You will normally find me writing of the most recent events of Care-A-Van Ministries, a street ministry here in Batavia, New York. But tonight, my heart tugged at me to sit down at the computer and just write.
My prompting this evening came after I watched the news and heard of the possible suicide of David Kellerman, CFO of Freddie Mac. First of all, I had no idea what Freddie Mac was until after I watched this and learned it was a mortgage company.
I thought to myself what in the world prompted this suicide? What was he thinking? What was he feeling? Did he feel despondent with no hope? Then the next news flash was of a male teacher in a local high school that was charged with sexual involvement with a student. The next flash was of a female teacher that was charged with sexual involvement with a 14 year old boy. Then to top it all of was the news that the FDA approved that it was going to make it so the morning after pill Plan B can be purchased over the counter by minors.
How Does Plan B® Work?
Plan B® (levonorgestrel) may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman's ovary, or it may prevent fertilization. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. "
Source: http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/AboutPlanB/HowItWorks.aspx
“Proponents of "emergency contraception," as well as the Preven and Plan B websites, contend that emergency contraception does not cause abortion. They argue that emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and thereby reduces the need for induced abortion. However, they intentionally define the term "pregnancy" as implantation of a fertilized egg in the lining of a woman's uterus, as opposed to "pregnancy" beginning at fertilization.”
All of this news just made me sick to my stomach. I thought to myself, what in the world is this world coming to? Why did it have to come to this point for this young man? What happened in these teachers lives that led them to the behaviors they had? What is wrong with our government that they are putting this pill out on the market available to minors?
I sat and wondered who was close to this man? Who may have seen or felt his pain and frustration in life? Were there Christians close to him that could have reached out to let him know that no matter what happens in life there is hope? Hope you ask? Yes hope. Even with the billons of dollars that was lost for this company, there is hope. This mortgage company and many others have really made it hard for folks. But I bet, for those who have a true faith, they know that no matter what happens, God will provide.
If you are a reading this and God has brought you through some horrible trials and tribulations, you know there is hope. What has happened in your life? What horrible thing have you gone through and survived? Were you once a victim of sexual assault? Did you once have an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, porn or anything else and you overcame it? Did you lose your job but were able to get your life restarted? Are you sharing your story with others to give them hope?
Do you see your neighbor or co-worker struggling with something in life? Are you going forth and making a difference? Are you doing even the smallest of things to help? Yes even a smile and a hug can make a huge difference. Are you just rushing by people on the street and not even looking into their eyes?
Are you complaining about the youth on your streets? Or are you doing something to encourage them to live a healthy life free of drugs and alcohol? Are you supportive of any local programs in your community and churches that are striving to make a difference for these young folks?
With being involved in street ministry, I see more and more every week the need to touch the souls of the young people and old as well! I see the need for adults to share the truths of the world with them. It is vital that they have a strong spiritual foundation while they are young. Someone needs to be open with them in regards to the whole arena of sex and sexuality. For many years it was so taboo, to even speak of such things, this in turn led many young people feeling frustrated and having no idea of their sexual identity and therefore led to risky behaviors and now we have increased teen pregnancies, sexual predators, abusers and molesters running around. Their lives can change. There is hope.
I encourage you to think about what you have come through in life. Are you thankful and praising the one who pulled you up and out of that pit of life you felt you were stuck in? I can share with you all, I am thankful for where my life has come from. I have a testimony, just like we all do. Wouldn’t you like to give back to others? Just think if you could help change the life of one person. Wouldn’t that be worth it? Our city here in Batavia is a big community (mind you this writer grew up in a town with a population of 500). When I think about all the people that need help in some way, I just pray that more and more people will start stepping up and out.
A friend of mine once said, it is time for us to stop being Mamby, Pamby and step up to what we are called to do. I loved it! Well, I for one do not want to sit back with knowing I am capable of helping someone. We can all make a difference.
I could all write all night but I got to get busy packing. Care-A-Van Ministries has been blessed with opportunity to go on a road trip to NY City! We leave this Sunday at 7 AM. We are taking that big red bus miles away from its comfortable home to a world unknown to us. On Monday, we will be spending the day at the Hope Center in Elizabeth New Jersey, and then on Tuesday we take the bus to the Bronx! We will be working side by side with the Relief bus to do street ministry there. The Lord is using the ministry team of Care-A-Van to bring hope to the lost in another city. Just this past week, we were on the road to Machias to give thanks to a local church there that supports the ministry. The week after we return we have been invited over to Buffalo to share of the ministry there. I keep telling Paul, I see the vision of a fleet of buses! Can you just imagine if we filled buses with all us who have been called to make a difference what a better city this would be?
I wish you all a wonderful day filled with peace and joy. Thank you so much for listening to my rambling heart!
Thank you again to those of who are teaming up with Care-A-Van with your prayers and financial support and most importantly your valuable precious volunteering time to help make a difference.
