Just a follower of Jesus

Something so outrageous!

2010-10-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-06T05:08:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

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

Crown Molding

2010-05-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Below is an email that I recieved from one of The LOT Project Volunteers. I just thought it says alot about how God works in our lives!

Walking with Crown Molding
I'm a newbie volunteer to a local ministry that serves as a conduit for food, clothing, personal items and other various basic living items to the poor and the outcast in downtown Anderson. On Tuesday afternoons, the ministry opens its doors and a hundred or so forgotten members of society come into the donation center and have access to clothing, shoes, toys, and a freshly prepared meal. As a newbie, I am still in the "what am I supposed to do?" stage.

I'm looking around, literally wondering what I'm supposed to be doing. The initial rush of guests had slowed and I notice an elderly gentleman sitting alone, with no items that he has chosen to take home and no food. It's a hot day; surely he could use an ice cold bottle of water. So I sit down next to him and, trying not to feel guilty for sitting, I began to ask if he wanted anything to eat or perhaps water. He quietly comments that he will probably take a bottle of water with him when he leaves. He had me to try and guess his age and I learned he is in his mid 80's. He shares a few secrets with me on how to stay young and how to stay out of trouble. We share a few laughs. I asked him his name and he asks mine. After learning my name is Debbie, he tells me has a daughter named Debbie. So I asked if his daughter lived here in Anderson. "Oh nooooo, she's passed on." He shares this quietly and peacefully. He then introduced me to his friend. There is obviously a strong bond of affection between this man and woman. They seemed quite contented and happy with each other.

Our conversation was cut short when I noticed another elderly lady, alone and trying to juggle her bag of clothes, food and soda. So I say a few parting comments to the lovebirds and let the woman have the seat I had been occupying. I'm looking around, literally wondering what I'm supposed to be doing.

My eyes are immediately drawn to a very tall, elderly person. At this point, I am uncertain if the person is a male or female. I did notice, however, that she is having great difficulty walking and is using a short piece of crown molding as a cane. Both ends of the molding have a cut mitered edge. One pointed edge is pressing into the floor as she walks; the opposite pointed edge is pressing into the palm of her hand. There is a small stepdown that she is trying to tackle. My heart is exploding inside me for I can feel her struggle and I can imagine how incredibly challenging it is use a piece of crown molding as a cane.

Without thinking, I walked over to her and asked, "Ma'am, would you like to have a cane like this?" She immediately responded affirmitively and showed to me the palm of her hand where the pointed end of the crown molding was digging into her flesh. She had a piece of tape on her hand, trying to soften the impact. I helped adjust my cane to the length that would accommodate her. In a state of shock I walked away from her, trying to remind myself to simply breath. At this point, she shuffled past me on the way to the shoes. I looked down at the shoes she had on. The shoes were enormously too big for her. She displayed a torsional deformity with her toes pointing outward, almost in opposite directions. I hoped that we had a better fitting pair of shoes for her in the back and asked one of the more experienced volunteers to help her. I waddled upstairs and into the bathroom to finish shedding the tears that by this time were flooding down my face.

Finally when I had somewhat regained my composure, I reappeared back onto the ministry floor to find a staff member sharing with her that God wants to have a relationship with her. As she is walking away with a new pair of shoes and a new cane, she tells me that her name is Elaine.

How long Elaine has had to walk with the support of crown molding, I have no clue. But I do know that she walked out with more support and stability than she walked in.

How long you and I walk with the support of something less than what is really needed is just as big a heartbreaking circumstance for Almighty God and loving Father to witness. Just as you and I view a disabled person struggling to accomplish the simplest task in life, so the Father sees us all.

Crippled. Twisted. Hurting. Needy.

What do you need from Him so that you can walk with power, with stability and unhindered by the obstacles of life? What have we been holding onto, like the lady with crown molding, trying to hobble along as best we can when the Great Physician has what we need?

Comfort

2010-04-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

This last week we had Kid's Day, which was absolutely fantastic! Although this young man did get some new clothes he also got his fingers pinched in the door! He was crying, and screaming! It was pretty awful to see him in such pain! Being able to bend over and pick him up was easy! I was able to hold and comfort him for a few minutes until his mother got over to check on him.
Looking at this picture reminds me of so many times that I have "pinched my fingers," and God picked me up to comfort me! It makes me so thankful that I know that no matter how alone I feel, how much pain I am in, or what kind of trial I am under that I can always count on God to be there by my side, and remind me that everything is going to be OK! Isaiah 66:13 says "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..."

According to His plan~

Andy

Special Day

2010-03-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Most of the time we want to remember the good moments, and how they impacted our lives. However, this was just the beginning of the darkest period of my life. 3 years ago today I had a stroke at about 9 p.m. I was paralyzed on the entire left side of my body for about 12 hours. Sitting in my hospital bed that first night, and someone taking my left leg off the bed. I sat there and stared at it and it didn't move an inch. I remember laying there thinking "move" and nothing happened. I adventually went to sleep that night, and when I woke up in the morning I was fine. I ended up going to 3 hospitals in the 1st 24 hours, and spent 6 days in the hospital. It was miserable being poked and proaded with needles, tubes shoved down my throat, and spending what seemed like an eternity inside an MRI machine as they took pictures of my brain.

On the outside everything seemed like I had the life by working, going to school full-time to complete my master's, but in reality I was going insane. The guilt, shame, and comdemnation that I felt from my past poor decisions were eating me from the inside out. I didn't have a way out. My cousin ended up giving me a interview with Tony Dungy, and he quoted a verse: Matthew 16:26 which says "What is a man to gain the entire world only in the end to loose his soul." This said to me that I could have all the money, cars, booze, drugs, and girls that I wanted, but I was still going to die and go to hell.

I was then given the chance to go experience some of the world and was given an opportunity to serve at an organization called New York City Relief. They have 2 school buses converted into portable soup kitchens. Where we took about 1000 meals a day into New York City to serve the poor and oppressed. I figured that this was the time to really figure out for myself "Is there or isn't there a God?" I also had a roommate named Eric, who has been instramental in my life. He told me from the day I walked in the door that there was nothing I could do that would make him love me less. I didn't know what that meant? He told me this everyday for the 1st 3 weeks, and finally I broke. James 5:16 says " Confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed, the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." That night I told Eric things that I had never told anyone, and he gave me a hug and said "Andy, there is nothing that you told me that makes me love you less." My life has never been the same! That night he showed me the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ.

I want to encourage anyone has ever dealt with the things that I have talked about that there is answer to my orginal question: "Is there a God?" I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is, and He is amazing!

Please Start!

2010-02-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

I get a phone call last week saying that our short bus is having some issues and won't start! So, yesterday I was able to get our mechanic department, also know as Ernie Johns, to the bus to get it in driving shape. We paid a total of $1,300 for it early last year, and it has turned out to be a good investment. However, anytime you pay $1,300 you can't count on it to run forever!

So, a majority of my day went to fixing the bus, or should I say "supervising" Ernie get the bus going. It took a couple of hours to even get the batteries charged to get it started the first time. Than we set off for the local Carquest to make sure the batteries were still good. They were put out a good charge, but when we shut it off it wouldn't start back up. We (Ernie) than decided that there was too much starter drag and changed out the starter in the Carquest parking lot. I have always heard stories of these types of things happening, but never part of it. The bus immediately started right up! I was excited that the bus was back in action!

I drove the bus back to our building, and started to back it in to it's parking spot when all of the sudden it started driving funny! One of the caliper's clips broke and now we had to fix that. After H.O.P.E at the 302 we went back out to the bus, and Ernie was able to get a new caliper on! If you look closely at the picture on the right you will see two people. One is Ernie and the other is his son, Keegan, who is 3. He was right there beside his dad saying "What is that?" or "How does that work?" It was awesome! I can see 20 years in the future, and it will be Keegan as our new mechanic department at The Lot Project.

So, that was my day, and I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our volunteers just like Ernie and Keegan, who God has given gifts to use. With out you willing to give your time and talents things would never be where they are today!

Keeping going!

2010-02-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

There are times when doing the things that we are doing really take a toll on you. However, when you receive emails like this one from someone who comes to HOPE at the 302 it makes everything worth it, and gives you the drive to keep going! Here is what she had to say:

"OH! How I love Jesus!!! I had no plans yest to go to the Lot. My friend that volunteers there came by and reminded me I could go yest to get some clothes for my son. My husband and I are divorcing after 25 yrs of marriage. He has wanted a divorce since he began dating a woman. He moved in with her in July. Our 12 year old son was devastated and it's been the most painful time we have ever experienced. I had been thinking that I needed to get my son involved in a service organization. I decided to stop by The Lot and look for 2 shirts for my son. Well, Praise the Lord Kat told me I could help serve. My son and I signed up. Some boys came in that looked my son's age. My son said, "Mom, I'm not getting anything for me until they get what they want". OH!!!!! Praise Jesus Christ for that experience last night for both of us. We've had our minds so fixed on our pain and helping those people find clothes made us FEEL GREAT! If it's the Lord's will, we will come next Mon and Tues. I attend the Sanctuary of Praise Pentecostal church here in Anderson. I'm going to ask my church for donations. I will pray for you, the volunteers, and the people that come. It was a pleasure to meet you."

Donation Center

2010-01-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

The Donation Center was one of my idea's when I first came to work with The Lot Project. The idea came from having to drive all over Anderson to pick things up for people to donate, and also having to go to the building all times of the day to open it for people to drop donations off. It was just a real hassle, and thought that it would make for better time management to set up one night for everyone to bring the donations to us, and allow us time to set everything up for the next day when we were to give it all away. I remember looking back on the very first Donation Center when Kat Laun, and myself were the only one's there. We didn't get much accomplished, and their weren't any donations. To be honest I was a little bit frustrated. However, the next day everything we clean and in order. Now there are usually anywhere from 5 - 15 people who show up to help. Its really pretty incredible how much people really enjoy and want to be involved in something as simple as organizing donations and putting them on shelves. It is pretty amazing to see how it impacts peoples lives, and the friendships that come out of that time. It makes a huge difference when we are able to be organized and makes the next day so much easier. If anyone who helps at the Donation Center is reading thing I want you to know how much I appreciate your help, and have enjoyed getting to know each of you over the past few months! You have had an impact on my life, and are helping impact those in your community! If you would like to get involved by helping put away donations or if you would like to donate your old clothes, shoes, furniture, and appliances we meet at Building 302 every Monday from 5-7!

God Bless~

Andy

Made a new friend Today

2009-12-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

So, today started out just like most other days at The Lot Project. Matt and I went to workout, and then came home to get the day started. I had to make my daily trip to Staples to make some copies. Little did I know what I would find. A guy was hitchin a ride, and I rolled down my window to see where he was going. He said that he just needed a ride downtown. So, he got in my car, and we went to Staples. I called one of our board members that invited us to lunch. Chris and I headed to lunch, and you could tell he was very uncomfortable. You could tell he just wanted to leave, but he stayed. We ended up to taking him to our building to get some clothes because everything he had was stolen at the Greyhound. He wasn't very talkative, but was very appreciative. I dropped him off at Pappa T's here in town, and he is supposed to come back to the building tonight to try and get him a place to stay tonight. Please pray for Chris, because it appeared that he was commin off of something, and that he will come back tongith!

God Bless,

Andy

Meet Little Rashad!

2009-10-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

I have told a couple of stories over the last couple months about what it is like at my apartments. Well, there have been some new developments that I really don't know how to go into exactly. A few weeks ago we had 3 separate armed robberies right outside my apartment. I don't say this to scare anyone or make where I live sound worse than it truly is. It all centers around drugs, and people coming into buy drugs. I will tell you that I have been home every time that these robberies have taken place, and on 2 occasions have had the windows open. However, I never heard a thing! No yelling, screaming, or police! How this has all happened... I have no idea! I believe that the Good Lord was protecting both Matt and I.

But now on to the good news of the story! Two new lives have been brought into this world in the last 24 hours that I will have the privilege of being involved with! My good friend Jason and his wife Amber, who I work with at The Lot Project, had a little baby boy named Oliver weighing 8 lbs and 13 oz. Both mom and baby are doing well.

The second baby born is the one I have pictured. His name is Rashad and he weighed in at just over 5 lbs. I met Rashad's parents because they are my neighbors. Over the last couple of months I have been working on these parents trying to introduce them to the Lord. Not in a Bible beating - your a sinner type of way, but in I will show you Jesus loves you by my actions sort of way. Rashad's father and I used to hang out a lot! Chillin outside on the porch talking, but a couple of weeks ago I got a text saying that he (Rashad's father) had been arrested. I immediately went over to talk with Rashad's mother and try to find out what was going on. The stories are always confusing, but he had been picked up on one of the armed robbery charges. Rashad's mother and I went to go visit him in jail, but the first time we were to late and the second time they wouldn't let me in because I wasn't on the list. However, I had put some money in his account, and told her to tell him that I loved him, wasn't mad at him, and wanted to be put on the list.

Rashad's father got out on bail last night, and is now at the hospital with his precious baby boy. It was awesome to go and spend sometime with them at the hospital. I made fun of Rashad's dad because he wasn't very good at changing diaper's, and was able to hold little Rashad for about 45 minutes. The innocence and vulnerability overwhelms me as I write this. The little (and I mean little) boy will rely on his parents for everything. I was able to talk to him briefly about the charges, and he told me he didn't do it. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. What is really cool is that Jason (who I work with) and Rashad's father are only 7 doors apart! I don't believe that is a coincidence... do you? I ask that you continue to join me in prayer as we attempt to show this family the Love of Jesus, because as court hearings and the weight of being a new parent goes forth, I can guarantee that this is going to be a trial.

According to His plan~

Andy

2009-10-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

Wrong Address!

2009-10-09T10:59:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I was just informed that I had switched a couple of numbers around on my September News Letter. The address that support should be sent to is as follows:

Andy Gibson
P.O. Box 4181
Anderson, SC 29622

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Andy

Zo's 1st Birthday!

2009-10-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have lived in Anderson for a little over 7 weeks, and it has flown by. There were some definite walls up, and it has been difficult to build the relationships that are needed to really help anyone who lives near me. It started out by just saying hi to everyone when I drove into our complex. Then it moved to spending more time outside shooting hoops, and taking everyone a bottle of water. Now it would not be uncommon for me to go outside and just hang out with the boys. It has been really amazing to see the walls that were originally there being broken down!

Last week one of the guys was talking about his little boy Zo, who I get to play with on occasion. He came up to me and told me it was his 1st birthday. I asked him if they were going to have a party, and he said no because they didn't have the money. So, I was able to go to the building and get a couple of toys, and a little teddy bear. When I saw his dad the next day, I jumped out of the car to give him the things for his son's birthday. It was awesome to see the genuinely thankful look on his face! I could tell it meant a lot! So, than a few days later he came up and invited me to his little boys party! I couldn't believe that the guy that they used to think I was an undercover cop, or that I was there to kick them out of their apartment, but now I am actually being invited to a party! I picked up some pop and chips with another guy and his girlfriend from my apartment complex and went to the park. It was fun to sit, talk, and eat birthday cake. Zo got it all over himself, and it was a privilege to be there! I will continue to ask you to pray for favor in these eyes of those in my neighborhood, and that walls will continue to be torn down!

According to His plan!

What it is all about!

2009-09-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. we have what is called The Feeding. The Feeding is a time where anyone who is in need can come and get free food, free clothes, and a warm heart. On average we are giving away about 100 meals, numerous articles of clothing, and are able to pray with people before they leave.

Sometimes as one of the "leaders" you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of making sure that volunteers are in the right places, that we have enough food, and that everything is organized. Last night was no different until the end of the night when one family was there still finding things that they needed. It was a single mom named Kim and her two kids. Kim told me that she had heard about what was going on and that she had tried to make it on several occasion, but was never able to. She also said "I'm a single mom, and it is hard!" You could see the pain in her eyes, and I felt lead to say a pray for her! After the prayer she had tears running down her face, not because of anything that I did, but because of God working through me. The two volunteers that were left were able to help Kim get all of her new things, mostly clothes for her little boy pictured in the top left, to her van. As they were getting ready to leave one of the volunteers asked if she needed a jacket, and she said yes. He proceeded to take off the jacket that he was wearing and give it to her.

Even this morning as I am writing this I can not help but think isn't this what it is all about? I am blessed to be apart of such a tremendous move of God, it is through him that we get our strength, drive and passion! Please keep us in your prayers as we try to organize and move forward in the name of Jesus!

My First Clemson Game

2009-09-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

This last weekend Jason (The Lot Project VP) took his son, Ethan, Matt (my roommate and Lot Project Founder), and I to a Clemson Tigers football game at Death Valley. It was Ethan's 7th birthday, and he wanted a day out with the boys! We loaded up about noon, and took off for the madness that is Clemson football. We ate out in downtown Clemson, and then went and enjoyed the tailgate parties, corn hole, and conversation. The game was awesome on the first play Clemson's Heisman Trophy Candidate, C.J. Spiller, ran back the kick off for a touch down, and the rest of the game was history. The crowd started to thin out after half-time because of the rain, but we toughed it out and were soaking wet by the end of the game! It was an awesome day to celebrate the life of an amazing kid, but also to relax away from the pressures and stress of starting a new ministry.

A Day At Our Apartments!

2009-08-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

I don't have any new pictures to share with you all this week, because I am thinking at this time it wouldn't be a very good idea. Being here for only 2 weeks there appears to still be some racial tension. You see there are only 4 white people in our apartment complex. Matt, my roommate, and I are known as "The Christians."

One of the guys, Tae, that Matt and Jason have been working with for the last 6 months or so is going to stay with us for a few days because he doesn't have anywhere to live at the moment. So, he was out shooting some hoops with the guys that are always outside hanging out and dealing in our complex. I went out for a few minutes, and then headed back in to throw some things away, then back out to hang. I had to leave for a little while to get some things accomplished for The Lot Project, and when I came back we played some basketball. I was really thirsty so I came inside and got everyone a water, and a glass of milk for one of their girl friends. The more I hang outside with these guys the more I realize how much traffic is in and out of our complex, and how much is really going on here. They always put there joints out when we come outside, and apologize for their language.

It wasn't until after we came back inside that, Tae, told me that when I left one of the guys had put his .357 handgun in the bushes. He than proceeded to ask if we were cool? Tae was able to tell them that we were, and able to give us a little street credit. A couple of the guys are really cool with us, and we are able to talk too, but there is obviously a total lack of trust with the rest of them. It can be frustrating at times when they don't respond the way you would like them to, just because of the color of my skin. However, the more I think about it and wrestle with this idea the more I can't say that I blame them.

2 Corinthians 3:9-12 says "If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that bring righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison to the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. "

It is going to take some time to build those relationships, but please continue to keep us in your prayers. Pray that we continue to be very bold for Christ.

My First Week!

2009-08-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

I obviously made it safe and sound to Anderson, South Carolina! I am all moved in, and living in an apartment complex in one of the nicer area's of Anderson. However, this specific complex is fairly rough. There are atleast 3 drug dealers in our complex, and a one is said to be one of the largest in Anderson. When pulling into our complex it by no means is a stretch of the imagination for you to smell an all to familiar aroma.

It has been an amazing first week, and specifically last night. We do have a building and are trying to utilize it as best we can until we get the funding to build and operate the emergency shelter. On Tuesday's from 4 p.m-6 p.m. we give away food and clothes to anyone in need. It is also a way that we can provide a place for those in the church to volunteer and get involved in the community. Last night we were able to give away 110 sandwiches, bags of chips, and water bottles. We also able to give away 15 pairs of shoes, 74 articles of clothing, and a number of kitchen items! We had 44 volunteers last night, and a majority of our volunteers were jr./sr high schoolers that attend New Spring Church. As the word of what The Lot Project has spread more, and more people are wanting to get involved. The crazy part is that The Lot Feeding has only taken place for 4 weeks now!

Before I came to Anderson, I knew that God had something planned, but I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Right before I left I read Ephesians 2:8-10, which says " For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's Workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." I am beginning to realize that He has so much planned for us to do in this community, and it is so much bigger than us! Please pray for us as we continue to go into the streets and reach those in need!

-God Bless

Andy

I had a visitor!

2008-07-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day in Colorado! The last few days I had a friend by the name of Eric come and visit me from New Jersey! Eric and I were roomates when I lived in New Jersey, and works at New York City Relief! He flew in on Friday and we didn't do much of anything but hang out on the porch, and talk. Then on Saturday we went to a Christian Rock Festival called Heaven Fest. Kingdom Building Ministries was one of the sponsors and it worked out that Eric got to meet one of his favorite bands and get his picture taken with them. Yesterday we went on a little exploration trip and went to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. It was absolutely amazing, and I have never seen anything like it! We both got feeling a little funny at the top of Pikes Peak, but was an experience neither one of us will forget! It has been great to have one of my best friends fly in and spend some time with me here! I am so thankful for my experience here in Denver, and everyone that I have been able to meet!

God Bless!

dropped in the drink!

2008-07-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well, today great! We went white water rafting for the 2nd time this summer, and we got to do it on two different rivers! The first was the Lochsa in Kooskia Idaho, and the second was on the Wenatchee River somewhere in Seattle! This is the leader picture, and it is hard to believe that the Lord put together this mangy crew to do his work for the last 16 days! We are exhausted, but keep finding the energy from somewhere to keep going! Please keep us in your prayers! Matt and I are driving the RV's back to Denver starting tonight, and we are both tired. So pray for safety while we travel, and strength and energy for Terrence, Bennett, and Cheryl as they stay with the students here in Seattle for a few extra days! I will try to post some more stories once I get home!! God Bless!

Meet Denny

2008-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

We travelled to Eastern Washington to a City called Wenatchee. It was a really amazing driving, and we were going to work at a program for 50 - 100 homeless men called the Hospitality House. I met an incredible man named Denny, he was the garden manager, and has been living at the house for about 2 1/2 years. He is 62 years old has two children, and 3 step grand children. He served in our armed forces in Vietnam and worked several different jobs over his life time. He went on to tell me how his wife left him for another man, and when he came home from a week long bender his soon to be x-wife had taken everything including cleaning out their bank account. Within the next 6 months he found out that she had a brain tumor and had passed away. He was devistated, and he talked about it took many years for him to learn how to forgive. When I asked him to speak to our students he didn't talk much, but said "Don't let it take 62 years before you get serious about your faith." I thought it was incredible about how much passion he had for the homeless shelter turned into his home, and how much he loved it there. We had an opportunity to pray for him before we left, and it was a pleasure to have spent the day with him!

I had some help with this one!

2008-06-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

I asked these two young ladies to write something that I could post on my blog. They are both students on our 16 Days RoadTrip that I have been involved with this summer! From left to right, Lauren and Imani who are both from Michigan!

"We had amazing experience, ministering to people on the inner city streets of Denver, Colorado. Our team set out on an adventure that included ministering to different people on the streets. After going through several people trying to find one person that God had put on our hearts to talk with. We encountered a man from Africa who worked at a sunglass hut. He had moved from Africa twelve years ago with his brother, and he seemed like an amazing person. Our team had begun talking to him and about his past, then we realized it was passed our meeting time. When we started back to our meeting place I felt that I had done a pretty good job talking to him. We were rushing to get where we needed back to our team meeting place, Imani started to tell Matt (our leader) how she was disappointed that one lady we tried to reach out to wasn’t willing to talk to us. Then I realized that I hadn’t prayed for the man at the sunglass hut, and I started to cry. I felt that God had put it on my heart to go back and pray for him … He needs it. God told me I just knew that I needed to go back. So we figured out a plan we had fifteen minutes they said so we headed back to the sunglass hut, which was about a block away. I was very excited about the opportunity to go back and pray for him. We browsed around for a bit because we had been there once before, and I said “Is there anything that you need me to pray for?” Then Imani asked if we could pray over him and he said “yes!” We could tell God was there, and we then bought sunglasses and headed back to our group!"

I travel back to Colorado tomorrow to pick up another set of 16 days students! Keep us in your prayers!

A day that makes you think!

2008-06-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Today we started out in Seattle, Washington, and travelled a few miles down the road to Country Children's Home. This is a place where 8 severally physically handicap children live upon dismissal from the hospital, or if there parents are unable to continue care on their own. We were not able to take pictures of the children, but one of the things that I helped with while there is the sorting of the toys. We had to find out which ones worked, and which ones didn't. It was just something that the staff there just didn't have time to do. It was amazing to watch our students play with these kids who could hardly move, and couldn't talk. Most were very tentative at first, but as we moved on through out the day they became much more interactive. There was one young lady who was 16 years old, and was in hospice care. She has Huntington's, which disease that attacks the central nervous system and started with being unable to move her legs, and has worked the rest of the way up her body. She is assumed to have only a couple weeks to live. Huntington's is a genetic disease, which her mother was unaware she has when she and her husband had 3 children. Her mother passed away a few years ago, and all 3 children have this disease. I have had a really hard time today imagining being this Dad, and having to watch my wife and 3 children pass on in such a way. I don't know what I would do, or how I would react to such a thing. If you could remember this family in your prayers it would be appreciated.

Also, we have spent alot of time traveling over the last several days, and I have been able to have some very good talks with our students. I would also ask for prayer because there are several working through some very deep wounds. I pray that during this trip that the healing process is started, and that God will use me to speak into their lives.

God Bless,

Andy

Good Morning!

2008-06-23T07:34:00.001-07:00

Early mornings, late nights, and long drives have been the norm lately. The drive from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Salt Lake City Utah yesterday was the most spectacular drive of my life. There was one time in particular that stands out above the rest. We were driving in somewhere in Wyoming when we round a corner, and there it was! Up close and personal with a magnificent snow capped mountain. Unlike anything I have ever seen. Just then one my fellow drives gets on the CB and says “How can you tell me there isn’t a God?” That is the question I asked myself the rest of the day, corner after corner of unbelievable views it was a day that reaffirmed that there is a God and how awesome he is!

And we are off!

2008-06-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

The students arrived on Wednesday, and they have spent the last 2 days in intense study and discipleship time. Last night we surprised them with a 11:00 p.m. wake up call to go bowling. I think all the leaders are paying for that today! Today they are playing what is called "The Game," and will be trouncing all over Denver using only public transportation on a scavenger hunt. We will then pick them up and head out towards Seattle. We will be making stops along the way for different experiences, which is everything from picking apples with the homeless to white water rafting! We will be taking 3 RVs on this trip, and I am driving one of them. It is about 1600 miles one way, so if you would please pray for safety, patients, and strength as we prepare to pour into these students for the next 13 days. I again will update as much as possible along the way, but I am not sure how often I will have Internet access in places like Kooskia, Idaho! God Bless

What a Week!

2008-06-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

I sorry that there hasn't been a blog in a while! You have my sincerest apologises! However, things are going to start picking up drastically, and I will have a lot more to write about assuming I have time! This last week we went down to Wilmore, Kentucky for a christian music festival called Ichthus. It was crazy, and we were able to do some really cool things. The main reason we were down there was to do some marketing for KBM's discipleship programs. We were able to give out T-shirts that said "I feel ...." and also had a really big blank smiley face on them. We had a bunch of markers and people were able to draw all over them! They were an absolute hit, and when it was announced on the main stage that we were giving out free shirts is was mayhem! We gave out about 1500 shirts in less than a half hour! It was great advertisement! We are now in Seymore, Indiana at a camp called Spring Hill, and it is incredible! This is where the KBM's new week long discipleship camp is going to be held next year. We fly back to Colorado tonight, and then have one day before the 16 Days students arrive on Wednesday! Please keep us all in your prayers!

Meet The Team!

2008-05-23T09:19:00.001-07:00

I have been here in Colorado for almost two weeks now, and things are rolling. After several trips to the Denver International Airport the 16 Days Team is in full force and ready for action. First off is Matt "The Terror" Beasly he is from North Carolina is a youth ministry major at Southern Weselyan University, and has a really thick southern accent. Next is Sara "The Secret Weapon" Luce who is from Tennessee, and is on the verge of completing her 8 month intership with KBM. She attends Sewanee: The University of the South, and is majoring in International and Global studies. The big man in the middle is Terrence "The Bulldog" Williams who has been the Director of Training at Kingdom Building Ministries for three years. Of course you have me, Andy "The Hammer" Gibson. Last but not least you have Bennett "The Sniper" Giles. He is also from Tennessee, and attends King College where he is a Business Management major and soccer extraordinaire!

Well... I made it!

2008-05-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say hello to everyone that was wondering if I made it Colorado safely or not. It was a wonderful drive out. I will have to say that it is beautiful out here. I was amazed when driving into NYC, and again I am amazed driving around out here. The mountains are incredible, but the air is very thin! My roomate and I went on a "run" last night, and I was sucking air after a few blocks. I am at work for my second day now. I am still gettting aquainted with things and the people in my new home. They have all been amazing, and very open. I will continue to work with a number of different people in the office, until we leave for the 16 days trip. I will keep everyone updated as things progress!

God Bless,

Andy

Saying good-bye is never easy!

2008-04-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day of work at New York City Relief. It started like any typical Wednesday with prayer and worship in the morning, lunch, and then meetings. About 1:30 when our team meeting was supposed to start, they said they need my help unloading some things. What do I find? They all got me an ice cream cake! It was very difficult for me to leave today. I have grown personally, and met so many people that have played a very important role in that growth. NYCR will always have a special place in my heart! I want to thank everyone at NYCR for welcoming me into their family, and accepting me not inspite of my flaws but because of them! I am spending my last day in the city hanging out at the Today Show and Central Park reflecting on my time here. I fly home on Friday, have graduation on Saturday, and speak for the youth at Wabash Friends Church on Sunday. I am having an pot luck open house on May 4 from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at White's Lodge. You can R.S.V.P. at kathy.gibson@whitesrfs.org. I also wanted to thank everyone at home for your prayers and support that has allowed me to have an experience of a life time!

God Bless,

Andy

A pick-up game of ball in Manhattan!

2008-04-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today was one of the most fun days I have ever had on the bus. Since I had gotten here in February I wanted to play a pick up game of basketball, but it just hadn't been nice enough out for that to happen. Today turned out to be that day. I had shot baskets with a guy named Dee Dee once before, but there more people today. We played 4 on 4, and they played with some weird rules! It was funny to listen to the trash talk, and the guy I gaurded was nicknamed Tree. He was about 6'6" 260 lbs, and was a really nice guy. We only got to play one game because we were all out of shape, but afterwards I got to hang out. It was a great way to really get "in" and be able to talk and establish a relationship.

I am leaving for Washington DC tomorrow morning. My roomate and I are going for two days to see as many sights as possible. I would like for everyone to keep us in your prayers as we travel.

God Bless,

Andy

And your host....David Letterman!

2008-04-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

Thus far on my blog I have told some stories about my experiences on the relief bus, but I thought it was time I fill you in on a fun story. I applied for tickets to The Late Show with David Letterman in January. The tickets are free and you are chosen on the lottery system. Two weeks ago I recieved a phone call from Keith with The Late Show, and going into it I knew I had to answer a trivia question if called. I was really nervous that I would get this call, and not know the answer to the question, but I did! So this last Monday afternoon my roommate Eric and I went to a taping of The Late Show with David Letterman. The whole process of getting in was really crazy. We sat in the balcony of the Ed Sullivan Theater,and everything there was alot smaller than it appears on TV. Dave talked to the audience for only a minute or two before the show started, but it was a really cool experience. I will also tell you that it was alot funnier in person than on tv. So if you are ever in NYC make sure you try to get tickets to the Late Show it is well worth your time!

Need Some Prayer

2008-03-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write and let everyone know I am still alive and kicking. Things here are going so well, and I truly love what I am doing. I do have a prayer request. There has been some violence around the relief bus. I want to reassure everyone that it has no connection to or with anyone from the bus, but your prayers for saftey for staff and for volunteers would be greatly appreciated. I also wanted to tell everyone that I will be going to a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday March 31, and if you watch look for me!

A sad day in Harlem

2008-03-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

The gentleman in this picture is named Anthony. He is 52 years old, and he is a heroin addict. He had been clean 4 days up until today, and was in pretty bad shape when he came to the bus. It was only about 40 degrees that day, and he came wearing only sweats and a light jacket. We put a couple of shirts on him to try to keep him warm. The entire time he was at the bus he went in and out of conciousness, and could hardly talk. We were able to decifer that he wanted help getting into a detox, but was not able to walk on his own. We called the ambulance to come and get him. However, there is some good news that came out of all of this. The other man in the picture came to the Relief Bus about 6 weeks ago, when we helped him get into a detox. He has now been clean for 6 weeks, staying in a rehab facility, and taking computer classes. He was helping with Anthony when he started crying saying "This was me 6 weeks ago. I just can't thank you guys enough!"

Week # 4

2008-03-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

Today was the day that I met Elaine. She is a 53 year old mother of two the youngest is 20 years old. She is not homeless, and in fact has a place not to far from where the bus parks. However, she now lives alone because her husband passed away a few months back because of a brain aneurysm. One of the first things she old me was that she was believer and had been saved. The reason she came to see us today was that she was that she had started using heroine again, and wanted to go into a detox and get right with God. She said that has been through a program and completed it, but is not sure why she started using again. She went on to say that she just didn’t know how to handle things that were going on in here life. With her husband passing we were trying to helping her secure her husband social security so that after she got out she would have some options available. However, this was going to take some time, and did not allow us to get her into the detox today. We were able to pray with her, and that put a smile on her face! Over that 45 minutes her mood improved, and I believe that through our outreach we were able to instill some hope in her and her future. If you would keep Elaine in your prayers I would appreciate it, and I know that she would too!
God Bless

Week #2

2008-02-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to Johnny. Johnny is one of many homeless in New York City. During our conversation John told me many things that I have not been able to forget.
He readily admitted that he is an alcoholic, and said he would be drunk 24/7 if he could. He collects about 240 can each night in his shopping cart, which translates to $12 at the recycling center. This is the money he uses to buy alcohol. He says that most days he is able to get everything he needs from the street. This includes clothes, food, companionship, and no responsibility. He went on to say that this is where he feels comfortable, and that is because he understands the streets. He is infected with HIV, and has cirrhosis of the liver. He can fit everything he owns in a midsize suite case, which he wraps in plastic when it rains. He looked me straight in the eye with so much conviction and said “there is no hope.”

Those words have echoed in my head over and over again. As it says in 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." How lucky are we as Christians to know that no matter how bleak or glim things here on earth appear we will always have hope.

Week #1

2008-02-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

To be honest I am not even sure where to begin. I can tell you I appreciate all emails, prayers, and phone calls I have received from everyone at home! This week has been the most exhausting, trying, and rewarding weeks of my life. The first week of my journey has shown me a world I was not familiar with. It is a challenge to try and convey the things I have seen, heard, and learned over the last week. The sheer size of the Newark/New York City area is unbelievable! I heard this week that 1/10th of the U.S population lives within 100 miles of my home here in Elizabeth, NJ. The traffic is crazy, and I don’t think that anyone knows what a turn signal, stop sign, or speed limit is. There are 170 languages spoken daily in New York City. For the first time in my life I wish I would have paid more attention in Spanish class! There is an estimated 70,000 homeless in the NYC area. Our goal at New York City Relief is to provide a pathway to help and hope to the poor and oppressed. We use food and clothes as an in to get to the more serious needs of those who we serve. There are two relief buses that go to Newark, Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We are able to give out 450 to 1050 servings of soup, bread, and hot chocolate per day. It does make a difference, but the need goes way beyond what you can even comprehend. The use of drugs is noticeable at every stop. The difference between each stop is noticeable as well. Most of the people we serve are open and receptive to help, but it has amazed me how picky, unappreciative, and greedy some can be. Greed doesn’t appear to have a tax bracket attached. It is more exhausting than I ever imagined. I have had jobs that were physically and even emotionally exhausting, but the added spiritual element, that has been amazing, take so much more out of me. There is so much that I do not understand, and can’t comprehend. There have been 3 events that have stuck out in my mind this week. We were in the Bronx at Love Gospel, and a lady came in who was a severe drug addict and suicidal. We got her to come inside the bus, and talked to her about getting help that she so desperately needed. We called the ambulance and prayed that she would stay until it got there, which she did! The second was in Harlem, which was by far the roughest of all the areas I went. The crack house, prostitutes, and people were incredible. To the left of where we parked was a hotel that rents rooms by the hour and too our right was a well known crack house. The area is also well known for the number of homeless. The homeless are very resourceful… the things that we would just toss aside in a trash can they would find a way to use. The third event that sticks out was today when we were in Brooklyn. The site is where a lot of children come hang out and get something to eat. I was able to stand outside and make balloon animals for the kids there. The smile on those kids faces is something that I will never forget! I have so many stories and observation I could go on for pages! I have posted a slideshow that I hope is working correctly, and I hope you take the time to look through. It is just a few of the pictures I have taken. I will be sure to post more as they come in! Again thank you so much for your support, prayers, and encouragement.

God Bless

Andy

Just a few pics for you!

2008-02-09T20:02:00.001-08:00

Opps!!

2008-02-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still doing well, and will probably be updating this once a week. However, I was just informed that I made a mistake on some of my fundraising letters! There is a typo on Wabash Friends Return address. The correct address should be 3563 South State Road 13 Wabash, IN 46992. For those of you sending in support it is greatly appreciated, and I am not sure I can thank you enough! I am only 6 days into this expernience, and it is amazing!

It is finally here!

2008-02-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am safely in New Jersey. My flight down here was a royal pain again, but I won't have to deal with that for a while! I have all my things here, and everything is put away. I got to go to the city yesterday, and it was absolutely incredible. There are so many people, buildings, and things going on! The Giants won the Superbowl last night, and that has all that has been on tv since. I start working on the Relief Bus tomorrow, and if you want to have a better idea of what I will be doing you can look at my video bar on this blog. You can also follow the link on this blog to the NYCR web page. I feel so blessed and privledged to go on this mission trip over the next 10 months! I appreciate everyone's prayers and support!

It's crunch time!

2008-01-24T23:13:00.000-08:00

I have officially completed my master's program. On Tuesday January 22, 2008 I finished my last class, and it is as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It is hard to believe that the last 23 months has gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was graduating from high school try to determine whether or not to attend college. Now almost 10 years later and 6 1/2 years of school I have an M.B.A. Tonight is also my last night of work at White's Residential and Family Services. I still have many things to do before I fly out on February 1. As of last week I thought I had everything planned, and was getting ready to send out all my support letters. However, there have been a few wrenches thrown in my plans, and now things are going to have to change. At this point I am unsure when I will be able to send those letters out, and how I am going to raise support. But I am still going to New Jersey. I have faith that everything will work out as it needs too, and all my needs will be met on this journey. Your continued prays and support is appreciated.

Andy

I am ready to go back!

2008-01-08T02:37:00.001-08:00

Hello!

I am just trying to figure out how this works exactly so that when I offically go I will be ready to fill everyone in on my adventure! The trip to New York City Relief last week was absolutely amazing! I almost didn't come home! However, after being out there for a few days I am more excited than every before about the journey I am about to go on! The people that I am going to be working with were great and treated me like one of the family. The people of New York City whom I am there to serve are also incredible. I was able to see everything from hyperdermic needles laying around the sight where we parked the bus to a little boy smiling ear to ear because I was able to give him a pack of M&M's! The short trip there reminded me how thankful I should be for being raise in such a loving and giving family. It is very difficult to explain the conditions in which some of these people endure on a daily basis. I have never had to think about where I am going to get my next meal, sleep at night, or enough clothes to wear. It has made me think "Why do I only celebrate Thanksgiving only once a year?" I will upload some pictures as soon as I figure out how. I also want to thank you all for your support, because I could not do this with out you!

Andy