It’s not about me/us?

I started this online journal sometime last year. This thing for me was a means for keeping track of what was going on at any given time in this ministry that God has most definitely blessed us with. Looking back, it lets me do several things. It gives me a way of going back and seeing what changes have taken place in His ministry. It also lets me see what may have been happening at any given time within our downtown activities. But I'd venture to guess the most important thing for me is it simply gives me an outlet to express some thoughts and ideas, some good…some maybe not so good. It really was meant to be a personal journal of my own journey. I try to think of a few things that happen each Sunday and then pray and ask God to give me the words to express my thoughts in a way that would be pleasing to Him. The problem? They've not always been pleasing to others. I'll get to that more later.

The thing is, for me anyway, is that none of this is about me…or us. I try my hardest not to make it about me. Or us. I told Robin last night I wish we could have gone down the first day with one of those goofy wrestling masks. That way no one would even know who we were. I know that sounds totally ridiculous and I'm really only being facetious. But it's clearly not about us. It's about Him. It's about His Glory. His Greatness. I talked to a fellow last Sunday who comes to our Tuesday Bible study. He came down after attending church last week. It was his first visit to our corner. And his response, after standing back and taking it all in, was something along the following lines. "Man, you guys have really blown this thing out". My response? Man, we've done nothing. He has really blown it out. All we've done is what He asks us all to do. Something. In His name. For His Glory. Another comment he made was along the lines of how difficult it would be to walk away from these Sunday happenings without being a little puffed up and beating his chest just a little. And he has a point. But you see, it's not about us. Never has been. Never will be. It's all about giving God the praise and glory He so richly deserves. Not about us.

Id' like to make this a little personal this week. I mean it's always somewhat personal, but this week, I'd like to attempt to go a little deeper yet. The past few months and even the last year or so have been a real struggle in some ways. But the last couple of weeks have been a real struggle for me personally. It's not like I won't get through my issues, but I've really been feeling some pressure lately and it is a real struggle to not think about it daily, if not hourly. It has to do with personal relationships and such. And how do we, as humans, allow them to go so terribly wrong sometimes. I guess this is my attempt to add a little clarity to some of my thoughts and feelings of the past year or so, if that is at all possible. Over the course of the past year, I've mentioned things in my blogs that may have challenged or offended people close to me. I can say this up front. Never, and I mean never, have I ever attempted to point at someone and say mean or ugly things. These blogs are simply a collection of my thoughts, placed in a public forum obviously, but the real intent has been to sit down, pray about where God is leading me, and then simply put my thoughts down on paper. Or electronic paper, so to speak. While I may have, at times, been somewhat defensive or come across as irritated, I've never intended to be malicious. I've never intended to be angry. I've never intended to hurt anyone or mislead anyone. I really just wanted an outlet to share the wonderfully amazing things God is doing in my family's lives and in this ministry. However, when the "adversarial one" sees good things happening in His name, he tends to want to get involved, if you know what I mean. And unfortunately, I have a tendency to mess things up. Why does it have to be so stinking complicated at times? All I really want to do is stand on the rooftops of downtown Omaha buildings and tell everyone who will listen what great people we have the opportunity to serve each and every week. I want to tell of the relationships that we have begun to develop with some really great people that tend to get marginalized in lots of cases. I've wanted to share with those closest to us and anyone else who will listen, what a great and awesome God we serve and what great and amazing things He's doing in my life, my family's lives and the lives of those around me. That's all. It's really as simple as that. It really is. One problem with an outlet like this can be the fact that inflection and intention can be misunderstood at times. It's quite hard to express different emotions and it's quite easy to read a few lines and get an entirely different meaning. It also easy to write something that may hurt someone. And once it's done, you can't take it back. I guess it speaks to the old cliché about the written word cutting like a knife. Once the knife is inserted and the cut is made, well…

One thing I've learned is that it's been very therapeutic for me to do this on a weekly basis. I honestly can go back and read some of these on occasion and see God's words. Not mine. So from that aspect, it is good. And I can see where maybe I mentioned an individual and maybe see where that specific individual is now. Or see how much change has happened in certain aspects of this wonderful ministry that God has so blatantly placed in our laps. For instance, we have over 40 people helping on a regular basis now. 40! We needed 'em. God sent 'em. From all different aspects of our lives. From my workplace. From home school groups. From a college class. From my family. From wherever. It is amazing to me to see God work in this ministry and my blogs are simply meant to be an outlet to let others know just how great He's been in this thing. And for me, this is new ground all around. If you'd told me a few years ago that we'd be doing something like this, and I'd be all in, I'd have told you that you were crazy. Absolutley, out of your mind, going over the edge crazy. Something like this is entirely too far out of my comfort zone. But I realized it's not about my comfort. Not about my anything. Not about me. And He certainly has a way of directing our journeys if we let Him.

I guess I say all of this to say the following. If I've offended anyone over the course of the last year, and I know I have, you have my deepest and sincerest apologies. From the bottom of my heart. I say it publicly because this is where it is. I ask for forgiveness and ask that you keep us in your prayers. We Laneys are in uncharted waters, from many standpoints. We've simply tried to go where the Lord is leading us. And he is clearly leading, because there is no way this could be happening on a weekly basis without His guidance. Have we made mistakes? Unfortunately, yes. Will w make more? Unfortunately, yes. We are only human. But I cannot remember the last time I set out to intentionally hurt someone. I've certainly experienced feelings towards those I love. But I'd never go out of my way to hurt anyone. And I realize these are just words. But they are my words from deep within after prayerful consideration. I've really been searching for answers lately. I have lots of questions and the answers aren't as free flowing as I'd maybe like. I guess we've all been there. It's been a journey. It'll continue to be so. That much I'm sure of. But if I'm honest and if I'm really following what I believe to be the Lord's calling for us, then we, as a family, have to continue on. Have to.

I could go on...I won't.

I'm sorry. And I ask for your prayers and forgiveness. Guess I sort of did make it about me/us after all…

I took my troubles to the Lord;
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
Psalm 120:1

Peace and have a great and blessed week.

..."it matters to that one"... :)

How are you spending your Dash?

What an amazing day! So today was almost like the first day of Spring! Here in Omaha when the weather gets in the 40s in January, you're thinking Spring! But the reality is that we have a few months of ugly coming. Today, however was indeed good. And what a day?! We had old friends back to visit, had another visit from the Omaha Fire and Rescue folks, had some friends deliver loads of brand new coats and just too many other things to remember. Those couple or three hours that we spend on that corner each Sunday are beginning to have lots of features. :)

Our day really started on Friday evening at the memorial service we attended. Our friend Doug passed away at the young age of 42 a few weeks ago. We attended a service in his honor Friday at the Open Door Mission. It was probably one of the coolest memorial services I've ever attended. For lots of reasons. I mean, Doug is gone. That pains us all. He was a great guy and someone we were just really getting to know. Developing a friendship with him and getting to go a little deeper. But the pastor at the shelter who delivered the message was right on with that message. One thing I took away was this – how am I living my dash? You know the dash. That mark on the tombstone that separates our birth date from our death date. Our dash. Our life. Here on earth. How are you living yours?

A couple of long lost friends returned to our corner today. Gabe's been in jail for a while. Seems he had a debt to take care of. Satisfied that debt by doing some time. He's a short Italian fellow. Last time I saw him he was doing pretty badly. Told us he had cancer. Was losing lots of weight. Didn't have that much to lose, so we were worried about him. I've often wondered over the past year or so if he didn't lose his fight with cancer? Hadn't seen him for a long time, so I had to wonder. I was having lunch with my Mom Friday at a Quizno's sandwich shop downtown and I swore I saw Gabe walk by outside. Nah. Couldn't be. Could it? I haven't seen him in almost a year. Couldn't be. So we run into him at the Memorial service on Friday night. Sure enough. It was him. And he was back today on our corner. Telling me he knew that God had a purpose for him and helping his buddy who is confined to a wheelchair. It was good to see him again. And Wolf was back. We met Wolf early on and saw him weekly for a while. Helped him move a couple of times from shelters to apartments to motel rooms to apartments to rooming houses. Big dude. Easy 6'5" and maybe a biscuit shy of 300 pounds. Good guy. Good to see him again. Working regularly and living on the outskirts of Omaha. Doing well. Was good to see him also. Nice to see him come back and pay us a visit.

Our friend Mark had to be taken away in an ambulance today. Not sure what happened. Someone called me over and he was already down. Looked like he had a seizure or something…not sure. He wasn't really sure where he was. I leaned down to try to see if I could do anything as Robin was trying to get through one her phone to get help. Mark was in pretty rough shape. Been drinking. But he did recognize me. He started to cry when I asked if I could do anything. He mentioned his wife, Pamela. And cried some more. It was really weird. And sad. I prayed with him there and he got it. He pointed up and said He was with us. And He was. They took Mark off in an ambulance…

I met Denise today for the first time. She already knew me somehow. Denise is an African American woman. If I were to guess, I'd say in her 50s? A victim of domestic violence. And apparently she has a bit of a drinking problem. Her face was pretty disfigured. From beatings I guess. How does that happen? I just don't understand. I must have called 7 or 8 different shelters to see if she could get a place to stay. No room. Worked the phone off and on the entire time we were on that corner today. At one point it wasn't looking good. I told her so. She broke down. I told her it wasn't over yet. We'd keep trying. Finally I found someone at the Lydia House and they had an opening. She told me she'd been there before. In the program. But she didn't understand that "Bible stuff". Then when I told her that she was in? Her response? God is good. I told her she did understand that Bible stuff. She laughed and said it again. God is good. She was in rough shape. I hope she makes it. God willing, she'll make it. He is good. :)

Something really cool is beginning to happen on that corner. Others are starting to take more and more ownership of this ministry. I think we served 171 meals today. On a January day in the middle of downtown Omaha, God blessed us with 171 meals. With that comes the need for people to help serve. God sends 'em. And when they take ownership and do His work, it is amazing. Every single thing that happens on that corner is His doing. We had a couple show up a few months ago. They are trying to get back on their feet. Trying to make a go of it. Another couple that has been instrumental in making this ministry go has taken them under their wing and I am amazed at how God is working there. We just have to be available and He will absolutely use us. And when He does, the results are usually pretty remarkable. I spent a few minutes talking to another fellow who has been bringing his family down to help recently. He also is in. Cooked this week. And wants to do more. There's plenty to do. I can't wait to see how God uses these folks. He is truly amazing.

So my dash is being spent presently on a street corner in downtown Omaha. There, we get to spend a few hours each Sunday in the open air confines of Gods greatness. With a couple hundred of our newest friends and family. In His fellowship. What a great opportunity! To think that God would bring us all together under the guise of us ministering to them? Ha! I think it definitely works both ways mostly. And it never seems like work. I was in our garage at 8:00 a.m. this morning, listening to good worship music, praying over all the stuff we get to bring to our friends and loading the trailer with all the donations that are beginning to make our garage look like a mini thrift store. We parked the trailer at around 3:30 this afternoon in its parking spot on the side of our garage. The day just happens. The dash is just that. A dash in time. I cannot believe how blessed my family is. What a deal! What a day! What a dash I'm living!

Peace and have a great and blessed week.

..."it matters to that one"... :)

Thanks and Hope!

What a blessed year. We've been so blessed to find ourselves in so many great and not so great situations. The great? Mainly just being able to gather weekly on a corner in downtown Omaha with a bunch of our friends each week. Meeting folks who want to help. Meeting folks who need help. Praying for a trailer and having one delivered. The exact one I found in my perusings on the web. And some of the simpler things. Praying for a more efficient way to brew coffee. Might seem like a trivial deal, but when it gets cold here, a good cup of hot coffee goes a long way to warming not only the heart, but maybe the soul. We were blessed last week by the founder of the Scooters Coffee chain. Christian and I met with him last week and he gave us, no strings attached, a Bunn coffee brewing system. And set us up to get coffee donations on an as needed basis. Again, this may seem like a small deal, but when I tell our friends that we are trying to do our best for them, and where it comes from, the Lord Himself, I believe it means something. Because if nothing else, we want to offer dignity and respect. And Hope. I mentioned once before that I almost thanked our friends for being homeless and I know how ridiculous that sounds. But what I meant was I thank them for being in the situation they are in, yet still welcoming all of us into their community. I could be wrong but it certainly seems as though we've built a level of trust and understanding with them. There will always be a level of skepticism I'm sure, but by and large, we're in. Trusted. That's really all I hoped for from the beginning. That we could show a level of God's love from us to them that would be evident from the start. Seems to be working. And the not so great? Well, we've lost a few of our friends. Doug…Scott…30 or so to be exact. No words here. Just our prayers that they rest with our Lord and Savior. And obviously we've faced other challenges and not so great moments. And we probably, or should I say definitely didn't handle them all as gracefully as we should have. We are human. We will fail more often that not. But we'll keep on trying…

2007 was a great year for us. We have been blessed in so many ways. I can't begin to reflect on how many great things have happened in this ministry without mentioning my family first. Robin is obviously all in. She is the glue that holds this thing together. On a physical, spiritual and compassionate level, among other things. Now, obviously, God is the REAL glue, (not to mention the butter…HA!), but my wife is an amazing person when it comes to compassion. If someone were to ask me what one word best describes her, I would not fall into that trap, because there are too many. But compassion would be right at the top of the list for sure. She just has a Godly way of seeing the souls of people and it really keeps me balanced. My kids on the other hand have been blessed in this ministry far beyond what I could ever have imagined. Yesterday, after dong his weekly sock ministry, joyfully with headphones and singing loudly, Nick proclaimed his love for Sundays. Why Nick? Because we get to go downtown and see our friends. And Nick has some friends. Seems as though all of my kids feel that way. I have much to be thankful for to be sure. They get it. I am truly blessed beyond anything I deserve.

And I cannot forget the folks that give of their time, energy and resources. What an amazing group of people that God has blessed us with. And when I say us, I mean all of us on both sides of the equation. I cannot begin to name them one by one, because my feeble brain would surely forget an important cog in this process. Just know that if you have played any role in helping our friends in this ministry, God bless you. He knows. And that is all that really matters. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. There is much work to do for sure, in so many ways, but to all those that have helped in any way, shape or form…THANK YOU!! You also are the glue that holds this crazy thing together. I could go on and on here, and anyone who knows me knows that. :)

And most importantly, to our Lord and Savior, my God, my Father…Lord I thank You and praise You for your Grace and Mercy. Without You, I am nothing. A mess. But through your Grace, you've led a busted individual like myself to a crazy environment on a street corner in downtown Omaha to be a light to a group of people that amaze me constantly. I praise You and thank You for the opportunity to share Your love and Your Word with some folks who we've come to know in a year's time that have simply become family to us. I thank You for the willingness of those that help. I praise You for sending them. I stand back occasionally and marvel at what has happened on that corner. Lord, I know that not all of them get it. That some are just there for the "stuff". And some are there because it makes them feel good. But if we continue to bring the "stuff" in Your Name, maybe someday we'll all get it. That all You want from us is our heart. Our soul. And to do the work you've called us all to do, humbly in Your Name. What ever that may be. And to give you the Praise and Honor you so richly deserve. I praise You for making it all happen. Weekly. I am amazed at Your Greatness. I cannot wait to see what 2008 brings. 2007 was filled with challenges and victories Lord. I'm guessing more of that in '08? We're along for the ride. I pray that You'll continue to lead and guide us and straighten our path when we stray. Thanks You…Thank You…Thank You.

And finally this….from Paul's letter to the Romans – "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

All thanks to God, and to all who have helped in His ministry, because we have Hope. Thank you all and may God bless you richly in the New Year.

Peace and have a great and blessed week.

..."it matters to that one"... :)

Ringing the bells…

Another cold Omaha day yesterday. Brutally cold. The kind where the wind stings when it hits any exposed skin. I still don't know how some of our friends live out in this stuff. And lots of them are going into shelters this time of year. But there are still those that somehow manage to exist outdoors even in this weather. Don't know how.

Robin and I were invited to a Christmas party at the Open Door Mission Friday night. It was an honor to be invited and spend the evening with our friends. One of the highlights of the evening was a 40 minute video presentation done by Louie Giglio from Northpoint Church in Atlanta. It was the Indescribable presentation about comprehending the size of the universe and and even though we are stunningly tiny in the overall universal realm, God knows every star by name and also has the magnitude to know each and every one of us. It is an amazing look at His creation. Afterwards, we had opportunities to sit and chat with the "men". That's' how they're referred to at the shelter. The "men". I like to call them my friends. It's funny because I hear them called "the homeless", and all sorts of other collective types of names. And I suppose that's what they are. But we don't call ourselves "the homed". I have a pet peeve about labeling people so when I hear our friends referred to as "the men" or "the homeless", I try to make note not to do that myself. They are great folks who are maybe just going through difficult times. Maybe. So anyway, we had a chance to sit and chat with them. I happened to be a table host. Another label of course. So I chatted with a couple of fellows that I know, Harry and Bill. A sidenote here. Harry was given a camera recently by a social awareness type of group. The goal was to document the life of folks on the streets. The photos were auctioned off and money will go to the shelters. You can see some of the photos here - http://www.myspace.com/concreteconscience. So I sat with Harry and Bill and we prayed and talked. It was a great evening. I mostly talked with Bill.

You see, for some reason, I am extremely drawn to Bill. He was one of the first people we met on our journey in this community we've become immersed in. Met him in the Office that first weekend. You ever meet someone from a totally different walk of life and instantly hit it off with them? That was Bill for me. I mention Bill a lot in my ramblings. Couldn't really tell you exactly why, except I love the guy. How crazy is that? So, as we talked Friday night, I felt for Bill. He really, really want's to change his life. That much is extremely evident. But how? How does he get away from the influences that surround him daily and beat the addictions that rule his way of living. Only way I know is the Grace of God. He was a bit depressed Friday night. We hadn't seen each other since the previous Sunday. And then, Bill was feeling no pain. Zero pain. And we were supposed to meet Thursday for lunch. No show. That happens. He apologized for standing me up. I told him it wasn't a problem. I'd be there every Thursday, just as we're there every Sunday. If he shows, we'll chat, pray, and maybe work through a study program. If not, I'll give a sandwich to someone and be on my way. No worries. I mean, I was certainly disappointed that he didn't show, but that happens. So yesterday, he comes to our corner and he's in much better shape. Been sober for a week. Trying. I tried to hammer the point home Friday that if he ever needed someone to talk to to avoid the demon that haunts him, to call me. I'd meet him for coffee or whatever. He told me he had my number. I don't remember giving it to him, but he had it. Memorized. Told me I was his ace. I told him to keep me up his sleeve. And to call anytime. I'm not trained to help guys with addictions. I've had my own and God has been extremely graceful to me. I know what it's like to come out the other side and live with that seemingly for the rest of our lives. I know what that looks and feels like. I mentioned that to Bill yesterday. We've had 2 great conversations in the past few days. He want's out. I explained that for me, 17 years ago, I wanted out. When I mentioned 17 years, he perked up. He told me I had way too much to lose now. I agree. So does he. He's read through the entire New Testament over the last couple of months. He knows the deal now. Knows what it takes to make it eternally.

There was a memorial service Friday at the day shelter for all the "homeless" folks that passed on the previous year. They rang bells for each one of our friends that have gone before us. Lit candles and had a vigil service for them. As I talked to Bill on Sunday, he mentioned that he had to change. Otherwise, they'd be ringing a bell for him some day. And he doesn't want that. Told me so yesterday. Lord knows I don't want that for any of our friends. And I certainly don't want it for Bill. The thing is, after getting to know Bill a bit better over this past year, I sense a change coming over him. I certainly know that I can do nothing for Bill. Not in the physical sense. Of course I can pray for him. That I do. But he has to want out. Has to want to change. For the first time, I heard him say those words and I sensed that he meant it. He wants to live differently. Will he? I have no idea. I just know he wants it. That's one of the biggest obstacles. Recognizing the need to change. I'll keep on trying. All I can do is what I do. Pray. Meet with him. Pray some more. Be the ace up his sleeve. What else? Only God knows. I have mixed emotions. I have hope certainly. But there are so many Bills. And it pains me to know that bells will be ringing for them. 30 in the past year. That's maybe 30 too many. Doug died a couple of weeks ago. He was one of the 30. I pray that no bells will be ringing for Bill. There's still time for him. He gets it. But will he ultimately get it? Is it worth the effort to keep hoping? Oh I think so. The only bells I want to hear are the Salvation Army bells. Those I can deal with. These other bells? Lord help us to help them. "The men". "The homeless". The Bills. No bells for him. God bless ya Bill. I love ya man!

And to all those who help us help the Bills of our world…Merry Christmas!! And a blessed new year to you all! God bless you all for all the things you do to keep this ministry alive and thriving. Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. But thank you. You are an amazing group and Robin and I are so blessed to call you all friends and to serve in His name alongside of you all. Thank you for being faithful to the call to help those in need. Thank you and God bless you!!!

Peace and have a great and blessed week

..."it matters to that one"... :)

Doug...

Been a tough week, and a good week. Lots of great stuff happening. Robin sent out an email asking for help to sponsor a couple of families that we know. It's that time of year when some families need help or the little ones might be forgotten. The response was a little overwhelming. And I have to admit, when she first mentioned it to me I was a little skeptical. There are times when I think we might ask for a little too much. But it's not for us. I have to keep that in mind. None of this is for us. It's a blessing to us for sure. But none of it is ours. I ran into a lady today at the Sienna Francis house. We were dropping off some leftover bread and she had locked the keys in her car. Apparently she had a little time on her hands as she waited for a locksmith. As I was unloading the bread, she asked if I needed help? Sure. Asked me what church we were from. I explained our story to her. What it is we do. She nodded. Her words? Have to feed and clothe them first. I agree. Have to. If we don't' someone else will, but I guess God has a plan for us for now.

Doug was a friend of ours. He left us this week. We've known Doug for over a year now. Great guy. Alcoholic. Who knows what else? I really felt pained for Doug. I don't know the entire story of his death. I last saw him on our corner last Sunday. He got there late, but was in good spirits and apparently, minus the "spirits". He had a huge plate of food. We had a little extra last week, so they heaped him up pretty good. He was laughing and having a good time. He's been going with us to our weekly bible study at The Vine on Tuesdays. He wasn't around last Tuesday. We went to the shelter to see if anyone wanted to go, and Doug usually goes with us. Wasn't around Tuesday. So Thursday, I meet Bill. We are going to start meeting for lunch on Thursdays. As Bill and I are walking up the street on Thursday, he drops this bomb on me out of the blue. "Old Doug Etter died last night". ??? Huh? "Old" Doug Etter was about 42 or so. That's not old. And I just found out recently that Doug and I went to Omaha South High together. He was a couple of grades behind me, but we hung in some of the same circles. I vaguely remember him from that time I think, but it's pretty hazy. So when Bill told me that, I couldn't believe it. Doug was a great guy. Loved that guy. Saddened me greatly to hear of Doug's passing. He seemed to be making great strides. Trying to kick his addictions and demons. Doing the weekly bible study. Seemed to be coming around. Did he make it? I know he believed. But was that enough? Man…

And this happened just a couple of days after one of my favorite uncles, Uncle Cy, passed. He was 89. That might, just might be a little old. Another great guy. And this happened about the same time I got the following message from my friend Bob, who is braving the elements on the river in Des Moines…with his permission, it fits…funny how that goes sometimes.

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I have been thinking on this lately. Dec 14 of this year [two days from now], Rick Roe will have been dead one year. I close my eyes and see the drunken smile he had as we both were chugging fifths of gin and headed for oblivion. How when he took the first drink, he would vomit it up. A waste I would laugh and say to him. He would laugh also- but keep the next drink down. How we would both " slam" drink when together , fearfull we wouldnt get our share. We drink fifths in two drinks each on many occassion and passed out. Him usually first and then I would "riffle" his pockets to see if he had any money left for another drink. Sometimes, I really didnt want to drink, but at 4 am he would kick my mat at the Francis House and say " come on, I got plenty of money". Or he would tell me he was barred or shut off from buying it at such and such and I would take his money and buy it.

I remember the last day of his life..................the breakfast we had togther, the drunk we talked about for later and then-----------I got drunk with Al that night and learned of Ricks death the next day.

Rick had asked me the morning of his death to speak at his memorial service and I said something flippant- but agreed to do so. I had know idea that 12 hours later--- he would pass. He used to talk about Rockne, Lombardi, Bryant and all the great football coaches and how they were "with the big coach in the sky". Well.................Rick is there with them I hope. No man actually knows the state of another mans soul or his relationship with his Creator.

May God have mercy on Rick Roe and all the souls of the faithful departed.

The amazing thing is ,,,,,, sometimes I see a guy stagger down the street and for just a moment, I think its Rick. Ya know, when I look deep into their eyes---------it is Rick.

God bless him and all of US like him.

Just rambling I guess..........close to tears now.

Enough said.When ya have church on the corner Sunday-- look for him. Say "hello" for me.

Later bob

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I love Bob's messages. They always seem to come just in time and always carry a certain profoundness. An amazing guy, to be sure.
And an excerpt from a reply I got from Bob…again, with his permission

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I wonder if the Shelters are a place of hope? If Christ were here, wouldnt he be on the corner of 17 and Nicholas at the Francis House talking to the whores, drug addicts, drunks and pimps. Wow, I bet he would be on the corner of 14 and Douglas too. You lucky guy..................

Gods speed and keep on keepin on!

bob
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So it's been a strange week and a great week all wrapped up in one. I see so many great people every Sunday on our corner. They are so appreciative of all that happens there. Helping unload, set up, load after we finish. Even had Keith shoveling snow so we could get going today. He even called last night. The caller id says "Sienna Francis House". Keith is reminding us to bring a shovel and a wrench for the propane stove we use to keep our stuff warm. You better believe I remembered. And he shoveled. Ask and you shall receive? Isn't that how it works. But what I've come to understand even more this week is the love that I feel for these guys. They are becoming more that just our homeless friends. Much more. And when one of them leaves us like Doug did this week…well, we all know how it feels to lose a family member and that is sort of what it felt like. Big time sadness…that's all.

Peace and have a great and blessed week.

..."it matters to that one"... :(

Doug...we'll miss you man. Peace brother.

Cold…Need…and other stuff…

Today marked the first really cold day we’ve had downtown since probably last February or so. Man it was cold. The number of people was down a bit also. But the need was still there. I forgot how crazy it can get on that corner in the dead of winter. We have a pretty good routine of how we do things down there, even given the fact that not much that happens is very routine. We usually set up our meal, serve until everyone gets through the line, place the clothing bins out for “shopping” and hand out a few hygiene items and then just hang out and do a little fellowshipping. But today was different. When we start serving and see people without gloves, coats, etc, then we have to just improvise. Getting people in the back of the line hot coffee. Passing out gloves and coats as they wait. Gets a little chaotic all at once.

Many cool things have been happening, even though we had a tragedy strike our city this past week. The shooting at the Westroads Mall shopping center was something that words obviously cannot describe. It was a senseless, heinous act for sure and such a shocking day. It gets to the point of over saturation when these things happen, at least from a media standpoint. I guess when I turn on CNN and it is the lead story, it means that it’s a big deal. And it was. Just can’t make sense of it. I’m rambling here, but if you haven’t, could you take a minute to pray for the city of Omaha, the victims and the young man responsible for the shootings. We all need a little healing right now.

Through a posting on a Nebraska football message board, which is simply a glorified form of internet begging, we were able to have enough nice heavy gloves for virtually all of our friends today. I met a fellow named Todd because of my post asking for coats. Todd actually sells sports apparel and just happens to live a few blocks west of us. Brought over some really cool samples last week. Team logo jackets and coats. And when he asked if there was other ways he could help, we had an answer. Do a glove drive for us. That would be a huge help. Yesterday, Todd dropped off bags of gloves. And socks. And more coats. Unbelievable. He said he sent two emails to folks in his church, Calvary Christian, and the result was more than we could have imagined. I remember last year, driving from thrift store to thrift store looking for coats and buying gloves by the dozens. This year, I step out into my garage, which is starting to look like a thrift store in its own right, and we have more coats than we know what to do with. I’m seriously contemplating looking for a storage facility. It’s getting crazy. But it’s the best crazy I could ever have imagined. God is blessing us in ways that simply blow my mind. We have this crazy network that just keeps growing. I remember last year also wondering how in the world we would be able to sustain this thing. Well, we don’t. He does. And has He ever sustained us. And them. I had a guy today, on Douglas Street next to my van, tell me how much he appreciated what we did. And this fellow, Steve, I don’t know his story. Yet. But he said that when he sees us, he sees the love of Jesus. Stopped me dead in my tracks. Lots of these guys are just in survival mode. Get what they can get, and move on. Steve made me remember what it was we are doing. In the chaos of coats, gloves and mass craziness, we are able to share a little of Christ’s love with these great people. And they are great people. Great, great people. I can’t imagine not doing this. When a guy like Steve says those words, from his heart, it helps sustain us. Because I think those words came from God. It was a crazy morning at our house. Shoveling snow off the driveway. Trying to get the trailer into the garage so I could do the loading out of the harsh cold. And it was cold. Did I mention that? And snowing? And Robin and I just weren’t on the same page in some respects. Happens. And I wasn’t necessarily feeling well. That happens also. So when a guy takes me aside and says what Steve said, I have to believe those are Gods’ words. And the Spirit recharges us and we can go on. Because we have a lot of winter months ahead. And the needs will be great.

We had a couple of fire trucks and an ambulance grace our presence today. One of our friends fell and hit his head. We offered them food. Why not? My brother is a paramedic and they, of course, knew him well. Always nice to get to know those guys. Never know when we might need their assistance. They took Alan to the hospital. He seemed to be ok. We’ll pray for his recovery. Hopefully they keep him overnight. It’s cold out on the streets and he wasn’t thinking straight, if you know what I mean. Weather like this mixed with alcohol and guys end up losing toes and feet. Not a good situation.

Finally, I met Joe’s wife today. Irish Joe. He’s talked about her a lot, but we’ve never met her before. Frankly, I wasn’t sure she existed. But he showed me a letter a while back that she’d written him. Broke my heart to talk with her. She and Joe are on the streets now. She was living with her father, but he and Joe apparently didn’t get along. So he’s not welcome there any longer. As we were talking today, I noticed she was wearing a pretty light coat. Asked her if we could get her a heavier coat? She broke down. I have to tell you, there is nothing worse and more heartbreaking that seeing a woman who is on the streets, doesn’t know where she’ll end up and is trying to make sense of it all. My heart just broke for her. They lost their child a while back to Down ’s syndrome. Very young. I just can’t imagine the combination of issues that puts a family on the streets. But it happens. And it is cold. Single digit temps tonight. And lots of these folks live in tents, or in parks or wherever. I just can’t imagine…

Have to quickly tell one other thing. We have a pretty steady group of people who come down to do community service work with us. We’ve had a couple of young girls coming down recently. They also go to a retirement home to meet some of their service requirements. Crazy young girls. They usually show up without coats. Hardly ever have gloves. Do they not live in this same winter world that I live in? I mean I have to laugh and shake my head at times. Today, they show up with bags of blankets. Now this is cool. They got the blankets from the folks at the retirement home. So because of our connection to the Sarpy County Community Service program, these young ladies have now stepped out and are going beyond their service requirement. I am amazed how God connects all the dots. Blankets from some fine ladies in a retirement home for our homeless friends via some young ladies doing community service hours. Yeah. That’s cool.

So my heart is heavy tonight. The shootings. Our friends out in the harsh elements that Midwestern winters often bring. Hard to make sense of it sometimes. Lots of months left in this winter. We’re just beginning. Lots of grieving left for those impacted by the mall shootings. I pray for those families. And for our friends. In the shelters and under bridges and in tents down by the river. God be with them all…

Peace and have a great and blessed week.

..."it matters to that one"... :)

An Open Letter…

Dear Neighbor,

My name is A_ _ _ and I deliver your weekly paper. I also do volunteer work in Omaha every Sunday with my family. We make food for the homeless and we give out toiletries and clothing to those in need.

Now that it is getting cooler we need sweatshirts, tube socks, coats, scarves, mittens, boots, blankets, sleeping bags and tents if you have one.

Some of the people do not get to sleep in a shelter. They sleep in forests – in ripped up tents and under bridges and in parks that look sad.

I give out toiletries every week with my dad. We often run out of stuff. This is what we need: soap, toothpaste, brushes, shampoo, foot powder, deodorant (tons of that as they use it alot). Ladies toiletries, backpacks and plastic bags.

Please call me on xxx-xxxx then we can pick up your donated items. Thank you very much. From A _ _ _ age 8 ½ and her mum and dad.

****************************************************************

The above letter was obviously written by an 8 ½ year old girl. When I saw this letter, I was absolutely blown away. Absolutely blown away. And you know why? Because a little girl gets it. She absolutely gets it. She came down to our downtown corner with her parents to help and went home with the idea that she would write a letter to people on her paper route to ask for help. Rarely a day goes by anymore without something really cool happening within this ministry. But this was so profound to me on many levels. First and foremost, like I said, she gets it. That there are people in need, in “forests – in ripped up tents and under bridges and in parks that look sad.” Lets help them. Seems pretty simple.

From the mind and mouths of children come some of the most wicked cool things sometimes, but that line, to me speaks volumes. One of our friends downtown, Harry, is a Vietnam vet. Harry lived in a “forest” for a while. He’s “relocated” to a shelter for now. Weather is hitting us pretty good right now. But there are still those who resist and stay in tents down close to the river. I don’t know how they do it. I don’t know how a person can possibly survive the winters in this town living outside with a thin tent as their sole protection against the harsh elements. But they do. And when this little girl learned of these folks, she took action. She did what her heart led her to. And in her heart? The love of Christ. The love of our Savior that lives in the heart of children. And the coolest thing about this, to me anyway, is the irony of a child helping a homeless person. A person in need. It’s easy to look at our kids and see them as needy (and Lord knows mine are sometimes) and it’s even easier to look at our friends downtown and see their needs. They are pretty hard to ignore sometimes. Especially today with our first taste of Nebraska winter. Guys standing in line waiting for a hot meal with no coat, no gloves, wet and torn sneakers. Nothing will move me to action quicker than that. Coats? We got ‘em. Gloves? Different story. We need gloves. Our friends need gloves. Boots? They need those also. And this little girl saw the need and stepped out to make a difference. Want an amazing testimony to the heart of a child. And child-like faith. To know that if she took the step, people would respond. And they have. One couple left word that they had a bag of things for her. When she went to pick up the donation, there was a note attached that stated they didn’t have any toiletry items, but they gave her $20 for her cause to pick up some of those items. An elderly couple who have no idea where or who that donation would go to, but who were willing to help out because a little girl asked. In a way that would be hard to say no to. For me anyway. I read her letter and was just moved. That a mission God blessed us with a little over a year ago would bear fruit in this way. That this little girl could be touched and moved to action. That many more are touched and moved to action weekly. Some daily. I’m profoundly amazed that there is such a need in the first place. I mean, we know there will always be those in need. It just works that way I guess. But the sheer fact that so many people are willing to give up their Sunday to help out in so many ways is something else. And that people from all faiths and denominations have listened to the call for help and have jumped on board is even more testimony to the work that God has called us all to.

I can’t shake the verse in James that speaks to helping those in need. I’ve referenced it before, but is simply says that if we tell our brother or sister to go, be well and stay warm, yet do nothing to help that individual, then what are we really doing? We meet people of all races, all nationalities, and all ages. There’s no discrimination when it comes to need. It crosses all boundaries. But some of the folks we meet are so very genuine. And so many of them know and love the Lord. They just are where they are and we are just along for the ride. The ride that includes a letter from a little girl asking others for help. One of the littlest of those seeking to help the least of those. And then doing something about it. Wow. Humbles and inspires me to get out into the “forest” and fix some of those ripped tents. To get out under the bridges and bring the joy of Christ to erase the sadness.

The thing is, when Robin and I felt this call to service, it was obvious that we couldn’t do it alone. We knew that. We had no idea where the journey would lead us. And who else might jump on for the ride. We’ve been blessed from day 1 in that regard. This letter tells me we’ll be blessed for as long as He wants us to continue. I’ve never once felt like this should end. By that I mean that I’ve felt that we’d do this for the duration. How long is that? Who knows? One guy asked me last week how long we’d be doing this. I think he was wondering if we’d be stopping for the winter. Nah. No stopping. I told him that when we see Gabriel stepping out on a cloud to call us all home, then I guess that’d be when we stopped. I don’t know. I just feel blessed to be a small part of what God is doing in that community. And this letter says it all for me. I love this ministry and I love God with all my heart and I absolutely love that He is using people of all races, ages, faiths, denominations, and walks of life to help people of all races, ages, faiths, denominations, and walks of life. Funny how that works. I want to openly thank this young lady for her efforts. I can’t imagine a more perfect letter, through the heart of a child to make a difference in the name of Christ. Thanks young lady and may you be blessed beyond your wildest imaginations. I know I have been. :)

Peace and have a great and blessed week.

..."it matters to that one"... :)