There is a beautiful story in the Old Testament about David who had it in his heart for many years to fulfill his dream of building a temple for God in the City of Jerusalem.  During the course of his life, he collected all the materials necessary and all the silver and gold and the vessels needed for the building of the temple.

 

But then the Lord said to David, "Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name ... nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son ... shall build the house for my name."  I Kings: 8:18-19.  Thus ended a dream that for years had been in the heart of David.

 

It is hard to imagine David's disillusionment and his disappointment in seeing his dream come to an instant end.  Then, we read these words of compassionate understanding which the Lord spoke to David, saying, "You did well that it was in your heart."

 

I have used that same quote as I have counseled with many of the guests who have come into my office and shared stories of the broken dreams of their lives.  I remind that that the magnificence of their dream is not to be overlooked because of their failure.  And then, I share the Lord's words of compassion, "You did well that it was in your heart."  After that, I move on to show them that they now need to dream new dreams and to believe that their lives can still change for the better ... because that's what we try to do here at the Mission, help our guests have the faith to dream of the future and then, in faith, turn those dreams into reality.

 

And what I share with our guests, I also share with you ... whatever your shattered dream might have been, "You did well that it was in your heart."

 

 

 

Natalie Kopf, Director of our Family Shelter, and Brett Byford, 2007-8 Center of the Nebraska Football Team, were married last Saturday!  We congratulate them and ask God to bless their union.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Byford are enjoying their honeymoon in Disney World.  We look forward to their return.

 

 

We are very proud of our Four Star rating.  We have been a Four Star Charity for the last 3 years.  Look for the Charity Navigator logo on our new billboard at 10th and L Streets.  It's on the north west part of the intersection.

 

Bill Hybels will be with us on September 12 for two events:  Leadership Meeting at Pershing Auditorium during that day and the PCM Annual Banquet that evening at the Embassy Suites.  Many of you have asked for more information about the Rev. Dr. Hybels.

 

Hybels is the author of 20 books, one of which it titled Making Life Work, Putting God's Wisdom into Action.   This book uses the Book of Proverbs as its basis.  There is also a booklet of six Bible Studies entitled Wisdom that can be used either independently or along with Making Life Work. 

If you would like to know more about Bill Hybels, I recommend reading Making Life Work and Wisdom as a worthwhile introduction to this outstanding and inspiring leader. 

 

 

Lord, hear our prayers for Denise, a graduate of our Mirror Program, who is currently serving in Iraq.  We pray for her safety and thank God for Denise' service to our country.

 

Lord, hear our prayers for the guests who come to us with shattered dreams.  May they have the faith to dream new dreams and the courage to live them out.

We thank Tier One Bank for their generous gift.  And we also thank those, of the over 500 in attendance, that voted for the Mission.  Their votes confirm that People's City Mission is a vital organization in our community.