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