Sandwich Day 17 - January 1, 2008

Isaiah 58:10 (New Living Translation) - 10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

Menu: Sacked lunch – sandwich – juice box – cookies.

Thank you Mystery Angel for the juice boxes.

Always big thanks to Gaye for those awesome oatmeal cookies.

Sandwich Crew:

Me – Rick & Colette - Mike B. & son - Cameo & husband Andy.

Jerry could not make it as he was on parental patrol while wife had to go to work.

Pete was missing in action due to holidays.

The Cove

Jack - Susie - Teresa - Taz - Chris - Neil (works at the gas station and his ferrets).

Beautiful sunny day with a sharp cold wind blowing. Everyone was ready for a sandwich. Rabbit, Hopper, Donny and Vinny were still at the new campsite so we didn’t see them….we did send them a sacked lunch. I’m really glad to see Taz opening up to us. I guess he has seen that we are for real and he can trust us. I gave the clothes soap and a couple rolls of quarters to Susie and Teresa. Cameo and Andy agreed to give them a ride to wash clothes and pick them up. Susie was excited to get this chore done. Chris broke down in tears asking if this world will ever be at peace…will there ever be an end to the violence and evil that surrounds us. Another example of the stress the holidays can be on some folks. I answered that Jesus has promised to come back and put an end to it all. He will rule with justice. Until then we need to focus on our relationship with God and with each other. It was time to move on. We took hands and made a circle – we prayed for provision, protection and guidance for the coming year.

The Exchange:

Wilson - Sherry - Becky - Mustafa - Todd - Princess the dog - new folks: Terry - Shawn - Suddenly

I feel that we had a breakthrough with this group. They also were glad for the sacked lunches. Seemed like there was more conversation than usual. Hugo is in the hospital and Todd is taking care of Princess the dog. I gave Princess a bag of bacon treats which I hope will help keep her mind off of Hugo being away. Becky is new – she needed some clothes so we opened up the trunk to see what we could do. Jeans, T-shirts and socks were handed out and received with gratitude. Wilson was in typical form. He was having fun asking me for my sweater…then he wanted my earrings…there is relationships starting here. I took pamphlets of the Book of John and started handing them out. A new guy named Shawn took the pamphlet and said that he has been raised Christian even though he doesn’t look like it or act like it sometimes. I have heard that before. I reminded him that God looks straight to the heart…not the outer man. I’m hoping that doors are opening with this group so that we will get more comfortable talking about the gospel.

This was our last stop – we ran out of food. I’m sure that God sent others to tend to The Edge folks. My prayer for this New Year is for us to stay in the center of God’s perfect will.

Vicki
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The Cove -

What a blessing it’s been to spend the last two Tuesdays with this group! Everyone is in such high spirits, though they miss their friends and family. It was cold and windy and funny to listen to Teresa chastise Vicki about not having a jacket on…..welcome to the family J. Cameo brought pictures from one of the instant cameras they had for Christmas and the pictures were great! The group picture from Sunday Church was amazing and priceless. What a blessing they all are.

The Exchange –

Wilson was spry and having fun picking on Vicki. We ended up with quite a group, all being really friendly and wanting to chat. It’s nice to hear them all excited about the new year and what good things will come.

Thank you,

Colette
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It was a beautiful bright sunny day but the wind was biting. I thought my ears were going to drop off. These folks had been in it all night and the coming night was going to be colder still. There was little grumbling going on about the cold out side of us as they all had big smiles and hellos. I love coming to see them because they always seem so happy. Even in this cold weather they find the positives and focus on them.

Vicki complained about being cold and Chris took a jacket off going to a short sleeve shirt.. They will give you the shirt off their back. She didn't take it for obvious reasons but it sure made a point.

Jack and Susie were talking a lot about the new camp and house he built. They are so happy to have hard walls. They are sleeping much more comfortable with a little heat and the wind blocked better than a tent.

Cameo and Andy came to load clothes so we all got in a circle and prayed in the New Year.. We probably need the prayer more than they do. I get ministered to a lot more than I do ministering. They know Jesus, the Word and how it works. They walk in faith!

The Exchange was different today. We started with just Wilson but before it was over we had a crew and several new folks. They were all friendly and took a lot of clothes as the colder weather bears down on us. There were several comments about how good the bologna was.. They like the plain sandwiches. Hugo is sick so I have been praying for him. I know the worst part is missing his dog. "Suddenly" was a new guy and he was telling stories about working in California. He said when he woke up this morning under a very thin blanket he looked up to God and thanked him for being here today.. Grateful even when freezing.

They had all had a good New Years celebration. Wilson said Mustafa got a ticket for being out on the road flying a sign and the cops said they didn't want him getting run over with all the drunks out. Not sure what they think they get out of giving a ticket but I do understand some of the safety issues at 11:18 PM on New Years night..

I am looking forward to a bigger and better year in 2008! I pray these folks will allow the Lord to have His will and His way in their lives and situations and everyone is happy!

Rick
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It was a great day again. God has blessed us all in 2007 and I am sure has so many waiting for 2008. I came with my husband Andy who is such a gift to me and stands by me with joy to be part of this mission for God.

The Advantages of Companionship
Ecclesiastes 4

7 I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun.8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

We did not expect to see everyone there but where happy when we did. I gave Suzie some picture she had taken at her old camp sight at Christmas they were great. I did not get to talk to too many folks that day I think they were at the camp it was very cold out. I am still waiting to talk to Rabbit about what I have found out about his family and have not seen him yet. Andy and I had a mission to take Suzie to the laundry mat. We went to the one closest to the Cove and it was closed. Suzie was disappointed because she had a mission to wash 4 big bags of clothes. We tried to keep our spirits up and find one that was opened and made plans in case we did not find one. I knew I had seen one by the High School so we found it and it was open. Suzie of coursed thanked God for our victory. Andy and I left Suzie there and assumed it would take about 4 hours and left her our number. Suzie called about 2 hours later and she was done so we went back to get her. I took Suzie back and dropped her and all the laundry off. She is very proud and independent and did not want help from the men carrying the laundry. Suzie has taken a mother roll on the men at the camp. She was concerned and a little mad because she would not get any thanks for her efforts so I bought her a meal at McDonald's and a big shake. Suzie was so happy to have that shake. I am so lucky I had the opportunity to help. Seeing everyone was so nice and as always a blessing to me and Andy.

God Bless all - Cameo
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