August 2005 Report

REAPING ETERNAL REWARDS

More than 30 volunteers in August got down and dirty to fold new winter clothes, feed the homeless and help 7 families with groceries, rent and baby goods. They poured out their hearts and prayers with us into at least 229 people. God bless you all. He sees your good deeds.

GREGORY’S GIFT

Gregory is homeless, but he has a heart for giving. He is one of two homeless men who panhandle at 71st St. and Hwy 169. We came upon him Aug. 10 as we were handing out sack lunches. He had come downtown on his bike to pickup his mail at the Day Center for the Homeless. He shared his story, thanked us for lunch and handed us $10. He said he had more money than he needed for the day and simply wanted to bless someone else. We pray that his gift compels others to do the same.

SEARCH WITHOUT SEIZURE

Our lunches have never been confiscated by local authorities, but they did flash a badge at us Aug. 31. After passing out 2 lunches near 4th and Main, our team of 4 was greeted by a roving rep from the Health Department. She peeked, prodded and picked through one of our bags, only to find non-perishables and a sandwich prepared by Arby’s. Our hands – and record – remain clean.

PINCHED AT THE PUMP

High gas prices are very hard on the poor. We bought gas for 2 families in August and are giving away a free tank in September at our next community dinner. Prices for all forms of energy are likely to push even higher after the hurricane, increasing the bills and burdens of families we serve.

BECKY HAD A BLAST

Giving a teen a trip to Old Navy for back-to-school clothes on Aug. 20 may not seem like a big deal, but it was to Becky. She is a freshman at TSST high school in Tulsa. We think it was only the 2nd time she has ever been shopping for herself. She’s pretty special and we’re doing what we can to take her under our wing. Wouldn’t it be great to help her attend college 4 years from now?

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

We held our annual Board meeting Aug. 13. We decided to add more focus on serving children (22 percent of Oklahoma children live in poverty) and Hispanics (the fastest growing minority group in the state). We also looked at lots of numbers. We’re so thankful for your giving. Since we started in March 2004, you have helped us serve more than 2,000 people, 50 families and partner with 16 other groups that also touch the hungry, homeless, hurting and those who need healing.

SIGN UP FOR SPANISH CLASS

Special thanks go to Sara Delgado and Jenny O’Keefe (a native of Quito, Ecuador) who are helping our volunteers learn to speak Spanish. Six people attended our first class Aug. 26. The next one is set for noon on Sept. 23 in room 51A at Williams. Vaya con Dios. (Go with God).