As I sit to
write to you today, I am aware that the homeless situation in our
community has enlarged. Our numbers are high and as of today, we
are again at a place where every bed is taken and we can only
offer floor space. Single men, single women, families with babies
and teenagers... we have them all! I am trying to discern whether
this is just a trend or if this increase is here to stay. One
thing is for sure: the rich are getting richer and the poor are
getting poorer! Before
I say another word, I must say this: THANK YOU. So many
of you responded with kindness as I reached out for help
recently. I am so grateful for your letters, prayers and
financial support! I am doing much better. I feel like I have
regained some perspective! Good Works is doing much better
financially. God is good. So are you!
PROJECT 2000 As many of you
may already know, we are planning to build an office and
hospitality center on the Luhrig land near Hannah House beginning
this spring. We have been in desperate need for workspace for
several years and after exhausting our options near the shelter
on Central Avenue, the board agreed to authorize a campaign to
raise the funds to build. Right now, we are in the initial stage
of trying to raise the funds and seeking adult work groups who
can come for several days this summer and fall and help us build
this facility. A special appeal letter will be going out next
month. In the meantime, would you consider an investment into
this project?
IN THE NEWS... GOOD GIFTS has gained a
momentum of its own. As you may remember, we import hand-crafted
quality gift products through a company called Ten Thousand
Villages. Our vision is to help the poor internationally in third
world countries as well as citizens locally moving from welfare
to work. I am so excited about this project. The vending buggy
was stationed on Union Street in Athens last fall and during the
weeks before Christmas we opened a little shop in the front room
of Hannah House.
Our job-partners along with our Job Coaches have done great job.
Our student volunteers are a true inspiration. We are now selling
"off site" which means we take our products to
different organizations and churches and sell them. If you know
of a group who would be interested in hosting us for an hour,
please contact Casey Teagarden @ 740.594.3336. I have been very
encouraged by the community response to this project. We are
developing marketing plan and recruiting volunteers for the
spring. In addition to off-site visits, we are open one day a
week at Hannah House (Friday's from 10-2pm).
SUMMER SERVICE & SUMMER KIDS CLUB.
Plans are underway to launch our third SUMMER KIDS CLUB in
conjunction with our SUMMER SERVICE. We are presently recruiting
and interviewing to hire four summer interns who will work with
our daily hot lunch and activities outreach for neighborhood
kids. Last summer, we averaged 30 kids every day and provided
them with a hot lunch followed by a wide range of activities
which included animal day, magician day, special visitor day and
field trips. Almost every day had some kind of sporting activity
too. We are also in communication with several youth groups who
are interested in coming to rural Appalachia this summer and
serving on our properties as well as serving needy citizens in
the county. If you know of a youth and/or adult group who would
like to come and serve with us for several days this summer,
please have them contact Bart Bruehler or Paul Richard at
740.594.3336.
OUR RETREAT CABIN is
nearing completion! This project is intended to provide a
mini-retreat for people in full time ministry (Pastors and full
time Christian workers). We hope to announce a date when you can
offer this retreat & respite to someone you know. If you
would like to participate in the finish work of this project,
contact Bart Bruehler . We are especially in need of a bricklayer
to build a floor for our wood stove.
COFFEE HOUSE. After a
great deal of prayer, discussion and waiting on God, we have
decided to launch a new initiative on Fridays after the Friday
Night Supper called COFFEE HOUSE. This project replaces our men's
and women's groups which have been going on for several years
after the Supper. We experimented with a coffeehouse last year
and felt that this was very fruitful. The initial project will be
a joint effort of all the staff and will include special music,
testimonies, bible teaching, comedy, and good coffee! We intend
to launch this project March 31, 2000. Our vision for this
project is to see our friends touched by the presence and power
of God to the degree that their lives are transformed by the ONE
who holds their future.
INTERNS. Good Works has
developed several internship opportunities to fulfill our vision
of discipleship in ministry to the poor. Our residential
internship is an opportunity for a single adult to share their
life with a recovering homeless person at our Hannah House.
Interns share living space and help to mentor recovering homeless
people who have been screened and who are working on long term
goals. Interns usually hold jobs in the community during their
internship and are encouraged to serve in other aspects of Good
Works. Our academic internships provide students an opportunity
to work for college credit while working in different aspects of
Good Works. Our non-academic internships are designed for
Christians who want to extend their faith and develop their
skills by assisting once a week in the shelter. Interns are
trained, supervised and provided with significant responsibility.
We are really seeking interns right now!
NEEDS: We really need
a tractor (or riding mower) for the Hannah House property. We
also need to borrow some scaffolding for the summer to do some
work on the Hannah House. Other needs: Coffee, creamer, sugar,
plastic garbage bags, laundry soap, phone cards, glass soup
bowls, honey, bleach, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, a crib, porch
chairs and tables, a vacuum cleaner, kitchen knife set, fruit
juices, men’s razors, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels!
Finally, I want to express
again how very
grateful I am for each of you who have walked with us as we seek
DO what Jesus said Christians ought to DO! Our financial
situation improved because of your loyal support. THANK YOU! Have
you ever considered giving to Good Works through electronic
transfer? If you are interested in more information about this,
call and talk with Sherilyn Weinkauf at 740.594.3333
As I sit to
write to you today, I am aware that the homeless situation in our
community has enlarged. Our numbers are high and as of today, we
are again at a place where every bed is taken and we can only
offer floor space. Single men, single women, families with babies
and teenagers... we have them all! I am trying to discern whether
this is just a trend or if this increase is here to stay. One
thing is for sure: the rich are getting richer and the poor are
getting poorer!