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)