Why are you doing this?

One of the most common questions asked of us by those that we aid in the streets is "Why are you doing this"?

Our Monday night street outreach began at 9:30 and a group of dedicated men and women spread out in the city of Springfield. Even in a warm jacket, gloves and hat the 27 degree tempature goes right through to your core.
By 10:30 PM all of the usual spots we checked were clear. And then we got a call that one of our groups found a man that goes by the name LA. We transported him and his shopping cart of treasures to the Worthington St shelter. LA was not sure that he would stay the night but he was excited about the idea of a warm shower. While praying for him at his request, he grabbed ahold of me and gave me a bear hug of thanks. He cried, why are you doing this?

Not long afterwards, we took a young man to stay warm in a hotel for the night. Louis was grateful for the hotel room but could not understand why we were being so generous.

By now it was midnight and another group called to say that they found a man at a well know sleeping spot by the river. When I met Louis he was shivering cold and afraid of the Police and the shelter. He was recently out of prison and glad that we had found him. When I asked if we could pray with him he replied by going to his knees and crying. We were able to get him to the overflow shelter where he stayed the night. I remember him asking "why are you doing this" as we drove away from his hiding spot.

Matthew 25:34

Time in a Shelter

Since we have opened the doors to the men's homeless shelter this season, many have come to seek rest, cover and peace. I am grateful that we are able to serve, but it never seems to be enough. It's just a cot, blanket and a pillow in a warm basement. We do offer plenty of coffee, snacks, reading materials and movies but still this is rest and refreshment only for the body.

It is our Staff and Volunteers that offer the greatest thing that is given to our guests. They offer a strong shoulder and willing ears to give something that is seldom given with compassion; time. They listen with love and offer our guests hope by treating them like good friends. Our guests are invisible to the world. We drive by and walk by them everyday in our big city or small town. If they hold out their hand we may slow down long enough to offer them some change......but time, time is the most valuable gift we can give.

Thank you to our wonderful Staff and Volunteers for giving the gift of time. Thank you to our guests for trusting us and sharing the night. You are all very important to me. God bless you.

"You have been a shelter for me. A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever. I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." Psalm 61:3

My Fathers House

3 years prayer was answered today November 25, 2009 . God is faithful.

Milestone Ministries was given the deed to a home that He will usedto transform peoples lives.
The dream began when I was asked to oversee a winter shelter for 30 homeless men in 2007. It was wonderful to service these men, but it always bothered me that we would put them back on the street every morning at 7:00 AM. I asked God for a place where people could come to rest for a while and get back on their feet. I prayed for a place away from the city. Someplace a bit secluded with lots of open space.

Well God has answered our prayers.

It is beautiful old mansion built in 1870 on 3 acres of land in the beautiful town of Palmer, MA . With over 5600 square feet of living space we will be able to serve many. Our plan is still young and the home needs a lot of work, but I am certain that this is the perfect place. It is our prayer that the Lord will use this place to transform peoples lives.

The property also has a large carriage house that will become our chapel and community space. We are hoping it will also befor a music center and retreat house.

Now the work begins. The home is in need of much repair, but I am confident that God will send the laborers and supplies.
Thank you for continuing to praying with us.

More to come soon.

Overflow Shelter Opened last night

With mixed emotions, we re-opened the Overflow Shelter last night in Springfield, MA.



While I am so glad that we have a safe, warm, healthy environment for 30 men struggling with life. I am always sad to know that the shelter is needed. Thank God for the work of Friends of the Homeless, and the donated space by Catholic Charities.

It was a wonderful opening night organized and prepared by Frank Kelly with a room prepared by many wonderful volunteers. Thanks to the magnificent Inter-Varsity team the room is bright and colorful (see previous blog). Thanks to many donors we have blankets, new clothing, food etc.

The men were welcomed with prayer, hot coffee, snacks and much love from our staff and volunteers. We could quickly see the hand of God moving in each man's life.

This shelter runs on prayer, so please keep it coming. Thanks.

Preparing a homeless shelter with love

InterVarsity students from local colleges, Williams, Mount Holyoke and UMass spent 4 hours to brighten up the men's homeless shelter in preparation of it's November opening.

In just 4 hours this magnificent team designed and created using prayer and the Word of God.

We are grateful for the way they approached this project with love and dedication to serving God by spreading the Word of God to bring hope to the hopeless.

Project Homeless Connect A great success.

September 29, 2009 was the 3rd annual Project Homeless Connect in Springfield, MA.
God is moving powerfully in New England. Every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.


See the following link for more info:

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/project_homeless_connect_draws.html

Project Homeless Connect

On September 29, 2009 you could be part of the largest single effort in New England to assist the Homeless.
We are seeking 700 volunteers with a heart to serve.....you will be blessed!
Check it out at (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhARXAFbE4k)
Also, you can get more info on Facebook, "Project Homeless Connect"

Lord....when did I see you hunger?

Ministry Outreach Update

The ministry has been blessed the last few weeks with several opportunities to provide assistance to the homeless, and near homeless in our community.

Furniture for new apartment dwellers

We have been able to assist several people with transportation and labor so that they could secure some of the necessary furnishings for their apartments. Most of these folks are fresh from being homeless and therefore have virtually nothing to get started. By working with the City of Springfield Department of Housing, Catholic Charities of Greater Springfield, and Springfield Partners for Community Action, Pastor Jack has been able to get these people desperately needed items such as mattresses, box springs, bureaus, tables, and chairs. We are always on the lookout for new sources for new or gently used furniture, as very few people getting out of homelessness have much to get started with. Please let us know if you know of any furniture sources.

Catching up with old friends

The ministry has made an extra effort the last month or so to check on the status of former guests of the Friends of the Homeless Overflow Shelter http://www.springfield-homeless.org/. We have been able to account for over 90% of the gentlemen that spent time with us this past winter. Several have moved on to permanent housing, however their are still many that remain in a shelter. We are continuing to work with any of these men that we can find to get them the services they need. In some cases all they need or want is some fellowship, and to know they are not forgotten. Our goal is to visit the local soup kitchens, and shelters on a regular basis.

Opportunities for Veterans

I was recently given a tour of the "Soldier On" veterans shelter in Northampton http://www.wesoldieron.org/ by their outreach coordinator Willie Van Ledbetter. Willy was kind enough to show off the residents buildings and offer an overview of the Leeds VA Hospital and the services they provide. Soldier On has locations in both Northampton and Pittsfield. Shortly after my visit, one of our prior shelter guests "R" moved into the Northampton facility. "R's" opportunities for a better life are greatly increased now that he is working with the local veteran agencies. I am sure that the Soldier On shelter will be his last stop on his journey to self sufficiency.

I also have met a few times recently with James Mahoney the City of Springfield Veterans Coordinator www.springfieldcityhall.com/COS/veterans.0.html . James was a great help in dealing with "R" to get him the benefits he deserves. Jim is very committed to helping our veterans, and I anticipate working closely with him in the future.
Working with other agencies
Milestone Ministries works closely with several other agencies and groups. Recently Pastor Jack and I met with an organization new to us. Len Surdyka from Springfield Citizens for Advocacy. Len and his group try to hook up citizens to act as advocates for physically and mentally handicapped individuals. I had the pleasure of meeting one of Len's clients "D" recently. "D" is a very engaging gentleman who lives on his own, in an apartment building lacking sufficient security, and in a neighborhood that that he is no longer comfortable living in. Our hope is that with our knowledge of the various city agencies, we will be able to assist "D" in the process of relocating. We also hope to be able to find someone that could advocate for"D" on a regular basis.

More soda and food donated

Once again Milestone was blessed in the last few weeks with more food and soda donations. We were able to turn these donations over to local food pantries, churches, and shelters in Springfield and Westfield.

Sunday in Palm Coast Florida

Its been a wonderful weekend in Palm Coast Florida at Spirit Life Worship Church. Sunday service was ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit. The preaching on Sunday was "Becoming a Servant". Before we even began, God gave us a word of knowledge that someone had come for victory, and really needed to know that God would deliver. He promised that He would deliver victory.....and He did....Miracles followed, praise the Lord. (www.spiritlifeworshipchurch.org)
We also did a street outreach ministry in an impoverished area of town. What a fantastic and blessed afternoon.
Along with food and clothing, we prayed for a young boys healing before his hernia surgery tomorrow, specific financial needs, an elderly woman with breast cancer and more. (see photos on my facebook)

Siberia Day 5 August 14, 2008

Cont. posting of 2008 missions trip to Siberia.

(readers, thank you for your patience)

Back to Kulton to Minister in 2 different Teen Challenge detox programs for men, the women's center and then back to Church for a celebration. It's going to be a long day...."The joy of the Lord is our strength". Lord, show us fruit!

Katrina's devotional today was inspired by the Holy Spirit and so.... right on target. "Encourage each other" By this point in our journey we begin to learn the challenges of community living and that it is not always easy. This is a wonderful, giving, loving, spirit filled group. But, we are together and awake about 17 hours each day and so it is easy for the enemy to move in as we discover each others weaknesses. Thank you Katrina for your attention to the Holy Spirit.

We slept in a bit today with a devotional at 7:30 am instead of 7:00. To save time and get our day off to a timely start Olyia ordered breakfast ahead of our devotional time. But to no avail, we still ran late. The good news today is that we are traveling in a van. The bad news is that it is about 80 degree, we still have no air conditioning, and it becomes obvious that someone has not bathed lately. The 30 minute drive was difficult for a couple of reasons, but I was also concerned about Edyth. She was preparing to give her testimony this morning and it was easy to tell that it was going to be difficult for her. Praise God.....this usually means that God is about to do something BIG! Edyth knew that this was the perfect appointed time and place for her testimony which was perfectly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, because I was praying about preaching tonight at the Celebration at Pastor Ilya's request but there will be little time for me to prepare today.

Edyth at the Pulpit Let the Sozo begin

Edyth's powerful testimony and beautiful singing voice ushered in a perfect wind of the Holy Spirit. The team supported her in open prayer and quickly, as if planned, the entire team began to move about the room laying hands and ministering in the Holy Spirit proclaiming freedom, healing, and deliverance. The room was alive with the Holy Spirit. Tears flowed, people sang and praised the Lord while the team moved about the crowd of about 75 people with a new and renewed boldness. Jennifer had her first experience of someone being slain in the Spirit while she was praying for her. The oldest man (77 years old) in the program whom we had met at the homeless shelter a few days earlier stepped out and blocked my path. He said nothing but looked up at me with eyes that said everything. This was a big moment for him. He never interacted with us during our other visits or looked up from the ground. But now he was looking in my eyes. I prayed and he was slain in the Spirit standing up! After the music stopped and the church was dismissed, everyone was leaving but not him. He never moved, never stopped looking up. I continued to pray and could feel him getting freedom by Gods grace. I couldn't stop praying and he couldn't move for a long time......my heart was overjoyed. Time stood still for both of us...and neither of us would ever be the same again.

Katrina ministering in Kultan

Our visit to the Teen Challenge buildings.... wow. Its seems that the original format set out by the Holy Spirit through Pastor David Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz as explained in Pastor Davids book "The cross and the Switchblade" has held fast for 50 years. No smoking, no drugs for withdrawal - only Jesus. People are being saved here every day. The presence of the Lord is here!

Yup, encouraging each other!

Another big lunch and then time to rest. Well that was the plan anyway. After our wonderful lunch we traveled back to the hotel to meet and prepare for Saturdays outreach to the Orphans at the Church summer camp. Before we knew it our watch read 4:30. We had to be at church for 5:00. I still had to freshen up, dress for church and hopefully go over my notes for preaching tonight. Here I am in Siberia with an opportunity to preach to a hungry congregation and I'm not sure that I can bring my "A" game. Come Holy Spirit!!

I was honored that Pastor Ilyia wanted to translate for me and it went well. The Spirit is always willing even when the flesh is weak. Thank God. The word that the Lord had for us this night was "We must be broken to come to the Lord".....The sermon was titled "I want to be excused".

There was no time for an alter call.....but the room was rich with the presence of God.

After a quick dinner of pizza it was 10:00 pm and the group was to meet for a night devotional. It's late, (16 hours since we rose, were exhausted......but I wouldn't have wanted to miss a minute of it! Lord bring rest and peace to this group.

Ministry Outreach Update

This is the Day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!

This is the first of hopefully many updates that we will be providing detailing some of the work we are doing in Jesus' name throughout the greater Springfield area to outreach to the homeless and near homeless population. I hope you enjoy learning more about Milestone Ministries and would encourage anyone interesting in helping to contact us.

Soda Donation
We were blessed this week with a very generous donation of soda. From this donation we were able to distribute a great deal of soda to several worthy causes including the Lion's Den in Indian Orchard http://www.lionsdenoutreach.org/, homeless shelters in Springfield and Westfield, and The Crossway Christian Church in Palmer http://www.thecrossway.org/ which was celebrating their third year in their current building with a wonderful picnic and ministry outreach.

Homeless Street Outreach

On Tuesday afternoon Pastor Jack, myself, and my son joined Rick P. (a great friend of the ministry) for his weekly homeless outreach walk throughout downtown Springfield. Also with us was another local pastor and two members of his church. We were able to connect with about a dozen people to whom we offered bagged lunches, new socks, and other personal hygiene items to. Above all we were able to pray for these wonderful folks, in fact one gentleman turned things around and prayed for us. We especially want to keep in prayer a man I will call "B". "B" has cancer and was just about to embark on his treatment, Pastor Jack said a powerful prayer for "B" we agreed in Jesus' name for his healing and I am confident we'll be seeing "B" for a long time to come.

Preventing Eviction

The ministry had a request from the Springfield office of Housing regarding a man "D" that had been in and out of the hospital recently and was in danger of being evicted because he was unable to keep up with cleaning his apartment and things had gotten a bit out of hand. We were able to get a small group to clean up "D's" place and after a few trips the place was good as new. "D" was just as happy to have some people to talk to, and we will stay in touch with him to offer the fellowship he has been missing for so long.

Fellowship

Last week the ministry visited the Loaves and Fishes at lunchtime twice, as well as a few visits to the Worthington Street shelter in the early evening. In addition to offering our prayers and help to anyone that needed it, we also wanted to visit with some of our friends from the Overflow Shelter, it had been two months since we closed for the season and we really miss those guys. There are not many people still at the Worthington Street shelter from the Overflow Shelter( which I took as a good sign hoping they had gotten their own places) but the guys that remained were very glad to know that they weren't forgotten. We will do our best to make these visits a regular thing.

Encouragement
I was able to convince one of our overflow shelter friends "R" that he should seek out the city veteran's agent http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/COS/veterans.0.html to see what benefits might be available to him. "R" was reluctant at first , he felt others were more worthy of the help. But after some praying with him and a member of his family he realized that he should take some assistance. We met with the city veteran's agent and now "R" is well on his way to getting his own place, and the fresh start he so deserves. Praise God.

Off the Street
Also last week we were finishing up the placement of a wonderful woman "Y" and her two beautiful children. Sadly even though "Y" works a full time job she recently found herself homeless. Pastor Jack worked diligently with the Springfield Office of Housing http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/housing/ and a local property manager to get "Y" and her children into a very nice 2 bedroom apartment. The Pastor was also able to get "Y" hooked up with a local church http://www.churchintheacres.org/ which in addition to bringing her closer to God, will also give her a community to reach out to should she need any further help.

I look forward to the upcoming week, and the opportunities I know it will bring. Please be on the outlook for next weeks update.

Submitted by Frank Kelly

Homeless Outreach in Springfield, MA

We are deep in the midst of our 3rd winter season, searching the streets of Springfield late on Monday nights to find people in need.

We are able to offer food, clothing, hats, gloves, blankets and HOPE.

The last thing that a homeless individual expects to run into on a cold winter night at 1:00AM is a group of compassionate & caring people who sincerely want to help.

We are grateful to the reporters who tagged along and told this story with compassion and sensitivity toward the individuals that we have the honor to serve.

Following is a link to the article and video.

Please pray for us and those we serve.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/every_monday_night_this_group.html?category=Springfield#2646995