A Little Good News . . . . Nothing Lost Outreach

While driving home one day a few weeks ago, the Lord spoke to my heart after hearing over and over all the bad news from the day.  He impressed it on my heart to write about stories of Hope. 

{As I type this I am reminded of the old Anne Murray song, (take a few seconds and scroll down to turn off the music player)  A Little Good News.  I just listened to it again . . . . doesn't it get discouraging hearing negative after negative all day long?!}

I put a plea out on facebook that if anyone knew of any local stories of hope, to please let me know. 

One person spoke up, "Nothing Lost Outreach."

After doing some research to see exactly what this ministry does, I made a call.  I felt awkward explaining what the Lord had put on my heart to do, but it was received graciously!

I spent this past Sunday afternoon talking, asking questions, watching, listening and taking pictures of the homeless in Escambia County and the ones that have been called to serve them.

As I drove to Ensley Baptist Church, anxiety filled my every being.  I had butterflies.  I was nervous and unsure of how I would be received.  My prayer all the way there was, "Why am I so nervous?  Why am I so nervous?  Why am I so nervous?!"

THE VERY SECOND I OPENED THE DOORS, my anxiety was gone.  God put a friend from Pine Summit Baptist Church right there in my path!  I had no idea he would be there, in fact, it was his wife that told me of he ministry!  He quickly took me around, introducing me to the many (and I mean many) volunteers.  Can you imagine my surprise, when God put someone else there I know . . . and from Olive!  Tony Olesky with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry walks in!  I could not believe it! God gave me not just one, but two familiar faces to help me walk in obedience!  I was simply in awe.

Let me give you a little history about "Nothing Lost Outreach."  The name of this ministry comes from the feeding of five thousand Matthew 14:13-21 when Jesus tells his disciples to collect what is left over . . . leave nothing (no one) behind.  It started as a burden and vision to feed the homeless once a month (February 2011) and after the first feeding, went to every week.

Between 60 to 100 homeless people are fed every Sunday.  They are not only fed a hot meal, but SERVED a hot meal.  That's right, they don't go through the line like a buffet style, they are SERVED their meal by the volunteers.  These meals are served on heavy duty paper plates and eaten with plastic utensils.  Not only are they fead the delicious hot meal, but each person is given a sack lunch to take with them.  The sack lunch includes a sandwich, fruit cup, and some sort of Little Debbie snack cakes.



The Pensacola Bay Baptist Association allows them to use their portable shower trailer that is used in Disaster Relief Situations.  Approximately 25 to 40 people take showers weekly.  One long term goal is to have a building with ten (10) shower stalls built on the property of Ensley First Baptist Church because when a disaster arrives the trailer will not be available.

Point Baptist Church plays a major role, and if I have my facts correct, partners with Ensley First Baptist Church to make this happen.  In fact, there are several partners with this great ministry! You can view the list of partners on Nothing Lost Outreach's web site.  Point Baptist Church takes clothing orders for those in need of clothes, shoes, socks, underwear.  The orders are filled and returned two weeks later in a brown bag with a first name and last name initial.

One thing that sets this ministry apart is the transportation.  Vans are taken into the homeless camps and the homeless are brought in.  They don't sit back and wait for them to show up, they go get them.  Does every one come, no.  But their numbers are growing.

Every week 40 to 50 toiletry kits are given out.  These kits include toothbrushes, razors, deodorants, toothpaste, wipes, mini lotions, mini shampoo bottles, and sometimes wash clothes.

Since this ministry started in February of 2011, they have come to see ten (10) people come to know the Lord!

Between the hour of 4 and 5, Jesus is praised by song and by word!  This past week, Tony Olesky had approximately 30 young adults there to praise Jesus by scripture readings, skits, and song.  Tony then lead us in a devotional on prayer.  My heart was blessed as just an hour before the time of worship, one of the team leaders shared that they need "pray-ers."  People to come and pray one on one with people.  When Tony stood up and said, "We are going to talk about prayer today," I was covered in "awe-bumps!"  I knew right then and there that I was in the ministry I was supposed to be in.  I will be at Ensley First Baptist Church, again, this Sunday, praying.  I will pray for whoever wants prayer.  PLEASE, if God has burdened your heart for the homeless, we need your help to come take prayer request, and to pray.

I know I have given you much information, but all ministries have a need.  I could not believe the amount of donations given and yet the needs are so many.  The Lord has been faithful in providing for them!  Some of the needs I am about to list are sold through AVON.  IF you are willing to help provide, then I will sell the items I have access to at my cost.  I will not benefit from one single penny if you will help.  I will put an asterik (*) next to the items I have access to. 

Kitchen Needs:

Chinette Divided Plates

10oz cups

Salad Bowls

Plastic Utensil Kits

Napkins

Brown Paper Bags

Fruit Cups

Little Debbie Snacks

Non-Perishable Food Items

Monetary Gifts

Gift Cards to Wal-Mart/Sams

Toiletry Kits:

Wash clothes

Toothbrushes

Razors

Deodorants*

Toothpaste

Wipes

Mini Shampoo's*

Mini Lotions*

Chapstick*

Shower Soap*

Care Packages:

Bug Spray*

Ponchos

Tarps

Tents

Blankets

Coats

Sleeping Bags

Clothing Donations (as needed)

Bicycles

Men's Socks

Men's Underwear

T-Shirts (Men & Women)

Band-Aids

Peroxide

Foot Spray*

Jeans

Toys for Young Children

Ministry Needs:

Church van broke down; need mechanics or help with repair

A Medical Team is needed!  Someone to check feet, cuts, blood pressure, basic medical attention!  If you are a doctor, or nurse or know someone in the medical field that could come out please contact

Paul at 850-375-7396 or Pastor Jeff at 850-530-2429

Laundry Detergent (for towels and washclothes that are cleaned weekly)
Ziploc Bags for the Toiletry Kits

BIBLES!!!

As you can see the needs are many; but God has provided for this ministry in unbelievable ways.

If you are available to join me in praying on Sunday, please let me know.

I have added a few pictures throughout, but am adding more below.  These faces . . . . these people, are some one's son, or daughter, mommy or daddy, or even grandparent; but more important, they are valuable and important to my King. 

 

PLEASE, if you are available to come serve, to pray, donate items, or provide monetarily, please contact Pastor Jeff at 850-530-2429 or Paul at 850-375-7396 and spread a little good news, today!

Continuing,to Walk in Victory,

Stacey

I Just LOVE The Word, "But!"

I entered a writing contest recently.  My hopes were high as the winner would receive a complete book publishing offer and I so want my book published.

To make a long, story short, I didn't win.  In fact, I didn't even place.  I know, so discouraging.

One thing is for sure, the story I submitted was 'my story.'  The one the Lord gave me.  IF He wants my book published, it will happen in His timing, and not mine, and I am definitely OK with that! 

I'm thankful for the days I spent reflecting and remembering what the Lord first did for me some thirteen years ago.

Most of you know where I come from.  My hope is that maybe someone will read it that doesn't know Jesus as Lord, and maybe, just maybe, the words I wrote will be used to plant a seed; a seed that will grow and grow and take root into the powerful name of King Jesus.

This, is my story . . . . . . .

For 28 years I was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  BUT, when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved me, not because of any righteous things I had done, but because of his mercy. He saved me through the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on me generously through Jesus Christ my Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, I might become heir having the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).

I was a drunk, an adulterer, a manipulator, a thief, a liar, and a mother of a 4 year old child.  I lost everything and had nowhere to go.

At the age of 28, On July 7th, 1998, after a series of events that brought me to desperation, I quit drinking, smoking and doing drugs.

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I had made a mess of my life.  I was tired of living a life of lies.  I was ready for a change.

I ended up at a place called Olive Baptist, on the corner of “Hurt and Hope.”  It was then I was introduced to The Most Excellent Way Ministry (a Christ-centered Drug and Alcohol Support Group).

During these meetings I began realizing the need for Jesus in my heart.  For months, I kept trying to “fix” myself.  I kept telling God, “Let ME ‘fix’ this and then I will come to you.”

On October 19th, 1998, in my 1970’s gold chair, in my 640 square foot apartment, I read a piece of paper my friend had given me with the plan of salvation on it. 

It read:

Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9&10;, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Lord I am a sinner.  I believe you sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sins.  I believe in His death and His resurrection.  I believe that through Him I may have eternal life.  I ask you to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart.   Amen.

When I first read through the scriptures and prayer, I read for understanding to see what this really meant, what was REALLY going to be required of me.

I remember thinking, “reading this does not ‘save’ me.”

I re-read Romans 10:9&10;, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

I said to God, “I can’t do this on my own.  I don’t want to be one of those people that live one way during the week and be somebody else at church.  I want to be real.  My family is going to think I have gone off the deep end, Lord.  I can’t do it without you.  It’s all or nothing.”

It was then, the third time I read the scriptures and the prayer, that I believed in my heart that Jesus was Lord.  What was required of me, nothing but believing.  Jesus had already made the sacrifice.

My life has never been the same.  Perfect, oh gracious no; without trials and hardships, no way. But with Him and through Him, He has given me victory and taught me lessons through each one.

In addition to the restoration of my family in the last thirteen years, I’ve witnessed rededication to the Lord by my mom and aunt.  My daughter and brother have also come to know the Lord as their Savior.  I have also been given a husband and two additional children.

My hope and prayer this day, this very moment, is that if you do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that you will know Him today.

He will change your life forever.

Continuing, To Walk In Victory,

Stacey

In case you didn't get the reason for the title of this post, it is because of the word, 'but' in Titus 3: 3-7.   "I once as foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. BUT  . . . . God. 

Wow.  Pretty cool, hugh!  Guess what!  HE can do the same for you!  

Walking, In The Light

Just a quick note about how important detail is to my God.

This morning's reading from "Jesus Calling," referred to judging.  NOT just about being judgemental towards others, but to ourselves.  I had never thought about it like that; but sometimes we really can be our worse critics! 

I was reminded the purpose of why I was created, to KNOW Him and to LIVE in rich communication with Him.  That by me continually judging and being self critical, I am putting a hold on what He can do! 

One of the scripture readings from this morning came from . . . . oh my goodness.  This very second, when I went to double check the scripture reference, I realized, while I read the devotion for today, I read and studied the scriptures for TOMORROW!

This is even "WOWER" than I thought!  See, the scripture reference I read is from Psalm 89:15, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord."

The REASON this is so WOW is because of our mail.  Yes, our mail.  I forgot to check it last night.  When my husband came in from taking Kaitlyn to school this morning, he had a hand full of mail.  In it was a card from a friend.  Inside the card was a card.  It read, "I will walk with You, Lord, through the enemy's attack, knowing that YOUR LIGHT on my path signals my certain victory."  (Stormie Omartian). 

OH MY GOSH!  DO YOU GET IT?!  God purposely led me to read the wrong (but correct) scripture for today, He purposely let me forget to get my mail (so I would read it this morning WITH the WRONG scripture!)  OH MY GOODNESS!

As I pause and take it all in, because literally as I've been typing the Lord revealed this all to me, I am overwhelmed with emotion as to how much my God loves me.  I don't say that arrogantly, but thankfully. 

We are going through a tough time.  We are months away from losing, having to sell our home.  I've shared this with very few.   After sharing this with my friend, weight loss mentor, and spiritual trainer (I bet she didn't know she was all that! lol) I received a link to this web site.  Tears flowed as the Lord spoke to my heart and showed Himself to me.  When people would ask me how I am, my answer, "I'm waiting on my ram." 

Again, just yesterday, a friend called me.  She had been out of town.  She began to share with me how God had put me on her heart all week.  The more she prayed for me, the more the Lord brought to mind Abraham and Isaac (if you read the link to the web site  you should be covered in awe right now!  So if you didn't read it, go read it now!).  She said, "Stacey, pray that God would show you step by step, not the entire picture.  Do what Abraham did with Isaac.  Abraham trusted God each step of the way.  Abraham didn't know the end of the store, but He knew to take the next step." 

All I can do is sigh in aweness and comfort right now.  I am out of words.  Speechless. 

I will end in this.  I don't know what it is you are going through, but what I do know is that it is real.  No one else 'might not get it,' it might seem petty to some and unbelievable to others, but to you it is real.  May I encourage you today to know that you are valuable.  You are precious.  Nothing you are going through has caught Him by surprise.  He has a plan.  If something is important to you, I can assure you, it is important to Him.

One of my favorite scriptures; one the Lord used to promote healing through the first two years of sobriety is Genesis 50:20.  He has reminded me of this scripture three times this week (and it's only Tuesday!). 

Genesis 50:20 says, "What others meant for evil against you, God means it for good, to bring about His glory."  (That is my translation . . . so please look it up for yourself.)  In recent years, the Lord revealed to me verse 21 of that same chapter.  It reads, "I will provide for you and your little ones."

Seek His face.  Walk in His light.  Ask Him to reveal Himself to you this very moment.  I did this morning, and as you can see, He showed up.

Jeremiah 29:13, "You will find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Continuing, to Walk in Victory,

Stacey

Where Were You, When the World Stopped Turning . . . .

I was the Administrative Assistant to Dave Corson at Olive Baptist Church.

I was socializing with Ms. Marjorie at the front desk before our staff meeting. 

Kurt Detzler came on the radio telling Ms. Marjorie to turn on the television. 

Moments later, I knocked on Pastor's door, "Pastor, turn on your t.v.  An airplane has hit one of the twin towers." 

I was grief stricken.  I called my family.  I remember the urgency to make sure they knew how much I loved them.  I remember watching the sky the rest of the day.  "Were there more to come?" I wondered.  I remember asking God, "What is going on?!"

Fear.  Grief.  Confusion.  Heartache.  Devastation.  That, is what I remember.

Today, my church honored the men and women who serve our country, the first responders to the horrific scene, and those retired from active duty as well.

We reflected.  We remembered.  We honored.

I remember the night of that Tuesday on 9-11.  The church was filled.  People were crying, looking for answers.

As I type these words I am covered in goosebumps. 

I remember nothing of the service, except for two things.  People were flooding in in droves, and Ms. Liz.

**Please scroll down and turn off the music player to listen to the following songs.**

Ms. Liz was beginning to sing, God Bless America.  She will filled with so much heartache after a few words and a crackle in her voice that she said, "I just don't think I can on do this.  Ya'll are just gonna have to help me."  It was then we all stood, and sang this beautiful song, together.

This morning, Pastor encouraged us to not only remember the events of 9-11; but to remember "The One."

His name, is Jesus. 

He came to save the world from sin so that we might have eternal life.  He wasn't surprised by any of the events of 9-11.  He is, the Great I Am.  He is the Past.  He is the Present.  He is the Future. 

Our closing song from service this morning is one of my many favorites.  Music is the passion of my soul.  This one . . . oh my!  BUT, it will only ignite a passion within you if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior.   Take a minute to listen to this amazing song and REMEMBER His Faithfulness! 

We Will Remember  (This is not our choir, but the closest rendition to what ours did this morning.) 

Do you remember the day . . . . the day He saved you?  If you don't know Him, you can do so today. 

Remembering ALL He has done for me,

Stacey

**As I was editing this, I remembered a song written by Alan Jackson.  When I first heard the song I remember how much it defined the wonders I had after the tragedy.  I haven't cried over the last few days, I wouldn't allow it as I felt it would leave me vulnerable.  Hearing these words though, brought the emotion back, the realness.  Just thought I'd share it.

Where Were You . . When the World Stopped Turning?

"Father I pray for the men and women, boys and girls, mommy's and daddy's, aunts and uncles,  . . . grandparents and friends affected by this day.  Comfort them in ways only You can.  Reveal yourself to them.  Put people in their path that know You and can share the gospel with them.  Lord, use me where you see fit.  Forgive me for doubting.  Forgive me for questioning.  Use me today in fullness of you.  So be it.  Amen."

Pensacola's Wildlife Sanctuary

I've always loved animals, and I guess all three of my children have picked that up from me. Injured dogs, cats, birds, squirrels, etc. always seem to end up on our door steps!  It's rather funny how they  seem to find us. I've always said I should live on a farm, and who knows, maybe one day that will happen.

I took the kids to the wildlife sanctuary today for their WildFest 2011.  We have been out there only once and that was because one of my cats decided to enjoy the feathers of a baby bird (I know, right?!). 

Many of the owls were out being held by their handlers and there were MANY vendors!  While the crowd filled me with anxiety of keeping up with my wandering son, (and Kaitlyn was having a very bad day too), all in all it was a good.

 The Wildlife Sanctuary needs donations!  YOU can help!  I will have a list of the items they are asking for at the bottom of this page. 

 Today was Kayla's first day out of the house in a week.  She has literally been sitting with that foot propped up ALL WEEK!  One more week and hopefully she will be able to go back to work!

 Kaitlyn got scared of the owl :(

 Interesting facts!

 Bald Eagle

 Christopher stretches out to compare just how big the wing span of the Bald Eagle is!

 I didn't know the games were going to take tickets,

so they got to play one game and both won prizes :)

 Christopher and Kaitlyn sitting inside an Eagles Nest!

 Kaitlyn being a bird! 

Feeding the Pelicans NASTY stinking fish! 

Pelicans!

 Now I have to tell you about this picture.  I didn't take it.  Seriously.  I got a free camera for selling AVON.  I haven't figured out how it works, but was trying it out today.  As soon as I saw this picture, the Lord spoke to my heart.  He said, "You, Stacey, have taken your eyes off the SON."  Yes, I have been having my quiet time.  Yes, I have been reading and journaling.  But I haven't been walking and trusting in obedience.  I love that He loves me enough to show me. 

 Kaitlyn wanting to play with the baby duck!

Christopher remembers just about everything. 

I have said for years he has a photographic memory. 

Today just proved it. 

 He got VERY upset because he couldn't find the "Squirrel Crossing" sign. 

It was where it always has been, there were just sooo many people there today that we didn't see it the first time.

 Now this was cool, bird's eye closed.

Bird's eye open!   In just one shot!

 The kids got to make candy apples :)

 The following is a list of items needed at the Wildlife Sanctuary:

Tissues, laundry soap, fresh fruit and vegetables, science diet kitten or puppy growth, and Purina Puppy Chow, Cheerios, Peanut Butter, suet, Pecans, Peanuts (shelled or unshelled), chicken or red meat, sunflower seeds, baby blankets, Wal-Mart and Renfroe Pecan Company gift cards, first class stamps, and of course, monetary gifts are welcome.

If you can contribute any of these items, you can take them to the WildLife Sanctuary at 105 N. "S" Street, Pensacola.  There number is 850-433-9453.

Thanks for stopping by ;)

Trying, to Walk in Victory,

Stacey