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| Flood Bakersfield Ministries, Inc. Newsletter |
May 2009 |
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Building relationships, flooding Bakersfield with the love of Christ! |
| Celebrating One Year at the Garden!
 It has been one year since we relocated to the Garden and became Flood. As we look back over the last 12 months we are amazed at the Lord's provision for the ministry! The exponential growth in the number of volunteers coming from Bakersfield churches to serve is a gift to this community. Our passion grows for those that are living in extreme poverty in the inner-city but we are just as excited about the numbers of average pew sitters, like us, who have caught the vision of Flood and regularly give up their Saturday evenings to flood this community with the love of Jesus.
There are so many moments and transformations to reflect on. However, it seems more appropriate to thank so many that have joined in to bring glory to God at Flood. Each time we are in need of a person to help guide the way or lend a hand, we stand in awe how that need is always met. We love and appreciate Joost DeMoes, Kevin McNece, Larry Miller, Les Pearsey, Sharyn Hallstrom, Jim Wren, Randy and Cydney Griffin, Rob and Diane McNamara, the Board members and of course our original Bridge Bible Church small group who have bravely walked with us into unchartered waters. There are so many others, and please know that we truly appreciate you.
One year ago we had no idea where we would relocate. One visit and one meeting with the staff of pastors at the Garden and we moved the Saturday Night Outreach in ONE week. To David Goh, Senior Pastor of Garden Community Church, and Karen Goh, Director of Garden Pathways, it is such a blessing to partner with you on the Saturday Night facility. You make it possible for us to build relationships and focus on what is eternally important.
As we celebrate this anniversary at the Garden, we are currently searching for a satellite location to launch Flood in the heart of Oildale this August. Two locations would allow us to scale back transportation and alleviate some of the current over crowding at the end of each month. It also makes room for more churches to invest in meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who are homeless, living in recovery homes, residential motels and the extremely poor.
Our thoughts are summed up by 1 Thessalonians 2:8; "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." If your church or small group desires to serve together at Flood, please contact the office 32-FLOOD for more information.
David and Kim Albers |
| Addicted to Jesus
Jeff, a long time guest and volunteer, was recently baptized at Valley Bible Fellowship (VBF). Afterwards Jeff proclaimed to all his supporters that he is a changed man, a new creation in Christ. Jeff's testimony inlcudes ten years of addiction moving from one recovery home to another. Through God's grace, Doug, a Flood volunteer, came into Jeff's life as a sponsor. Doug has a heart of compassion to help those desiring a change in their lives. Doug has 11 years of clean time, free from the bondage of addiction. Doug is a member of VBF. God works through Doug to bring a desire for change and together they work on Jeff's character in order to be more like Jesus. For over two years Jeff has been a helping hand to Flood. He is willing to do whatever is needed. It is exciting to watch Jeff's continued transformation. Jeff will be one of the lead volunteers for Flood Graffiti Wash, the partnership with the City of Bakersfield to remove graffiti in our neighborhood. If you know Jeff, he often shouts in affirmation AMEN!!! We echo that simple word. |
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On April 16 a new "Adopt a Neighborhood" pilot program was unveiled at the Flood warehouse during the monthly meeting of the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB) Anti-Graffiti Task Force Committee. Flood is partnering with the City of Bakersfield's 32-ERASE Anti-Graffiti Program to make our neighborhood graffiti free. The goal of this partnership is to work together with and educate surrounding businesses in order to eradicate graffiti in our area.
The KBB Anti- Graffiti task force consists of city, county, and state agencies working with local law enforcement, probation, education, the art community and local political representatives. The purpose of this joint effort is to work together to find solutions and implement strategies that will harness the energy and frustration of community residents and turn them into a graffiti fighting volunteer army. The graffiti removal effort entitled Flood Graffiti Wash will also provide more meaningful volunteer opportunities for Flood guests during the week. Stockdale Christian School Jr. High students will be helping clean up the same local neighborhood on Wednesday, May 20.
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Last month, the newsletter announced a new emergency assistance program to prevent homelessness. Our first family was living in their vehicle after some challenges and a recent move to Bakersfield with three children. We are so grateful that they called Flood regarding a possible resource referral. This gave us a chance to talk and realize that they fit all the eligibilty criteria of the new program even enrollment at Standard School District. Within ten days of that phone call the family had moved into a two bedroom house and their monthly income and benefits increased because of vital documents Flood was able to assist them in acquiring quickly. This family is already a big help volunteering on Saturday nights each week. Two more families have entered the Adopt A Family program and we are in need of support families, small groups or sunday school classes to invest with a meal on occasion, a weekly phone call and to intentionally connect with the adopted family. Flood launched the pilot program Adopt A Family in Standard School District to prevent families from ecoming homeless when a crisis occurs and their income is interrupted or lost. Flood will provide short term rental assistance, security deposits, moving assistance and other necessary assistance to prevent loss of housing for families. There is strict eligibility criteria and a referral system for this program and all families will be subject to a detailed case management plan. If you would be willing to offer emotional support to a family by providing a weekly phone call of encouragement, a meal on occasion and a birthday gift, when appropriate, please contact the Flood office at 32-FLOOD for more details. | |
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School Drives Benefit Flood!
St. John's Lutheran School Completes Drive
Stockdale Christian School Prepares for Community Service Day
St. John's Lutheran School recently completed a food and hygiene drive to bless the guests at Flood. The students collected over 2000 items. Thank you St. John's!
The 3rd Annual Community Service Day partnership with Stockdale Christian School will be Wednesday May 20. A hygiene drive will happen on campus May 18, 19 and 20. Please send Shampoo, Soap, Deodorant, Diapers, Feminine Products, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes to school with any SCS students you know. |
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Please join Club 365 by giving $1.00 per day to
flood our community with hope!
Financially partner with us as we continue the weekly Saturday Night Outreach, expand our midweek services and launch the new Adopt-A -Family Emergency Assistance Program. For your convenience, monthly payments can be set up for automatic deduction by contacting the Flood office. Donations can be designated to Adopt-A-Family.
Please mail donations to: Flood Bakersfield Ministries, Inc.
1201 24th St. B110-229
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 32-FLOOD
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Flood will be at Weill Park located near the corner of Golden State Ave. and Q St. for the month of July. We will be canvasing the area neighborhoods inviting and having the Saturday Night Outreach at 5 pm with some bonus activities every Saturday in July. We will need lots of extra help! Please call the Flood office if you are available. The party begins July 4th!!! |
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Wish List
6 ft. Rectangle tables
Box Truck
15 Passenger Van
Folding Chairs
Shampoo
Deodorant
Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Canned Meat
Canned Fruit
Peanut Butter
Boxed Crackers
Boxed Ceral Bars
Top Ramen
Cup O Noodles
Canned Chli
Canned Soup
Canned Ravioli
All cans need to be pop-top lids
All of these items are on-going needs and can be dropped off at the Flood office location
M-Th 9am-2pm.
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Everyone at Flood Bakersfield Ministries Inc, would like to express our thanks and deep appreciation to all those who support us prayerfully, financially and by giving of their time. This ministry could not exist without your support. If you would like more information please check out our website www.floodbako.com where secure on line giving is available or contact us at our office (661) 32-FLOOD.
Donations can be mailed to: Flood Bakersfield Ministries, Inc. 1201 24th St. B110-229 Bakersfield CA 93301
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