Jesus Was Homeless
Are You A Goat or A Sheep?
 Goat or Sheep
31 "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. 37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' 41 "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me. 44 "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' 45 "And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' 46 "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life." - Matthew 25:31-46 (NLT)
Newsletter Vol. I, Issue 3May 2010
In This Issue
Bryan's Thoughts
Personal Message
Logo
We've delivered or served over 5800 meals so far this year.  Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers every Thursday morning and night that faithfully continue to serve.  If you would like to be part of building relationships, experiencing community and serving, then join us each week. Every Thursday morning from 9-11 am assembling the over 300 meals and every Thursday night from 5:30-8:30 pm deliveriing the meals. 
 
We invite you to "Come and See" God at work.
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FIRE INSURANCE
One of the best things the "Enemy" does to keep us from doing things for God's Kingdom is to get us busy.  And one of the things he does even better is to get us busy thinking we're doing something good.  I heard a great quote this week, "It's one thing to read your bible daily and it's another thing to live what you read."  The "Enemy" can convince us that as long as we believe in Jesus, attend church on somewhat of a regular basis, and maybe write a check or two to a charity we are doing good and on the right track.  I guess we think we have "fire insurance".  I know I sure thought that for most of my life, but again it's one thing to think or read it and it's another to live it.  The truth is that it's nothing more than a lie that the "Enemy" has crafted.  The scripture above is very clear about the separation of goats and sheep.
 
So why is it when it comes to "loving our neighbor" or feeding the hungry and thirsty, or inviting in a stranger, or clothing someone, or caring for the sick, or visiting someone in prison, we're just too busy?  I know that sometimes I can get caught up in the numbers.  The number of volunteers that show up each week, the number of people we're able to serve or the number of financial resources we have available.  But the reason I do is because I feel bad that some of us get so busy with menial tasks and I don't want people I know and care about to become a goat.  Because what can really be more important than your salvation?  If we truly want "fire insurance" we better start living for more than just to stay out of the fire.
 
We lost yet another friend we had met in the motels.  This was the 4th person that has passed away that we've known at the motels.  This is the 3rd person that has died alone in a motel room.  I know for a fact that this person's life was given joy through our ministry and a sweet teenager named Ashley.  Ashley came alongside this individual and gave of her time and friendship to built a relationship.  A true example of being one of God's sheep.
   
If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard. - Proverbs 21:13 (NRSV)
 
Click on Troy to hear why he delivers food
VOLUNTEERS SERVING
Troy is a house parent at Dorgan Weaver apartments who brings a group of developmentally disabled young adults every Thursday to help pass out meals to those in need.  Click on Troy's picture to hear why he comes. 
 
 "I'm Troy Garrison and I deliver meals on Thursday nights to give back to the community.  I'm the house parent at a place called Dorgan Weaver Apartments and it's for developmentally disabled kids and adults and this is a way that they can give back.  Sometimes we think that maybe we don't have anything to offer or maybe we're kind of damaged goods and can't contribute to the community, well delivering meals is bigger than their disabilities and they get to feel good about themselves, pat themselves on the back and make a difference in the community.  That's why we do it. 
 
 
Aunt Mollie's - Before
BEING SERVED
On October 24th, 2009, Make-A-Difference Day, we decided to build a garden at Aunt Mollie's Extended Stay Motel in Branson.  Many of the residents that live there have been there for a very long time. 
 
Aunt Mollie's - During
I know of one resident that has been there for at least 7 years.  We thought it would be a fantastic way of "giving back" to our community to provide this garden for them. 
 
Aunt Mollie's - After
Many times they do not get to eat fresh fruits or vegetables due to limited storage and no kitchen area in their rooms.
 
 
 
 
Aunt Mollie's - Garden Day Worker's
We had such a great day working together and experiencing communtiy while working in the garden. 
 
Click on Ada to hear what the garden means to her
Hear what Ada says about the garden.  "I think it's great!  Looks wonderful so far and we're hoping we'll have some nice weather and some rain, so before long we're gonna have all kinds of veggies on these plants.  It looks good to me."
PRAYER REQUESTS
 
Ron and Nancy LaDuke - Ron had a stroke while raking ditches.  ***UPDATE*** - Ron is back at home and progressing rather quickly. 
 
Suzette and Jim Brawner - Jim's brother Joe and Suzette's dad are both battling cancer.
 
My friend Steve from school - He just relocated and is struggling.  ***UPDATE*** - Steve is settled in and has just started a new job.
 
My mom & dad, Tom & Carol Stallings - My dad had ankle surgery and has to be down for at least 3-4 weeks. If you know my dad he's struggling with this, so if you know my mom then you know why she'll need prayer too. 
BOOK REVIEWS
 
What Every Church Member Should Know about Poverty
by Bill Ehlig by aha! Process, Inc.
Paperback
List Price: $22.00
Our Price: $21.00
Buy Now
 
If your church congregation wants to get involved with the poor or those living on the margins this is a must have book.  You will learn about the "hidden rules" of poverty.
 
 
Not Just a One-Night Stand: Ministry with the Homeless
by John Flowers by Discipleship Resources
Perfect Paperback
List Price: $14.00
Our Price: $10.73
Buy Now
 
Fantastic book about a church that learned the only way to be a hand-up instead of a hand-out was to build long-term lasting relationships with those living in poverty and on the margins.
 
 
Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity
by Adam Hamilton by Abingdon Press
Paperback
List Price: $10.00
Our Price: $4.75
Buy Now
 
Great tips on how we should be looking at "stuff and money". To learn more about Adam Hamilton visit http://www.adamhamilton.cokesbury.com
 
 
No Perfect People Allowed: Creating a Come-as-You-Are Culture in the Church
by John Burke by Zondervan
Paperback
List Price: $14.99
Our Price: $1.78
Buy Now
 
This book is written by the pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. It is designed for those that want to become leaders within their church but I think it's a good read for anyone that wants to learn how to meet people where they are in life. Visit Gateway at http://www.gatewaychurch.com
 
 
The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
by Shane Claiborne by Zondervan
Paperback
List Price: $14.99
Our Price: $5.83
Buy Now
 
This is by far my favorite all-time book. It's about a guy who decribes finding God among the poor. It's all about intentional living. To learn more about Shane Claiborne visit his website at http://www.thesimpleway.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
BBQ at Payless Inn on May 2nd, 2010
"Love Your Neighbors" BBQ Event
- Join us for this free and fun event celebrating the true spirit of "community". Share life with someone that lives on the margins.  There will be food and games for the kids as we cook-out.  Next location and date to be determined.  See all the photos from our the May BBQ on our Facebook page. 
 
 
Faith Promise Banquet May 7th, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
Faith Promise Banquet
 - We're excited about the opportunity to share the experiences of Church Army Branson at their 8th Annual Faith Promise Banquet to be held on Friday, May 7th, 2010 at 6:00 PM at Our Lady of the Lake Parish Center.  Hear real stories from real people that have struggled for years with alcohol and chemical addiction and how God's tranforming power has led them to being RECOVERED.  For more infomation or to make your reservations contact Michelle Harllee at 417.339.3804 or [email protected]
WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT US:
Volunteer
- Every Thursday morning or night.
Donate - Financially, food, services - without this we can't carry the message.
Buy a T-Shirt - Help spread awareness and financial support
Invite us to speak - We will come to your group or organization to share what we do.
Provide feedback - Through your comments or suggestions we can create change.
Follow us - On Facebook & Twitter and invite your friends.
Forward us - The website, emails, events. You never know what might happen.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY - Prayer for God to always be in front that we may be folllowers.
CONTACT INFO:
Jesus Was Homeless
Amy Stallings - 417.335.0266
Bryan Stallings - 417.294.1300
[email protected]