So, I admit it, I'm a bit behind. But, in the meantime, I'm trying to help out around here, doing things for those who are sick, when I can, and try not to join them once more. I need to call Brittany and get things going there, and there's a few other people I need to talk to, but I have to catch up first. And this weekend I'm hoping I can make some progress in researching things. Always a good idea....

That's my plan so far. Don't you hate it when the internet messes up on you. I'm pretty sure I said more in my "other" post... but the internet went and deleted it for me, so I hope this one works...

So, I admit it, I'm a bit behind. But, in the meantime, I'm trying to help out around here, doing things for those who are sick, when I can, and try not to join them once more. I need to call Brittany and get things going there, and there's a few other people I need to talk to, but I have to catch up first. And this weekend I'm hoping I can make some progress in researching things. Always a good idea....

That's my plan so far. Don't you hate it when the internet messes up on you. I'm pretty sure I said more in my "other" post... but the internet went and deleted it for me, so I hope this one works...

More Ministry Opportunities...

Well, I just wanted to let y'all all know what a blessing, an opportunity, or heck, once you get right down to it, just a wonderful idea it is to discuss your ideas with the people around you, especially the people in your core. You can glean some wonderful ideas for ministry, as well as get them to work with you on them, bounce ideas off them, and more. It's wonderful.

Well, as you can guess, I've had a few conversations with the girls in my core, and man, I knew I had to come make a list right now, or I'd forget. The only problem now is, this list will be on my computer rather than in my hands at any one point, but maybe I can remedy that later, as I'm being too lazy to write right now.

Well, I had a conversation with a girl in my core today, and I was talking to her about the groups she's involved in, what they did in the community and on campus, etc., as well as what we're planning on doing in FOCUS this year. She loved alot of our ideas, btw. But she had great ideas to contribute as well, at least for what I'm planning. And I'd love some feedback, if anyone's interested in helping us with these ideas.

Nothing's settled yet, as I'm just bouncing ideas around, but here goes:

She a part of the BSA, and something like 3 times a year they get together and do Wal-Mart runs for those people in their organization who don't have cars. They get together and give them rides. Well, since we were doing, or trying to do, something similar last semester with the Indian students involved in our ministry, I thought maybe we could join teams and try to help more people on campus. They also go and visit nursing homes and such, she said, so I want to go with them on that, see where all they go and what they do, maybe try to get some more inter-organizational work with them. She's going to keep me updated with what's going on.

She also works at a women's abuse shelter, which is right next door to a homeless shelter. There's also a teen pregnancy home. She said they are all the time needing donations, hair driers, curling irons, toys for children, clothes, you name it, they need it. They won't turn anything away. I'm sure that's true of the homeless shelter, as well. And I think that the homeless shelter might need volunteer work as well. So, I was thinking maybe taking donations, or going to help, something. I haven't worked all that out yet. Just bouncing ideas around. She said she was going to check on some of that for me, and I'll follow up, if I can.

I think these are great ideas, at least for me to help around with, if I can. I think that, as a whole, at least from what I've seen, the church is doing a great job ministering and reaching out to people overseas. Well, at least they are giving a valiant effort. Because of this focus, it seems to me like the people right next door, so to speak, are being neglected. That's a shame, and I would like to see that change. That's why my focus in these ministry opportunities lie where they do. Changing one life, right around here, if that's all I could do, then life's worthwhile.

As has been a common theme running around here for a bit, what else did Jesus go around doing?? Loving people. That's my goal for this semester. Let me know if you find any similar opportunities around, or if you are interested in joining me, or know of people who are interested. I'm going to do my best to get some of this done this semester. Sorry for the long-windedness.....

Thanks, guys!

Outreach and Service Roles.....

Well, for service roles within the ministry, I think my spots already been chosen for me, and it's one I enjoy. I love to sing with the band. That's one of my favorite things to do.

As for outreach and service projects in general, like Stef, I think we should give back, but I also think we should give back more to the community around us. I love doing Shoes for Orphaned Souls, and things like that, but I think too often we forget about those in need around us. I would, and Brandon kind of stole my idea, but I can't help it, I've been thinking about this for a while..., like to take people to visit nursing homes, hospitals if they'll let us, and such like that. There's also the Salvation Army, though I've heard they're rarely lacking for help. Another idea that I've heard of was, and this would probably involve mainly girls, but guys are welcome to join in, is making afghans and quilts and such. There are places who will give them away to teenage girls with babies, or there are women's shelters, or even sending them overseas to our troops in care packages. These can be knit, crocheted, sewed, whatever your passion is. And they are very welcomed. For that it's just a matter of finding who takes donations and such.

Those are my ideas. Feel free to add input or give me info if you know about such places.