10/20/08 at the Joshua Center

Serving at the women's facility (aka, the Joshua Center) is different from serving at the men's facility. If you're a regular reader of this blog, or if you've served at both places yourself - you already know this.

Conversation is not nearly as easy. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

But we are not called to be emotionally or physically comfortable. And we are not called to love only when it's easy. No, instead we're called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. We're called to share God's love with people in tangible ways, even when it's hard. And especially when it's not reciprocated.

The eleven volunteers from last night did an amazing job of sharing God's love. Between the 'kitchen crew' and 'conversations crew', we made some major progress in letting these women know that we genuinely care for them.

And next time - Nov 17th - we'll do it again. ;)

No. Serioulsy - I don't really play chess...

We had 9 volunteers last night for our 2nd Thursdays dinner at the Men's Facility. It was an absolutely wonderful time and true community! :)

Once again, Don did an amazing job of orchestrating the delicious meal. We served sliced ham, cheesy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade cornbread (even some jalapeno cornbread) and homemade chocolate chip cookies. The only complaints we heard were of full bellies.

One of the guests was convinced somehow that I not only was an excellent chess player, but that I had actually played HIM two months ago. And won. By a landslide.
Needless to say, I lost last night's "rematch". ;)

But if we have any serious chess players that read the blog - you should seriously consider coming out to the men's facility with us next month, on November 13th. Because I have a friend staying there that I'd love for you to meet...