Something so outrageous!

Hey guys,

I wasn't really planning on writing a blog this morning, but while cleaing my bedroom I wanted to share a story about The LOT Project that has really affected me this week. I got an email this week from one of my volunteers, Tracy, telling me about a lady that comes in. I know this family, but don't know them all that well... but I can tell you don't miss them when they come into The 302 (our building). There is a single mom, who is absolutely fantastic! She is what I believe part of the reason we do what we do! She has 5 children a 13 year old daughter who is so sweet, and 4 rambunctious younger brothers ranging in age from 2-9years old, which I can only imagine what that is like raising them!

We have volunteers that there only responsibility when our guests come in is to play with the children, while their parent(s)look for clothes. It not only meets a physical need, but it also gives the parents a break! We have other volunteers that just talk, listen, love, and pray with our guests. This week at HOPE,Tracy was talking to the mother and she said "The LOT Project has been my rescue" and now she's working on opening a day care here in Anderson! Tracy went on to say "It about brought me to tears thinking I'm part of something so Outrageous!"

Since, I am one of the leaders at The LOT Project, I don't always get to hear first hand all the amazing things that go on. However, when I got this email... well, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it! It's incredible to me how God just continues to bless me! Emails of encouraging stories from both our guests, and how are volunteers are getting their hearts broken for those in need. 3 years ago when I was finishing up my Master's Degree, I would have never guessed that I would doing what I am doing! Living 700 miles away from my family, living off support, or even running a non-profit agency! I am not even sure I can put into words how I am feeling right now? Other than to say that I am BLESSED!

Shocking news....I am a Grandpa!

I just wanted to tell you a little story from this week. There are so many stories that I could share, but I never know which one? This last Friday morning, I got a phone call from a friend who is a first grade teacher here in Anderson. She said "Andy, it is Grand Parents Day, and I have some kids that won't have anyone show up to see them. Could you come and be a stand-in Grand Parent?" Truly, I never thought that I could be a Grand Parent at the age of 29, but I guess that is the case! I pulled into the school, and it was flooded with parents, and grand parents. With joy and excitement flowing through the hallways as these elementary school kids get to show there family what they do everyday! The hallways were lined with crafts and pictures hanging on the walls. The class rooms were filled with miniature everything! As, I came into the classroom I was introduce to one young man. As, I got down on one knee I told him "My name is Andy. Do you wanna show me your desk?" He grabbed my hand and lead me to his desk, which didn't come up past my knee. He showed me a picture that he drew for his mom! I then went to the back of the classroom while the class performed a few songs they had been working on, and watched intently as the shy young man swayed back and forth barely singing a word! After, singing was over the parents and grandparents got to take their students home. Then the teacher kept bringing students over to me that didn't have anyone to come watch them saying "This is my friend Andy, he came to watch you today!" You could see that most where holding back the tears because no one came to watch them. We sat in the corner and talk. I was able to say how proud I was of them, how good of a job they did, and how cool their desk was! Tears turned to toothless smiles for a price that only cost me an hour of my time. I never thought I would be a grandpa to 4 multi-cultural 7 year olds, who just wanted to show me how strong there were, but I did. It's amazing how God can use the simplest things to break your heart!

Just Look Behind You

The last few weeks have been crazy! We have been trying to get ready for the opening of the Anderson House of Prayer (AHOP), which is tonight. I will share the link for the latest video at the end of this post. We have also been trying to get everything in order for the East Side Block Party next weekend, and I am a groomsman in a wedding this weekend! I have also been asking God alot of questions lately, and I haven't always gotten answers, or maybe the answers I wanted!
Yesterday, I was driving one of my roommates truck because I needed to get the school supplies over to The LOT Project Building to get ready for the Block Party. Driving his truck is a big change from driving my car. It is a little older, no power windows, locks, air conditioning, or tilt stirring wheel! I don't say any of this to make fun of his truck, but to make a point. You see the picture above is what I saw every time I looked out his rear view mirror, and all I saw was Jesus. At that point God said "Things are changing, but I will always be there right behind you!"
I felt like I should give those who actually read this a little encouragement this morning. Even though things in your life may be changing, may be uncomfortable, and may not be exactly what you expected. Jesus is always right there behind you, and He love you more than you can imagine!

Psalm 118:13 - "I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me."




AHOP VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erhwpCW6bds

House of Prayer

Hey guys,

We have some friends that shot this video of the House of Prayer we are starting. It is called AHOP, and will hopefully be up and running by July 1, 2010. When you are doing the type of thing that we are attempting to accomplish there are things that come straight from God, and this was one of those things. I don't even know how to explain it! Here is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIW6rMrH6EA&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy!

Andy