30 hours on Serve Team

Last weekend was trippin!!! We started Friday morning and finished Saturday afternoon. I think I had a short nap at some point but mostly it was flat-out mayhem. I love inner city outreach!!!!

Ladies Thrive
Every Friday we have a support group called Ladies Thrive for women in the community. It’s really a bible study, designed as a safe place for these women to share their frustrations, their fears and the demands of living in a community torn apart by violence, drugs and despair. We usually have anywhere from 25-35 women, some of whom bring their small children. Last Friday we had our Thrive Christmas party…and it was wild!

We had 44 women in attendance, and probably close to 50 kids. Normally we send the few children we have down to Jump Start, our preschool literacy program that works with kids ages 2-5. On Friday Margaret and Susan (Jump Start workers) did a tremendous job just keeping track of everyone. While the kids were shooting hoops and making crafts, the moms were learning more about God and how to cope in this crazy world. After the teaching all of the ladies got a Christmas present: beautiful cheetah-print robes or fluffy fur throws. They were so excited. The women were trying on robes, posing for pictures and generally having a great time. Cooking for Christ prepared another tasty feast for us and everyone enjoyed a holiday meal together. As we loaded the shuttle to take everyone home there was laughter, appreciation and peace…a pretty good start for Christmas.

Okay, we may have had a a minor incident involving a plunger, 2 mops and a little boy peeing in a trash can, but we're calling it a win none the less. :)


Midnight Outreach
The streets always hold an undercurrent of desperation, but this near to Christmas everything is magnified. The tears are closer, the rage is hotter and everything can turn on a dime. But, that’s why we’re there. We want to be available when people are willing to turn…we want them to have an option other than violence, drugs or hatred. Jesus is never closer to people then when they’re on the edge. Tonight, you allowed us to walk the edge with them.

We handed out almost 200 roses to remind ladies that their worth is not determined by their occupation; even if their job is exotic dancing. We handed out gift bags filled with give-aways from HPC Chick events; sparkly crowns, fancy chocolates and earrings. We gave out Tylenol, tissues and copies of Pastor Dino’s book. Anything we could find that would bless these precious people, we wanted to get into their hands. For many, the presents they got from you will be the only Christmas gifts they receive.

You make it possible; through your giving, your prayers and your commitment. Everyday you make the choice to put others first. Thank you for being a healing place for a hurting world.

Turner Plaza Christmas
Some came in their blue jeans, some in their Sunday best. They walked in, were wheeled in, or helped along by friends and neighbors. On Saturday morning the residents of Turner Plaza, a government-run housing project predominantly occupied by the elderly and disabled, were treated to a turkey dinner prepared by Cooking for Christ that was fit for a King. After sharing a meal together, Miss Claudia led us in Christmas carols and high stakes bingo. (High stakes defined as much sought after prizes like vaporizers, hygiene products and cheetah-print bath robes.) The residents and volunteers had a blast.

For many of the tenants, this will be the only party they will attend this holiday season. With limited resources and little family support, Christmas can be a lonely time. The food and prizes they received may seem like a small thing, but the smiling face and echoing laughter said otherwise. For a time they were not old and disabled, they were not poor or crippled; they were simply a collection of friends, some old and some new, sharing a celebration of Christmas. We closed in prayer and everyone gathered their belongings, their meals and their gifts. It was a great day for them and for us; another opportunity to be a healing place for a hurting world.

Okay, now I'm going back to bed. See you in the New Year. All glory to God!