November 25, 2006 Moore Square

The Lord blessed many with candles, winter clothing, blankets, and a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast.

Thanksgiving

We are thanking God for all your prayers and support as the love of Jesus brought to everyone this holiday season!

A prayer was answered Sunday evening when an employer called with 10 three-week positions. This week three of the Lord's lambs have begun working fulltime. They received gifts of work boots, food, and gas from an area church and missionaries. Depending on the work schedule, the three have rotated through missionaries' home during the week. One wants to stay substance free and considers going into a home for recovering addicts once he meets the house requirements. Thank You Jesus! They are all so happy to have direction and hope to get out of the woods that are rapidly disappearing around them. Please keep them in your prayers as they are only assured of work for three weeks.

The couple that moved into assisted living in Wendell lost those placements and are again looking for places to stay. They have been blessed with a motel room for a short time. Please pray for the Lord's guidance as they try to enter another facility that meets their needs.

Thanksgiving Day was such a blessing! Missionaries who regularly minister on Thursday nights arrived this time to see dozens of volunteers and homeless waiting for them. As many hands helped unload cars and bring in food, others went into the parking lot and camps, personally inviting those they found to the Lord's Thanksgiving Feast.

It was awesome to see the new missionaries mingling with the lambs, sharing stories, finding out about needs and offering help as they were led by the Lord. Some received coats and blankets, others dog food and cat food for their pets in the woods. But everyone received the assurance that people care about them and are willing to share a meal with them even during this hectic holiday time!


Please pray for a vision shared by one missionary of a business that will employ the homeless without regard to their past work histories or criminal records, helping them find housing as well. Please pray the kerosene account be replenished in time for the coming cold weather. Several of the homeless rely on kerosene heaters.

One of the Lord's lambs, suffering from what may be sciatica, received treatment and prayers from several missionaries -- including some who had experienced the same problem themselves. One missionary, celebrating her birthday, was blessed to have two versions of Happy Birthday sung in her honor. She also received phone calls, gifts, and cards signed by so many of the lambs she knows and loves. God is so good!

A lamb who had been living off Poole Road has returned to Garner. Please pray he will heed the dozens of invitations he received to come to church!

Please keep one of the Lord's lambs in your prayers. He has been substance free for 10 months but still suffering from alcohol related health issues. He was released from the hospital last week and staying in a friend's apartment.

The medical mobile unit will be at With Love From Jesus November 30th beginning at 6:30.

We are thanking Jesus for each of you being a blessing to so many!
God Bless

November 12-19, 2006

The Lord has once again blessed us so much!

A missionary was asked to speak with the United Methodist Women 11/11 but was out of town. Another sister in Christ went so willing in her place to share stories of her experiences putting the women's fears to rest. The UMW is beginning showers in an area church December 2nd. The church body is providing transportation, showers, meals, and a Bible study on weekly bases. They are also planning to pack to-go meals for those who don't attend. Please keep this church in your prayers as they are blessed by being a blessing to others! God is good!

Last Sunday, missionaries were blessed to find just enough food to fill bags for delivery to the Lord's lambs, including one that had been lost and was given temporary shelter in the trailer where another had just taken up residence. It is such a blessing to see them looking out for each other. A handful of lambs returned to a missionary's home for hot dogs and fellowship.

A missionary was asked to speak at an Oxfam Hunger banquet and Homeless and Hunger panel through an AmeriCorps VISTA program at NCSU this week. With the Lord's perfect timing she was able to show photographs of camps received from the photo-journalist's shoot in October. She has been asked to return to the program's professional development planning meeting in December. They would like the opportunity to meet with the Lord's least of these and feed them. The Lord is opening so many opportunities for so many to serve His lost lambs!

During the week, a homeless couple learned they may be able to move into housing in Wendell. The man is recovering from being hit by a car and must have assisted living. His girlfriend is visually impaired and also needs assisted living. The Lord has found them places just a short walk apart!

On Thursday night, one lamb's salvation was sorely tested as he was using drugs again and was being verbally attacked by an old acquaintance with many of his past sins. Where once this man would have lashed out violently and probably ended up in jail, he held himself in check, storming outside to evade the temptation. Both eventually apologized for disrupting the Bible study and received prayer. Please continue to pray that they will avoid their substances of choice.

A White House Faith-Based and Community Initiative conference was held in Charlotte, NC this week with over 1000 faith-based organizations in attendance. What a blessing to participate with such a large group who serve our precious Lord's least of these. The conferences included workshops from many Federal and State departments covering issues such as housing, labor, justice, homeland security, health and human services. Other workshops covered issues such as youth offenders, families, volunteers, grant writing and submission, business plans, education, at-risk youth... Much was gleaned. The Lord is answering prayers with such provision!

Please keep a lamb in prayer. In order to receive disability he can no longer work. Although his disability check is less than his working check, he will receive housing and medical subsidies. Please pray for volunteer opportunities to occupy his 40 hour work week. We know what the Bible states about idleness. He just received his 6 month AA chip! This same lamb purchased winter items to donate for the area camps. Praise God!!

One of the Lord's lambs celebrated his one year substance free anniversary this week. He was blessed to return to his family in California and was able to see his father before he died. This lamb is now on a mission to alert others on the dangers of drinking and sclerosis of the liver, which still may claim his life. He is seeing how God is using him -- something he didn't imagine even a year ago. He is still living with family and is healthy enough now to help around the house and contribute some of his disability check to pay expenses -- something he felt strongly he must do to repay their loving hospitality.

One of the Lord's lambs has returned to the slippery slope of alcoholism. He has become more isolated and depressed. His sister called from Kentucky telling missionaries she planned to visit her brother. She was taken to his home and waited until he opened the door. Talk about the persistent widow! When the missionary returned bringing lunch, the two were in the yard, talking. It was the first time in many months she had seen him smiling. The sister plans to visit monthly. What a gift from the Lord to witness His hand repairing relationships!

A missionary filled his car with donated winter items from an area church last weekend. Other donations were dropped off during the week, filling their living room. Many of the items were used when another area church took care-packages to camps yesterday. What a treat to meet with well over 30 brothers and sisters in Christ wanting to donate, sort, bring care-packages and prayer to area homeless! Some teams went with missionaries who have been into the camps before. Others went with "typical" directions to anyone's home, you know follow this path, when you get to the open area go to the right for another 20-30 yards until you see the path again, look for the blue tarp or green tent; another set of directions were follow the path to the track, turn right, walk 184 railroad ties and take a left on the path.

One team went to a beautiful Raleigh camp, a fire still smoldering with no one home. The team admired the camp, talked, and left the care-packages. As the team was driving past the camp, they could see the men opening their care-package. Imagine coming out of hiding to receive gifts such as the comfort and warmth of the blanket of Jesus, the Lord's protection from the elements with a coat, hat, scarves, and coat; and the Light of Jesus through His candle. Thank you Jesus for Your Light!

Another team went to a Cary camp. They found a lost lamb asking to attend church. He was ashamed of his clothing and felt so alone. He wanted clothing to attend church. A family's son was the same size and was able to donate pants, shirt, and a winter coat. The lamb attended church today and would like to return next week. He also would like to participate with the Thanksgiving feast at With Love From Jesus! Lord, we thank you for giving us arms to hug and welcome Your lost into Your family!

One missionary was sent to find four lambs near a K-Mart in Knightdale. As he neared the area, he saw a man flying a sign at an intersection and stopped to see whether he was one of the lambs. He turned out to be someone new, living in his van after being released following stomach surgery at nearby Wake Medical Center. The missionary gave him one of the care packages and went on. At K-Mart he found another man -- this one nearly arrived from Miami -- who gratefully accepted a care package and said the other four lambs had been forced to leave their camp by police. Not knowing where to find them, the missionary began driving across town towards his home with two more care packages in his trunk. “Where shall I drop these God?” he asked.

At an intersection in Garner, he suddenly felt God telling him to turn right, down a seldom used road. There he found a lamb he had known for several years -- one who had not been seen in months -- walking back to his old camp. The missionary joyfully stopped his car with emergency lights flashing, hugged the man and gave him the care package. As they were talking, the missionary said, "Now I just need to figure out what to do with the last bag." Then another lamb -- one who frequently comes Thursday night -- rode up on his bicycle, saying he had seen the flashing lights and wondered if anyone needed help. The missionary joyfully handed him the last care package, laughing and saying, "God was looking for you!"

Some teams met afterwards discussing how humbled members were with the warm reception and hospitality in the camp home or the care taken in the camps with beautiful rock walkways. The area church is planning "fishing for men" trips in December and January in the Cary/Apex area. They are asking the Lord to help them identify camps prior to the annual homeless count in January. A brother in Christ is making a map of the camp locations. God is amazing!

Today (Sunday) still more people at an area church were volunteering to bring blankets, other supplies and to help out with the next homeless outreach. Others, in person and by email, said they would be coming out Thanksgiving night to lend a hand and share the love of Jesus. Missionaries at that church were blessed to meet a brother and sister in Christ who will be mission leaders there. Their first order of business was to join the lambs at the regular weekly lunch and find out all they could about the outreach. Praise God!

We are thanking the Lord for you, your prayers, your generous heart and hands.

November 10, 2006

We are thanking the Lord for His sowers, His waterer, and His harvesters. So many of His fields are still in need of planting His Word and His love. There are fields where planting has occurred, but there is need of His tender care. And there are many fields ripe for His harvest.

A team of pastors went to the woods in the South Raleigh/Garner areas Saturday to bring physical and spiritual food with His mighty warmth and comfort delivering pizzas, blankets, prayers, words of encouragement, and love. The food and blankets were great ice breakers but the six camps were blessed by knowing someone cares enough to make sure they are warm and loved. Blankets were collected by members of an area church, the fall festival benefit in Apex, and Rex Hospital. The area church is following up with a winter item collection and delivery November 18th to 16 camps in Wake County. The Apex chiropractic office will continue to collect winter items through the month of November. An area Girl Scout troop donated 30 blankets. We are all of one body, without all members, the body of Christ is incomplete. Ephesians 4:12-16, 1 Corinthians 12.

A member of the body has donated 2000 pillar candles for those in need of light. Please pray that His lost lambs come to know, they do not have to walk in darkness. 1 John 1:5-7

A sister in Christ contacted the Dorcas shop several months ago. The Dorcas shop called a missionary last week to tell them an area store would like to donate their prepared food to the Church in the Woods at the end of every day. Teams have five of the seven nights needed to begin the pick-ups. These five nights already have locations to deliver the food. Please pray for two more teams and two more locations to feed the Lord's lost lambs. While talking with the contact, she let the missionary know she has been looking for a church home. She was so excited to hear how an area church is stepping out of its walls to reach the Lord's lost. All things work together for good.

A missionary was contacted concerning a homeless 20 year old pregnant mother with a 15 month old in Apex. The members of Body of Christ have contacted the contact with information and are now waiting to hear back. Please keep this woman and children in prayer.

One the Lord's lambs now has two part-time jobs and asked at the Sunday mission for help him with financial counseling. Another has asked for money management and budgeting. Others need it. Support circles are needed to share the Lord's talents to others. So many of the Lord's lambs want to be trained in the way they should go. The Body of Christ is needed to build up His body.

One of the Lord's lambs called concerned about another. She had called him asking for help. He and his boss went looking for her. Missionaries also looked for her. Her pets had been left unattended. Something has happened, when the lamb found her the following day she was drinking again, after 7 weeks of sobriety. She isn't talking. Please keep her in your prayers, prayers of unconditional love. Prayers she will take to Jesus her problems and open up a dialog with Him.

Another lamb spent the night with missionaries prior to his court hearing. Missionaries have been begging him to get a haircut. He asked for one that evening, as well as to do his laundry and take a shower before seeing the judge in the morning. Imagine going to court without a shower or clean clothes. He had his ticket with the court date as the 9th, but the hearing was the day before. He was put on a list at the magistrate’s office. He will hear something within the next 30 days.

The Thursday mission was blessed with the movie, "Fly Wheel". It was produced by Sherman Productions, the producers of "Facing the Giants". The Lord provided food through an area church and caterer. Missionaries brought the TV and DVD player, popcorn and drinks. What's movie without popcorn! Several lambs were in tears when the main character rededicated his life to Christ and more tears when his father came, prayed with him and told him how proud he was. One lamb said that he would give anything to hear his father say that. Heavenly Father thank you for never letting us down!

A missionary met a brother in Christ at a coffee shop months ago. He works second shift but took the night off from work to join the mission. He was such a gift from God with Spanish being his native tongue. A lamb was worried about his upcoming court date. He is worried about spending time in jail because he is now working. Another was able to discuss his sick brother and friend easily. The Lord has placed on this brother's heart to start a business employing the homeless. He also asked how he can help. He was told hearts and hands; come out and talk with the lambs, let them see the Lord’s love through you.

Please keep a missionary in your prayers as she is on a Hunger and Homelessness panel at NCSU Monday the 13th. We are thanking the Lord for His perfect timing of the release of the Cary Magazine article and the photos from photo journalist Joe Bryan..

Teams are visiting camps in Wake County November 18th to bring the warmth of Christ to those living outside this winter. Coats, blankets, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, candles, and other winter items are being collected and delivered.

There will be a mobile medical mission November 30th at 421 Chapanoke Rd, Raleigh. Set-up begins at 6 PM. All medical personal is needed, especially dental. Please contact Alice at 772-7050 for more information.

November 3,2006

We are thanking the Lord for answering your prayers. We have been praying for harvest hands and our mighty God is providing them.

The Lord's lambs from the Cary Oxford home brought another volunteer and a new and improved food pick-up and delivery system Sunday. Thank you Jesus!

An area church announced that a team of pastors wanted to deliver blankets to a few camps in the woods tomorrow. In addition to the blankets, these pastors are inviting the Lord's lambs to church, as the church has just completed a series on "Company is Coming ." Please pray for the Lord to provide opportunities for healing, expressions of His mighty love, and above all bring people into His kingdom of eternal salvation. The harvest fields are ripe! Please pray for transportation for those wanting to attend church Sunday.

An area chiropractor is hosting a Family Health and Safety Day, tomorrow (Saturday, November 4th) from 11-3 at the Apex Medical Park on HWY 55 offering free eye exams, spinal checks, blood pressure checks, fire, carseat and internet safety. They are asking for donations of winter clothing items for Church in the Woods. It is a family friendly activity and being supported by 15 Apex organizations and businesses.

A missionary serving the Lord through Moore Square monthly asked to visit camps in the Cary/Apex area this week. He was taken to 4 locations to deliver donated pizzas. One camp consisted of only a sleeping bag on the ground, another a large piece of plastic hung over a branch, there was a shanty made of leftover building supplies, and a tent. The Church in the Woods ministry is asking the Lord for many "fishing trips" in the Cary/Apex area prior to the official homeless count in January. As God's lost lambs become visible, they will see the Love of Jesus surrounding them by brothers and sisters in Christ following His command to "Go and make disciples." The remaining pizzas were given to another area of need in Cary. God is so good!

An area pastor encouraged his congregation to not only collect items for the Lord's lost but to bring the collected items themselves to the lost. The first trip is scheduled for the 18th. Sixteen camp areas have been identified by Restoring Hope and Church in the Woods. One of the Lord's found lambs now has a full-time job and purchased a sleeping bag for this mission trip. Please continue to pray for team leaders to walk God's disciples into the areas of God's lost lambs.

An 11-year old approached a missionary Sunday asking if he could donate $100 to Church in the Woods. His mother was shocked. She hasn't known her son to ever want to give so freely and didn't know how he had been touched so deeply. "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

An area theology school has one class volunteering to collect items (gloves, hats, scarves, socks) and pack donated bags to give away as gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The school is also hosting an angel tree asking for car batteries (used by the homeless to power lamps, small TVs, radios etc.) and Bibles. We are thanking the Lord for His mighty hands and heart.

This week missionaries have been praying for the Lord to bring his lost into sight. One missionary has received two phone calls. One lost lamb is living in Fuquay in a car. Her brother had a mild stroke and is living with her. A Fuquay couple was able to give assistance yesterday with a gallon of gas and food and another will today. They have no refrigerator, but the food pantry is down the street. The sister begins working today. Praise God! The second is a woman suffering from a broken collar bone. As the Lord would have it. She is staying in an area where missionaries are prayer walking in Cary each Saturday morning. She needs food as well. Another homeless woman emailed a missionary from a local library saying she had heard of Church in the Woods and needed help finding food and work. Please pray for them to see the Love of Jesus, get to know Him and hunger for Him in their lives, and a place for them to rest their heads.

One of the Lord's lambs received a mattress a few weeks ago and was in need of a box spring. The Lord not only provided one last night but provided the transportation to her camp. We thank you Lord for being the Jehovah-Jireh.

The Thursday mission completed Nehemiah last night. A new comer was uncomfortable reading and made many excuses why he couldn't, until the Lord touched his heart and he read the last paragraph on the second page and the entire last page. Now he wants someone to bring him to church Sunday. Please pray for drivers as the pastors invite His lambs to church and other are touched by God's Words.The discussion was based on when Nehemiah left the city in others' hands how quickly the people began serving worldly idols. It reminded the group how important it is that found lambs know Jesus and are discipled in His ways, following Jesus, not the person or organization who demonstrated His love. It was also discussed when a person or organization brings God's Word and love the new believer needs to be discipled. It may not be through the same person or organization but there does need to be a faith-based support circle or organization to continue discipling until the newly found lambs are weaned from mother's milk and begin eating solid food (Hebrews 5:11-14 and 1 Peter 2:1-3). He/she is to then disciple someone else.

One of the Lord's lambs is in search of a place to live. He was in a car accident and received two broken legs. The apartment he and his girlfriend share is not wheelchair accessible. He will be in a wheelchair for several months. Several case managers are assisting them. Please pray for a home and the opportunity to bring them a Christian support circle.

A lamb is in jail for failure to appear. His court date is not for a couple of weeks. His wife has been blessed to stay with his family while he is in jail.

Another lamb called.His wife is in jail for not making connect with her parole officer. Her court date is December 4th. Please keep them in your prayers as the lack of her income will make it difficult with their apartment bills.

A sister in Christ contacted missionary concerning a friend wanting to donate items to a family in need. Missionaries are talking with a family in Fuquay concerning financial needs as well as clothing sizes of their children. God is good!

The lamb who's mother asked the courts for custody is doing well. Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Please keep a church in prayer as the council is meeting Sunday to make the final decision of hosting showers, Bible Studies, and meals in Garner.

Please pray for a hair stylist who would like to donate time once a month in Cary/Western Raleigh. A church has opened its doors for showers and meals. Praise God!

The Thursday night mission is hosting a Thanksgiving feast at 6:30. If the Lord has placed serving in this manner on your heart please
contact Talli at babybell75@nc.rr.com

We are thanking the Lord for each of you. You are His mighty hands and hearts.