Milestone Ministries is an outreach ministry dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as demonstrated in Acts 3. Much of our work is devoted to the homeless. We are based in Western Mass, USA. We operate My Father's House in Thorndike, MA, A place for men who have a sincere desire to change their lives. Our ministry is supported entirely through tithes, offerings and the prayers of those whom God has called to be a blessing to our work. www.milestoneministry.org
Saturday, January 14, 2023
A matter of repentance and forgiveness
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Saturday, January 10, 2015
A Servant
Monday, January 5, 2015
Between The Bridges
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Take the plunge
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The gift of service
I do enjoy shopping for friends and I love to see their reaction when they open the gift that I am hoping will be the perfect gift. But I know for sure that the greatest gift that I have ever given and the greatest gift that I every received has been the gift of service.
When I accepted the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He offered me, I realized that I had met the greatest servant that ever walked the earth. Jesus was the perfect example of a servant. He was born to serve God and His children. Jesus not only washed the feet of His disciples, He preached, He healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, cast out demons and died for me.
With Jesus as an example, we too are called to be servants. "What does the Lord God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, and to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 10:12
I have altered my prayer after reading Deuteronomy 10:12. No longer do I spend much time asking God to bless me. Instead, I spend more time thanking him and asking him how I can bless Him and others. "Lord, how can I serve you today?"
In Matt 10:7-8 Jesus instructs us to serve mankind exactly as He did "As you go, preach saying the kingdom of God is at hand, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons."
Romans 12:1 tells us that our "reasonable service to the Lord is to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice."
Paul called himself a "bond servant" (service by choice) of Christ.
As we celebrate Christmas our thoughts often turn to Mary, Mother of Jesus. I believe that the greatest thing that Mary every did in her life is the same thing that we can do. She said YES to God. Mary said "behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38
Let this be the Christmas of giving the perfect gift. Giving of our lives for the service of others.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Be careful who you believe?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Cleanup Continues
It has been six weeks since the devastating tornadoes struck western Mass. and the work continues. Thanks to our many generous donors and volunteer workers, Milestone Ministries has so far committed over 500 hours of labor and thousands of dollars to the relief effort. Our primary focus for our volunteers has been tree and debris removal in Springfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Monson.We have been working with Springfield Christian Ministries Tornado Relief, a wonderful group that coordinates the need for cleanup, and dispatches the necessary crews to get the work done. We have also been responding to direct calls for help from folks we have met on this journey.
This week we were blessed to be a part of the Monson "Chainsaw Response Team" an incredible group of volunteers made up primarily of off duty firefighters from all over Massachusetts. On Wednesday we joined with more than 150 volunteers to clean up King Street, one of Monson's most ravaged neighborhoods. It was absolutely amazing how well organized we were. We had just the right mix of chain saw operators, heavy equipment operators, and labor to move and stack the logs, brush, and debris. By 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night King Street, although barren, was cleaned of all debris and fallen trees.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tornado of 2011 Now What
Prepared with tools to cut trees, trim branches and rake debis I assended on the ravaged neighborhood believing that the "S" on my chest and the chain saw in my hand would actually make a dent. But as I was driving through what remained of a neighborhood my "S" faded and my chain saw seemed as a spoon to empty the ocean.
I just stood in the rubble, took a deep breath to hold back the tears and dug in. Sometimes the homeowners join in, sometimes they just stare with a blank expression. They have been at this for days, often alone.
I decided just to introduce myself and stand with them, often in silence, visually review the mess and start to work, just go ahead and start like I knew what I was doing.
The Bible also has sound advise for this situation, Paul said "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep". Romans 12:15 This was the scripture that kept coming to mind. Often the victims wanted to tell you how lucky or blessed or fortunate they were to be alive and so, standing in the mist of their life you rejoice with them. Often you could see desperation and fear in their eyes so you just stand and weep with them.
It's kind of like going to the wake of someone that you never knew. You are among people who have suffered a loss looking at a life laid out before them but you have no connection to the death. So you just weep with them.
I am glad to report that we did make a dent after all. But it was not the "S" on our chest that made the difference. It was the heart in our chest that had the most effect. We cleared many trees and picked up tons of debris but often the most important thing we did was to show up.
Milestone has also been providing needed supplies to the hundreds of families who are now living in a shelter because their home was destroyed. If you would like to help you can donate on line at http://www.milestoneministry.org/. 100% of your donation will be used for the victims....no fuzzy math.
You can also help with prayer. Just pray for restoration and deliverance. God will respond.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Are Crumbs Enough?
Her daughter was sick, "demon - possessed", and she would do anything to make her well. She'd heard there that there was a Jewish man named Jesus passing through her town and that He had been healing the sick and casting out demons.
Could it be true that her daughter might finally be healed. If only she could meet Him and beg for help. What are the chances? As a Gentile, to approach him would be bad for her reputation. What would her friends and family think? Even if her daughter was healed who could she tell and who would rejoice with her. Who would believe her? Surely she would be chastised and possibly expelled from her people and her church. But this was for her daughter and she was willing to risk it all.
She cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, Oh Lord, Son of David, my daughter is severely demon possessed". His disciples urged Him to send her away; "she is not one of us". But He answered and explained that He was sent first for the lost sheep of the house of Israel and she was not among that tribe.
This persistent Mom could not be discouraged so she worshiped Him, saying, "Lord help me!"
He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs."
She pressed on, "yes Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."
Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire," and her daughter was healed from that very hour.
This story as noted in Matthew 15:21 is one of compassion, faith, desperation and a simple prayer. This Mom knew that the crumbs would be enough. "Lord help me"was her simple prayer.
She came to Jesus the same way that many people seek him;
- they have a need/problem beyond their own ability to solve
- they come to cry out (worship), often out of desperation
- they have faith that He can help, but wonder if He will
I find it exciting that due to the cross our access to Jesus and His mercy, healing, compassion and deliverance has no restriction. Regardless of who we are, what we ever thought about Him or were taught about Him, He will still receive us. A recovering addict once said these beautiful words to me, " when I got to the very bottom, my lowest point......Jesus was there."
About 24 years ago I reluctantly exchanged everything that I thought was important for just a few crumbs. I am glad to proclaim that God responded. Today my plate is full everyday..... with plenty to share. For this I am grateful. Alleluia.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Do What Matters
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The stones cried out
This abridged verse from Luke 19:37 was like a whisper in my ear as I stood before the magnificence of God to snap this photo.
It was difficult to hear anything above the sound of stones and sea crying out "Holy, Holy, Holy".
Creation makes it easy for us to clearly see the invisible attributes of God..so we have no excuse. Paul says it best in Romans 1: 18 ~ 21, where he states that creation itself leaves no doubt of God's love, beauty, righteousness and power.
Our God gave the sea it's boundries and stones their strength. He placed the planets and saw to every detail in a rose. Yet He states that you are more valuable to Him than all these things.
He sent His only Son for your salvation.....everything else of the earth is disposable to God.
Eternity is too long to be wrong, invite Jesus into your heart today.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Restoration

God promises us that He is a restorer. No matter our age, situation, or sinful ways; God desires restoration in our life. But, like our old carriage house, restoration begins inside where it is not always evident to the world. When we give our heart to Jesus He will turn it from stone to flesh. As he begins to restore our heart it will soon begin to radiate on our outside.
Giving our heart to Jesus is a difficult decision because we are afraid that He will force us to change. The truth is, He does not have to force us. The restoration of your heart will be a slow process not quickly evident from the outside, but you will welcome it because it comes with great joy.
The cost of restoration for our carriage house has been an expensive process. The cost of restoration of our heart is FREE for the asking. Jesus has already paid the price in full (just look to the cross). Now it's up to us....if we just ask him to come into our heart and life. He will forgive us instantly and our joy will be restored.
As long as we have breath it's never too late for restoration.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Make the most of every opportunity
Yes, He was God incarnate, but He has given us that same Spirit of truth that led Him daily.
In John 14:15 Jesus proclaims "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth."
I encourage you to do something radical.......it's time to....
“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:14
There is no time like the present. When the opportunity presents itself.....do as Jesus would have you do according to His will. "If you are not sure of his will, just ask.....he died that you might know it.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
Did you miss an opportunity to be of help today? No problem, let it go and move on. Another opportunity will be given to you soon.
Did you make the most of an opportunity today? Great...but your not done.
Keep giving of yourself as though your joy depended on it. It does!
Amherst Shelter concludes the season with a joyous celebration.
Every evening, in addition to our staff, we were blessed by a pool of more than 30 volunteers who assisted with the daily setup and tear down of the shelter, and also helped in providing fellowship and encouragement to the guests.
Meg Wright from Eliot Homeless Services proved to be an outstanding partner in the case management of our guests. Many guests of the shelter were able to move into more permanent living situations because of the diligent case management efforts of Meg and Milestone.
Several local businesses lent their support this year also. The Sub and Pizza Restaurant (http://www.subandpizza.com/), the Amherst Motel (http://www.amherstmotel.com/), Domino's Pizza Hadley (www.pizza.dominos.com/massachusetts/amherst/, and Tommaso’s Restaurant in Feeding Hills (http://www.tommasos.net/) were all extremely generous with their support.
The First Baptist Church of Amherst and their many supporters, led by Jerry Gates, played a major role in making the shelter a reality. By raising the funds necessary to install a sprinkler system and showers, the church was able to secure a permit for a permanent shelter
We would like to especially thank Chef Steve Dinalais. Steve, with the support of his brother Mark prepared over 140 meals for the shelter all at his own time and expense. With Steve around we never had any worries about food service at the shelter.
Although the shelter has closed for the season, we will continue to pray for all of the wonderful people we encountered, as well as follow the progress of many of the guests that blessed us with their presence.
Friday, May 13, 2011
A Light for all Nations
"I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Isaiah 49:6
In his book, "Live to make a difference", Max Lucado writes "oh Lord what an amazing opportunity you have spread out before me, a chance to make a difference for you in a desperately hurting world. Help me to see the needs you want me to see, to react in a way that honors you, and to bless others by serving them gladly with practical expressions of your love"
To seek the heart of God and the mind of Christ we must be prepared to face the pain of compassion. To be shaken to our very core when we see the plight of others. It is easier to look the other way than to look into the eyes of despair. Jesus never looked the other way, he was always moved with compassion. Matt. 9:36 proclaims that He saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion for them.
Jesus came to live among us out of compassion and he took our sins to the cross out of compassion. We will never be asked to offer ourselves to the degree that Jesus offered himself for us......but, with the heart of God and mind of Christ.....when you look into the eyes of dispair you will see Jesus and know exactly what to do next.
You are the light of Christ......like the reflective moon for Son of God.......shine brightly.....the world is in darkness except for His light.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Rise up and walk
"In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" Acts 3:6.
Depending on the world to meet your needs will always keep you handicapped. If you feel dependent on friends, family, church or the world government for your daily bread, God is offering you freedom.
Yes, God may have others bless you in His name, Alleluia, but don't become dependent on anyone but Him.
"Both riches and honor come from You, And you reign over all. In your hand is POWER and might; In your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all."
1 Chronicles 29:12
Acts 3 tells the story of a man dependent all his life on the goodness of others. Because he was lame since birth he accepted his condition and the human limitations of what good, well meaning, church going people could offer. He was carried to the temple daily but never brought in. He was given alms enough for one days supply but not for a lifetime. Even when he met Peter and John at the temple gate, all he expected was a few coins; which he had come to believe was all that he was worth.
"Silver and gold I do not have but what I have I give to you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk". Immediatly his feet and ankle bones recieved strength, so he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them~ walking, leaping, and praising God". Acts 3:6~8
"The Lord shall supply all your need according to His riches riches in Glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Saints of God.....
Be assured that His supply is ENDLESS and available to all who call on his name.
please pass this on to someone that would be blessed by it or send them to www.milestoneministry.blogspot.org
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Power of united prayer
"Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." Matt 18:20
God hears you....always!
Then why gather in his name if he hears my singular prayer? Unity, there is power in unity.
If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior than you have accepted the Holy Spirit and His Power that lives and abides in you. This is the Spirit of truth and with the Truth comes power. Power against the lies of the devil, power against depression, anxiety, loneliness, sickness.
When you join the power in you with the Holy Spirit power in other believers, the lying devil is unable to make you question your faith.
Imagine the power, truth and peace that comes when thousands of Holy Spirit filled believers come together in the name of Jesus.
Find time today to join with others in Jesus name ......and ENJOY His presence!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I am special to God
"Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed. And in your book they all were written. The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them." Psalm 139:16
You are an amazing creation of God. No creation of God is a mistake. He knows the days and plans he has for you and they are marvelous.
Give your life to Jesus and enjoy your inheritance.


















