3 New Opportunties for You to Reach Out….. November 6, 2009

Here are 3 opportunties that are available for you to serve….see if you may not commit to one or more as you celebrate this season of Thanksgiving….Consider taking on a project with your family or getting a few friends together. Maybe you homeschool and you could take an hour to include an opportunity below to inspire your young learner how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Whatever your ability or availability look for a way to focus on others this holiday season. And if you don’t see something below log on to www.operationcrazylove.com for additional ministry opportunties.

1. 2 Children being taken out a severly abusive home are in need of the following :

     -8 yr old boy: size 8-10/med in pajamass, shoes, underwear, size 4 shoes & socks
     -3 yr old girl: size 3T in pants, shirt, size 2t-3t underwear, size 8 shoes.  fulfilled
     -age appropriate toys for boy and girl fulfilled
     -school supplies for boy

Because this is an immediate need please drop off all items to the church by Sunday and put in the copy room near the new chapel or by the home of Tina Davis @ 119 E. Allen Road just off Centerpoint Road

2. Can you spare an Hour?

• Wednesdays from 1:30 – 2:30pm volunteers are needed to go to Pennington Place asisted living to paint nails. This facility is off of Walton Ferry Road. Last week they had 18 ladies that wanted their nails painted and only 2 volunteers. This is a beautiful opportunity to literally touch some ladies that don’t have an opportunity to be loved on.

If interested please email Gayle Mummert @ gjmlightsource@aol.com or call 431-0685 for more details and where to meet. She is also looking for one special lady who may feel the call to truly minister to the worst of alzheimer patients on Friday mornings. This may be someone willing to read or just hold a hand. These special folks are literally in the basement without much human contact and truly a labor of love. If interested in this opportunity please contact Gayle at the above email or phone number. They also need some dolls with clothes, coloring books, picture books and playdough to minister to these special seniors.

3. Thanksgiving food baskets for single moms who are a part of Christian Women’s Job Corp receiving help completing their GED and learning life skills to further their ability to provide for their families

Suggested Items:

• Gift Card to buy turkey
• Canned green beans
• Canned sweet potatoes
• Canned corn
• Canned cranberries
• Canned fruit
• Gravy
• Dinner rolls
• Desserts
• Bag of dressing or dressing mix
• Advent devotional book for families
• Nativity set
• *Please pack baskets into rubbermaid containers

PLEASE NOTE Baskets needed by Monday, November 19th before 6:00 pm ~ You can also drop these off by Sunday, November 18th in the Operation Crazy Love area – in the copy area near the new chapel.

 

Words on Winning…. November 3, 2009

I felt compelled to write this post as an entry to be recorded for the journey my own children are on. Last night Kendall played a soccer game I was unable to watch as her brothers had 2 simultaneous games and required supervision. At the end of her game she walked over to me and began through frustration to describe her mistake in the game, the disappointment of her coach and their failure to reach the next game in the playoff’s. She tried her best to hold back tears but success lasted but a few moments. I held her and repeatedly tried to comfort her with the words “it is only a game….it is supposed to be fun.” They too were less than successful. But this morning as I ponder the opportunity to let that coach know how affected she was by His disappointment and words I am more compelled to share with her and record it in this blog a few words from scripture to remember.

The first thing I am reminded of is when Jesus first sends out His disciples in His name following their failure to cast out a demon. He appoints them and annoints them to go and preach the gospel, heal the sick and gave them power to cast out demons. This was their first “sending out” assignment and I wonder how some may have felt “ready” while others intimidated by the task. Long story short….they arrive back to Jesus and “tell Him all that they said and did.” And His response…..do not rejoice that the demons are subject to you….but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

I love this passage. They were not coming to Jesus on the heels of defeat but on the heels of great success. This was their horay moment!! They were coming back with the big trophy…..lots of fans….the inspiration of fan clubs….but Jesus quickly dispells the attitude of pride with a reminder of our true prize. The true prize is citizenship with Him! The true prize is to daily be transformed more and more into the image of Christ. For that there is no trophy. For that there is no “popular acceptance” or cheers from the crowd. For that prize is one gained by taking up the cross of Christ and laying your life down.

Who knows dear Kendall. Maybe you did in fact cost them the game. Maybe you kept them from receiving the trophy with the word Champion that is 4 inches taller than a participant trophy. I don’t know. All I know is that I see you being transformed more and more into the image of Christ. I see your heart continually break for those less fortunate and those with special needs. I see your heart to serve…. I believe sweet girl that you have your eye on the prize! The prize is Him!

I wonder how God views our desire to “win!” Does it humor Him? fatigue Him? Delight Him? I don’t know the answer to that one…but one thing I am confident of….He is more interested in what becomes of our hearts than what becomes of our trophy shelves.

Needs for American Somoa October 6, 2009

Friends, many of you may know that Greg and Lu Smith have a daughter serving as a missionary in American Somoa. Recently they received word of some needs that they have after this big storm that did so much damage. Below is a list of items they are in need of – please bring your donations to the 1:8 Mission Room at LHBC downstairs next door to the chapel by October 21st. If you are unable to help with the list – consider a donation toward the cost of shipping the items.

Talked to Katie and here are some specific needs:
bedding (sheets, etc. but not bedspreads)
towels
diapers all sizes
flip flops all sizes
ladies clothes:  t shirts/skirts/shorts
Sizes xl and xxl / below the knee for shorts (baggy basketball type shorts) and skirts (long, too)
same thing for teenagers but can be smaller sizes (med. and large) Again, long shorts!!!

Men:  xl and xxl t-shirts and shorts
Boys: same thing but can be large sizes

children- any and all sizes

**Again, remember it is very hot there and modesty is important and casual not dressy clothes (if that makes sense!)

Thanks for helping gather these items to support mission work in American Somoa. Katie reports that it is a good time to share the gospel and many can be won for Christ in the aftermath of this tragedy.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at thetribeoffive@hotmail.com

Grateful for the opportunity to be an expression of His hands, His feet, and His heart!

Making a House a Home….. September 29, 2009

The following is a list of items needed for the Gallatin homeless shelter that the divine do-over team has been working on. If you can help with any of these items please email me lisamefford@comcast.net or text or call 202-2715.

I will be assisting Tina Davis with this project.

kitchen table

sheet rock

countertop 12 ft. section and 62 in. long section

chest or drawers or dresser (taller is better)

desk/ mail center organizer

3 end tables

1 petite table to sit beside chair in bedroom

decorations:

 ivy things to set on top of cabinets in kitchen (yell.kitchen)

pictures

bathroom pics. blue and peach

white outlet covers-2 dozen

can of paint

trim

books childrens and adults (esp.biographies)

floor lamp

2-3 doorknobs that lock

(2) wood boards 24×35 to make shelf in b.r. closets

pillows for window seat (room is white pink and red)

3 tier rolling cart-wire wood selves

 gift cards for home depot,lowes, target, home store etc.

We will be working on the project again in about 2-3 weeks.

Homeless Shelter Update~Revised LIST OF NEEDS… September 18, 2009

Hi friends just a quick stop by the house to pick up my son to take him back to work with me at the Homeless Shelter and wanted to give you a brief up-date and new list of needs.

NEEDS:

1. laminent flooring – minimum 80ft. will do one of the smaller rooms….

2. Good condition Matresses – we need 4 twin mattresses and 2 full size mattresses

3. backsplash/tile work around bathroom and kitchen countertops

4. new padlocks with double keys (4 sets)

5. childrens books

6. contractors who can: a. install shower/replace countertops/exterminate/flooring needs desperate

7. home depot/lowes cards….one $50 dollar gift card today provided the following….materials to replace ceilings in 2 rooms/concrete to reinforce support beams on house/painting supplies/ and more…..what an impact $50 can make..

8. Meals for Saturday for workers (workday starts at 8:00 am) see earlier facebook post for address

Ok here is some of the good news. We had some incredible help today. A crew under the floor working on the foundation and structural issues, others repairing plumbing in bathrooms and hvac – ladies (unbelievable ladies) mudding walls and operating hack saws….ladies delivering supplies….a gracious woman who brought a lunch for everyone working…..there were a lot of bodies – and alot of big hearts all pitching in to give these homless families a nice place to live…..

Trust me if you come…..you’ll be more fulfilled than a Friday night movie and will forever be changed…..

More later….too many amazing things to report….but don’t think you are not needed because it is NOT TRUE….

Call me if you need more info…. 681-4181

Giving to the Poor – an investment with a guarantee! September 11, 2009

I often think about the scripture that  “He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord”….it also says that  “He, (God Himself) will reward the lender. ” Proverbs 19:17 — The reason I enjoy this verse so much is that God gave us a way to express our Love for Him….and on top of it all….He chooses to offer us a reward….

My prayer is that many of  you may be excited about the opportunity to give to the poor. The Homeless shelter that serves Sumner county is in desperate need of renovations. Recently Trish, our Long Hollow advocate went and did a site visit of the facilities used by those in our area that have hit the closest to rock bottom. She was energized by the opportunity for the body of Christ to Come to the Rescue by pouring out love on these families by improving their living conditions. Would you be willing to give some of your time or pick up a gift card to Lowes or Home Depot to assist with renovating our local homeless shelter? Below is her note about the project that is upcoming. (pictures below)

This is in the home where the single moms with children stay….

Yeah!!! Our First Good Neighbor Mission Project.  A small group will be going to one of the Shelter homes Friday Sept 18^th and Saturday Sept. 19^th to give one of the shelters a little work.  The house is extremely old and is needing some repair.  We have quite a bit of material to get so we are requesting Gift Cards from Lowes for the project.  The small group is donating quite a bit on their own so I was hoping to alleviate some of that cost for them.  Please contact Patricia Szymanski at Pszyman@comcast.net or on Facebook if you can help with a gift card of any amount. 

If you are able to help please put your donation in an envelope marked OPERATION CRAZY LOVE – HOMELESS SHELTER….not to be confused with the Crazy Love Campaign for the orphans in Haiti. These can be dropped off at the church office or mailed to Tina Davis @ 119 E. Allen Road ~ Hendersonville TN 37075. (pictures below)

There are also a few items the renovation crew is trying to collect. Please look over this list to see if you may have any of these items.

8 light fixtures,

one 36″ x 84″ x 1 3/4 front door

one 34″x80″x1 3/8 door

 one 36″x80×1 3/8 door

 two 12″x48″ wood shelves

one 4×8x1/4″ paneling,

one 30″ white ventless hood over stove,

two 48″ flourescent bulbs

Attached are some pictures of some of the projects we need to tackle together.

A God of Second Chances….. September 5, 2009

Her name is Marie and she is 42 years old from Knoxville, TN. She received a 15 year sentence. She was caught with drugs in her home but was not the seller just the user. The dealer was working out of her home and because of this she received the long term sentence. She has served 2 and 1/2 years in prison and is on parole for the remaining 12 years. She has 3 children that all reside in Knoxville with family. Her oldest is 18 years old. She chose to stay in Nashville in order to stay clean and out of trouble. She has been sober for many years at a time during her time in Knoxville and is afraid if she goes around the same people her habit will start over. She has been working with the group Leaving the Cocoon (http://leavingthecocoon.net/Welcome.html). They have worked with her while she was in prison and throughout her stay at the half way house. She was approved for housing this week and will be moving in to her new one bedroom apartment on Wednesday. She will not be able to have her children come and stay with her overnight but they will be able to come for a day visit. She is working at Shoney’s right now and does have a cosmetology license that she is not able to use anymore due to carpal tunnel. She is asking for help with furnishings. I have a couch, bed, and Kitchen table for her already along with some kitchen items like dishes, silverware, pans. What I asking for today is cleaning supplies and towels. We all know how expensive it is when you move into a home and all the things you have to buy to get started with like toilet paper, paper towels, broom, trashcan, etc… She has just enough for her first month’s rent and if the half way house doesn’t screw things up for her she will be able to keep her food stamps. Unfortunately that might night be the case so she will not have assistance with food until the next month. If you would like to help in any way you may contact me at 642-0598. If you go to Long Hollow you may place items in the Missions room by the main entrance and I will pick them up Sunday. Be sure you put my name on the bag somewhere. If you no longer want to receive e-mails from me please reply back with Remove me in the Subject Line. I look forward to see how God works here. He always provides what we need. Be Blessed, Micki Johns

Pictures of Divine Do~Over #6…. August 22, 2009

Here are some after pictures. I am not the one who took the before pictures so don’t know if they will find their way on line. I still plan to list out some of the “God fingerprint” stories surrounding this amazing project. For now you will just have to enjoy the pictures and knowing that they were already inviting family and friends into their home….they are so thrilled with what was done and I am so thrilled bout the attitude and generosity of the folks that made all this happen.

Whittinghill – The Big Unveiling tomorrow…. August 21, 2009

All we still need ladies is some help to do the final touches tomorrow and some man muscles from 10-11am to help move a few things….check back next week where I will update this blog on the results and as many of the miracles I can remember as we did this project…..

Clothing needed immediately for children in Sumner County who lost father and everything they owned in a house fire… August 20, 2009

The guidance counselor at Millersville Elem., Kimberly Stewart, has asked for help with a family that lost everything but the clothes they had on when their house burnt down. Worse, though, the dad died in the fire. The children have moved in with the grandparents in Millersville, who have a limited income and cannot buy the clothes the kids need.

The girl just started at White House Middle School and wears size 14/16 shirts and pants.

Her shoe size is 7.

The boy is a 5th grader, new to Millersville Elem.

He wears 10slim pants, 10/12 shirts, size 5 underwear, and size 5 shoes.

If anyone has things to give, please call me and I will arrange to get them to the school.

They can be left at the church in the 1:8 room or I can pick them up.

Thanks Alot, Joanna Cooper 310-7970