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So far in 2012 thru the end of May, we have served or delivered over 16,000 meals to those in our community. That is a 98.7% increase over this time last year and last year we had a 30% increase. This year we have seen many, many more “local” people in the motels. Those that were displaced by the tornado and those that were on the margins have now slid into poverty. We’ve seen a tremendous increase of families and children now living in the motels. It makes me realize how blessed I really was growing up. The motels are a tough environment for children to be raised in.
That’s why we need you to volunteer, provide financial support, or donate needed items. It’s not about us, it’s about those that are less fortunate that live and work in our own community. It’s about building relationships with those that might not “fit in” to our circle. It’s about walking alongside people to help them navigate life. It’s about offering hope and a better way of life. It’s about setting people free from the oppression of whatever has them stuck in life. It’s about creating a revolution of love for one another. It’s about imitating the one true revolutionary freedom fighter of love, Jesus, by doing something for others. It’s about turning our community upside down!
Amy & I will often chuckle when we run into someone we know. It’s like they want to justify to us why they don’t come and serve with Jesus Was Homeless. We don’t judge people whether they serve or not, that’s between them and God, and maybe they do serve but just not with us and that’s ok too. But it is funny when you hear people say things like, “I know they do good things but I just can’t get past the name, Jesus Was Homeless, to serve with them” or “I would serve with you but I would become too emotionally attached to the people” or “As soon as I get my stuff in order then I will come help” or “I’m just sooooo busy” or….well you get the point. Are you lukewarm and loving it? Watch this short video and you tell us.
Bryan & Amy Stallings
Jesus Was Homeless
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! – Revelation 3:15-16
EVERY $$$$ COUNTS
Each summer Jesus Was Homeless sees a spike in need due to the fact that kids are out of school and not receiving school lunches. This summer you’re invited to help support Jesus Was Homeless by participating in the CenturyLink Backpack Buddies Feed the Children Food Drive. This is a community service project to help fight childhood hunger in CenturyLink markets. Join us and be a CenturyLink Backpack Buddy!
The CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation will match all donations given through this drive at $1 per pound up to 1 million pounds total. If you choose to make a monetary donation, every dollar donated will be calculated as 6 pounds and will be matched with a $6 donation to Jesus Was Homeless up to 1 million dollars company wide.
If you have ever thought about donating to Jesus Was Homeless this is the week to do it as your donation will be MATCHED by the Clarke M. Williams Foundation. Your donations will help Jesus Was Homeless meet the growing need right here in our own community.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donate at the CenturyLink Retail Store: Bring non-perishable food items to the CenturyLink Retail Store located in the Gretna Plaza on Hwy 248 next to Arvest Bank, Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Donate directly to Jesus Was Homeless: Write a check to Jesus Was Homeless or donate on line at www.jesuswashomeless.org the week of June 25th-29th.
WHAT TO BRING
FOOD:
Individual boxed or pouch drinks (Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, etc.)
Granola Bars
Individually packaged fruit cups (Applesauce, Peaches, etc.)
Individually bagged Chips
Cookies
Individually boxed cereal
Snack size items
Individual Mustard Packs
Individual Mayo Packs
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:
Ziploc Sandwich Bags
Napkins
Plastic Spoons
Deodorant
Shaving Cream
Toothbrushes
Razors
For More Information contact Bryan Stallings 417.334.9244 or email [email protected]
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS BBQ - June 24th
Join us for the next “Love Your Neighbors” BBQ at Branson Villas (formerly Payless Inn) across from Rib Crib, 1900 W. Hwy 76, Sunday, June 24th from 4:00-6:00 pm.
You can bring a dessert item if you would like and share in this free and fun event celebrating the true spirit of “community”.
Break down the walls that society has built and experience life with someone that lives on the margins. This will be a great opportunity to build relationships with someone new. There will be food and fun as we cook-out. It you would like more information on how you can get involved please contact Amy at 417-335-0266. If you missed our last BBQ you missed out on something special.
PADDLE FOR THE HUNGRY - JUNE 23RD & 24TH
HURRY TO HELP Jodelle! She will be paddling 32 miles across Table Rock Lake in an effort to raise money for Jesus Was Homeless this weekend. The paddle will take place over the course of two days where Jodelle will paddle 16 miles and stop and rest for the night at a campground on the lake, and then turn around and paddle 16 miles back. You can help by pledging $1 a mile to the cause. If just 100 people would pledge $1/mile, Jodelle will reach her goal of raising $3200 towards the purchase of food and transportation for delivery of the meals. Hear her heart and her complete interview on KRZK Hometown Daily News here.
To find out how to pledge please call:
417-230-0554 or email Jodelle at [email protected] and enter the subject
“Paddle For the Hungry” or visit www.getfitwithjodelle.com
GO SERVE Projects
Have a heart for serving? Love to serve? So do we! Not only do we believe in loving God and loving people, we also believe in serving others and creating a SERVOLUTION in our community (A complete and radical change of a person’s life caused by simple acts of kindness for the glory of God). Join us each month as we GO SERVE in our community at Gateway Branson.
Come join us July 15th from 1:00-3:00 pm as we have a $1 Carwash (insert Carwash tune by Rose Royce here). The twist is that we will actually be giving the $1 to those cars that we wash. You see it’s about serving, giving, not getting.
GATEWAY BRANSON
Join us every Sunday at 10:30 am for FREE breakfast and “Church for people who don’t like church, where no perfect people are allowed!” You don’t have to dress up. Just come as you are. Everyone is welcome at Gateway regardless of what you think about church or God or religion. Gateway Branson Internet Campus is a place where God meets people who are far from perfect. This church is for people who don’t really like church. This is a safe place for skeptics and doubters to ask their questions. We know lots of people have been burned by church experiences in the past. We hope this is a place where everyone can sort out authentic faith in a very real God and begin to experience it themselves. Check us out this Sunday as we find out that our choices do matter!
COME AS YOU ARE – Especially if you are Broken – Tired Poor – Porn Addict – Smoker – Drinker – Not Good Enough Messy – Questioning God – Imperfect – Ashamed – Willing Searching for Answers – Don’t Know God – Alcoholic
Lonely – Rich – Unhappy – Straight – Gay – Judgmental
Drug Addict – And you’ll be just like us!
WARNING: No Perfect People Allowed
Transportation is provided from the motels by calling 417-335-9915.
LIFE SUPPORT Discussion Group
LIFE SUPPORT Discussion Group every Tuesday night at the JWH Living Room. There is a FREE HOT MEAL provided at 5:30 pm and group discussion from 6-7 pm. This is a group setting where we provide a hot meal and share our life struggles and challenges. It is a safe place free from judgement from your past mistakes. It’s interactive and questions are encouraged as we discover the answers together. We know how important it is for people to connect with one another in relationships. We will learn how to move forward in life and not stay stuck.
Transportation is provided from the motels by calling 417-335-9915 so come for the food, stay for the conversation and let’s do life together! We will meet you where you are at in life so “Come as You Are” and explore…Real Life, Real Issues, Real Discussion!
RELATIONSHIP WORKSHOP
LIFE GOT YOU DOWN? Well if you’re a woman that is just worn out from life come and get rejuvenated July 14th at the Jesus Was Homeless Living Room as The
Caring People put on a SPA day just for you. Sit back, relax and enjoy a little pampering as people that care about you massage and comfort you. It’s all free for you and lunch is even provided at no charge! To be a part of this great service event or for more information how you can be involved contact Amy at 417.335.0266 or email her at [email protected]
WE NEED DRIVERS!!!
Want to serve but don’t know how or where? Like to drive? Then we need you. We need drivers on Tuesday evenings for our LIFE SUPPORT Discussion Groups to pick up and drop off people at the motels. We also need drivers for our Sunday morning Gateway Branson Internet Service. If you want to serve by driving for us contact Amy so she can get you scheduled. Must be 18 years or older, have a valid driver’s license and be insurable. 417-335-0266 or [email protected]
HELP US FEED PEOPLE
Does your church, group or organization like to cook? If so, we could use your help. Our LIFE SUPPORT Discussion Group at “The Living Room” is in need of volunteers to help provide a meal each week. We currently have the fantastic women from the Branson United Methodist Church and Barbara Fairchild Ministries each providing one meal a month. If you like to cook this is for you. Your service will provide a hot, home cooked meal for the many that don’t get one very often. If you are interested in helping or would like more information please give Amy a call at 417.335.0266 or email [email protected]
MUSICIANS STILL WANTED
We are looking for musicians for a late Sunday morning church service (10:30 am – 11:59 am) to play music for people who don’t like church. We need messy, authentic, people who are or are not Christ followers but are willing to explore God. Tattoos, piercings, spikey hair, are all ok. Shoes are optional.
You must be able to play a variety of music from alternative, classic rock, modern, & edgier worship music. If you are interested please contact us at [email protected]
CREATIVE ARTS WANTED
We are looking for someone that has a funny sense of humor, experience with Adobe Premier, a heart for God and wants to help us create unique video clips for our Sunday Service and JWH events. Please contact [email protected]