Dignity can go along way.
Vineyard Circleville Campus and S.A.F.E. continue to partner together on the Pickaway County Bed Project. The Last several weeks we have been very busy. We delivered beds to a family in Columbus. This family consisted of a single dad, raising 5 children. They were tucked away in a housing project. The Kids were excited as we brought in their new beds and set them up. We put on their new sheets, put down their new blankets, Talked about how nice it is to feel that cool sheet warm blanket combo. They talked about how they all used to end up in one room, and how now having individual beds may keep them comfy in their separate rooms. We could see the excitement on their faces. Something new, something that would get them up off the floor.
When we got to talk to the dad in the hallway, He told us how its a struggle living where they live.
We told him that these beds are about dignity and having a place to lay your head at night. That seems like such a basic thing, but so many people are without the basics.
We were able to have a quick word of prayer with him and told him that this scripture is written on the leg of each bed- and that this was our prayer for he and his kids.
Numbers 6: 24-
The Lord bless you and keep you; the lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Last week we were able to deliver a bed to a man who is in a new apartment after years of being homeless. We've been working with PICCA (Pickaway County Community Action) and PICCA led us to this man. They help so many homeless here in our community. Our friend Jason there, has become an incredible ally and is just a fun guy to hang with. Anyway, this gentleman that we delivered the bed to has been living in woods/ caves/ abandon buildings etc... After many years he and his dog have a new apartment. He told us that his goal is to get re- established and hopefully be able to get a house of his own again.
He had great stories... Some of them a bit out there. Not sure that all his stories were true, but they were fun to listen to.
He's not without his challenges, mentally, socially, and physically.
We asked if we could pray with him and before we could, he said something that I found incredibly profound. He said "You know, I haven't been following Jesus... But He's been Following Me, wherever I've gone" I told him that this may be one of the most theologically sound statement that I've heard.
I want to Thank Circle of Light Church. They are another church here in Circleville, They have an incredible heart for ministry and this community. They have given us a space to store our beds. 2 weekends ago We got together with a bunch of their guys. We had a work day at the warehouse.
We cleaned and demo'd a big built in shelving unit. Built a new wall. They helped us create a shop inside of their warehouse. They even brought us a table saw. At the end of the day, they handed me a key to the place, so that we can access whenever the need arises. These people are incredible. This was a beautiful day. Young and old guys from separate churches working together.
Realizing that We are the church. So I want to give a Huge Thank You to all the guys at Circle of Light for the incredible gift. (Insert hand claps here)
We couldn't do what we're doing without you!
MOVIES IN THE PARK
We are coming Down to the last week before our Movies in the Park begins. We are in the process of building our 18 ft. wide screen. Some exciting news! We are in discussion with a local pizza shop, They have said that they will post an advertisement for us on their pizza boxes. They have told us that they sell 3000 Pizzas a week. We filled out the form and submitted this week. Hopefully this will come through. We are providing this to the community for Free, so free advertising is exactly what we need.
Again our friends at PICCA have come to the rescue and have loaned us a popcorn machine. We are trying to line up give-aways from local restaurants and businesses. We want to have games and prizes for themed nights.
Example:
Prize for Biggest Family at the Cheaper By the Dozen Movie Night
Prize for Best StarWars costume on StarWars movie Night
We are pushing to get everything lined up and in place for our first Movie
MEGAMIND- May 20th Rated PG
If you are intersted in helping us set up or tear down- We'll let you!
But mostly we want to hang out with you!
Please invite your friends.
About our church
Sunday May 8th. Michael Swift from Vineyard Columbus joined us, and led us in Worship Music. It was incredible. Michael has agreed to help us every other week, and we are thrilled to have him join us. Michael is excited about this as well. He and his wife have Family that live close, and he is hoping that they may drop in to one of our services. We are looking forward to sharing in this aspect of worship together.
As a side note: Michael performs every month at the Vineyard Cafe at the Columbus Vineyard. You should check him out if you can. I went up a few months ago and caught the show. He is a gifted Musician and a great vocalist. His setlist was a wide mix of genre and styles. I was particularly fond of his cover of Michael Jackson's Billy Jean.
We have new faces joining us. We're excited and glad to have new people with us.
Final Thoughts
God is doing amazing things. I see him at work in those around me. Sometimes I feel just so lost, but occasionally I feel like he has allowed me a glimpse behind the curtain. I feel like I’m getting to see the inner workings. I see God bringing people together in the land of misfit toys, aligning little churches and groups. We are the people from the fringes, a little broken, and un-polished. We are people who are ready to kick the dividers down that have kept us within our church walls for too long. He is gearing up like-minded people who are not afraid to be real, and or genuinely foolish for his name. He is giving us vision, and the passion and abilities to act on them. When we begin to work together, and serve each other, we’ll change not only our communities, but also our world. We are not alone. We belong to a bigger picture. If you are reading this, Realize where you are, recognize who is walking along side of you, Do something about what God has put in front of you. You are not alone.
Talk to you again soon,
Ron
If you'd like to contact me- send me an email
