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Milestone Ministry Blog: A Day to Remember

Milestone Ministry Blog: A Day to Remember: "It was December 13, 2007. The first major snowstorm hit the Springfield, MA area early in the afternoon. By 2:00 we already had 6 inches ..."

A Day to Remember

It was December 13, 2007. The first major snowstorm hit the Springfield, MA area early in the afternoon. By 2:00 we already had 6 inches of snow and it was snowing hard. The last minute decision was made to open the Overflow Shelter in Springfield, tonight.

At 1:00 I was driving through the snow to pick up a man, Rick, who had agreed to go into detox 3 days earlier. He called to tell me, that he had left detox and he needed a ride, and of course, he was already drunk. "To where" I asked him? "You won't go into the shelter, you just left a warm bed and 3 square meals to brave a snowstorm and get a drink, where can I take you?" "Ok" he answered from the other end of the line," I'll go to the shelter".
It was just 4 days earlier that Rick and I met on the street very late at night, he was drunk and sleeping on stone steps. "Let me get you to a shelter", I begged. "No, I will be fine, don't like the shelter and so I'd rather take my chances of dying in the cold." "That's my plan, I'll die in the cold"
When we agreed to open the shelter with volunteers we also agreed that it would be a dry shelter. In other words if you were drunk or high you could not get in. But I had one condition to opening the shelter this night, I wanted Rick in my shelter. The Director agreed to let me break the rules for this one night and so Rick spent the night. The second night Rick showed up to the shelter again but of course he was drunk again and so I had to turn him away. It broke my heart and so after making my decision I was gripped with guilt and went searching for him, no luck, it is amazing how the homeless can become invisible.
Night 3, Rick showed up again, but this night he was sober, completely sober, praise God. That was the first night of the rest of his life.
Rick has never returned to drinking. He has returned to the streets, but only to minister to others. He has a powerful testimony of how God can change everything. "That shelter saved my life" he proudly proclaims, "the Holy Spirit told me everything was going to be OK and my life changed for ever."
Today Rick is restored, he lives in a two bedroom apartment, has a freezer full of food and has been reunited with his family. Now Rick dedicates his life to helping others find Jesus Christ, the only way out. He is the way, the truth and the life.
Rick has become my good friend and I am so proud of him.
Everytime I am with Rick I think of the song lyrics: " Look what the Lord has done. He changed my body, he changed my mind, he saved me just in time."

This is a day to remember!

With eyes wide open

The Bible proclaims "He who gives to the poor will not lack. But he who hides his eyes will have many curses." Pvb 28:27

I have learned that most homeless residents are invisible unless they step in front of you with a donation cup or wander into your church.

For years I was blind to the needs of those around me. Concerned with my own needs and the needs of my family there was very little time for the needs of others. An occasional coin for the Salvation Army bell ringer, money in the church basket or donating my old clothes seemed to satisfy my obligation.

Interesting, as I look back, it's plain to see that the harder I worked to provide for my family the less time and money I had to help others. Ever since I stopped hiding my eyes my heart is heavy and all of my needs are met. Those in need are no longer invisible to me and I no longer struggle to provide for my family. Trusting my heart has opened my eyes.

Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psm 34:10

I am grateful to those who bless Milestone Ministries so that we can serve others. Today the ministry was gifted warm blankets and soft pillows and by tonight they will be put to use.
Thank you.

Amherst Shelter

Thank you for your continued prayer and support for our new shelter effort in Amherst MA.

Since we opened on November 15th we have seen many blessings. Every night has been peaceful warm and safe for our guests. The peace of the Lord is always present.
Jesus promised, "Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you peace" Jn 14:27

We are open every night at 9:30 PM when our guests are served a wonderful hot meal until 10:30. Thanks to Chef Stephen Denalis (you may be familiar with his brothers incredible Tommasos Restaurant in Agawam) the meals are always something to look forward to. Thank you Chef. Also thanks to Stephen many local restaurants have agreed to help out with a meal each week.

Our goals, by the grace of God.....

1. Keep Amherst Homeless Residents phyically alive.
2. Invite them to become spiritually alive by giving them hope. When you restore hope homelessness fades.
3. Get them out of a shelter (their current condition) and into and back to life.

If you are able.....pray for our guests.
If you are called......ask us how to volunteer

Thank you Lord for allowing us to serve You through those whom you love.

Thanks.....be to God

Amherst Emergency Shelter is now over 1 week old and it gets better everyday as God pours out His blessings. I am grateful to our Staff and Volunteers for their dedication to the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Vita Nova and First Baptist churches. Thank you Amherst for allowing Milestone to opportunity to help those in need.

Jesus promises us His peace and that is exactly what we experience every night at the shelter. Miracles have already begun as we watch broken lives being restored.

Please keep us in prayer as we plow new ground for the Kingdom.

If you would like to volunteer e-mail me at jack@milestoneevents.org

If you would like to bless us with a financial donation go to http://www.milestoneministry.org/

100% of donations are used for ministry work.

Joy of the Lord in Amherst Shelter

The Amherst Emergency Shelter is open. Praise God!

Tonight is the 3rd night of a 6 month ministry and I am glad to report that God is exceeding expectations.........of course. By His grace every night has been a night of rest and peace. This peace is a peace that the world cannot understand. Not peace that the world gives, but the peace of Jesus....thank you Holy Spirit.

God has handpicked a wonderful team made up of dedicated loving staff and volunteers.
The First Baptist Church is providing the Holy Ground that transforms every night into an emergency shelter from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM; thank you Pastor Greg and Jerry. Vita Nova church provides Godly wisdom and a Spirit filled staff; thank you Pastor Nate and Eric.

To all of the loving staff that have a burden for Gods struggling children......thank you and may God bless you with an abundance of joy.

Serving in Amherst

It's official! Milestone Ministries is in Amherst MA.

We are glad to announce that Milestone Ministies has been chosen to manage the Amherst Emergency Shelter from November 155t thru April 1st. The sixteen bed shelter will be for men and women and will operate 7 days a week from 9 PM - 8AM.

We are currently in need of about 20 volunteers to help with food preperation, set up, fellowship and clean up. If you would like to volunteer please contact me at jack@milestoneevents.org

Lord when did I see you homeless? What you do onto the least of these you do unto Me.

Hats and Gloves

The first week of November brings weather that kills.
By the Grace of God, were back on the streets giving away hats, gloves, sleeping bags and warm socks.

Many people ask how they can help and so we have set up a "wish list" account on a Web Site called Dollar Days. Just click into this link and you can quickly and easily order supplies that will help us help others.

href="https://www.dollardays.com/milestoneministry/wishlist.html">

If you would like to make a financial offering just visit www.milestoneministry.org.

Most importantly, pray.

Milestone Ministry Blog: Blankets save lives

Milestone Ministry Blog: Blankets save lives

Blankets save lives

By the grace of God I will be joining many other volunteers in our winter street outreach. From October to April we will spend at least one night a week on the streets of Springfield to be sure that no one is left in the cold to die. This will be our 4th year in Springfield and plan to add at least on day for Palmer. Our goal is to save lives and bring help to the homeless. Armed with food, hot coffee, blankets, jackets, hats and love, we comb the streets to be sure no one is left out in the cold. If they are willing we will get them to a warm place for the night like a hotel or Springfield shelter. If they choose to brave the elements we offer them warm clothing and blankets. The hope that has been offered by these selfless volunteers has saved many lives and convinced many to give up their life on the streets.
If you would like to help, check your closets for warm blankets, jackets, hats and gloves that you are no longer using and call our office at 413 304 2112 or email at Jack@milestoneevents.org so we can arrange a convienent delivery location.
Or.....even better......Pray!
No one should die in the cold!

Sunday Praise and Worship

Sunday was a spectacular day with the Lord. I was invited as the guest preacher at Crossway Christian Church www.thecrossway.org in Palmer on Sunday. The Lord gave us a wonderful word from Matthew 7:13 which I titled "The straight and Narrow". We were blessed to be in the presence of the Lord. As promised in the Word, He inhabits the praise of His people.....Alleluia.
I am grateful to the people of Crossway for such a warm welcome. My family and I are glad to call Crossway our home church. Even better, I will be preaching again this weekend at Crossway....Welome Holy Spirit!

Apple picking and Palmer Nostalgia Day

My family and I had a wonderful day in Palmer on Saturday. Started out apple picking in the front yard of My Fathers House and ended at the Nostalgia Day celebration. Who knew that the apples growing on our apple tree were edible! My wife, Cathy, daughter Jennifer and our two Grandchildren picked 3 bags full. More than enough for a couple of pies (something to look forward too) and a many samples while picking. And....there are many more to be picked (if I can figure out how to reach them). I am confident that this abundance of fruit from My Fathers House is just the beginning!
Then we joined some friends from Crossway Christian Church www.thecrossway.org at Nostalgia Day in Palmer. It was a great afternoon of good food, history lessons, fellowship and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. We especially enjoyed Sweet Dreams, which was a booth loaded with good o'l penny candy. We will be regular visitors to there store in downtown Palmer. Hats off to the Organizers at Palmer Special Events.....we had a blast.

Planning Board hearing

Tonight was the town Planning Board Meeting for "My Fathers House".

Thank you for your prayers. We went in truth with a sincere heart to explain our plan to help help people who are struggling and we were met by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

The meeting was meant primarily for us to present to the Planning Board our plan for parking, drainage and changes to the property. It is also to hear the concerns of the property owners that live within 300 feet as to how our plans might effect their property. According to Masslive there were about 50 people in attendance. Click the link here to see the full article.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/palmer_planning_board_hearing.html

The room was full and so people had to stand in the hallway to be part of the hearing. I was grateful that so many people came out for the meeting. It was my hope to meet everyone and answer all of their questions and concerns. Those who spoke asked good questions in the hearing and many continued to ask after the meeting in the hall. We have agreed to meet with the concerned residence at a separate informational meeting later in the month if they desire.

No decisions were made tonight and the Board has asked us to consider applying for a variance that would allow us to turn the property into a lodging house. Either way the decision has been continued to their October 4th meeting.

I am learning that it can be difficult to be of service to your brother and please everyone. Many people opposed Jesus until those same people needed Him. He came to save us all whether we agree with Him or not.

I know we are doing as our Lord would want us to do. He said so in Matthew 25:40 "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

I am honored to be a servant the Lord.

My Fathers House Prayer Please

Incredible things are happening at My Fathers House. (facebook "my fathers house") The renovations of the old carriage house being converted into our Chapel and the main house which will be affordable housing for men (children of God) that need a hand up are coming along well.

People are being employed and the hearts and bodies of many are being healed even before we are ready to welcome residence into our program.

Tonight's Planning Board Meeting: Part of the normal process in any town. The meeting allows us to lay out our technical plan for drainage, parking, landscaping, etc. The town must be convinced that this project will not have a negative effect on the property, area or residence.

We have done our best to meet with the neighbors and share our vision, dispel fears and show them that we are not a big profit seeking corporation. We want them to know that we are just average people who have a calling from God to help those in need according to Matthew 25: 31 -46. We are called to help the least of these. " Jesus said "assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me"

Please raise up prayer for us today that God will calm the fears of people who are fearful. That they will know our heart to be kind and truthful.

Tonight's meeting is at 7:00 PM

Outreach in Chicopee Ma

Congratulations to St Stanislaus ministry team for wonderful beginning to their weekly street outreach in the city of Chicopee, MA. Deacon Joe encouraged by the homeless outreach ministries of Milestone and others in Springfield MA began the outreach with 60 lunch bags stuffed with 2 sandwiches, fruit and water. We joined Joe and his team to fellowship, share the Gospel and distribute lunch to at least 60 people.
Keep up the great work St. Stanislaus. You can be sure that Milestone will support you in prayer and supplies.
We would like to see a homeless outreach such as this in all of the Pioneer Valley. If your ministry would like help in getting started, Milestone would love to show you how.

Never forget where you came from

"In the process of restoration some things need to be discarded, some replaced and some just need a good polishing."

This is true in the restoration of one's life as well as a historic building.

The highest point on "My Fathers House" is the the turret and covering the turret is a decorative cap which seems to have been a tradition on Victorian homes of that era. Not only is our turret cover decorative, but it is a piece of history. We removed the dull and weather beaten cover in order to put on a new roof, but the home seemed incomplete without its decorative cap. So, with the help of some good friends and a local artisian, the copper cap was restored and put back in it's place.

Many of the men who have been touched by God through Milestone Ministries and their lives restored will often tell me that they never want to forget where they came from.

I hope that the same will be true of "My Fathers House". As we restore the house inside and out to make the property new again, the beautful and historic cap will be a shinning example of where it came from.

"My Fathers House", God's work continues

For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. Heb 3:4

It has been a while since my last blog but the work on My Fathers House is coming along wonderfully. The work is far beyond my knowledge or ability, but the Lord has sent laborers....many wonderful laborers. Their strong backs and wisdom is supported by their grace filled hearts. For each and everyone, I am grateful.

Now that the new roofs are on, we continue to focus on the structural integrity of the carriage house which will one day be home to our Chapel.

As soon as half of the first floor was structurally sound with new floor joists it was time to focus on the other half...this is where the chapel will be. As usual we have a new surprise....all of the floor joists must be removed before we jack up the building to put in a new sill. Well under the floor we found about 7 yards of sand entombed in a cement and brick casing.

Thanks to the many strong backs of dedicated volunteers it was all removed.

Our volunteers are amazing...all of this happened in only a couple of days......God be praised!

Shingle by Shingle

"My Fathers House" update:

As we watch the long and difficult task of stripping off the old roofs and putting on new shingles the wonderful lyrics of the song "Shingle by Shingle" are stuck in my head.

It is ironic that his old house needed to be freed of it's old roof before a new one was placed. It would have been cheaper and easier to just try and cover the old shingle, but I was told by people in the know that the old shingle must go. The old shingle has to be delicately removed by pros (Top Notch Abatement Company) because it contained asbestos. And while covering the old with the new might have looked good for a while the potentially dangerous fibers in the old shingle might just come back to haunt us. And a bonus was that a tremendous with was removed from the house.

"Folks stumble and fall anin't nothin' new at all

We just keep comin up with new ways of goin' down
Whether your're poor or rich at the bottom of the ditch
You can finally see the light'll finall turn your life around
Single by shingle I'm patchin' up the roof
Row by row I'm bringin' in the crop
Love Makes a change I'm lining the proof

New waters in the well and I'm grateful

for every drop"

(Lyrics and music by Eric Bibb http://www.lyricskeeper.com/eric_bibb-lyrics/227298-shingle-lyrics.htm)

Our lives, much like the roof on our home of ministry have been protected by what was acceptable for time, but now it was time for new life. As soon as we realize that our old life or covering could be toxic to our future it is better to remove it rather than cover it. And it sure feels good to have that weight off of us.

"I've had my share of debts and some regrets
I'm leaving all that behind and movin' on
I thank God today I can truly say
My soul's dark night has turned to dawn"

My Fathers House will offer men the opportunity to recognize the danger of their previous covering and to be delivered from it. As Eric sings "you can finally see the light'l finally turn your life around".

We hope to have the new shingles on the main house and carriage house by mid May.

In the meantime, work on the Carriage House (soon to be chapel) continues.

-Interior structure being rebuilt - Thanks Joe.

-New siding will be put on May 13th - thanks Keller Williams.

I am grateful to all of those who have given of their time, money, skill and prayer.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for and yet unseen." I must admit that My Fathers House has brought me to a whole new level of faith. But hope springs eternal.

Stay tuned!

Spring Cleaning Day at "My Fathers House"

April 17, 2010
I received an E-mail asking if there was a rain plan.

My response was "yes, we plan on it not raining"

It was a perfect day, not hot and not cold. Just damp enough to allow us to have a wonderful bonfire and yet it never really rained until we were all done packing up at 5:00.

My daughter Jen and wife Cathy arrived at 8:00 AM along with Rick and I. Jen put on the coffee and prepared the dining area with homemade breads.


I had sent out a few E-mails inviting people to join us for a day of fellowship and Spring Cleaning. A few people committed to attend and bring a rake, chain saw or garden tool, but I still wondered how many people might attend; especially on a day that the meteorologists predicted would be wet and miserable. Well at 9:00 the first cars began to arrive and they just kept coming until every parking space was full and about 50 people from 2 states. And the next thing I know, Men women and children were hard at work moving firewood raking leaves, clearing brush and falling trees on our 3 acres of anointed land.

Besides the incredible clean up that was accomplish, many new friendships were formed. People were sharing visions about other ways to serve God by serving his people. We laughed and ate and made My Fathers Place look wonderful and loved.

To all of those who joined us today......THANK YOU....and May God bless you abundantly.

Serving God at "My Fathers House"

God has blessed us with dedicated laborers. Our wonderful volunteers are cleaning, ripping apart and rebuilding the carriage house at "My Fathers House" They are preparing what will be our Chapel and Music Center. Thank you for your service.

Jack Knox went home to the Lord

Jack seen here with his legendary band "The Continentals"

On Tuesday February 23rd my good friend Jack Knox went home to be with the Lord.
Please pray for his children.

Jack was always a faithful friend.
He loved his children, his music and the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind. Jack was a true entertainer with a God given voice and a seasoned stage presence. He sang from his heart and soul with a passion that cannot be learned.
In 2003 when Jack began to give his voice to the Lord and the anointing on his music was so powerful that the audiences would weep. I would often invite Jack to sing at a church where I was preaching because his songs were his testimony and his testimony moved mountains.
For most major events in my life over the last 20 years Jack offered his talent. My wife's 40th birthday, my daughters wedding and my ordination were marked with his performances; usually accompanied by his band "The Continentals".
This world will never again hear his powerfully anointed singing voice but I know for sure that it is now added to the choirs of heaven and for that I am grateful.
I look forward to seeing him again one day and hearing his wonderful voice.
Until then, I will certainly miss him.

The following link is a wonderful article about Jack Knox.

http://gerrynutt.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/goodbye-to-a-local-legend-jack-knox/

My Fathers House

The photos posted here are "before" photos of the inside and outside of the carriage house at Milestone's new project. At this time we are still on target to complete this part of the project by spring. Since these photos the house has been cleaned up and cleaned out. We are about ready to get our permits and begin the renovation. It is our prayer that this building will be the home to a private chapel, meeting space, music room and retreat center.
God has given us the charge to create a place for those who are in need of care and the love of God.
Please pray with us that God will send the laborers, finances and supplies to complete this project.


If you would like to join us in this project please contact me at jack@milestoneevents.org.

A call to service

I had the opportunity to spend this past weekend at Spirit Life Worship Church http://www.spiritlifeworshipchurch.com/ in Palm Coast, Florida. I must admit that I am a bit bias, but Spirit Life is a wonderful church. The reason that I am bias is that the Pastor is my brother Mike. He and his wife Anita have been building the church family for the past 9 years.
It is exciting to watch a church family develop under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
What a humbling honor to preach the Word of God to such a hungry congregation.

"A Call to Service" was the message that God gave me to deliver to Spirit Life Worship Church (it can be downloaded from the church web site).

God never called us to be served, He called us to serve! When we learn to serve God we find that our appetite to serve others becomes insatiable. Many of Gods people need to be served and we are called to serve them. However, we MUST teach them to serve. The old saying holds true "give a man a fish and feed him for a day or "teach a man to fish and feed him for the rest of there life. Yes, feed all those who come to you to be fed. But then teach them how to feed others. Jesus said "I am the bread of life". We have an inexaustable supply of bread for those in need. But feeding the needy is only the beginning. Showing them the power of the Holy Spirit and giving them access to the same endless supply of Bread is what will change the world.

Thank you Spirit Life for welcoming me in to your church body. I look forward to visiting again.