I am reading this inspirational story right now. I remember when I was in college and God put it on my heart to go to Africa. I wanted to go, I could not shake it. But I also wanted my fiance to go. I told him that I would marry him only if he applied to African Inland Mission with me. We did, but never heard from them. I am thankful that God allowed me the privilege to go to the DR Congo a few years ago, but my unwillingness to surrender all when I was in college still lays heavy on my heart. Katie's story of surrender is beautiful and inspiring. Praise be to God for His forgiveness and mercy and grace when we are weak to lay down our mat.

Yesterday I prayed that God would open up a place for a day shelter for the homeless in Ann Arbor.
Tonight I went for the first time to the Green Room, which by God's almighty arm is right, literally!, next door to the Delonas Center where the nighttime warming shelter is! During the week this really hip, barn structure with hand me down vintage furnishings sits empty. How about it God? When should I ask? How should I ask? What can You dream up?
As I sat tonight at the artist/sermon/church meeting, I was thinking even if I just opened it once a week it would help. But God you are bigger than that. Could we get enough volunteers to provide engaging activities and education and bible time to cover the whole week? Well, Lord, You have the outstretched arm. Let my arm reach in too.

I discovered that when I became Jesus' hands and feet while serving others I stopped thinking about myself,
my concerns, my body image. I felt a wonderful freedom and joy that only the holy spirit can convey.

Taking six homeless men to New Jersey to help in the Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts was an incredible experience.
These men worked with such joy to rebuild the homes of others, when they have none of their own. We stayed in Tent City, in Lakewood, NJ and found beautiful community in serving together. Each man has such gifts to bless others with, and I am humbled and honored to have labored alongside them for eight days.

Pastor Steve of Tent City has laid down his mat for ten years, serving the homeless of New Jersey.
His hands have labored in the cold and rough tenting community and his heart overflows with joy.

R. is a compassionate and hard working man. He is an excellent team leader.
R. has experience in construction and sales and would love to be hired again. He is currently sleeping at a shelter.

   R. is very observant of other people's needs. He is thoughtful and wants to give input.
R. loves the outdoors and wishes he could own a VW to travel the US with. He couch surfs at friends and family's homes.

C. is a steady worker with few words. He has experience as a short order cook and in line prep. He is searching for a kitchen job and a roof to lay under.

J. is fluent in 6 languages. He was a documentary film director.  J. has temporary housing and desires a loving companion.

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A. loves to perform- whether singing or role playing, he is sure to win your heart.
He dreams of owning a bowling alley after he earns his Social Work credentials. A. is temporarily staying with his Aunt.

 

G. is a sensitive, intelligent man, a bookworm and computer programmer.
G. stays at the warming shelter.