November 2005 Report

ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

We helped seven families in November. One of those families was robbed at gunpoint near 6th and Rockford on Nov. 13. This is the same area where we conduct our monthly community dinner. The bad guys got away with $250 cash. Please pray for Clayton and Sharon as they recover.

GIVING THANKS

We’re so thankful for our bumper crop of volunteers, which has grown to an overall base of more than 80. This is critical because the type of ministry we conduct commands a lot of hands and feet to walk the streets. On the third Wednesday last month, 17 volunteers turned out – a new record for a single day. For the month, these volunteers distributed 247 sack lunches downtown.

AS SEEN ON TV

Christmas came early for Filling The Void. One of our volunteers nominated us for a community service award. A reporter walked the streets with us twice last month to cover the story, which aired Dec. 4. The segment is now available online at http://www.fox23.com/. Look under “Jefferson Awards.”

GROUP BRAVES GUSTS

High winds couldn’t stop 55 folks from enjoying our final free dinner of the year Nov. 27 at Hallelujah Church near 13th and Peoria. That’s the night trees were toppled and grassfires broke out all over town. What’s courageous about the crowd is that most of them walk – not drive – to dinner.

A FEAST FOR 46

God did it again – multiplying a meal for the masses. We were all set to deliver groceries just for a lady named Joy when she decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who dropped by her apartment door. For only $81, she fed all of the Turkey-day fixings to 46 people.

BILL’S BLESSING

We’ve learned several times how gracious and giving a homeless person can be. Bill came to “the clock” at 3rd & Boston for a sack lunch on Nov. 23. He wouldn’t accept it for free though. He had to offer something. We gladly accepted his 50 cents, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver.

AN ANDREW UPDATE

We introduced you to Andrew in September. He’s 4, full of life, and battling a rare tumor behind his left eye. We remain in touch with his family after turning their power on two months ago. He had a checkup in late November at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis. His condition is stable, but he will need your prayers and God’s healing hand to keep his eye and to see his sight restored.

SHAWN’S NEW SHELTER

Imagine being a single dad, raising three children, and living in a place without heat where all of the utilities are in the name of the “ex.” The situation was complicated. The solution was simpler – move the family into a new apartment. We teamed up with Restore Hope to do exactly that.