Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Overwhelming Love for Our Community, by Jon Donohue

Jesus has a heart for the poor among us. In fact, He equates our care for the poor as our care for Him. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus tells his listeners “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Jesus’ words make it clear that, as a church, our care for people in need is a critical calling. Because of this, it’s a blessing that we can partner with ministries in our community that are meeting such needs.

Love Overwhelming is a non-profit ministry in our community that is engaging in meeting the needs of the most forgotten among us: the homeless. Love Overwhelming was birthed three years ago out of the vision of its current director, Chuck Hendrickson.  At the time, Chuck was working with a local mental health agency that focused on helping homeless people get housing. But through his work, he noticed that there were many people who were “falling through the cracks” of the system. Some were, for one reason or another, unable to walk through the steps required to gain housing, while others were considered too “high risk.” Chuck recognized the needs of those who were still literally out in the cold, and he, along with the help of other ministry partners, developed a mission to help these outsiders. The mission of Love Overwhelming remains the same today: “To extend hope by identifying needs and creatively serving our community.”

One critical way Love Overwhelming advances this mission is through evidence-based best practices like the “housing first” model. Utilizing a network of landlords who serve alongside Love Overwhelming, The strategy of the housing first model is to take individuals who are homeless, and give them housing first. In other words, while other systems require that people first become clean, or get some level of employment, or get better credit, or pay off debts, or get the right kinds of care or state assistance before they receive housing, etc., this strategy provides people with housing first (for one full year) so that they then have their number one concern taken care of in order to then work on the other needs and requirements from a place of security rather than insecurity.

As Chuck told me in a conversation, “We want to create as few barriers as possible for people finding housing, so they can focus on bettering themselves rather than every day trying to find shelter and safety.” He equated it with how people come to Christ. “Jesus doesn’t require us to make ourselves better before He will receive us. So why should we ask others to fix themselves up before we’re willing to help meet their needs?” Chuck also said that the housing first model has also been up and running in Seattle’s King County, and because of it, the average cost to taxpayers to take care of the homeless population in their community dropped four million dollars in one year. It has been a fiscal success as well as a humanitarian success. To this day, Love Overwhelming gets referrals from both our local city governments and local school districts in order to help house the homeless in our community.

Love Overwhelming also operates a ministry called the Urban Rest Stop. The Urban Rest Stop provides a place where those in need of shelter can come find warmth, food, provisions such as clothes and toiletries, and even a warm shower, all in the name of Jesus. There is also a case manager on site who can help walk guests through steps to getting needed SSI, SSD, sign up for insurance, and receive other critical assistance. Through December, the ministry will operate Monday to Wednesday mornings out of the Three Rivers House of Prayer (TriHOP) building located at 1335 11th Avenue in Longview. Beginning in January, the Urban Rest Stop ministry will change locations, though the new location is still undetermined.

In the near future, Love Overwhelming is hoping and praying to open a low barrier shelter that will operate 24-7 and seven days a week. “Low barrier” means that there will be few restrictions with regard to who can come find help getting out of the cold and into a place of safety. While they have the funds to move ahead with the low barrier shelter, the ministry is still seeking a facility that can/will house this shelter. Please pray that just the right location will be provided soon.

There are many ways you can help Love Overwhelming. Prayer is always a critical need. Love Overwhelming is also constantly in need of provisions, as everything they have to offer their guests is provided through donations. This time of year they are especially in need of cold weather gear including warm clothes (hats, gloves, socks, shirts, etc.), coats, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and blankets. Toiletries like small bars of soap and shampoo, as well as nutritious, non-perishable food are also a constant need.

Love Overwhelming is also always looking for people who are willing to volunteer their time. Volunteers are needed to help pack daily living essential bags that are handed out to guests. There are opportunities to serve in the mornings at the Urban Rest Stop as well as overnight (10 PM to 7 AM) at their extreme weather center, which provides overnight shelter for guests when the temperature drops below 31 degrees. There is also a fundraiser committee that is looking for volunteers who can help coordinate fundraising activities for Love Overwhelming.

Between now and Christmas, East Hills is going to be collecting new, warm hats and gloves. Half of these hats and gloves will be given to Love Overwhelming, while the other half will be given to Northgate City Church and their ministry to those in need. Please consider how you can help meet the need for hats and gloves for those struggling to stay warm this winter.

More info can be found at www.loveoverwhelming.org, or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveoverwhelming.
All questions and contacts can be directed to Executive Director Chuck Hendrickson:  360.560.3913, or at chendrickson@loveoverwhelming.org.

Making Christmas Meaningful

Three East Hills Alliance families were asked to share their thoughts on how they chose to make Christmas meaningful to them. Thanks to Jim and Sharon Fishel, Jean and Rick Imholte and Pat Enbody for letting us peek into their holiday traditions!


We began early in our marriage, even before children arrived, to try and make Christmas as Christ centered as possible. Several young married couples got together for a party at our house one year just after Thanksgiving to build their own advent wreaths. We would light a candle and read scripture each Sunday that related to the events surrounding Christ’s birth.  On Christmas morning the center candle representing Christ would be lit. This became a tradition that our daughters looked forward to taking part in every Christmas.

Another very special tradition is the reading of a six-page short story “The Other Wise Man” which began a little later when our daughters were in grade school and has now become a part of their own family Christmas activities.  This condensed version of a story by Henry van Dyke was introduced to us through the December ’83 issue of Moody Monthly magazine.  This story follows the events of a fourth magi that sold everything he owned to buy three jewels to give to the king foretold by a new star.  He missed the journey with his three friends because he stopped to aid an injured traveler.  The rest of the story tells how he used his jewels to help others while searching all his life for the King.  At the end of the story the Lord accepts his gift of the jewels as if he had given them to Him.  Even though we have read this story many times it is still so moving that the chosen reader has to pass it on to another reader near the end because of being overcome with emotion.

One year as we hung our stocking on the mantel we decided to put one up for Jesus in the middle.  We then wrote letters telling Jesus what we wanted to give Him for His birthday. Baking together everyone’s favorite cookies, that were usually only eaten and shared at Christmas time, was one of the things our daughters loved to do.  Caroling as a family quartet to our neighbors and sharing plates of those special cookies was always a memorable event.  Making sugared walnuts has taken the cookies place now that we are empty nesters.  Sharing them with our neighbors is a very joyfully received gift.  Last year we got our houses mixed up and delivered them to a family we hadn’t met and made a new friend.

For the last twenty years we’ve faithfully put out a lighted nativity scene under the tree in our front yard with the star hanging in the tree above as a light to others.  

Jim & Sharon Fishel
When I was asked how I find meaning in Christmas each year, I had to really stop and think about it.  Admittedly, our family is a little short on traditions.  I do the usual things like bake and decorate, have Christmas music on, etc.  I guess the way I do things is a little different than some families and it works for us.

The first decorating I do is to set up our large nativity scene.  It just seems right to do that above all, and then I fill in with a tree (most years) and a little globe I have of the nativity. I try to keep decorating simple and focused on the true meaning of Christmas - Christ's birth.  So my tree is only decorated with angels, stars, and reminders of God's gifts to us, our children. No pickles, Coca Cola Santa bears or themed team Christmas trees at our house!  

This year we are  instituting a dollar limit on our gift giving, and hoping to take pressure off our kids and selves to keep it simple and focus on what Christmas is really about.

Another thing we like to do when the "kids" are home is drive around and look at lights.  There is something very special about living in a small town and that sort of magical element of community that you feel at Christmas.  One of our daughters lives in a large metro city, and the hometown feel just isn't there.  With grandchildren now in the middle of our lives, we see everything anew through their eyes.  We are trying to keep the Santa Claus emphasis out of it, and just focus on family, Jesus, and the simple joy of being together.

A strange, but personally meaningful thing for me is a connection I feel to the holy family and Jesus's humble birth when I am out in our barn, cleaning the horse stall.  There is just something about being in a cold, quiet barn that reminds me very physically about what it might have been like for Mary, Joseph and the precious baby Jesus.  I think of all the places He could have been born, and yet God chose this most humble of entries into the world!  It touches me to think that Jesus became low that He might lift us up with Him.

Jean & Rick Imholte
We have always had a very simple Christmas. We don’t buy expensive gifts; it is a time to be with family and close friends. This is the way we celebrated growing up, always reading the Christmas story several times and having a dinner with grandparents, aunts and uncles.

We focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time to reflect on this and how it changed the world.  I like celebrating with family and close friends and being thankful that I serve Jesus Christ.

Our traditions have changed over the years. From growing up to raising a family and now it is just Evan and me.  He and I always love to set up a Nativity set in his room and several more about the house. Then we always have a dinner Christmas eve with the rest of the family.   - Pat Enbody

Heart to Heart

At East Hills we offer women many ways to connect, serve, learn, and relax.  Some of these opportunities are woven into the fabric of East Hills: Women participate in outreach events, are an integral part of many of our key teams, and serve on various boards and committees.  In addition, there are some unique activities designed just for the women of East Hills.

Each Spring there is a district women’s retreat, and each Fall there is an East Hills women’s retreat.  These times of unplugging from the routines of life create space to make memories together as we get to know each other better.

Alliance Women provides a place for women with a heart for missions to gather to pray and participate in key initiatives for women and families worldwide.

We offer a growing list of recovery group options specifically for women.  These safe places give women a place to gain insight, recover boundaries, and renew hope.

Heart to Heart is a gathering that meets throughout the year in seasons of four to eight weeks for practical Bible study and fellowship.  We want this to be a relaxing and renewing time for women so we provide a meal and childcare, all for free. We are currently engaging in a series called “Found: Valuable gems discovered in an overlooked passage”. Together we have excavated some real treasure that is both universal and personal.

We have talked about how our actions speak louder than words, about ambition, and about thankfulness, all from the perspective of I Thessalonians, a letter from Paul to his dear friends that is a relevant today as it was when he first penned it. Discussions around our tables have been serious, funny, helpful, personal, and challenging.

A few recent comments are:

--There are several things I love about Heart to Heart, I love coming together with other women and hearing and learning more about God through his word and then coming up with ways we can apply that to our lives by discussing and sharing. And being able to share we get to know each better, bringing us closer to each other and also closer to God.

--One of the things that has been so significant to me each time Heart to Heart is offered is the way all the women share at the individual tables.   I am able to see a part of them that is real.  It is not the way they act on Sunday morning-not "I am just fine" language.  Getting to know women on that deeper, more intimate level means so much to me.

--Of course I the love all that goes into preparing the atmosphere with yummy food and pretty table decorations.

--Someone who has never attended does not need to feel that they would be singled out or put on the spot.  I appreciate that you always state that what is discussed at the table needs to stay right there.

--Thank you for Heart to Heart.


Our final meeting of this season will be Thursday, December 5.  We are calling it “Fa la la la la” and it is more of a party than a meeting!  Each table has been claimed by an individual or team and will be decorated in a theme that reflects a popular Christmas song, we will nibble on festive appetizers and desserts, and each woman will make a fun and useful holiday craft. A few surprises are planned as well.  We want this to be a great place to invite a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who would enjoy launching the holiday season with us.

Whatever a woman’s season of life, situation, interest, or concern, East Hills values the diversity, talent, and significance of the individuals God has drawn to this safe place. If you would like to chat about any of the opportunities we offer, contact me so that we can get together for a cup of coffee and get to know each other better.

~Pastor Ann

Call to Prayer

Recently East Hills had a Call to Prayer night to kick off 24 hours of prayer for our church, our city and our world. Here are two participants’ experience with the event this year.

My Friend and I, A Call to Prayer
My friend and I recently agreed to meet one afternoon at 2:30 to pray for various needs we are concerned about.

We sat on the living room sofa that Friday and began our conversation together. He would remind me of details about the lives of the people we care about and I would echo His concern back. We spoke about marriages, the husband-wife relationship, about children and the need for parental mentoring, love and discipleship. We shared comments and concerns about our church’s leadership, their need for discernment, balance, encouragement and wisdom; we agreed on the need for acknowledgement of those who serve behind the scenes, those who care for the physical building of the entity called “‘church,” those who mow, clean windows, wash kitchen floors. We prayed for wisdom and direction for the whole body called the CMA, passion and balance for its leadership. We also directed our thoughts towards those international workers who serve in countries that deny or restrict their ability to share my Friend’s love for others who live there. We spoke together of their needs to be supported, encouraged and provided for, so far away from my abundance of material provisions.

We spoke together for about a half-hour. It was a sweet time, He gently reminding me of others’ needs; small things that make a difference in the world I live in for the people He loves. What a privilege to be able to talk with the King, having a two-way conversation that impacts His work on Earth.

Linda Pharr
My prayer night experience:
In the past, I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in prayer times and looked forward to our slot this year. So, I was surprised when this year turned out to be a struggle. A very good time in the end, but a difficult commitment to keep. Our slot was at 11pm (not terribly late), but that day turned out to be a 12-hour field trip day in Seattle!

When we got home I ended up taking an evening nap so that I would be awake for prayer. I did get up by 11, but still very, very, tired. It took the Lord's nudge for me to join Greg and have our prayers together. I am so glad I did! The Lord rejuvenated my spirit as we prayed. I felt bonded to the Lord and to our church. Thank you, Lord, for Your faithful prodding and strength to keep us moving forward!
Karla Bean

Pastor's Corner, Nick Stumbo

"This fall, we had the privilege of hosting Todd and Karen Dinius for our Global Impact week. Although it was our first time to have them here in person, our friendship with the Dinius family extends much further back. Over the last four plus year, EHA has developed a significant international partnership with the Alliance team in Bosnia. We have made a commitment to walk alongside this team as they do ministry in a very dark, challenging part of the world.

Our partnership with Bosnia has five components:
1)Personal Connection- getting to know the team at a deeper level.
2)Partner Care- meeting personal needs of team members.
3) Financial Resourcing.
4)Strategic Prayer.
5)Short-Term Trips.

I encourage you to continue finding ways to participate with us in supporting the Alliance team in Bosnia. The team is comprised of the Dinius's, Mark and Kathy Eikost, Mark and Vivianne Shady, Laura Eckman and
Petula Myers.

Here is a recent update from our friends Mark and Kathy Eikost:
Lights! Camera . . . Action!
October is movie month at our community center (Izvor/The Source).
We sponsor a film seminar for local high school students and then work with them to produce short films. In November we will have our own
gala event where the best teams in various categories will get an award. Click on the link below to see our
promotional video about this event and please pray for us as we serve the community in this challenging
and creative way.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9nLr7WOmto

What price did you pay?
On Wednesdays I meet with Lj who
is very interested in spiritual things. She always has a lot of questions
like “How does holy water work? Why do some Christians cross themselves before entering church and others don’t? Where do demons come from? How do guardian angels work? Why did people come to John to be baptized? Why did Jesus want to be baptized?” You get the idea.

This week we read about the fisherman who left everything to follow Jesus. We talked about a person’s spiritual journey moving from a place far from God to becoming a child of God and serving Him. As I was relating the story Jesus told of the man who considers the cost before building a home she asked me quite simply, “What price did you pay?” No one’s ever asked me that before.

Growing up in America the initial cost to follow Christ is usually minimal unless your family comes from a completely different background. As we move into adulthood we have many opportunities to “pay” by choosing godliness over whatever is popular at the moment. Some may sacrifice popularity, a particular boyfriend or career to walk more closely with God.
Here in Bosnia almost everyone who chooses Christ pays an initial price that may include friends, family, a home or job. As Lj considers the cost of following Jesus, please pray with me that she grasps the immeasurable value of the grace, forgiveness and eternal life she will receive in exchange.

As you consider your own spiritual journey, let me ask you, “What price did you pay?” Where are you at in your walk with Him? Is it time for another costly life decision? May God show you the great wealth of his riches that you will receive in return for your obedience and sacrifice. He is worth it all!

Sincerely,
Kathy, for the Eikosts

If you would like to receive regular updates from the team in Bosnia, contact Debbie Sande at sande@kalama.com to be included in these emails. Each update provides many ways in which you can continue to pray for and support the work in Bosnia.

We stand with them to bring the light of Christ to a dark place! Let us not grow weary in
doing good, for God is in this! Peace-

Pastor Nick