Summer 2015: Exceeding more…..

Ephesians 3:20 – To Him who is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or think ……. To Him be glory!

It was a first.  Every Spring, as we approach those summer months when activity ramps up, we are excited about what God will do.  For years, Forest Park Ministry has been blessed to have one or more summer missionary interns to help.  In addition to increased numbers of families needing food assistance (children are out of school without the breakfasts and lunches provided there), there is a need to provide positive and Christ-centered activity for children, especially those in at-risk situations.  Our summer missionary interns have always been instrumental in facilitating these activities, including a weekly kids club or sports camp activity and at least one Backyard Bible Club experience.

            We approached Summer 2015 with the same expectation.  Requests made, word spread, some possibilities but nothing panned out.  For the first time in at least 7 years, we approached summer with no summer intern.  It was tempting to panic. 

            But God is Sovereign; and He has the better plan.  This summer, we have had the most opportunities to either plug into or fully participate in EIGHT churches’ VBS or Backyard Bible Clubs.  Capitol Heights youth led a Sports and Bible camp at Pine Oaks and Sherwood Apartments, Anelda Cook of Heritage spearheaded a Journey Off the Map Backyard Bible Club conducted by Mission Serve youth and leaders from Houston; I was privileged to be a daily part of the VBS at both Mt. Zion Baptist and Heritage Baptist; Eastmont Baptist invited me to speak about the ministry and brought food collected to the center later that week; Eastern Hills collected food for the center and brought it to us; Child Evangelism Fellowship conducted a 5-Day Club in the Forest Park neighborhood, and Heritage Baptist just completed the last Journey Off the Map Backyard Bible Club in the Forest Park Neighborhood, culminating in the largest participation that we have ever had with our Mixtecan neighborhood children.  Add that to what the Mixteco Task Force is doing to forge relationships with our Mixtec families.  I NEVER could have imagined or planned that without a summer intern, but GOD did the planning, and HE provided the groups and individuals to staff each effort.  To God be the glory!

            In addition to a deeper trust in God’s Providence, He has shown me this summer new areas of ministry needed.  Here is an example of the kinds of needs we see:

            “He is at a crossroads in life.  As a young teenager, he is a member of a hardworking and strong family, a middle child of many sons.  His male role models are tough, strong, and fervent believers in the machismo of the men in their indigenous culture.  He has lived in the United States all of his life, but his parents are still deeply entrenched in the ways of his people.

            "He wants to be a man.  He has learned throughout several years of neighborhood Bible clubs that Jesus is the Son of God, He is the way to Heaven, and if we ask Him in our heart and trust in Him, He will save us from Hell and lead us in life.  He has done this, even “rededicated” himself to Christ, but somehow he is drawn back into the tough guy, defiant ways of the street."

            I feel so compelled to reach out to him, and I (and others from the center) do, but he needs a godly man to walk alongside him and disciple him.  And even as I believe that to be a great need, even more I see that if his father and uncle were befriended, led to Christ and discipled, the harvest in this young man’s life would be all the greater.  The tug between street savvy and humbly walking with Christ is difficult for anyone finding their identity in this day and time, but the Way is so much clearer if Christian values and humility are modeled by those we love the most.

            So back to what our friends on the Mixteco Task Force are doing.  Would you make a matter of prayer the outreach to the Mixtecan community?  We are meeting on Monday evenings, twice most months, to assist with practical matters, to build relationships, and foster trust among friends.  It is our heartfelt desire to lead those who do not know Christ to know Him fully, and to one day be able to help them plant a church in their heart language.  God has shown us already this summer that even though we may not see a way, He can make that way clear.   We are leaning on Almighty God in His perfect timing to do just that.

Mixteco National Summit Invitation

Since 2008, the Montgomery Baptist Association and the Mixteco Missions Task Force have been working with churches and individuals who are ministering to this people group here in the Greater Montgomery area. There are over 1000 individuals that we know of that reside in the Montgomery area. That does not include Elmore, Autauga, Bullock and Pike County where we know there are more. The world has come to Montgomery.

Would you like to be a part of sharing Christ with them?
Come to this first annual Mixteco National Summit and learn about the culture and ways that are relevant to them as you share Christ with them. 

It is being sponsored by the Montgomery Baptist Association, the Montgomery Mixteco Missions Task Force and the SBC International Mission Board. ALL Christian churches are invited. 

We need to know ASAP to be able to provide meals for everyone. It will be Thursday night, January 15-Saturday afternoon, January 17th. Call Lisa Rose at 334-271-6794 or email for more details and a schedule at lrose@mgmbaptist.org

                             NEED TO HEAR from you by Friday, January 9th.
             Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/556666804438788/

New Life.... New Changes

“April showers bring May flowers.”  New life.  Reminds me of the genius of our creator.  In recent months, I’ve been studying a good bit about God’s purpose for His creation.  Rick Warren (Purpose – Driven Life) wrote extensively about our purpose for being – to bring glory to God.  What, exactly does that look like?  And when doing ministry among those in need, how is He most glorified?

Examine the 6^th day of creation.  God said, “Let us create man in our own image..”.  That one statement defines a very unique identity for humans.  We, unlike other aspects of creation, are made soulful beings with the ability to have emotions, reasoning, and decision-making.  As scripture reminds us, we are a little lower than the angels but have dominion over all other aspects of creation.  That alone tells us that we are special.  Yet, even while we have chosen sin, Christ died for us.  Our identity as God’s creation and even more as redeemed by Christ’s blood is extraordinary!

Furthermore, by making us soulful beings with the ability and freedom to make choices, we are created to be in community with God.  He did not create us in His image just to exist; He wants constant communication with us!

Then God said that it was not good for man to be alone.  So woman was created to be in community with man, and they were told to populate the earth.  We humans were created to live in community with each other.

Finally, God told the humans to have dominion over the earth, over the creatures of the sea, the animals, and all that grows, and to cultivate and care for creation.  He gave us the responsibility to be stewards of His creation, our environment and our work world.

So these areas: 1. Our own sense of who we are; 2. Our relationship with the Lord; 3. Our relationship with others; and 4. Our stewardship of the world around us; are all ideally meant to operate at an optimal level.  In the Garden of Eden, that was so.  But we chose to sin.  So we live in a fallen world where each of these areas is out of kilter in some fashion.  A parent cannot provide for his family, so his sense of self is diminished.  He asks for assistance, and though he is grateful for help, he feels worse that he has been dependent on someone else.  A sense of dependency makes assuming responsibilities even more challenging.

How this applies to ministry – at Forest Park Ministry Center, we have for several years sought to increase the level of hospitality and decrease the barriers that would demean others.  From the “shop for your own” concept utilizing gift certificates for clothing, to the annual MBA Ministry Center Christmas Toy Sale, families have the opportunity to experience joy and well-being by taking responsibility for making their own choices for their family.

This summer, guests visiting the ministry center for food assistance will begin to experience yet another opportunity to assume responsibility.  Whereas in the past, food was prebagged and ready for distribution, now each guest will be joined by a shopping buddy who will introduce them to our new Client Choice Pantry.  Guests will shop the pantry for the food that they desire for their families; they will take only what they can and will use.  This will result not only in less waste, but in improved stewardship of our funds as we procure only the food that will be used by our guests – because now we will be able to see what is preferred!  Just as importantly, relationship building will happen, because shopping buddies and shoppers will be able to talk about various ideas of food preparation and specific nutritional needs of a guest’s family.  We are currently training volunteers for the reorganization, and look forward to fully implementing this new model in August.

Please prayerfully consider how you might help during this transition.  The food pantry will need to remain consistently stocked.  Volunteers will have new responsibilities and will need to be faithfully consistent.  You may not be able to work each week, but would you be willing to be trained as a backup for our hardworking volunteers?

In September, the inaugural Rally for the Galley will be held to benefit Forest Park Ministry Center.   Fundraising and food-raising will be the focus, and we look forward to motorcyclists all over the area joining us for a day of fun as we stock the pantry to benefit the thousands of families in need in our area.  Watch for details coming soon!

Blessing from the Unlikeliest Source........

She was upfront when she called me about her bills.  She said that she had a mental illness and needed her meds.  She had been off of them for some time and needed to be back on them but had to use her bill money to pay the copays to get the meds.

So I should not have been surprised when her comments to me the other day were, let’s say, a bit bizarre.  She walked into the center and as soon as she saw me, she said that God had put my face before her.  Two months prior, He had spoken to her, led her to a specific spot in the city, and told her to pray for me – and that He would be pouring out a spiritual blessing on me soon.

Was this God?   Was it her disorder speaking?  No matter.  I listened.  And what unfolded was amazing, beautiful, and odd.  This precious sister in Christ prayed over me in a powerful manner.  Uninhibited.  Certain of God’s provision.  Not as concerned about her own circumstances as she was being obedient to what God had told her to do.  Somehow, God used this guest of the center to speak to me in a strangely wonderful manner.  In the end, it did not matter whether she was “of sound mind” because what she spoke was truth.  It was a humbling experience to witness God’s powerful use of someone that society might consider “the least of these”.  My eyes were opened again to the truth that He uses vessels of all types – and the ones most malleable in His hands are indeed the most useful.  I pray that my faith will be the same childlike faith that can be used – arms wide open – to minister to whoever is put in my path.

What a Ride!

     Wow.  January has been a trip.  Literally.   Week to week food needs.  Increasing families needing assistance.  Weather.  Need I say more?
      This January, we saw 10% more families than last January.  And that was in spite of two holidays falling on normal service days and two other service days being disrupted by weather conditions.  I cannot even imagine how many families would have been served had we been able to be open those additional days.  It really is evidence of an ever-growing need for food security among our neighbors.
      In 2014, we pray that not only will the resources continue to be supplied for helping families in need, but that our methods of interaction and service will become more effective to help families to realize their potential as creations of an Almighty God who "knows the plans He has for us, plans for a future and a hope."  Even as we continue to provide a friendly peer to peer atmosphere to demonstrate God's love, we are keenly aware that for individuals stuck in the mire of poverty, there needs to be an additional encouragement to become aware of God-given potential and how to use it instead of being dependent on others.  Dependency is demeaning - no one wants it.  Even as Christ followers, we constantly struggle with the idea that humility is the virtue that Christ desires.  As we continue to be "providers who seem to have it all together" giving to "those in need" ,the phenomenon of elevating ourselves, however unintentional, and deflating others is perpetuated.  It is when working together, alongside each other, that true change can occur.
      So as we continue in 2014, I pray that the steps we take toward more effective ministry will be God-led, in His time and His way.  Today, a great example occurred.  Four mentors met at Smiley Court Community Center for the 1st m&ms Bible Cafe of 2014.  Initially, even after door to door surveys and weeks of flyers circulating, we had no young moms.  But we prayed.  And within 30 minutes, in walk two young women.  Once we introduced each other and began talking, the openness, honesty and beauty of the Holy Spirit's presence was so evident, we left there "walking on sunshine" and praising God.  And the young women were enthusiastic and promised to bring more friends next week.  To God be the glory!
      I'm praying that everyone experiences God's peace and presence in 2014.

Blessings,
Donna

Christmas Blessings from Forest Park Ministry Center

http://www.scribd.com/doc/193323029/FP-Newsletter-December-2013

        It's the day after Thanksgiving, and yesterday was the first time that I have had the honor of hosting my husband's family in our home for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a joy, and I am reminded of the blessings that we have been given - faith, family, and friends - and of God's grace that amazes me daily.
        As we closed the ministry center on Wednesday, I spent some time reviewing the month and compiling statistics for the necessary monthly reporting.  Over 230 families sought assistance - that translates to well over 550 people when you count the children and other dependents in each household.  Nearly 7,000 pounds of food distributed - and thanks to donors and prayer partners, that included meat and fixings to help with each household's Thanksgiving dinner.  We pray that each family will experience God's presence and grace as they have gathered together for their holiday meal.
        But the needs are so much deeper than food.  A  plaque on my office wall states, "The hunger for food is less difficult to fill than the hunger for love."  That is so true.  The women that I meet through our counseling and mentoring ministry often have one thread of commonality running through their lives:  they are seeking to fill a God shaped hole in their hearts with love from the wrong sources.  Grandmothers raising grandchildren because daughters are running the streets tell me that their daughters are just not settled down yet, that its what they themselves did at that age.  Oh, to stop the cycle!  Please pray that the truth of God's word and His blueprint for a fulfilled life will be imprinted on the hearts and minds of these young parents.
        And while you are praying, please remember to lift the parents and the volunteers alike who will be participating in the 5th Annual Christmas Toy Sale for Families in Need on Saturday, December 7.  This day is another way that we reach out to parents, providing them the fun and dignity of shopping for their children's Christmas gifts, gift-wrapping the presents, and treating the parents to complimentary cocoa and cookies.  Many times, there are instances of burdens being shared and prayed over between cafe hosts and hostesses and shoppers or even between shopping buddies and shoppers.  It is a day where we desire for God's grace to envelope every person there and the event  itself.
        Excited to see where God is leading us as we end 2013 and begin a new year of ministry!
Joyfully serving,
Donna
       

Thanksgiving

Tonight, I am thankful for:
My God Who already knows the plans He has for me - for a future and a hope, so when I tend to fret or worry, I can remember that He has my back - I just need to lean into Him.
My husband who supports every aspect of who I am and this ministry center that I am so passionate about.
My family who gives me joy being wife, mom, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt.  I am blessed with a large family, and look forward to spending time with them at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
A ministry that has been an integral outreach of the Montgomery Baptist Association for decades and is still viable and relevant as we reach our community for Christ.
New opportunities through the ministry center and through my church to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
New believers who prayed to receive Christ, both at the recent Matthew party and at the center this week.
Pastors and laypeople who are passionate about helping to follow up and disciple new believers.
Fellow Christians who catch the vision of helping others and willingly give to those in need.
The excitement building among directors, volunteers, and guests alike about the upcoming Ministry Center Toy Sale for Families in Need.
The example of believers all over the world who do not have the liberties to worship freely as I do, yet choose to remain faithful and fruitful in their Christian walk despite persecution.
You, the readers of this blog and the donors who generously contribute to keep the work alive.

Addressing Hunger

Recently, I have been researching and studying the link between poverty and other factors in a person’s daily living, such as literacy and food insecurity.  We are always prayerfully considering what is the most effective way to address these issues through the ministry center, and as we approach a month of emphasis on World Hunger, it seems appropriate to share my thoughts with you.

            Food insecurity is that element of daily existence that evokes worry about the source of one’s next meal.  According to “Feeding America”, the organization under whose umbrella our Montgomery Area Food Bank exists, 49 million people in the United States experience food insecurity on a daily basis, and 15 million of those people are children.  These numbers reflect a 20% increase since the year 2000. [1]

            The church has sought to reach out to those in need through various ministries, including food pantries, but government has also attempted to address the hunger issue.  In the 1960’s, President Lyndon Johnson proposed “The Great Society”, a program to eradicate poverty.  This was meant to be a boost, or a temporary program to assist those needing to emerge out of impoverished lifestyles.  By the 1990’s, a level of dependency on these governmental programs had become apparent, and President Bill Clinton and in Alabama, Governor Fob James introduced Welfare Reform.  Again, this was not intended to be long term.  However, today, poverty levels are on the increase and food insecurity, as stated earlier, worse than ever.[2]   And food pantries like Forest Park Ministry Center are continually seeking donations to keep the shelves stocked.

            At Forest Park Ministry Center, we see several circumstances that feed this trend.  Yes, there are those who have learned a life of dependency.  We see guests who are living in the 4^th and 5^th generation of poverty.  Their lack of resources goes far beyond the financial means needed for food.  There is a lack of emotional resources that encourage us to persevere and pull ourselves out of tight circumstances.  At the center, we encourage guests to consider alternative ideas like the purchase of meats on sale, small gardens, food box orders like One Harvest Ministries, or using other protein source foods instead of meat, in addition to visiting the food pantry. 

            Another trend is not just unemployment – but underemployment.  More often, employers are cutting workers’ hours in order to save money and to keep their businesses afloat.  Employees are hesitant to quit such jobs because unemployment is still so rampant.  Now we have guests who have to make choices between medicine and food, or rent and food.  EBT (food stamps) do not always adequately provide an entire month’s food, and never cover other household needs such as hygiene and cleaning purchases.  I cannot adequately describe to you the sorrow and fear in a mother’s eyes when she visits the center for food assistance, stating that she just cannot bear to face her children when they arrive home after school hungry, but there is no food in the house for them.

            This summer, the food pantry at Forest Park Ministry Center became woefully scant, yet each month as the year progressed, more and more families visited the center in search of food.  Several guests commented that this food pantry was the only place where they were able to receive fresh produce and frozen meats.  This has been a blessing to provide, helped by the gardens of donors, a local church, and a garden on the ministry center property, supplementing the produce obtained at the food bank.  We continue to need all kinds of food donated!

            Often, donors ask about the food that we obtain from the Montgomery Area Food Bank.  There is a maintenance fee of $.18 per pound assessed on most of the food procured there.  This is a phenomenally good “buy”, and many may wonder why we depend on church donations in addition to the food bank.  The answer is threefold: 1. )  The variety of food available through the food bank is wholly dependent on the donations made to them.  For example, there might be shelves and shelves of snack cakes, but no cans of green vegetables; 2.) Although the funds budgeted for the food bank cover some canned goods, much of the funds are used to obtain fresh and frozen foods; and 3.) There is a powerful blessing for the donor who gives time and energy to select food for those in need.

            So, if you are gardening this fall, consider donating excess produce to the center.  When you shop for groceries, consider purchasing some extra cans, some peanut butter, or some produce for the center.  When your church holds a food drive, give generously.  Together, we can meet the needs of the hungry in our community, and we pledge to continue to encourage and educate our guests, the grateful recipients of your generosity.

Blessings,

Donna

---

[1] ABC News

[2] “Circles” presentation, UMC, August 2013

Thank You, Mike Satterfield

        I have been thirsty.  Like I have been totally drained, and needing refreshment.  A hectic and wonderful summer of ministry, followed by a week of missions in the southern region of Mexico.  That week was spiritually high, seeing lives changed, people loved and cared for, seeing our old friends from the Forest Park neighborhood - and it was gut-wrenching to leave them, to see and hear the pain in the lives of those we met, to share in their sorrow as I had the opportunity to hear their stories and to rejoice with them when they saw renewed hope.
        Return home, and we don't skip a beat.  Ministry needs of center guests, health needs of family members, and on and on.  So, honestly, I was asking God for some infusion of vision, enthusiasm, energy.  Enter Mike Satterfield.
        This gifted teaching pastor and evangelist was the guest speaker tonight at Heritage's Seek God Revival.  And here's his word from THE WORD:
*Follow Completely
*Faith Completely
*Finish Completely
*Let God Do the Rest
        My thoughts go to the vision that has been laid on my heart for ministry through Forest Park Ministry Center.  Recently, I completed graduate studies and received licensure as a counselor in the State of Alabama.  As long and arduous as that process was, it is only the beginning of the vision, because while life changing ministry does involve adequate preparation and training, organizing, planning, seeking wise counsel, and waiting on God's timing for the growth of services and ministries is just as vital.  With each step that we take to grow the ministry, to reach more people, to instill compassionate dignity in the guests who we meet, I am reminded that what I learned tonight is exactly what I needed to hear and remember:
1. Follow completely in the direction that God is leading.
2. Faith completely that He will bring to fruition what He has laid on our hearts.
3. Finish completely, don't give up, because His timing is not necessarily my timing.
4. Let go and let God complete His work in His way.
         So, thank you, Mike Satterfield, for being God's instrument tonight by giving me a refreshed vision of His plan for His work in Montgomery, Alabama.  To God be the glory.
Joyfully serving,
Donna

What Is God Doing?

        Do you ever have that question?  I can remember times in my life - quite often, in fact, when I would make the statement to God, "I trust you, I know that you have the best in mind for me, but would you give me a peek?"  He shows me time and again that faith is about not peeking, but wholly leaning on His will and His understanding, not my own.
         During the spring, as we planned for summer outreach, the issue of who would be leading these activities loomed large.  Time after time, a candidate for summer missionary intern would appear only to realize that their schedule did not permit the commitment or another ministry opportunity was available for them, and although I can honestly say God helped me to not panic, I did begin to wonder whether the plans made for this summer were in fact what He wanted or not!
        Add to that the waiting, waiting, waiting, as graduate work was completed but the licensure exam had to be taken, and then I waited months more for the results of the certification exam.  God, what were You doing?  Showing me dependence on You, and how waiting produces perseverance and faithfulness.  As it turned out, not only did God allow passage of the exam, but the licensure procedure has gone more smoothly than I had anticipated.  Within a few weeks, you will see A.L.C., N.C.C. beside my name on ministry center business cards, meaning that the counseling services offered through  the center are by a state-licensed, nationally certified counselor.  To God be the glory!
        The population that we serve through Forest Park Ministry Center represents life issues compounded by years of scraping by through whatever survival means necessary.  These precious souls often have not had the opportunity to seek professional counseling, partly because of limited financial resources, but largely because of a "what's the use" mindset of hopelessness.  As we seek to build relationship and trust, would you covenant to pray with me that people in need of godly counseling will be open to it, and that long term life change will result?
        And back to the issue of summer missionary interns.......  well, look to the picture to the right.  God has provided in both Angelique and Clint just the right people.  Angelique is reaching young women both by talking and praying with them at the center and as she teaches everything from etiquette to cooking at different sites throughout the city.  Likewise, Clint is an effective leader who exudes passion for the lost, and it shows as he talks and prays with guests, and as he leads boys during Flag Football "Half-Time Devotions".   I thank God that He provided so bountifully with these two precious young adults who love Him so faithfully.
        Speaking of provisions, your faithful donations of food, clothing, and finances continue to be a blessing.  Right now, the food and clothing needs are tremendous, so keep them coming!!  You will see a brand new donation bin that has been constructed for after hours donations, thanks to Tommy McGough, Doyle Blackwell, and Forest Park trustees.  Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
        Hoping you enjoy a happy and safe 4th of July!
Blessings along the Way,
Donna

God is at Work

           At a time when immigration reform is again at the top of the national consciousness, the relationships which are being formed through ministry at Forest Park Ministry Center pose an important question for us: could we somehow assist those who are undocumented but in our community and desiring to contribute, to achieve the status of legal residency and productive citizenship?  Many of our Montgomery residents are Mixtec, and although they desire to work and be productive, the language barrier is a hurdle difficult to overcome.
            Anna (not her real name) was brought to the U.S. many years ago as a young teen and left in the U.S.  Anna is bright and intelligent, has a young family, and has managed well in spite of not completing school.  Over a year ago, Anna began coming to the ministry center to improve her conversational English.  She persevered all year and did so well that in the fall of 2012, she moved to the classes at First Baptist.
            Recently, a teacher at one of the local elementary schools was attempting to contact and communicate with the parents of a Mixtec student in her class.  The aforementioned language barrier was making even the simplest task so frustrating!  Anna willingly stepped in and assisted to translate from Mixtec to Spanish, and a resource teacher translated from Spanish to English.  Communication from the English speaking teacher was then relayed to Spanish and then to Mixtec via Anna.  In many cases, Anna can translate directly from Mixtec to English!
            She has made a powerful impact on these teachers and professionals.  Anna is an example of one of our residents who will make valuable contributions.  We are praying for her as she desires to complete her education and to attain citizenship.
            As believers we have received the gracious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  This gift is the basis for our hope at life's end; it is our comfort when loved ones who know the Lord decease.  Our hope of life eternal in Christ's presence is also a comfort when experiencing our human trials and life's hardships.  Many a time, there are those who visit Forest Park Ministry whose circumstances can only be described as "hell on earth" and yet as believers in eternity with Christ, our hope of heaven - no more tears, no more night - is a promise that keeps us looking to God for comfort while here on earth.
          We are also recipients of another incredible gift, one that enhances our walk here on earth.  As Jesus's words in Acts 1:8 promise, power from the Holy Spirit is available to us.  That power is what enables our lives here on earth to be impactful for Christ's kingdom.  It is what enables us to do what we fear we cannot do.  It empowers us to go places that we have never gone.  It gives us strength when weariness threatens to overtake us.  And the Holy Spirit gives us words to speak when, on our own, words won't come.
          It is then that we trust Him to give us words to say and and to know when to speak.  A member of one of our MBA churches, "Mary", knows that well.  She has found a calling to a new type of ministry.  Already an active worker in many ministries through her church, the association and the Montgomery community, Mary has wanted to plug into the ministries through Forest Park, and has helped with many special events.  But Mary sought more, an ongoing ministry that she personally could plug into; yet, her already heavy schedule did not permit another day or even half day to work at the center.
            Several months ago, there was a young woman who visited the center and had questions about her faith.  Not having a home church, she was open to having a pastor contact her.  However, because of the nature of her questions and her timidity, I asked her if a mature Christian woman could call her, and she said yes.   Mary seemed thrilled with the opportunity, and she was able to talk with the young woman, to pray with her, and invite her to church.  Since then, at Mary's request, we have referred others to her, and she recently told me, "This is the ministry that I feel called to, both for the center and for my church.  I can do follow-up"; sometimes it is a one time visit or phone call.  Others that she contacts are grateful to connect with someone who cares, will listen, and are encouraged it.
            And that is what life change is all about.  As we deepen our walk with Christ, He will lead us to paths we may not have considered before.  He opens our eyes to see needs and hurts that we may not have considered before.  He equips us with courage and strength to step out of our comfort zone into a backyard that is different from our own.  He sustains us so that our fears are overshadowed by His goodness and grace.
          This summer, volunteer missionaries working through Forest Park Ministry Center will once again have opportunities to invest in the lives of childen and their families through multiple outreach efforts.  Please pray that as relationships are formed, the hope and love of Jesus will be conveyed, and that those lost will come into a saving relationship with Christ.  THAT will be the ultimate life change.

Joyfully serving,

Donna

Can the Violence in Our Community Be Stopped?

There have been several significant events in the last few weeks that humbled me personally and challenge us at the ministry center.  One of our core values is to affect change in public systems, to seek to improve community conditions by helping guests know how Christ will enable them to make needed life changes and decisions that will glorify Him. 

During a recent meeting of M&M’s (Moms and Mentors), we had a productive discussion about “triangulation” in relationships.  Triangulation is when one person basically pits two others against each other using ploys such as jealousy and envy.  Often, these “games” are just that – meant for joking or pestering, not taking into account that such words and actions can be so harmful.  Once a person is affronted, emotions flare, anger ignites and escalates, and often violence results.

Such has been the circumstance of so much of our city’s violence.  This week, the city of Montgomery had its 17^th homicide of 2013.  One of the guests who visited the center this week was “Francine”.  When we began discussing prayer, Francine’s most pressing concern was not her own need, but that young adults in the Montgomery community would cease using violence as a means of revenge or conflict resolution.  Something beautiful happened.  Francine led out in prayer, and she and I both prayed for our community, for the youth, and for us to be able to mentor and disciple others.

On April 1, Jeff King, a retired MPD officer and active member of Heritage, begins a group for men meeting at the center.  “The Man I Want to Be” will guide men to learn God’s plan for manhood and for their lives in particular.  Will you commit to pray for Jeff, for those helping him, and for the men who have committed to join him in this study?  This may be the first step in a revolution to change the mindset of those mired in a hopeless spiral of unhealthy life patterns.