Restoring the broken

We did a great deal of sharing about Latreia this week and spoke at three different churches…the fellowship has been amazing and I have really felt touched by people and their lives. It has been uplifting to be surrounded by such strong Christian fellowship. However, in the midst of all of these wonderful conversations, there was one that I was involved in that I still haven’t been able to wrap my head around. A man, alias Joe, was talking to our group about his work as a Christian peacemaker, describing to us how he is currently researching and writing a paper for an esteemed conference on the subject. He was very well versed in his knowledge and I could tell he is very passionate about the subject. In the same conversation he also shared with us how he has had many experiences serving meals to the homeless from a mobile soup kitchen. From these experiences and also from discussions with others in the organization, Joe shared that he “had finally figured out the root causes of homelessness.” Given his strong background in mission work, I incorrectly assumed I would agree wholeheartedly with his findings. Joe explained that people are homeless because, “on a graphic chart, they are at 0,0 with the domain as their environment and responsiveness and effectiveness as its axes.” He attributes this to their “enormous pride, their refusal to seek help, and their lack of self-esteem.” Whew. I must admit I had to bite my tongue and take a few deep breaths at this point of the conversation…

So I have taken a few days to digest his theory and I still find it rather disturbing. While it may be true in some cases, I would never use it as a sweeping generalization of why people are homeless. In our 26 weeks of travel I have had conversations with far too many people to know that it isn’t the case at all in most situations. People are homeless because they are broken…broken from addiction, broken from loss, broken from never being loved, broken from extreme hardship, the list goes on. Yet, looking at this list, none of these reasons for brokenness are chosen. Their lifestyle as a result of the brokenness and the patterns they follow may be choice but the catalyst that brought them to that point of brokenness is not by choice…a vital distinction I believe.

So here I go back to Joe’s theory. If homeless are at 0,0 then what does that mean to the rest of us? I disagree with Joe’s diagnosis principally on the fact that it is a cop-out for everyone else. Where is society’s responsibility on the chart? Through Christ we have been given the only thing that can cure the brokenness in our world…Jesus’ love. We are called not to judge but to love. So I believe that if we love, we shouldn’t give ourselves and our society the excuse that it is their fault, their choice. As Christians we have received a call to share Jesus’ love and compassion and the responsibility to reach out in love to the least of these…to restore those who are broken even if they may not realize it.

Kelly

half over...or half remaining

West Virginia is our 26th week on the road. It’s crazy that our journey is already half over! It seems like we were just driving to Denver, CO last weekend (our first state). It’s amazing to see how our story has grown and how our lives have changed since we left last August.

Thinking back to that first week, I remember people asking us, “So, what week are you on?” And we would have to tell them, kinda sheepishly, “Well, this is actually week one.” Now when people ask us this question, they are pretty impressed that we have been on the road for 26 weeks. But more importantly than that, they are impressed by our stories. God has grabbed an attentive audience and we know that He is far from finished with writing His story.

Over the past few days, I have been reflecting back on the first half of our journey. And I am blown away to see how God has paved our path for His ministry. By reaching into the hearts of individuals, He has opened the door of hundreds of homes across the United States. These invitations have resulted in warm beds, home-cooked meals, amazing fellowship and conversations, financial and prayer support…And the coolest thing is that God has blessed us with surrogate parents and grandparents and brothers and sisters in each of the 26 states we have vistited!

I am continually humbled that God has chosen me to be one small part of His ministry. I am excited to see how the second half of this story developes!

Stephanie

High Adventure

Recently I have been kind of disappointed because I feel like I haven’t been able to really connect with anyone we have met. I have been praying that I would find someone that I could build a relationship with…even if only briefly.

On Sunday at church I got to meet a couple of really neat kids. For some reason we hit it off right away. These two boys are in high school and are almost like I was at their age (back in the red hair, chain wallet, Nirvana phase). Although we are interested in very different things (they love skating, computer games, high adventure home videos), we all share a love fore adventure and a movie: “Napoleon Dynamite”. We laughed and quoted the movie for much longer that we should have.

It broke the ice, one of them shared with me how much he doesn’t like the private school he attends, the other shared how he sleeps through all of his classes. They told me stories of their friends, and their families. They shared a lot about themselves in 20 minutes. It was fun to listen.

One of the boys had to leave early, but he made sure to give me a hug before he left. I was shocked. I had met him only 20 minutes before…and he was a high school boy. I am thankful for the strange “bond” Napoleon Dynamite created between me and two high school boys.

They have the website address and I pray that through Latreia they will learn a little about the God we trust and love. I hope that they can see the adventure that comes in the call of Jesus to “lay down our nets and follow”. And what an adventure it is to trust that God will provide. Tonight at supper a man told us “you can tell when an idea is from God, because it scares you half to death”. These boys are looking for adventure, I found one, it is called being a Christian. Have you found the thrill?

Laura

Lost youth

In Virginia last week one of our service projects was helping throw Valentine’s Day parties for children who live in a mobile home community. We frosted cookies, made greeting cards, and took the older ones out to dinner. Although all of these planned activities were fun, I felt like the only true outreach we had to give them was ourselves.

Recently I have felt overwhelmed with the specific concern that today’s youth are becoming harder and harder to reach. Even since I was in high school (not that many years ago) it seems that drugs, alcohol, and sex have become much more accessible and prevalent. I was sitting across from a third grader at lunch in the public school and she asked me how old I was. I answered her and she said, “oh, so you’re my mom’s age!” I said, “oh, no, I said twenty-three.” She said, “I know, Mom had me when she was 15.” And over dinner with the high schoolers, I listened to their conversations about how cool they were for all of the harmful drugs and actions they participate in… I felt just sick. Their lives revolve around worldly lies.

There are so many cards stacked against these kids. They’ve grown up in poverty, their parents are nowhere to be found, they use illegal substances to fulfill empty souls, and they use their bodies as tools to gain popularity from their classmates. And the only spark of God in their life is a dedicated young woman named Cherie who spends hours working with and tutoring these kids daily.

On our van ride back from the restaurant with the older kids I noticed how closely they listened to us and what we were saying. It struck me that it probably had just as much to do with my age that they were listening to me than what I was actually saying. Because of this, I have been thinking about how important it is for college-aged and young adults to get out into the schools systems and into the communities and influence these kids for Christ. If, as Christians, we want to see a revival in youth, I think it will be youth who can truly change their hearts. We have an advantage just because of our age. As young people, we have a short yet powerful window of opportunity to truly influence America’s lost youth…

Kelly

Jesse in Iowa

Greetings from Iowa. Josh, I feel you... people have been asking me for a post as well... Let's get right to business ->
Recruiting... I had high hopes of traveling, speaking and recruiting for future teams. One of my first meetings, however, was with our lawyer discussing this and how it affects our non profit status. He expressed some concerns which have changed my focus to more of a research mode. I have spent many hours looking over company policies and employment standards. I will say it like this... I have been working on building the nest before we lay the eggs. At first it seemed as though the wind was taken from the sails, but with a little time on the Verizon plan with the rest of the team we still have high hopes with the understanding that there is some work to be done. It is in God's hands but we could use a good lawyer and/or accountant right about now.
I have had the opportunity to speak a few times about Latreia. I had an exciting meeting with Iowa Wesleyan College to discuss how we might work together in the future. I presented my travels to my church where I really found out how intense it is to speak about Latreia. I have to admit that I was choked up many times during the talk. I saw people in the crowd that I have looked up growing up in my church... those that guided me on my first mission trip and those that help to support Latreia's mission work. I think at that point it all came full circle for me... an understanding of God's work, where we start out and where we end up... the crazy roads we take along the way. I felt my heart grow like the Grinch's during the hour that I was telling my congregation where I have been. It was amazing. I also spoke at a chapel service at Wartburg College. It was short and sweet... well... the sweet part was up to the listener, I suppose.
Back to the real world of working. I am a carpenter for Dietz Construction. I enjoy the work and I enjoy those that I work with. Latreia has had numerous folks opening their homes and we have talked about what a great ministry that is. I will tell you that Darin and Angie Dietz have opened their home to me for the second time (last summer before we left on Latreia) and without them knowing I am going to write a little about them. Without hesitation when they heard that I was coming back they said "come stay with us." They open their home and their fridge to me and I am thankful for that. My first week with them I found myself at a birthday party for Angie's dad and just last week I joined them again at a little fiesta for Darin's father's 40th anniversary with John Deere. All this even though I subject them to countless hours of stories from the west coast... they are great. Even Kylie, their 2-year-old with big blue eyes, wanders down the steps every evening to check and see how I am doing.
East coast for me? Absolutely. I am working on scheduling up and coming dates for when I can travel to meet up with the team. To be honest I am quite looking forward to being with the team again. I miss them more than I realized I would. I just talked with Laura and Kelly last night to discuss possible weeks so stay tuned. I do know that I am going to Maine... a place that I will be able to use some carpenter skills, too.
My next speaking engagement is February 27th at Wartburg College. I will be sharing a message at a contemporary service called "The Gate." If you are in the Waverly area (or if you don't mind traveling to the Waverly area), I invite you to come. I will be sharing the message but hope to have some time after the service to share specifically on Latreia. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: jesse@latreiaconnect.net.
I am off for now... this is way too long. I will leave you with a signature from a trusted friend of mine. I hope he does not mind:
"Keep your stick on the ice."

It's been awhile...

After numerous requests (i'd call it more like bugging me, haha jk) from family and friends I have determined it time to post.

Instead of an all "serious" post I think it's time to have a little fun. Throughout my first month with Latreia, numerious funny things/events have happened.

For instance:

- The first week in Mississippi, Kelly and I went grocery shopping and she told me to go pick up the grilled-cheese. Didn't know they made grilled cheese? Neither did I.

- On the way to North Carolina we were taking our time traveling were just going to enjoy the Myrtle beach coast, so we're driving (i'm actually sleeping in the back seat) and Kelly slams on the breaks to pull into a state park or something and a drawer slides out and nails me right in the corner of my eye by my nose, causing a nice cut. Needless to say, it hurt so bad that I could only laugh about it.

- On the way back to the Christian Camp in Florida from Sarasota, I got to sit in the back seat of the bus. While all kids were listening to rap, I thought I would try and impress them by showing of my "skillzah" by free-styling a little Iowan Rap for them. I think they are in GA still laughing at me for it. Personally, I think I could make it big.

- While in Sarasota, Ajumaa and I were finished eating and we're talking with the rest of the group and I tried to do a mid-coast sign and act all gangsta like for him, ya know cuz Northwest, IA is the hood. I dont think a 14 year old has ever laughed so hard at an Iowan before. Just ask any of the Latreia members, I'm a true Iowan...not from the hood.

Well, that's just a few of the many great times we've all together! 'Till next time!

j.meind (my Iowan gangsta name)

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

One afternoon, Preston and I were delivering food to a low-income apartment complex. This is a regular stop for the InterFaith Food Shuttle.

(Excerpts in bold are taken from Matthew 14 when Jesus Feeds Five Thousand; non-bold are my own added comments)

...But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed by land from many villages. A vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick...

before we arrived at our location, Preston informed me that individuals from this apartment complex would swarm the truck as soon as they saw it. They would be waiting for us. And as we step from the truck, we are going to be surrounded by a vast crowd...in need of compassion and love

...Diciples came to Jesus and said, "...Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." But Jesus replied, "That isn't necessary - you feed them."...

today, the hungry are often turned away unfed and unsatisfied. About 10 years ago Interfaith Food Shuttle came to the rescue. Jill, the founder, decided that it was not necessary for individuals to go hungry, so she took on the responsibility of feeding them

..."Impossible!" they exclaimed. "We have only five leaves of bread and two fish!"...

feeding the people of Raleigh may have seemed impossible, until wasted food and surplus was blessed by the presence of the Food Shuttle and hundreds of dedicated volunteers who came to its rescue

..."Bring them here," he said. He took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and asked God's blessing on the food. Breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave some of the bread and fish to each disciple, and the diciples gave them to the people...

Jill heard the call and followed. God blessed her efforts and compassion. Soon the ministry expanded to reach more people and the donated food multiplied before her eyes

...They all ate as much as they wanted, and they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers...

Preston and I took all the food out of the truck. Individuals meticulously searched through the goods and took as much as they wanted...there were leftovers

...About five thousand men had eaten from those five loaves, in addition to all the women and children!

Because of the InterFaith Food Shuttle, thousands of men were able to eat today, in addition to all the women and children!

stephanie

Jill's Story

I want to share with you a story…

Twelve years ago Jill Bullard was buying donuts for her son’s soccer team when she watched, horrified, as dozens of them were thrown in the trash can because it was time to set out lunch. She shuddered at the waste. She knew in her heart that God wastes nothing, so why do we seem to waste everything? A week later, after continually dwelling on the scene, she went back to the same café and received permission to transport their perishable leftovers to the local shelter. The next day she arrived at the same time to do it again. This time she was refused the food. The regional manager told Jill that it would “be a cold day in hell before I see my products in soup kitchens.” Infuriated, Jill’s mission was to continue serving the hungry in spite of this woman. Her anger fueled her campaign. For over two years she used her own vehicle for transportation and her own garage for storage in order to get perishable food from restaurants and stores in the greater Raleigh area to organizations that used it to feed the hungry. Meanwhile, she worked two part-time jobs while taking care of four kids in order to cover the expenses of her new calling.

Ten years later, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is a million-dollar ministry that serves a seven county area. It has 21 full-time employees and distributes over four million pounds of fresh produce a year. Their mission is simply to pick up food that would otherwise be wasted and deliver it to those who need it. This year four million pounds of food will be eaten by hungry people because one woman saw a need and stepped out in faith to find a solution…

The story gets better. You would think a woman who has started a million dollar non-profit organization out of the backseat of her van would relish her position as CEO of their brand new $4 million facility…but this is not the case. Now that she sees the organization as self-sustaining, she is making strides to faze herself out. Soon she will be retiring with plans to live in Africa and work in an aids orphanage holding babies. The reason? She told me: “Kelly, leading this organization has been a huge blessing for me and an incredible journey, but the true joy lies in the servant hood. I want to do the menial tasks again. I want to let someone else lead and go back to the joy of just being a humble servant.”

I am humbled.

Our Nationwide Community

“Community is God’s idea. Only in community can we know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, celebrate others and be celebrated by them.” John Ortberg

This past week I’ve been pondering how bizarre Latreia’s community truly is. It exists with two extremes—our close-knit Latreia team members and the strangers-turned-friends we meet along the way…people we know everything about and people we know nothing about. And while I’ve become more and more aware during the past six months of how much the four of us need each other to fulfill our need for community, I found out last week that I have been overlooking the importance of the other half of our community.

Due to an ice storm this past weekend, we cancelled our speaking engagement at church. Since we were also staying at a church last week, we had very little interaction with the Charleston residents. It felt very different from the majority of our weeks…to be in a place and not know anyone nor be known by anyone was a bit disconcerting. Then, on one of our last nights there, we were invited for dinner to a woman’s home who helps with missions at the church where we were staying. The experience was almost like coming home, to an odd degree. Sharing with her, learning about life from her, just being with someone from our temporary community was refreshing. We were known.

It is fascinating to me how God has taken one of our biggest struggles—not belonging to one church home—and provided us with this alternative. Because God created us to yearn for community and He put the desire in our hearts to be in communion with others around us, He has found a way to provide for that need through people we’ve only known for an hour. Instead of one church family, He has given us an entire country of loving people who He intends to be part of our community. It seems to be working...kudos to Him for pulling it off!

Kelly