Moved To Compassion

We were an hour and ten minutes behind schedule. when we finally arrived 150 people were standing there waiting to recieve food. what could go wrong went wrong even before we got started. Our trialer went missing, food fell off the trailor while getting to the site, drivers got lost, passwords didn't work for important supplies, and the weather was threatening to shut everything down.

But when we got there everyone was excited even after having to wait over two hours for us! many of the people standing in line hadn't eaten in several days and were coming with little children in their arms. a few were in line with infants.

once we got started it didn't take long for everything to come together. In less than one hour we gave out all our food. And if you have ever been on a manna drop that's pretty amazing. the exitement about what we were doing and the energy of how important this food was to the people was unbelievable. a lot of the single migrant workers were helping us break down boxes and making sure that everyone was receiving food. one guy carried his crippled friend to the site to make sure he was able to get something after two days of nothing.

it is in these moments that being a human being and taking in the human experience is exhilerating. at one point one of the clinic organizers pointed out one of the volunteers passing out food. he was weaping as the needy came through the makeshift line. you could tell he was trying to fight back the emotions. when you see so much need at a single moment it does something to your soul. The Scriptures say that when Christ saw the crowds that we was 'moved with compassion.'

today....as we were giving out food and spending time with the needy our hearts were literally moved to compassion. in this struggling economy that has many out of work, it is important that we stick around and do what we can while so many suffer.

i want to thank Dan for giving so much. To The Vision for their commitment, volunteers, and desire to give away what they had. Julie and the staff at the migrant clinic for sacrificing and teaching us about loving others! and to the volunteer for his tears. to the needy i want to thank you for who you are and for teaching me the value of real love. What a lifechanging hour!! it is amazing what we can accomplish together even when everything seems to be going wrong!

Peace!

New Opportunities for 2009!

It has been way to long since my last entry. It has been a crazy beginning to '09. I wanted to let everyone know that i've posted some new dates for manna drops this year. If you're interested in helping us give out food to those in need just click on "get involved" and scroll down to Manna Drop Schedule. You'll find some new dates for '09. i'll post more as we add them to our schedule. if you'd like to come hang out with us just give me a call at 229-244-2678 and i'll give you additional information.

The Little Things

today we had a huge surplus of all kinds of soft drinks that were going to have to be thrown away. So, we decided instead to go into one of the communities that we've been working with for some time now and give them away to needy familes.

to be honest i was a bit nervous. usually when we go out we are giving away food boxes. i didn't know if the people would be disappointed with just receiving drinks. but we didn't want them to go to waste; especially with the need that is out there right now in a very flimbsy economy. we loaded up the back of the truck and went out....hoping for the best.

when i got there no one was outside. It's getting quit cold and everyone was indoors. it was almost dark at this point. i noticed a young couple who i'd never met before walking out their door. i told them that i was with the food bank and had some drinks if they were interested. it didn't take long before we had a line of people waiting. right there out of the back of my truck we gave out drinks. i was suprised at how appreciative and thankful everyone was. and man, they were able to really stock up. it was pretty cool to see.

i can't put into words the vibe that takes place in an experience like this.

Crazy Weekend

This weekend was crazy. Saturday we did a manna drop in Lake Park with Camp Relitso (Velma Miles) and Francis Lake AME. This was our first time in Lake Park for a Drop. It was an amazing time. The whole vibe was surreal. Everyone came together and worked so hard to make sure that the people we were serving had enough food. When we got their the lines were already starting to form. One of the guys who came for food jumped on the truck and went right to work helping us get the pallets of food of the truck. And between trying to unload thousands of pounds of food in the grass (which i don't recommend) and the truck not starting we had lots of fun. thank you Ms. Billie for hanging out with us. and to all the volunteers who made this so much fun with your enegry and laughter. we've got to do this again real soon. hey frank, thanks for helping to load the truck and for hooking us up with the pears and tomatoes! everyone loved them.

saw a lot of familar faces. some helping and some coming in need of food. each time we do a drop i am reminded of the struggle of hunger. i am also reminded of the power of unity and community. how it effects me personally and pushes me to be a better person....whatever that may mean. i'm still trying to figure that out.

after the Drop me, cindy, and isabella raced down to the Swamp in Gainsville, Fl. for the South Carolina vs. Florida game. At the last minute we got tickets. What an awesome time. We had so much fun. i think the final score was 56 to 6.....celebrating with 90,000 of our closest friends. Isabella's first Gator game. We finally got home around 10:30pm.

The next day, cindy and i got up early and headed to atlanta with some friends to the Atlanta Falcon's game. saw an old buddy who was on the side of the road preaching as fans went into the stadium. as we were going into the stadium we noticed that the Atlanta Food Bank and the Falcons had teamed up to do a food drive. As fans went into the stadium they dropped off canned goods and monitary donations to help fight hunger in the ATL area. They really made a big deal about it. It's really cool to see the corporate world using their resources and influence to serve those who need so much; highlighting the suffering and pain of hunger.

As we were leaving the game some of the homeless crowd was out selling newspapers and helping people cross the congested streets. As people walked by you could hear conversations popping up about the homeless and the issues surrounding poverty. thanks Dale and Becky for allowing us to hang out and to Brian, Heather, and Carlie for watching over Isabella.

I love the poor and have a deep affection for them. Perhaps somewhat selfish....they offer me a glimps into God and force me to think about what really matters and how temperary life really is....and at some level we are all poor in some area of our lives. They expose my hypocrisy when i think that i am being good or forget that we are "spirits in a material world," not the other way around. They remind me that judgment is God's and that love and compassion are extremly difficult to live out. Often times we think that the poor need us but to be quit honest i need them.

Isabella's Birthday

So, my daughter celebrated her 4th birthday this past week. We actually share the same birthday. Pretty cool......except for the fact that somewhere along the way mine got lost.

My wife really goes over the top. But its so much fun; for the kids and their parents. this year our theme was Wizard of OZ. I can't tell you how many times i've had to watch that movie over the last six months. Maybe Isabella will let us retire it or something after the party. We dressed up....I was Scare Crow, my wife was the wicked witch (i'm not even going there), and Isabella was Dorthy. My parents came in from New Mexico. We had family from Atlanta and about 100 friends hanging out.

When we sent out the invitations for the party we put a note on the invitation asking for canned good donations for needy families in lue of presents. Something that we as a family discussed and agreed to do. Isabella was able to raise 411 pounds worth of food that night.

Amazing. That was way more food than any of us had expected. I want to thank Isabella for allowing us to do this at her party and for all those who gave something; especially as the colder weather starts moving in. As a father watching his little girl grow up these are some pretty powerful moments that we get to share together. I hope that as she gets older that will see the world and be a voice for those who have no voice. That my wife and I will somehow be able to show her and demonstrate thru they way that we live that even though it is not always easy it is better to give than to receive.

peace!

These Days

This week i received a call from some friends who were in need of food. Normally i go and give them food undisturbed. But over the past several weeks i can't seem to go into a community to give away food and literally people come out of their homes begging for help. In two years i've not seen it this bad. People seem to be struggling everywhere we go.

People seem scared about the ecomony, their jobs, and thier future. a lot of uncertainty these days. But it is important to go. To give them some help with food....but also to listen to their stories. Many that i come across are not only scared but feel alone and hopeless; especially those with medical problems, disabilities, or who have simple made some wrong choices. To be among those who are suffering or struggling every day. To touch them and to really listen to what they have to say. Making friends with strangers who need so much help. This has changed my life. i am a better person for meeting them and for their willingness to let me into their lives for a brief moment.

If we really want to change the world we have to know what world we want to change. The old saying, "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

We all have value

This past Saturday we were giving away food at one of the housing projects in Valdosta, Ga. i was astonished at how long the lines were and how quickly the food went. Usually we hang out from about 9:30am until noon. We were nearly done around 10:30am with some of the largest crowds we've seen at this site. I'm starting to make some friends as we keep going back. To listen to their stories and their different struggles. one guy who brought all five of his kids looked at me and said, "i guess i should stop having kids, huh....?" we just laughed. but as we were talking he told us how appreciative and thankful he was that we were out there in his neighborhood.

And i hate that drugs and violence has captivated many who live there. But somehow i believe that our little presence is a light that gives hope to those who perhaps haven't seen hope in a long long time. i dont' know. maybe somehow God uses these small acts to whisper grace into the soul of those we touch, meet, and give food to....i sure do hope so.



Last night i was invited to give a talk to teenagers about hunger, poverty, and the spiritual life. One guy about 15 or 16 came up to me after the meeting and hug my neck and thanked me for the words. pretty cool. the connection that can be made in that setting in just a few minutes is really indescribable i suppose. the power of our words. we must be very wise as to what we say and how we say it. i am learning that our words have the power to change, to inspire, and if we are disciplined in meditation, prayer, and the spiritual life, be used to communicate God's love. to use my words to breath life, peace, and hope in a world of death, chaos, and despair.

received a call late today of a woman who is most likely dying from AIDS/HIV. Can't get her out of my mind. She has no family around. Struggles to make it every day and is scared of dying. I've known her for over a year now. She's become a good friend. I pray for her. I keep thinking about how valuable and important she is. If life means anything today it is because we all have value no matter who we are or where we come from.

Community

This past Saturday we did a manna drop in Ray City, GA. Ray City is a small town of about 900 people. It is often times in these rural areas that the poor and needy or most forgotten. But one of the things i was struck by was the dedication and the determination of this community to take care of its own. It takes a lot of people to put on a successful manna drop in rural areas because everyone is so spread out.

Community is very important; especially if that is all you have. I was reminded this weekend of how critical community is. If we are going to change the world it will perhaps start with community!

Peace!

Diapers: A secret to fighing poverty

Every week i receive a number of calls from single mothers, college students, and parents who are having a dificult time with all of the demands set upon them financially and then having to purchase diapers for thier children. I just met a lady a few days ago who is a foster parent and has three children who are in diapers right now.

If we can give them diapers, then just imagine what they can do with the extra funds to purchase food, clothing, pay bills, buy school supplies, and even put some into savings. The ladies that i am meeting are hard working women who have jobs, many are putting themselves through school, and raising thier children.....sometimes alone and sometimes with a partner.

This past year a few women have called crying describing the scene at home were the husbands have abandoned them and left them for another woman and emptied the bank account. Now they have all these bills to pay, children to provide for, employment to keep, and somehow find a way to make it. By providing assistance to these mothers we are helping them in a time a severe crisis and also providing hope and a way out.

The fight that overwhelms many in poverty and crisis is often times a lonely road. Some have no family and friends to help. They may not be part of a local community of people who can invest in their lives. They are fighting depression and scared when they wake up. So, we come along side them and give a little bit of help. Not only does the gift releave some financial tension, but now they know that somebody cares and that they are not alone in thier struggle.

If you would like to donate diapers or host a diaper drive, please call me at 229-244-2678. 100% of your gift goes to those in need. These days, the needs are more than you could image or i could try to articulate.

Peace!

The Little Things

This past Friday we distributed food to the elderly and disabled at the Ashley House here in Valdosta, Georgia! Its amazing to me to see the power of compassion. What one simple act of kindness can do to another person. How much joy and happiness we can give away by getting involved in the lives of those who often times need so much and have so little.

Just want to thank Eva, Jessica and Jessica's son for helping to give out the food. Thanks to Diane who heads up the Ashley House and allows us to spend some time with her residents. And a huge thanks to those who live at the Ashley House and allow us share their lives for a few moments. Being around you has made me a better person and reminded me about what really matters in life.

Last week i met with a group of foster and adoptive parents and saw such sacrifice and love as they give so much of themselves to raise someone else's children. The hard work and the commitment is such an inspiration and challenges my own life.

Tonight, we will be on the campus of Valdosta State University speaking about hunger and poverty to college students. What an important role the collegiate community can have on the fight against hunger and poverty; especially in this election year. The passion, the idealism, and the ability to use their time to give back to the community is a great way to begin one's career and lifestyle. It is extremely important to find ways to challenge the intellectual and academic minds to participate in experiencing the work of serving the poor and the needy.

Learning to give up and to give away is what makes the world a better place.

Without a Home

Tonight I was about to get off work and head over to watch my daughter practice ballet. About 4:50pm i got a call from a lady who had just met a family whose house burned to the ground this past weekend. It was a family of eight in need of food. Just after i got off the phone with her Red Cross sent over a family of six who had the same thing happen to them over the weekend as well; and i was trying my hardest to finish the bank deposit for the day. I was getting sort of in a hurry and impatient cause i really wanted to go see me daughter's ballet practice.

But when the second family came in and i saw all those children walk down the hallway, it hit me on how critical and necessary the work i was doing at that moment was; even if it meant having to miss something that was extremely important to me. These two families were without a home, lost everything they owned, and didn't know where their next meal would come from. Their lives had been turned upside down, they were scared, and living in the reality of the unknown.

Suffering and poverty comes in many forms and sometimes without warning. Being part of the solution will at times test our resolve and challenge our commitment and sincerity. Tonight, these two families may have a place to lay their heads, but they remain without a home. As i struggle to do the right thing, these two families remind me that service is not a matter of convenience but a privilege of sacrifice in a world filled with busyness and distractions. May these encounters expose any hypocrisy and push me closer towards genuineness and authenticity; whatever that may be.

Giving Back

Today i hung out with some really good friends of mine: Pastor Willie and Jamie Bone at thier church in Valdosta. I was there to present them with a Humanitarian Service Award for their work in the fight against hunger in South Georgia. Late last year Jamie contacted me and we got together to discuss ways that we could partner together in getting food to the most needy families in the area. Their church committed to doing at least one manna drop a month to the Hudson Dockett and Ora Lee West Housing Projects.

It has been unbelievable to watch this community of people as they have given thier resources, time, and hard work each month to give to families that most of them have never met before. And the relationships that we have made with many of the families is life-changing. Just a few weeks ago we met a mother of three who has a son with an enlarged heart. She invited us into her home and we chatted, prayed, and just got to know each other. Another man living in the housing projects asked if he could help us give out the food. Just before we left we got a call of two families who were having a hard time getting food just before the beginning of the school year. After we finally found the homes, we were able to give food to each family; who were sitting on the porch waiting for us to show up.

It was really cool to meet many of the people who go to that church who care deeply about hunger and poverty. Each month they have a huge volunteer base that comes with them to give out food, to make runs to homes where many are unable to walk or carry the bags, and to actually cook on site to give away food immediately to those who are standing in line.

Christ said "when we do it unto the least of these, you do it unto me." I have thought about that statement so many times in my mind and struggle to make it a reality in my daily life. How we treat the poor is not political idealogy or just a social issue. It has everything to do with our spiritual journey and what that means to us as a part of the human family both on a local and global scale. My life has been radically changed by the people that we serve and also by meeting those who serve and work so hard to make sure that those in need are taken care of.