Adopt-a-Homeless

Would you like to encourage a homeless person? You may be their ticket to a happy smile and to being encouraged to make it through another day if you will join us in a program we are starting up within the ministry.

Think about it.  You are out on the streets feeling totally alone.  You have lost your family, your friends, your home, and even your desire to live.  Wouldn't you like to be a source of encouragement to that person to keep going for another day?  Don't you think it would help them to know there is someone out there that cares for them and are praying for them?


       We would love to begin a program where you start sending cards and letters to a specific homeless person.  You could send it to our PO Box and we would deliver that piece of mail to the homeless person that we assign to you.  They then could give us the piece of mail that they may write to you and we would make sure it was delivered to you.  They would not have your address.  We would keep that private for you.  You wouldn't have to share anything private with them, just give them words of encouragement so that they know you are thinking and praying for them.  So many of them feel so alone and never get a piece of mail and this would allow them to enjoy looking forward to getting encouragement.  When we have passed out lunches in the past and there was a card or something in them, they would always pull out the card and be so excited about it.  They wouldn't even start eating until they read that card.  Please pray about it and see if this is something you would like to participate in.  If so, please send an email and let me know at knowingmeministries1@yahoo.com

"When I was Hungry, You Fed Me"

We had an awesome time passing out lunches to our friends on the streets.  We have been trying to raise support in order to feed the homeless on Sundays.  The service center that used to provide dinners everyday of the week is not doing it on weekends any longer.  We recently had a couple of women volunteer to raise the money and make the lunches for one Sunday.  Kayleen mentioned several times how much fun they had making the lunches.  It was exciting to us to have people who enjoyed doing this for our friends.  We love these people so much.  One special thing that the homeless enjoyed was Kayleen's 5 year old who made little pictures for all 100 lunches.  It made the lunches personal and special to them.  Everyone of them mentioned how sweet it was that she would do this for them.  THANK YOU, EMMA!!  YOU ARE A SPECIAL LITTLE GIRL!

We would like to make this an ongoing project for each Sunday afternoon.  We would love to raise enough money to feed the homeless each week.  The week that was provided for cost $1.60 for each lunch.  Providing 100 lunches would cost $160.  This would consist of two sandwiches, bottled water, chips, fruit, and a dessert.  Please let us know if you want to start giving for this.  You could give for a partial amount, one Sunday, one Sunday a month, or whatever the Lord lays on your heart.  This gives us an opportunity to share more love, friendship, time, and food for our people who are hungry each weekend.

Steve graduates! What a Story!

  It all began by pushing his cart and carrying his load on my (Mike's) own back.  He was being kicked out of his camp by the police pushing the homeless away again.  He didn't know where he was going to go and didn't know how he was going to manage moving alone since he was in so much pain.  He needed surgery.  He needed love and compassion.  He needed help.  So, Mike happened to be there when it all happend and asked to help this man and take the load on himself in order to show God's love and compassion.  Steve didn't know quite what to think.  He asked, "who are you?"  Mike proceeded to tell him.  "What do you want from me?"  "Nothing." Mike replied.  "I just want to be your friend and help you out".  From that moment on it began a new relationship that we could only dream of happening.  Mike began visiting Steve.  He drove him and sat with him when he went to the hospital.  Steve began asking questions about why Mike was the way he was.  So, Mike began little by little teaching him about God.

  Now, during this time, Steve was addicted to drugs.  He was amazed that Mike didn't judge him about this issue.  Steve ended up needing to go to court which happend to be where Mike works and advocated for the homeless.  Steve was assigned to Mike in order to get his court assignments done.  He had an attitude at the beginning and everyone saw it.  As Mike began working with him with his court work and teaching him on spiritual matters he became a follower of Christ.  We baptized him in Johnson Creek and what a wonderful and exciting day that was.  After his baptism, he said he felt different and knew he needed to get serious about his walk with the Lord.

  He requested to go to drug rehab through the court and went to it with a whole new attitude than he had ever had before.  He was excited to go and get clean.  He now had a purpose in life to walk with the Lord and to join our team in the ministry helping others.  So, he went in for 6 months.  Long story short...he graduated from drug rehab just a couple weeks ago and what a proud and exciting day it was for us.  There were so many kind words from the other guys in rehab saying that they wanted to follow in his footsteps, they knew he was real with his relationship with God, and he was a great example and help to them.  One of the leaders at the rehab had great words to say about Steve and here is a quote from a partial letter he wrote to him.

  "Of course this letter would not be complete without noting the strong role that your higher power has played in your recovery.  Your connection with spirituality is not one of convenience; and what I mean by that is you did not rely on your higher power just when things were going well, but you maintain that connection when faced when waters get rough as well.  This character strength became obvious during the transition phase of your treatment when several unexpected turns presented themselves at inopportune moments.  While you have a deep and personal connection with your higher power, it has been my experience in working with you that this connection is forged deeper when you connect with the mentors (Mike and Steve's brother) in your life."

  Steve then read his speech and I would like you to hear part of it.

  "This opportunity came at a time that God called me to.  I am on a path that He put me on, to do His plan for me.  God and recovery are all parts of my life that come together perfectly.  I have great hope for myself now.  Like never before in my life.  I do not regret my past...it was a learning experience that gave me what I needed in order to do what is needed for those out there suffering and in need of help.  I intend to devote my life to helping homeless people.  That is Gods plan for me.  I'm passionate about it.  Pastor Mike Davis' family and I, as Knowing Me Ministries, will together do God's work.  I'm supposed to do this at this time and place of my life.  I feel it, I know it, and I'm going to DO it.  I also intend to be a visible alumni always.  Faith, Hope, Love, Steve." 

  He then closed the graduation ceremony by telling the guys (keep in mind this is not a Christian rehab)

 "With God it can happen guys, ONLY with Him." 

Steve's brother saying a few words

  What an awesome testimony he left there that day.  We are proud of him as a human being.  We are proud of him as a former homeless person.  We are proud of him as a former addict.  BUT we are mostly proud of him as our brother in Christ and fellow servant of God.  What a blessing it is to call him OUR BROTHER.  We are proud of you, Steve!

Mike sharing a few words

What happend to that girl?

 I have been thinking lately as I pick out my clothes for the day of "what happend to that girl that use to dress so nice?"  I would feel kinda gloomy and ponder on this for a minute or two.  When I was growing up I would wear nice clothing.  It wasn't expensive and the best, but it was nice.  I had all my "Sunday clothes" to wear to church and special events, I had nice jeans and shirts...a full closet and dresser full.  Now I look at the closet and I bearly have enough clothes to make it through the week that aren't in the best of shape.  I have a couple pieces of clothing that are for special occasions, but that is it.  I try to not feel sorry for myself because of the kind of work we do with the homeless.  When you see so many lives being changed, I think, "its okay.  It is all worth it." How can I complain when they don't have much and living on the streets? 

Today I found my mind wondering off again about the clothes today and all of a sudden it hit me...What happend to that girly looking girl that had all the nice clothes, the makeup, and the hair being done at the hair salon?  Jesus is what happend to her!  I gave my life totally up to Him and what He was calling us to do.  He totally changed my life and I'm excited about what He has called us to do.  He experienced the same thing, you know.  He was in Heaven, sitting on His throne, with the best garments that were pure and clean, but then He came here on earth and wore rags with sandles on His feet.  Who am I to grumble about what I wear?

  

I remember as a child hearing a story about a little girl who lived in a country where there was persecution for believing in Jesus.  Soldiers came in the church building and told the people that they had to step on the picture of Jesus and spit on it in order to not be killed.  Most adults stepped on the picture and spit on it, but the little girl didn't.  She told them she loved Jesus.  Now, I don't remember what happend to the girl because as this story was told my mind began to wonder and it was almost like I heard Jesus asking me, will you do whatever it takes to follow me?  Would you do what this little girl did for me?  I am reminded of this little girl constantly through my life now that He has called us as a family to reach the homeless. I have to only have enough clothes to make it through the week, which aren't the best clothes, forget about style, not get my hair done, not put makeup on everyday anymore, sell our possessions, be homeless for almost 8 months, go without food, be exhausted physically, spiritually, emotionally, had our car stolen, listen to people attack us, people turn their backs on us...I am reminded of that little girl along with others who gave their lives up for Him.  "What happend to that girl?"  She is walking the footsteps of Jesus.  I am so thrilled to be where He has called me to be.  I love the people He has called us to and I love my relationship with Him.  He is so awesome!!!  He has provided exactly what we NEEDED and when we needed it.  So, it is okay.  I know He is with me and it is wonderful to see Him at work providing and changing people's lives including mine.  What is the meaning of this blog?  It isn't to brag about my "suffering" or to get someone to feel sorry for me.  It is just to show where I am continuing to grow, how I am human, and to ask the same question of you as someone asked me when they were teaching me the story of the little girl...If God called you to suffer for Him whether it be by not living the American dream, to be homeless, not getting your hair and nails done, selling your possessions, being persecuted for believing in Him...would you be willing to do that?  Would you follow what He calls you to do no matter the cost?  I challenge you to think and pray about this.  Has He been working on your heart in a certain area?  Listen and obey His call.  There is no greater joy!