.  Become a monthly giver www.missionsouthside.org

2.  Give a one-time gift (literally one time or maybe annually)

3.  In two weeks we will host our first Women's Giving Group.  This is an opportunity for dozens of women to come together with their $100 and combine their resources to fund two programs our Leaders in Training Program which this young man above participated in last year and focused on Faith, Character and Life Skills, and our new Sports Ministry Program, which will empower kids to learn basketball, soccer and volleyball skills and focus on Character. 

Would you join us on June 1st with your $100?  Would you join me and several other women and step out in faith to see what God will do with your resources?  Would you be willing to steward several kids in our community and give them opportunities they only dream about?

http://www.missionsouthside.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=53110&PID=1054404

Sports....a Real Privilege for the Underprivileged

 Sports.....a Real Privilege for the Underprivileged

My kids have been playing soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and running cross country and track from a very early age.  I have spent approximately 100, 000 hours at ball fields, courts, courses and tracks.   Ok, that may not be accurate, but you get the picture. I hate to even guess how much we have spent on camps, gear, teams and physicals. We do what we do for our kids.  We love to go cheer them on.  We love to see them succeed. 

But what happens when you grow up in a home where sometimes your parents struggle to even pay rent?  What happens when you can't afford all of the gear and the fees?  What happens when your family is uninsured and can't afford to pay out of pocket to get a sports physical for something that, let's be honest, isn't a necessity, like say, FOOD?   

This is Jose'.  I have known him for two years.  He was in the running club at his elementary school.  I knew he could run. He had some really supportive teachers who encouraged him to run.  As he entered his middle school this year, probably the lowest socio-economic middle school in Olathe, he was filled with fear of the unknown details of middle school and hope for some exciting opportunities that awaited him.  We were talking that first week of school about how he really wanted to go out for Cross Country.  His mom is raising him, his 4 sisters and his cousin.  They are uninsured.  He needed good running shoes.  He needed a physical.  Both of these things were not in the budget. These things become obstacles that most kids can't conquer.  At this middle school there is not as much participation in sports.  Sometimes there aren't even enough kids to make a "B" team, while other schools are cutting kids from teams.  A very generous Chiropractor in town, Dr. Sandra Liperoute, with Fulk Chiropractic, offered to help him with his physical.  We found a donor for the shoes.  Jose was in the top 3 at all of the cross country races.  He continued running through the year and joined the track team this Spring.  He can finish an 800 meter race at least 100 meters ahead of everyone.  Now for most of us, if we had a kiddo who could not only run, but BLOW THE COMPETITION AWAY, we might perhaps pursue a track club, or some better training.  This is not an option for Jose.  Hebrews 12:1 ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  So many kids need sports as an outlet to escape, if just for a little bit, the reality that is their life. 

Volleyball.....for most of us the first time we probably picked up a ball was when we went to middle school.  Times have changed, and unfortunately for these girls, that is probably the case, too.  But what about your daughters?  Have they been playing multiple sessions since they were in 3rd or 4th grade?  This year a very dear friend of mine, went to her daughter's Zoom Volleyball Club, and approached them about doing a clinic for these 6 girls.  This would at least give them an idea of what it would look like before try-outs the next week.  They got to spend the day learning from professional coaches, they were treated to lunch and they even walked away with their own gear.  I am forever indebted to my friend, Debbie, for organizing this great confidence boosting opportunity.  Again, my very generous doctor friend performed their physicals for free.  I was a nervous wreck the week of try-outs.  Would these girls have what it took to make the team?  Would they experience their first big middle school disappointment of not being good enough to make the team?  The coaches at the clinic gave them some super important advice.  "Go out there and be a team player, and be as enthusiastic as possible."  Well, that did the job!  They found themselves playing on the B team at their middle school. 

This young man you have probably met before.  This is Carlos.  Carlos is a honestly a part of my family.  One day I was picking him up at track, my daughter is his age and they go to the same school.  Carlos got in the car and I realized that he was wearing some flat, skater shoes, the Wal-Mart variety.  I asked him if he was really running in those shoes?  He went on to tell me that they couldn't afford running shoes.  A generous friend who had met Carlos on the Lunch Bus the week prior, had just given me some money to tuck away for something Carlos would need in the future.  This was just the thing.  On Sunday after church, Carolyn, my 7th grader, and I headed over to pick Carlos up because we were going shoe shopping.  When we arrived at Dick's Sporting Goods, we headed back to the shoes.  Carlos was very gracious about not wanting to spend too much.  I told him it was all covered.  He picked up a pair of shoes, and said, " I will just take these.  Where is the other shoe?"  You see, he thought you just picked your shoes off the shelf and head to the check out.  Carlos had never tried shoes on in the store.  He had never been fitted for shoes.  In fact, when I asked what size shoe he wore, he said, " I don't really know.  I just wear what we can find.  Sometimes it is an 8, or a 9 or a 10.  We dropped Carlos off at home, and I proceeded home with Carolyn.  She kept thanking me for her shoes.  She realized that day, just how fortunate she was. 

If I haven't lost you yet, here is one more sweet story.  Living Hope Church has a soccer program called BRIDGES.  Bridges is an intra-mural kid's program.  We approached the pastors there about possibly allowing scholarships for a few kids this session.  9 kids accepted the opportunity.  They had to go to a skills assessment session and were allowed to participate at 1/2 the normal rate, $40.  Their parents were so excited, and I can't even describe the excitement of the kids!  One family of two, really didn't have it in their budget to even pay the $40. When I approached Bridges, they were willing to let her pay $40 total.  Unfortunately due to some extreme hardships, that was even a stretch.  Mission Southside ended up paying the $40 for her girls to participate.  Last week, mom showed up at the Mission with $40 in hand.  She wanted to repay the Mission and was so extremely grateful for this opportunity for her girls.  The mom of the two boys above, showed up to her ESL class two weeks ago after one of their first games.  With tears streaming down her cheeks, she could barely speak about how much this meant to her kids.  They have never played on an organized sports team.  They were learning a lot and they just loved their new uniforms.  The challenge of this amazing opportunity is always the gear.  Practice shirts, shorts to go with their uniforms, shin guards, socks, cleats......Due to the generosity of many donors to Mission Southside, we were able to find the sizes for each kiddo.  God is GOOD! 

Okay, Amy, where are you going with this, you might be asking?  What is your ASK?  If you know me, my heart has ached for all of our little friends to have the opportunity to learn sports and skills that will give them confidence to participate in sports and other activities when they get to middle school.  Sometimes the world is just so inequitable.  With the acquisition of our ministry center we have an amazing opportunity to use the outdoor space for some skills training, pick up games, and confidence building for our little friends. 

How can you help???

One basketball goal has already been generously donated, but we would love to have a second one so that we can more effectively play and coach the kids. The cost of that sturdy outdoor goal is about $1200. 

We have some volleyballs donated, but are still in need of a good, sturdy net and poles. 

We have a soccer court and goals donated, but could really use some soccer balls.

But, what would it look like if every Tuesday night from 7-8:30 we had people who care and have a passion for soccer, volleyball or basketball, volunteer their time?  Maybe once a month, maybe every other week, maybe every week?  Do you have the love for the least of these and the knowledge and skills to help some of these kiddos start learning these sports that can help build confidence in their lives? 
Please pray about this.  Think about how you could impact the life of one of the kids we serve, our neighbors.  Romans 12:6-8 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.  Please contact me if you are interested in helping or contributing to anything above.  Most importantly, please pray for this dream of mine and more opportunities for these kids.

God's Servants Come From Many Backgrounds

Tonight as I think about this week, I am reflecting on this verse, the Golden Rule:  

Matthew 7:12

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

This week we served over 600 lunches to many hungry kids and even some moms through our Spring Break Lunch Bus.  We traveled through snow, wind, rain and sun.  We experienced everything under the sun, literally.  

I want to tell you about the little guy in the middle.  I've known him since he was in 4th grade, he is now in 7th.  I met him at the apartment my family serves at.  He was the first kid I gave my cell phone to, which was pretty important when he and his family found themselves homeless.  He was known to deliver extra food to neighbors in his apartment complex.  He was known to call me in the summer and let me know of kids who were hungry, and when I would show up with backsnacks, he knew just the doors to deliver them to.  He recently got a community garden started at his Middle School "because there was a time when his family couldn't afford fresh vegetables and fruit, and he knows other kids who will appreciate them and need them."

This week Carlos showed up every day at Mission Southside at 9:00 a.m. and even earlier one day, to help with the Lunch Bus.  He pitched in just as much, if not more than other volunteers.  He helped cook, load the bus, chop tomatoes and onions.  He helped load the bus and unload the bus.  He came up with the idea on the 3 VERY cold days, to deliver the meals to the doors so that people wouldn't have to get outside in the weather and he stayed until every last dish was cleaned up.  As long as I have known Carlos, he has had a true neighbor's heart.  

By the end of this week, Carlos had volunteered an estimated 30+ hours loving his neighbors. 

Yesterday the day culminated at HIS apartment.  He was in his element.  When the day ended, I gave him a souvenir Mission Southside waterbottle and a thank you note with a $30 gift card to Wal-Mart. The intent of the gift card was for Carlos to buy something for himself.  Maybe some much needed clothing or something fun.  But, really, it was the least we could do for all of his help this week.  

When he got home he sent me this message, " Thanks a lot for your part of my life, Amy, and for Mission Southside.  Thanks for the gift.  Love you".

Then he proceeded to ask if we had any extra snack bags, because he knows of an apartment that is "poorer" than his and he knows the hungry kids who live there.  He wanted to deliver them to these kids.  As I have learned over the last 4 years, Carlos ALWAYS looks out for others before himself.

Later that night, he messaged me another thank you.  "Amy, can I tell you something?  Thanks for the $30 dollars.  We emergency need groceries, so thanks.  That will last us about 3 days."  At first I was super disappointed.  I wanted that to be for HIM.  Not for others, not for groceries.  Hours later, I received another text....

"What a disappointment!  We went to go to Walmart to get laundry detergent and groceries, and the gift card must have fallen out of my pocket in the parking lot.  We looked for 30 minutes and couldn't find it, so we went home.  I really needed it to buy food, like our groceries are low.  Mom is using all our money to pay the bills.  Never mind, have a great day."  

As today went on, Carlos messaged me several times, telling me how they are struggling, again.  This isn't the first time.  It is up and down and this young man finds himself in adult situations of worrying about where their next meal will come from, and how rent will get paid. 

I promised Carlos there would be food on his doorstep tomorrow morning when he wakes up.  He told me, " You're always there for me and you will always be my family and my friend".  

So, today when you are eating breakfast, or lunch or dinner or grabbing that snack out of your pantry, please take a minute to pray for this little guy and his mom and his brother and sister.  Pray that their needs will be met.  That this 7th grade boy can actually be just that, a boy.  Care free, young, and not worried about where his next meal will come from.  And marvel at how Carlos, a boy with VERY VERY little, will do unto others, just hoping and praying when he needs it, someone will do unto him.

God Wants a Relationship With Everyone

Last week is a blur.  Knee deep in the Christmas Store preparations for the 16 site teams we have relationship at and several schools and other various agencies.  With questions like "do we have enough teen gifts for people to shop for", "what happens if we get the snow they are expecting", "do we have enough volunteers", etc. 

Friday,  with the event planning in full swing, I received a frantic call from a woman we have come to know through one of our apartment site teams. I will call her J.  Her cousin actually lives at this apartment, and she visited her a lot. When we met J she and her husband seemed very hesitant about what we were "up to".  It was evident there was little trust.  The cousin, who was the resident, attends our bible study and had become friends with the residents and us.

Over the course of several months, J and her daughter began to trust us and form a relationship with us.   She would come to the apartment every week for homework huddle.  J's cousin brought her to the mission to get some much needed items for her home.

J's call that Friday could not have been at a worse time.  I was all wrapped up in the details of one of our biggest events of the year, and she was asking if I could take her to the bus station.  You see, she had been abused by her husband.  She finally had the courage to escape from him THAT DAY, of all days, and wanted my help. 

He was at work.  She knew when the bus departed from Lawrence which wasn't until later that afternoon, but she needed to leave with her 5 year old and her 9 month old immediately to avoid being there when he returned home.

She had been calling SAFE HOME here in the area every day, several times a day to see if they had an opening in their shelter.  They were full.  At this point, she just needed to go back home.

Because I was completely swamped, I reached out to my friend, Erika.  She graciously agreed to take her to Lawrence that afternoon in the snow storm that had begun.  When they got there, the tickets were completely sold out.  What was this poor, scared young mom to do?  The next bus didn't leave for several days to the area she was wanting to travel to.

I told Erika we could put her and the girls in a motel until that point, but on the way home from Lawrence, Erika's heart just listened to J and to God.  She wanted J and her girls to come stay with Erika and her family. 

Erika brought them home for several days.  She provided support, prayer, and love to J and her girls.  She went above and beyond to the stranger on the side of the road.

We purchased a bus ticket to her home town.  SAFE HOME in her home town had an opening and were willing to hold the room until she arrived. 

During the course of this little detour of time I truly believe J got to see God in her life through Erika and her family.  She was the furthest thing from a believer in God.  She has suffered abuse for some time now.  How could a God of love allow her to go through all that she had gone through.

After purchasing the bus ticket we realized that it was a 3 day trip including an overnight in Joplin and Amarillo.  How could she manage financially and physically to find places to stay in those two strange cities.  Many people Erika and I reached out to were willing to show J hospitality.  We found a couple in Joplin who picked she and the girls up and let them stay the evening in their home and returned them to the bus station the next day.  But the greatest of these was through a friend Erika got in contact with a woman from a Pregnancy Crisis Center in Amarillo.  After some time on the phone, This woman, a friend of a friend, a Christian woman, agreed to pick J up at the bus stop in Amarillo, buy her any supplies she needed, let her stay at their shelter, and even ship items from Wal-mart to her at her destination.  You see, not only was J traveling with her two young girls, she was pregnant. 

Once J arrived at her destination, she was retrieved by SAFE HOME safely. 

During the course of this journey, J would text me.  When she arrived in Joplin it was, " Hi Amy, I made it to Joplin and the man was very nice to me and the girls.  Thank you again, I will keep you updated.  It was a blessing meeting you.  I will never forget you."

Then during the next day's trip she sends this text. "Thank you so much for everything.  I believe God sent you and Erika into my life.  He really does work in mysterious ways and he is a good God"

When she made it to her next stop, she texted again saying she made it.  I said, "Praise God.  You are almost home".  She commented, " Yes!  Praying is what God wanted me to do this whole time and rely on HIM". 

Erika and I take turns checking in with this woman.  Sending her encouragement.  Sending her scripture.  Just remaining in relationship with her.  We truly desire to see God do an amazing work in her life.  J was always humbled and amazed at how everything fell into place.  How HOPE and HELP are possible when you turn to God.  Sometimes when we ask for help, God gives us hope; not because its different, but because it's the same. 

So that blizzardy day when I was wrapped up in the STUFF, the EVENTS, the REAL thing that God wanted me to focus on was loving my neighbor.  I am blessed beyond belief at how He knows what we need and how he put Erika in the middle of this whole experience.  That early morning at 5:30 a.m. when I left them at the bus stop, I needed to rely on God just as much as J had learned to over the last week.  This was someone I had grown to love.  This picture above drawn weeks before this whole experience by her sweet sweet 5 year old, will forever hold a place in my heart. 

Trials and Thanksgiving

As part of a Mission Southside site team, many of the volunteers who make a commitment to GO and make disciples put their whole heart and life into this local investment of their time.   It is more than just planning an event.  It is about relationship.  We begin to form amazing relationships with people who may be struggling with things we can't begin to appreciate or understand.      

Sometimes while we sit in our warm homes in one of the most affluent counties in the state, we just can't even wrap our minds around what trials others may be dealing with....others being our neighbors right here in Johnson County.

Over a year ago, Miranda found herself in a difficult situation.  Some technical issues arose with her husband's visa, and he was deported for several months until they could get it all corrected.  The challenging thing about that time was that Miranda was pregnant with their second child.  Miranda soon ended up on bed rest and had to take a leave of absence from her job.  With her husband out of the country trying to fix the legal issues, she found herself with a 3rd grade son, no income, and no help.

This was a hard position for Miranda.  She is usually someone who was helping others.  Asking for help didn't come easily. 

When she ended up in the hospital facing the birth of her sweet baby girl, she had nowhere for her son to go.  It was a complete blessing to welcome him into our home as part of our family.  He stayed with us several days until his mom and sister could come home.  Mission Southside and Olathe Christian Church and many others came alongside her and were the hands of feet of Jesus.

Miranda and her husband were reunited several months after the birth of their second child and they are doing well now.

Last month she created three personal cards and delivered them to me, Mission Southside and my church.  The cards featured artwork, photos, a heartfelt thank you and scripture.  The scripture was James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Miranda and her family persevered through this trial and are now giving back.  She has donated items for events, brought lunch but this hand made thank you note was priceless.  The photos represent family, and that is what a site team can become because WE are all part of the family of God.

Sharing our Lives

Last week a friend of mine sent me this verse.  "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."  1 Thessalonians 2:8.

Tonight I reflected on how that looks in the context of Mission Southside. 

Nearly 3 years ago I met a woman named Tina.  She is a single mom who's husband was deported shortly before her second child was born.  They didn't keep up with his visa, and once deported, couldn't afford the legal fees to get him back. 

Meanwhile, Tina is raising her girls on her own as a single mom.  She does everything for her girls always putting them before everything else.  She loves the Lord, and that shows in her girls.

The last few weeks I have been trying to help her with a budget to get back on track financially.  There is no wiggle room in her budget what so ever. 

One thing I knew we could take out of her budget was haircuts.  I called my friend, Amy, and she agreed cut the girl's hair for free.

Last night we met at the new Ministry Center.  I brought pizza and we were able to sit at the dining room table in the kitchen and share a meal.  Tina's 4th grade daughter prayed for our meal.  We had a sweet time of finding out what was happening at school. 

After the girls got hair cuts, my friend asked if mom wanted a haircut, too?  Reluctantly she agreed.

This single mom has been stressed by the challenges of life.  Not knowing if she would get enough hours each week to pay her bills and paying for day care regardless.  Helping the girls with homework, potty training, putting a meal on the table. 

For a brief time last night, I hope she felt taken care of.  She could relax and feel like someone did something for her.  I pray she felt genuine care for her and what is happening in her life. 

Look around you.  Is there someone that even a few hours of your time could benefit?  Even more, is there someone you can do LIFE with?  Not just telling about the Gospel, but living it out and being an example?  There are so many friends who need a caring compassionate ear and perhaps someone to share a meal with.  What time, treasure or talent can you lend to someone else?

This is just the beginning of what kinds of relationship building activities can take place at our new Ministry Center.  I can't wait to see what God is going to do!

What's Mine is Yours

Tonight as I get ready to land on my soft comfortable bed in my own bedroom, I reflect on the evening's events....  Let me start by telling you about Pilar.  Pilar lives in a community where there are actually people sleeping on the floor.  She lives in a community where many families own one car, if any.  She lives in a community where neighbors never used to come out and definitely didn't LOVE each other.

    Almost a year ago she asked me if we could study the bible.  When I showed up expecting to meet a few ladies, it was actually 9.  Nearly all of those ladies today still come to the picnic table every Wednesday to study God's Word.

So here is the thing about Pilar.  She truly LOVES HER NEIGHBORS.  She is still inviting people to our bible study.  She invited a woman to our study about 4-5 months ago.  Her name is Imelda.  Pilar not only wants to meet their physical needs, which are numerous, but she wants to meet their spiritual needs with the hope found in Jesus.

 Imelda and her husband and two sons were homeless and doubled up with another family.  This week, her family moved into the apartment complex where we spend a lot of time and where she attends our weekly bible study.  Pilar asked if she could bring her to Mission Southside because she needed some things.  When she came out we discovered they owned a twin mattress......yup.  that is all they had to their names.  All she wanted was a bed for her boys.  She was even so embarrassed to take anything else we offered and with tears in her eyes kept saying we had already given her so much.  At that point it was some dishes and Jesus.  Well, because of the many generous donations we receive at Mission Southside, we were able to give her so much more. She left that day with some pots, pans, dishes, cooking utensils and some blankets,  My husband delivered a couch, a table, a bunk bed, a beautiful queen mattress and box springs donated by a friend from church.  Pilar's husband was there to help, and Juan, a gentleman whose family we have helped in the past came to help.  As people watched a few other fellows came out to assist in moving this heavy couch to the second floor.  They, too, were Loving their Neighbor in action.

When we went into the apartment there was literally nothing.  Nothing to sit on, nothing on the walls, and in the boys room, no toys except for 4 tiny carnival or gumball machine trinkets that rested on the window sill.  As I looked at the rooms it appeared that there were actually two twin size mattresses.  One in mom and dad's room with a bible simply resting on it.  The other in the boys room.  When we went to move the mattress in the boy's room we discovered it was in fact the box spring. These two little boys had been sleeping on a hard box spring just so they wouldn't lay on the cold tile floor.

Accidentally the awesome Leaders in Training crew had loaded a love seat and an extra twin mattress on the truck.  Of course we could take it back to Mission Southside, but, what if there was still a need here?  When I asked Pilar if there was anyone else she could think of that perhaps had a need, she immediately thought of a woman who recently moved into the complex the week prior.  Pilar's daughter, Litzi, ran over to her apartment and asked if she might like to come look at these two items.
A young woman, probably not more than 25, came over with two little children.  The look on her face was one of distrust.  Why would these strangers be offering me furniture?  Why would these strangers just want to give this to me?  As Pilar and Imelda began talking to her and caring for her needs, with tears in her eyes, she conceded.

My husband drove the truck around to her apartment and all of the gentleman followed.  They took a twin mattress and a beautiful love seat up to her apartment.  As my husband and Juan and Litzi emerged from the apartment, they all started telling me that she was going to need some more stuff.  Pilar started chatting with her about her needs.  She was just like Imelda, so beyond grateful for these few things, she didn't want to take advantage of our kindness.  Pilar invited her to bible study and offered to bring her out to Mission Southside to get some pots and pans, blankets, etc.

As we walked away, Imelda was grinning ear to ear.  she just kept saying thank you and thanks to God.  And I turned to her and said, "What's mine is yours.  Everything belongs to God".  We all hugged and left.

When I got home I opened up my bible to the scripture pictured above.  Acts 4:32-35  No one claimed that ANY of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.  With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.  And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were NO NEEDY PERSONS among them.

What if we shared what we had?  I'm not just talking about physically.  What if we shared our time?  What if we got to actually know our neighbors down the street instead of making assumptions and judging them because of how little they had or the bad decisions that put them in the place they are today?  What if we took an hour a week to study God's word with a group of people who have perhaps NEVER studied God's word?

 The book of Acts really emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the transformation that occurs as a result of knowing Christ.  Is that what is happening here? 
 And isn't the book of Acts a history of the early church?  What if our church today looked a little more like what the early church did?  What if we were like Jesus' apostles and continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and God's grace was so powerfully at work in all of us that there were no "needy" persons among us.