Wheeler Mission's Blog

I’ve made my share of New Year’s Resolutions. I’m sure these grandiose ideas may be similar to your resolutions – exercise more and eat less, visit my out-of-state family regularly, shovel my elderly neighbor’s driveway, learn how to play the guitar, or my recurring favorite – perfect the art of slalom water skiing.

All good and beneficial ideas.

There’s another one I will add to the list for 2011. Read a good book, better yet, read God’s Book. I challenge you to take up the resolution to read through the entire Bible in 2011. You will find some great Bible Reading Plans at www.bibleplan.org which will help you stay on track.

There are incredible benefits to this discipline of reading Scripture. It transforms our minds so that we think “Christianly.” It comforts and counsels us, and can assist us as we comfort and counsel others. It helps us understand the Gospel better so that we can more effectively reach out to others. It broadens our understanding of our Great God, and provides a way for us to commune with Him.

Take on the challenge – read God’s Book this year in an organized and disciplined way!

Happy New Year!
Rick

While many folks think of Christmas as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the truth is for many people, that simply isn’t the case.

Long-term unemployment. Addiction. Mental illness. These are all a part of Christmas for many of the homeless. That’s why I am so pleased that I can share with those who are discouraged that hope and comfort are found in the Christmas Story.

When the Prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be born, he cried out, “comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Simeon, as told in Luke 2, understood this, for he was looking for “the Consolation of Israel.” He was looking for the Messiah who would be a Comforter.

Jesus provides Comfort. Jesus, the Messiah provides salvation and peace with God, and therefore, the peace of God. Therein is our hope and comfort.

That’s the hope and comfort found in the story of Christmas!

Just one word can change your perspective.

When I asked the question “how many men stayed at our Men’s Shelter last night” – our staff person responded “173 souls.” Not 173 people, or 173 men, but 173 souls.

That perspective changes the way you look at the homeless, doesn’t it? This week, we have been housing more than 400 souls each night of the week at our 5 program sites. Pray for those souls – for their safety, their search for employment, their health challenges, their openness to receive assistance from our case managers. Pray for these souls to sense God’s love and presence.

Thanks for your interest in Wheeler. If you would like to get involved with our programs, please search our website for additional information.

Rick

Labels: care for the homeless