November in the park

We had a great morning last Saturday with the CrossRoads Church/Live Out Love group! We started with 3 assembly lines for lunches and snacks.

We then headed downtown to Rice Park, set up some tables with coffee and hot chocolate, lunches and snacks, and hygiene kits.

We had several benches with men's items (socks, underwear, shaving kits and coats), and benches with women's items (socks, underwear and feminine hygiene packs).

Groups of three or four headed through the other parks, the bus shelters and Dorothy Day Center, taking water and food, letting people know we were in the park.

We met a lot of people, and many of our group got to sit down and talk our friends. It was a great day, and our friends really appreciated the chance to talk (and get new socks, underwear and hygiene items).

Thanks so much to the CrossRoads Women's Ministry for enough donations to make 500 feminine hygiene packs! Our friends really appreciated that!!! Thanks to the Children's Ministry for the donations of socks and underwear! Thanks to the ladies who have been faithfully making mitts, scarves and hats!

If you would like to contribute to either our monthly events, or our weekly smaller walks through downtown, please use the donation bin at CrossRoads Church (near the Children's Ministry check-in desk), or find me at Gallery Church. Our friends are very appreciative for all the items you donate!

Peace,

Matt

It's time to break out the mitts!

This past weekend, we had a couple of people ask us if we had mitts and gloves with us. It was 50F that morning. Now that the cold front has moved in, and there is a frost warning for tonight, we're now gearing up for the cold weather. If you have hats, scarves and mitts/gloves (for adults and children), let me know, or drop the items in the bins at CrossRoads (or hand them to me at CrossRoads Sunday morning, or The Gallery Sunday evening).

The photo is from last winter; I'm showing it to remind us (me), that now is the time for the cold-weather gear...

Tomorrow night, some of the ladies of CrossRoads are getting together to make some mitts and hats. Thank you ladies! (The men on the street prefer dark, solid colors, while the ladies prefer colorful items.)

Peace,

Matt

Autumn Updates...

Long time, no typing...
We've been going downtown most weekends through the spring and summer. Usually it's been our group of 4-5, but four times we've host a group from Live Out Love from CrossRoads Church. On those days we've set up a station in Rice Park, then sent out groups of 4-5 to the parks and bus stops. It's been great to see the participants' enthusiasm, and better to hear them say their eyes have been opened to the people they'd normally walk by.
Thanks to CrossRoads for promoting the events, and supplying the water and the bananas (and vacuum pots of coffee!).

One thing we've seen is that the number of people on the street and in the parks have been increasing (numbers were down last year before and after the RNC: the Excel Center is next to Rice Park and across the road from Dorothy Day, Listening House and Mary Hall). I'm expecting that we are going to be seeing more people through the winter as well.

If you'd like to help out, come to one of the Live Out Love events, or send me a note... We have a group of ladies that knit mitts, hats and scarves for the winter (thank you so much!). Our friends also need new socks (athletic socks are best...), and underwear (mens and ladies, S,M,L,XL), as well as hygiene items. Drop me a note if you'd like to help, or you can drop items for the homeless in the donation bins at CrossRoads and The Gallery churches (CrossRoads in Woodbury: bins are near the entrance to CrossWalk, The Gallery @ Stepping Stone Theater: bins are in the lobby).

And, please pray! If you think it is cold and miserable out (and you know it's coming!), please stop and pray for the people finding shelter.

Thanks and blessings,
Matt

A cold day in February...

On Valentine's Day this year we put on a little event in Rice Park. We set up a table with a cooler of orange drink (thanks, McDonalds in Cottage Grove), bagged lunches and hygiene packs. We put out bins of mens and womens clothes, hats, socks, scarves and mitts, and spread coats (thanks Stone Soup) and blankets across the benches. A couple of us manned the food table, and the other four helped people find the clothes they needed. A special "thanks!" to the ladies at CrossRoads who have been knitting scarves and sewing the mitts! People really appreciated that these were hand made.

We had a great day! The sun shine helped counter the cold wind (yes, it was cold!). We got to talk to a lot of people, and share some laughs and some hugs.

We will be looking at repeating this maybe every six or eight weeks; in the meantime we will be doing our regular walks through downtown.

Christmas 2008 - Thank you ladies!

Thanks to very generous donations from the ladies that attended the CrossRoads Church Women's Christmas Brunch, we have been able to purchase supplies to put together Christmas gift bags to give to those in shelters today. The bags have new socks, cookies, candies and candy canes, and breakfast bars. We are also handing out Christmas cards that a local Girl Scout troop wrote, some baked goods donated by Rainbow, stuffed animals some friends donated, and handwarmers.

Thanks all for your generosity and compassion for people in the shelters and on the streets this cold and snowy Christmas. Blessings to you all!

Memories of warm weather

Gang,

With the weather turning cold, I'm posting pictures of when it used to be warm...

The first picture is from Rice Park (we did a goofy thing, and had a sign for free smiles along with our usual food and water), and on the other is from when we helped with Hearts on Fire for God homeless outreach in Minneapolis (we arranged the clothing give away, and then several bands performed and a couple of pastors spoke in the Musicbox Theatre).

God bless,

Matt

Updates

Gang,

We still head downtown St. Paul most Saturday afternoons. Lately we've learned that warm dark socks are very appreciated (white socks are ok, but dark socks are a treat!). Hygiene items (and especially hygiene packs that meal groups at CrossRoads have put together) are really appreciated. Now that the weather is turning cold, it's also hats and gloves time. We had a great group of ladies that made lined fleece mitts for us last year (the people LOVED the mitts!), and some other ladies that make scarves. Let me know if you would like to join these ladies in serving the homeless in these ways.

What we hear over and over is that people like to be treated with dignity. That's why we always approach someone saying "Excuse sir" or "Excuse me ma'am", or "Good afternoon...". The hats and water and snack bars and hygiene items are a bonus.

Let me know if you have questions. You can usually find me every service at CrossRoads Church (Woodbury campus) at the CrossWalk Kids check-in desk. Or you can send me a note through this blog and I'll contact you.

God bless,
Matt Atkinson

A sad day

It's a sad day .... one of our cohort, JoynJesus, is heading to another state as result of a job relocation. She was our key person working with Family Life Services (on the pregnancy crisis line, and coordinating donations), and always a truly joyous person. I'm happy for her family's new opportunities, and glad that I can call her a sister, and sad that she won't be around.
JnJ, I pray for God's blessing on you and your family, and I pray that you will be led to a place you can serve with as much joy as you served with us.

Ideas for the Whole Community: Should we give money to street people?

I found this post on another blog... interesting thoughts....
Matt


Ideas for the Whole Community: Should we give money to street people?

More sewing

Can you sew? If not, can you cut fabric? We are also going to be getting together to sew mitts and hats for our homeless friends. Interested in helping? Let me know... Matt

A little Help

Do you know how to sew? We have a winter coat thats in good condition but needs a zipper. Would you be willing to supply what's needed and fix it?

If yes, please leave your name and phone number with someone in the office.

Thanks
Praxis

Socks and underwear

Over the past while, we've learned that our friends living on the street, living in shelters or camping along the Mississippi really appreciate new clean underwear and socks. Our desire is to be able to give a couple of changes of socks and underwear to every person we find on the street over the summer.
If you or your meal group would like to help, we would like:
-New, clean underwear (both men's and women's)
-New, clean socks (white athletic socks are great), either ankle socks for women, or full length socks for men and women.

You can drop the socks and underwear off in either the office during the week, or at the Welcome Table/Info Booth on the weekend. It would be best if you could put them in a grocery back labeled "PRAXIS"

As well, we can always use hygiene items.

If you would like to join us some Saturday, leave a message for me at the church office, and I'll give you a call.

Blessings all!

Matt

Some of what I've learned while walking

I've been walking downtown now for 6 months helping the homeless and those who just seem to be in need. When I first started I thought it might be interesting to check it out and see what happens. I didn't know that God had much more in store for me.

Some day's can be tough. So many people are hurting and lonely. For a long time I didn't know how to handle it. I would pray to God and ask him WHY WHY WHY! and then I'd feel like giving up and not going out. But then, Saturday would come and I couldn't help but go out again. This kept happening to me, I'd get depressed and angry and Saturday would come and I'd go out. One of the people on the streets that we meet sometimes is Freda. One particular Saturday I found out that she had been on the Streets for 16 years. The sadness she had in her eyes was just to much for me to bear. I went home that day from my walk and cried for at least an hour. I prayed constantly to God asking why he would let this happen to this elderly woman. I also prayed to find a way to help if not cure homelessness. I was so distraught about it. After about two continuous weeks of praying God gave me my answer. He told me that it wasn't my job to cure homelessness and I can' t help everyone. My job is to bring joy to those I come in contact with. He also let me know that there is no cure for homelessness and that there will always be "haves and have nots". He also let me know that it's OK for me to go home to my family and be thankful for my blessings. Not only did he give me answers but he lifted the burden I was carrying. I'm no longer depressed or sad but am grateful to be able to help those I meet and am now able to enjoy the time I share with them.

I don't want to end this post with it sounding like we are out there not having any fun. We have some really great days. Like when me met Boomer. Boomer is a parrot. His owner has him trained to do tricks to a ringing bell. That was a fun day! We also get to meet lots of interesting people who like to share where they've been and where they are going. Some people are just passing through on the way to new jobs and it's fun to hear about their travels on the road. We have a few friends that we see often and it's just nice to chit chat. Not only is it fun to see our friends on the streets but it's fun just hanging out with our group talking and laughing. When we are walking, I sometimes envision if that's what Jesus and the disciples where doing. Walking, talking and laughing.

God Bless
Little Dawn

Scraps and loose ends...

"The only constant is change..."
When I started this blog, I was hoping that people would use it to share their experiences helping others. Through the spring and summer it worked that way. We had a fairly regular stream of comments. It was good.
We had a bit of a end-of-summer blogging slump, and we lost our readership.
While we currently have a link from the Sanctuary website, soon we may be posting announcements directly on the Sanctuary blog. Keep your eyes open there also.
We'll be handing out lists of items that can be donated for the homeless after the Sanctuary service this Sunday. We collect these items before and after the Sanctuary service. Alternately you can drop things off in the church office.
We are still going downtown most every Saturday, and if you want to join our expanding group give me a call. If you want to learn more about helping New Life Family Services, given Reagen a call. If you want to help with Bill's Pantry, give Mary B. or Jim L. a call (call the church office for numbers).
If you want to know about Care Kits for community nurses in Swaziland, send me a note.
Blessings as you get out into the community and care for the forgotten...
Matt

As Long as God Has Me Here, I'm Going to Do What I Can.

A friend of mine from high school works at an amazing ministry in Tegucigalpa, Honduras called Project Manuelito. This ministry helps get children off the streets of Tegucigalpa. He recently wrote me a letter, and I wanted to share part of it because what he does is definitely 'praxis'.

"...When I first came to Honduras back in 1993, I never imagined that it would lead me to where I am today!

Just a day or so ago, I was out walking when some kids asked me for some money. I smelled the glue they were sniffing...so potent! I told them I wouldn't give them money, but that if they were hungry, I'd get them something to eat. I went into the closest restaurant and bought them a little something. The deal had been that I give them the food and they give me the glue...well...didn't quite work out. They never handed over the glue... but I always give the food anyway. It's sad just how many and how young street kids are. Used to be 15,000 in Honduras. They now estimate 18,000! This country needs help. And as long as God has me here, I am going to do what I can."

"As long as God has me here, I'm going to do what I can." That is my new motto. There is so much to be done, and so few workers. I thank God for my friend's servent heart, for his willingness to go to the ends of the earth to feed hungry children, both physically and spiritually. My prayer is that God will use me where I am too. For whatever His will may be.

Here are some links to more information about project manuelito.

http://www.projectmanuelito.org/

Here is a link to a video of another ministry my friend works with. My friend refers to it as the "Micah Project". It is a fairly new ministry in Teguc, and it helps the 1200 people or so who call the city dump, their home.

http://www.hondurasfield.org/jumbaugh/. Then click on the Micah Project.wmv file. It's just over nine minutes long.

So, whatcha up to?

We want to connect people to ministries outside our doors. I am a bit hesitant to simply give a list of ministries that I don't know much about. We've been checking some out individually, but that's been taking time. That's were this request comes from: if you are connected with a ministry outside our doors, and you are excited about it and wished more people served with you there, let us know, so we can direct people to it (and let them talk to you to get more details). You can respond here, put it on a communication card during service, or catch Bill or me after service.
Blessings all...

One year later

So, we started doing this praxis thing just over a year ago. There is something about an anniversary that makes me reflect back. So, what where have we been?

Pastor Brad asked us to do something with "social justice", and to "run with it". We first found a multimedia course that our denomination put together. This course was written specifically to help churches launch appropriate social justice ministries. It was a combination of finding the needs in the neighborhood and region, finding the passions and giftings of the people in the congregation, and slowly building a self-sustaining structure to move forward. Sounded great. I was told however that we weren't going to run this course (for a variety of reasons). Oh well.

Bill and I first tried mapping out a complete organization, and then tried finding people to fill the various roles. Well, since Sanctuary was just starting and we didn't know very many people and how they could plug in, we didn't succeed. After that we advertised a couple of meetings and asked interested people to come and suggest ministries.

Out of this came the support for New Life Family Services.

The AIDS task force was launched with strong support from the pulpit, which drew a strong leadership team. Armed with their passion and materials on launching AIDS minsitries (from a Saddleback Church conference), this group found and built connections with a couple of established HIV/AIDS ministries in the Twin Cities, and are active. That's great.

Bill and I and some others have been going downtown most Saturdays to spend time with the homeless and give them water and hygeine supplies in the summer, and hats, gloves, handwarmers and blankets in the winter. Many people have generously donated blankets and winter gear. (Thank you very much: your generosity touched many people!)One small group asked us to come and talk to them about it, which was beneficial.

Now to some of the challenges we faced: we are not an conventional-style org-chartable ministry. We don't have a voice "at the table". We are not a budget line anywhere (and having been on the church council several years ago, I've seen the benefits of appearing on the budget...). For a while we set up a table in the lobby each Sunday night, but that has become difficult with the numbers of people now attending (oh, the problems of a growing church (smile) ) I've tried to get space at the different info tables, but even when I got the space, I didn't really get the space (long story...)
What could be done? I've thought about setting up the donation bins by the wall. However, I've noticed that the food shelf barrels that have been set up in the lobby seem to collect empty coffee cups...probably not going to work for our stuff either. We tried leaving our bins in the cloak room, but everyone was asked to clean their stuff out of the cloak room (a reasonable request...)

I've just received a request to provide 400 pairs of socks to give out at an event for the homeless...faced with this request (and knowing that we don't have announcements at Sanctuary or a way of advertising this except through what you are reading right now), what would you do?

Also, dear reader, I'd also like to know what you would change as of today concerning Praxis (it might help to review the first couple of posts to get a sense of the mission)?

Oh, and one more thing...if you read this, just send a comment saying "I read this", or "I read this and you're whining..." or something to let me know...
That's it.
Blessings all,
Matt

HIV drugs for children in Africa

I came across this news item on the BBC website. It refers to a report from a coalition of groups, including World Vision. I'm posting this as there has been interest in the topic in previous posts on this blog. The news item says in part that:

The Global Movement for Children said that, in June 2005, around four million children were in need of cotrimoxazole, an antibiotic costing 3 US cents per day per child, which prevents life-threatening infections in HIV infected children and infants born to HIV-positive mothers.

It can also delay the onset of Aids and the need for anti-retroviral therapy.

It adds that 90% of HIV-positive children are infected by a failure to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

The report says providing a mother with comprehensive care can reduce the risk of transmission to less than 2%.

But under 10% of HIV-positive pregnant women currently receive the necessary drugs.

The report makes a series of recommendations including the development of simple and affordable diagnostic tests, more research and development for child specific treatment and improvements to health-care systems in developing countries to make it easier to get medication to children.

The rest of the news item can be found here

The part that struck me is again the low cost of doing the right thing! Thoughts?

Message about trip to Swaziland

As you know, we were in Swaziland with pastors from 2 other churches. Here is a link to a message by one of the pastors, Pastor Reed Mueller from Columbia Ridge Community Church (in the beautiful Columbia River gorge). Listed on this page is the first message he gave after he returned from Swaziland (2006-05-06). Reed and his wife Erin visited some of the same places we did, and also visited some different ones.
I enjoyed his message very much, and he makes some great points.
Listen when you get a chance, and let me know what you think.
Blessings...

Link to messages here

Swaziland-Part 1

It's been awhile since I've posted. I've been in Swaziland with Pastors Phil & Brad, Jim, and a couple of newly-met brothers and sisters (from Portland OR, St. Louis, Pennsylvania...). We were there an a "Vision Trip" (we were told to roll down our sleeves and be receptive and learn...) as opposed to a Mission Trip. We've been back a week, and I'll still processing what I saw. Perhaps giving snapshots will help both you and I see what is happening to our brothers and sisters in southern Africa.

One of my big take-aways was again that God never fails to surprise me. We went over prepared (as much as we could) to be heart-broken by what we were going to see. That happened. But I was really surprised by the hope and joy we saw in the rural area of Swaziland we were in. Here there is a 42% HIV/AIDS prevalance level, and it's really taking its toll on the communities. And yet people are hopeful and joyful because they have a bigger and more real and intimate vision of God. They really believe that with their service to their community in Jesus' name that the tide can be turned and that they will be able to raise the children aged 5-15 to adulthood free of HIV. At that point the corner will have been turned.
Such faith!
We went expecting to have our hearts broken, and they were. But not only were they broken so that we could feel their pain, but also that we could feel their joy. Without being able to feel their pain, I don't think I'd be able to fully understand their joy.
More rambling thoughts to come...