New Opportunities

If you just stand in the center of God's will long enough, He will use you.

And you won't have to search very far to know how.

It has not escaped my attention that when I'm sitting on my couch more focused on books and puppies (which are great for downtime but not FULL-TIME) I don't face many opportunities to minister.

But when I am about my Father's business He definitely sends opportunities my way.

The latest are two opportunities for helping the homeless get off the streets PERMANENTLY.

The first is an incredible opportunity to create a pilot program that, if successful, may be used all over the country. I am interviewing chronically homeless men and women to find 4-6 candidates to move into apartments with no expenses for three months as they work to reacclimate into society. Drugs and alcohol are not allowed and they must actively seek employment or be approved, but waiting on disbursement of disability. Weekly monitoring, scheduled and unscheduled visits, and pastoral counseling are mandatory. No overnight guests are permitted and at the end of three months, they must be able to self-sustain. Choosing candidates is tricky; you must find those truly wanting help and not just a three-month free ride. But unlike some federal programs, this is open to ANYONE, felons included. It is an opportunity to show both the individual AND society what the Lord can do to transform a life.

The second opportunity is even more amazing. At least to me. A local agency has received three permanent apartments to house chronically homeless individuals indefinitely. Our ministry has been given TWO of those apartments. Because of our track record we were selected. We can put two people in apartments forever OR we can give them time to get on their feet and then once they are self-sufficient, find another client. Like the opportunity above, while federal guidelines have no requirements, our ministry can select people based on their willingness to be monitored and receive Christian counseling. Because ultimately, it is Christ who will make the difference.

I'm excited about these opportunities and we are still working out the details. There are going to be uncovered expenses (toiletry items, household goods) but I am certain that the Lord has a plan for that as well.

Please be in prayer for our ministry as we navigate the lines of church and state, an endangered part of our country these days.