A lot going on

It's been several weeks since I've blogged. It's been so busy at work and with LIA that I haven't had time, and when I did I just melted into my recliner and drifted off to sleep.

But, I'm awake right now, so I thought I would write a quick update about how things have been going. We continue to see God move mightily in the lives of the homeless and poor.

We met a new guy last week. Someone gave him my phone number and he called last Wednesday. He was released from prison back in April and has had a hard time finding work because of his record. He is living with a friend, but he needs work. I told him I was helping six others find work, so I would help him too. He wanted to come to our Bible study, so we had a new person on the van.

Emily Hinderliter from Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Taylor taught the Bible study. She did a fantastic job and really connected with the other 28 in attendance. Jason really enjoyed it and wants to go to church with us Sunday. Praise God!

We had 25 people come out a week ago to volunteer at our work day at the LIA warehouse. We got a lot accomplished. All of the boots that are in boxes - nearly 3,000 pairs - are now organized. Two big walls got painted. They looked horrible, so the new paint really looks good. Insulation was put over our meeting room and soon to be classrooms. That's the only area that has air conditioning. The insulation will keep the hot air out and the cool air in. We also got the sheet rock ceiling up in the bathroom, and clothes got sorted and organized. Walmart gave us some clothing racks, which will be a huge help.

All of the organizing and sorting will make our ministry more efficient.

We're getting ready to start Celebrate Recovery at the warehouse. CR is a program for people with hurts, hangups and habits. That pretty much covers everyone. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church (author of Purpose Driven Life) designed the program, and it's wonderful. Tabernacle United Methodist is making this all possible, and Emily is spread heading it. She knows this is her calling, and God is really moving to bring it all together. We are doing leadership training for CR and there are 12 wonderful people from Tabernacle who are going to help lead the program. We will have the CR kickoff at the warehouse on Oct. 3. We can't wait! It's taking our local ministry to the homeless, poor and community corrections work release men and their families to a higher level. It's so cool seeing family members join their son, husband, dad for Wednesday night Bible study at the warehouse and church on Sundays at Harvest. We are seeing God heal and strengthen families. We serve an awesome and amazing God!

Well, that's it for now. I'll try to do a better job with more blogs updating you on what God is doing through LIA.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support.