I just don't know how to tell this story

Have you ever met someone that was so down, so deep in the hole, so hopeless that they could net even begin to know how to receive a blessing? Please pray for this family we met today. They have been beaten down to the point that they just have no hope. Please pray that God would restore their faith...I am sure I will write more of these folks as God works this situation out for them.

Tonight the Sumter Police Called us...Kind of a reverse 911...

The Sumter Police notified us of a family that was living in a house that had no air conditioner at all. So we responded to the call... We found two young ladies with 3 children and 1baby on the way, living in a single wide mobile home. They had no air conditioning and 1 box fan. She says that they all stay in one room so everyone could get some use out of the fan. We had a good conversation with them and let them  know that they were in the midst of a God moment right now!!  And then out came a new window conditioner..They were blown away !!  She could not believe that God would send her a blessing just like that !! While we installed the unit we had a great God centered conversation. She commented that she was soooo impressed that the local police would call us to help them. She was very thankful indeed!! Then we learned that some times that they had to go days without eating so the kids could eat. We sent them to the Bethesda Church of Gods food pantry and to the churches Angels in cloth clothing project for clothes for them all.... She says that God had answered many prayers for them in one day!!  The whole time we were with them the conversation was centered on God and His Kingdom. You never know how God will send the blessing !!

Air, Food, and Clothing were provided for these kind folks in 1 phone call from a police officer who was moved with compassion. God Provided Once Again !!! and He always will!!  I would like for all of our readers to please mention the members of the Sumter Police Department in their prayers tonight, that God would bless them mightily, and keep them safe.

Today, while I was in Sunday School My phone rang.....

Today while I was in Sunday School my phone rang...It was a lady who was in a difficult situation.

She had lost her job and was having trouble finding a new job.

She had three of her grand children living with her. She had no food in

the house and they had just re-possessed the window air conditioner from her house yesterday. (rent to own) She needed clothes for her grand children for back to school this year..  She said that she was at the "End of her rope". She did not know where to turn, so she came to the Bethesda Church of God this morning with her grand kids. Then she reads the church  bulletin which has a mention of "Mission Cool Breeze" She said that she was a little embarrassed to make the call but her back was against the wall !!!

As it turned out WE WERE IN THE SAME BUILDING, I WAS IN SUNDAY SCHOOL AND SHE WAS IN THE SANCTUARY.  We agreed to meet in the afternoon. When we met with her she was concerned about what she needed to do to qualify for some help. When I said that we had the air conditioner and we would have it installed in 20 min...She cried. Our conversation was of God for sure. We were able to direct her to our food pantry folks for food, and our clothing folks for cloths for the kids. All of her needs were met in one day from one body of Christians. On the same day she came to church and prayed to God for help!!!   God is soo good !!

  He will send help in a time of need.  What do you have need of?? Would you consider asking God to look into your need?  Ask Him and Trust Him. He will not let you down!!!!

A "Thank you" from this Ministry to members of the Bethesda Church of God

Over the past few weeks many members, Ministers, Sunday school Teachers, and Classes have given generous donations for this " Mission Cool Breeze" Your seed is planted in good ground !!                        We are absolutely sure that lives have been saved this summer because of this Mission.  Our prayer is that God will return the blessings to you 100 fold !!! Thank You !!!

God Knows !!! He Knows !!!

Over the last week or so, our friend Larry ,was heavy on my mind . Larry is a friend of ours who has been living outside for a number of years. Larry has advanced lung cancer and has trouble breathing, I was sure that the extreme heat here in Sumter was a burden to him. Over the past few weeks we had not seen Larry any where around town. I set out to find him Saturday morning. After a few hours of looking around town and talking with people, I was directed to the Downtowner motel. Larry was in a second floor room sitting next to a window air conditioner that was cool but not cold. He told me that he had not eaten in a few days because he needed to spend his last money on his prescription inhaler because it had become so hard to breathe. Think about it just a moment......He was forced to decide...."Eat,, or,, Medication to breathe" and he chose to buy breathing medication. He needed to eat because of his blood sugar but....No more money.

And then I knocked on his door...God had sent me there for sure!! I was able to make a Burger King run for him and boy did he dig into that Whopper!! Earlier that morning, I was prompted to put a new box fan that was donated by a Bethesda Church of God member, in the van..So I did... I was able to set up the fan next to the air unit in his room and the room got much cooler. God had me buy him a $ 50.00 gift card for Burger King..So I did... he said that that would "Set him up for a month"  He seemed much better.. his sugar was up, his breathing was better and he was laughing and smiling again. He is going to move into a home with a friend of his out in Wedgefeild and get off of the streets. He says that his health is to the point that he just cannot live outside any longer...and his friend was going to take him in.  (Thank you Lord) 

My point to this story is... God knew.. what I did not know...but He prompted me and gave me a burden and a sense of urgency for Larry.  God knew Larry was in need and He set me up to respond. Even to the point of adding the box fan to boost the air conditioner. Larry was in need and God knew! and God sent the answer!!!
And you know what ???  He knows where you are and what you need right now !! He will send the answer ! He knows !!!  Just ask him and He will respond !!!

Matthew 7:7 ”Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Today, here in Sumter it was 104 deg. 104!!!!

Today we were contacted by the folks at Sumter County Govt. They told us of a family that was in extreme danger because of their situation and the heat this summer..
When I walked into the home located off of the Boulevard Rd. today,  it had to be 10 degrees hotter inside than it was outside. It was just sooo hot. Living in this home was Granddad, Grandmom ,her very sick sister, 2 children, and 4 grandchildren..... They all lived in this hot mobile home. As we visited, it became obvious that grandmoms sister was in the advanced stages of alhzeimers disease . She was completely bedridden. In this heat !!!

The whole situation was very sad. The family seemed hopeless. It seemed that they just lost their Hope. So after a trip to the local Lowes store, we were able to install two nice window air conditioners in the home. In just a few moments the temperature was dropping. As the temperature dropped in the home, the mood seemed to lift a bit. As grandmom and I talked , I made sure that they were aware that God had sent an answer to their prayers and that we would lift them up in prayer for the future. We had a very nice conversation about matters of the Kingdom....and away we went on the next God assignment.

NOTE: When we arrived I noticed that the whole family was sitting in chairs out in the yard under the trees.(Except for the ill sister) But when we left the home, the whole family was sitting in the den of their home. They were able to go back inside their home!!!

I ask that you guys continue to pray for this family as the days go by. They are in great need. God is so gracious to us !!  Stop for a second...and consider how many blessings you are living in right now. Then consider from where your blessings flow...

Thank you God for your blessings and kindness towards this family...!

Our prayer is that while you are reading this account,  that you would be moved with compassion to reach out to someone around you or in your life that is in need. Could you be a blessing? Would you be a blessing to someone?

She is only 6 years old

Tonight God a met the needs of a 6 year old little girl who is medically fragile ,She is multihandicapped and also has a seizure disorder. She was in need of cool air in her bed room.  Tonight she sleeps in the cool.

Thank you Lord for answering their prayers.

I would like all of our readers to PLEASE, PLEASE send your prayers up for this precious family. If you could put them on your daily prayer list, we would be forever grateful.

Jay from Lowes in Sumter S.C.

This is Jay he is a very kind man. We pray that God richly blesses you and your employer!  Thank you very much for the donation !!

His name is "LUCKY"

Lucky is 74 years old and has many many ailments, Ollie his roommate who is 51 years old, lives in here Sumter. Today the Sumter Police called us about them.  After a conversation with the police , we ran over to their house. When we walked into the house we measured the heat in the house at 95 deg. The heat took your breath away! it seemed to be hotter inside than  it was outside. We found that they had 3 window units that were not working for some reason or another. After some time and attention two of the units were blowing 60 deg. air but we needed another unit for the other part of the house. So... Off to Lowes we go!!!  So we are at Lowes and a man named Jay who is a Lowes employee came to us for some customer service. He knew of our project (Cool Breeze) from a conversation he had with Jason a few day before. Jay says to us I spoke with the boss and I am able to give you 25% off of this purchase!!!!!!! Then....Then He says and I want to buy a new window unit and give it to you guys!!!! 

He just gave us an air conditioner!!! God is so good...Remember what I said a few post ago about God giving seed to the sower?  well there you go!! Susan was outside visiting with them and the neighbors. As soon as the install was complete Jason and I joined them. It did not take but a moment for Church to break out!!!! We had a big time out there with our new friends.    Think about it...It seems that there is someone in need everywhere you look. What if everyone in town reached out and helped someone in need on the same day, every person stopped to help another. Just an act of kindness or a kind word, or a lift up from a situation. What a day that would be indeed!!!!!!!!  Have you ever considered it???  Why not start today!!!

Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’.”

We are truly stronger together than divided.

Yesterday Hope Street Ministries and the Sumter Police Department joined us at Help Out Guys Rescue Ministries and Bethesda Church of God in MISSION COOL BREEZE.

Thank you for your support, We are truly stronger together than divided.

May God richly bless you all !!!

The Preacher preached on a breakthrough on Sunday ..and I have a new air conditioner on Monday...Praise God!!

She is 60 and He is 63, He just had triple bypass surgery... they have lived in this double wide mobile home for the past 20 years...and they NEVER had an air conditioner EVER.....His diminishing health this year caused his wife to worry about him this summer. She heard our Bishop preach on a breakthrough this Sunday and she asked God for a breakthrough and she believed she had an answer....  The next day Monday (Today) God sent us to her home. When we walked into this home we measured the temperature at 89 deg.  They were in such great spirits, very happy even in this heat,!! They had a smile!! 


He said that the day time was not so bad for him... but he could not sleep at night because is was so hot..They were at a loss, They did not know how they could fix this......
The preacher said.."When you are down to nothing God is up to something !!!!!!! and boyyy was He !!
If you have been reading these stories for any time at all...You know what happened next !!  We sprang into deep prayer and deep action..Off to Lowes we go!!  and in a matter of an hour or so...COLD AIR was blowing all over this home... She was sitting on a chair in the cold breeze and the wind was moving her hair..she had the biggest smile..and so did he....She said to us " I could just cry' "It all happened so fast"!

"God is so good' ................  I must agree!!

God does hear our prayers...He just does!  What is your need?  What is your desire?    Consider this....

Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
All things are possible with God !  Do you know Him?  Are you with Him?

Heat wave on the way for the Midlands this week

Columbia, SC (AP) -- Some of the hottest weather of the summer Is heading for South Carolina.

Forecasters say temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s on Monday will only be a preview of the oppressive heat coming Tuesday and Wednesday, when the National Weather Service is forecasting highs near 100 in the Upstate, with the humidity making it feel like 105 or hotter.

It may feel even hotter in the rest of the state Tuesday, with the combination of heat and humidity making the heat index top out at 105 to 110 degrees for much of the afternoon.

Forecasters say heat advisories or warnings will likely be necessary. A heat advisory already is in effect Monday for Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties, where the heat index may reach as high as 108.

Please take a moment to be sure the people close to you are not in any danger for the heat. 


(Luke 7:13 KJV) "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not."

...And the mission expands .....a restful nights sleep for the kids.

While we were installing air conditioners in this home, it was obvious that there was only one box spring on the floor for all 4 kids. As the installation continued ,so did our prayers. Once we left the home that night, our hearts were filled with joy that God had answered this moms prayers, but God was not finished with us just yet. God moved on both of us at the same time. We were directed to provide beds for this family, and so we did!  The next day Jason, Susan and Gracie went shopping for new beds and all of the linens and new pillows for them all. While Susan and Gracie were shopping, a conversation started between a complete stranger and them about what they were shopping for. When Susan explained what they were shopping for, the stranger made a cash donation to the project!!! Right there in the store God was providing seed and harvest at the same time. Saturday morning we arrived at the home and began moving in brand new beds for these kids. We were there several hours My precious grandson played with the kids while we worked around the house. As we worked we prayed over every aspect of the house and our mission. Mom was sooo thankful that God was working on her behalf.  We had a great morning with our new friends. They were blessed and we were blessed. 

Did you know that God will give seed to the sower?  Think about it!!  He will provide for you not only meet your need but, He will give you seed to sow into another life...

Could you be a blessing to someone?? WOULD you be a blessing for someone???  Consider this Word...

2 COR 9: 10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Mission Cool Breeze Update # 2…”In the Midnight hour"

Today, here in Sumter… Desperation Overcame Pride... for a mother of 4 young children.

As She reached out for help in her moment of desperation.. God answered her prayers. It was HOT in her house VERY HOT to the point that they were not sleeping well. This family of 6 was in distress. Trough a connection in the Church family we were directed to her. When we visited with her today, it was clear to us what God would have us do. After a trip to Lowes and a couple of hours of installation, two new window air conditioners were blowing cold air into her home. God gave Jason and me a word of hope for them and a prayer for them. As we were in prayer with them you could see that her hope was restored a bit.

God knows where you are and what you need. Will you cry out to him?
"In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch." – Psalm 5:3

Mount Pisgah AME Church and Bethesda Church of God Today

 I wanted to take a moment to thank the folks at Mount Pisgah AME Church and the folks at Hope Street Ministry for inviting me to deliver the word of God this morning, We had a powerful visitation today. I am sure that yolks were broken and deliverance came to many people today. I saw three people make a decision for salvation this morning.

 Then at the morning pastors' prayer meeting before church at Bethesda Church of God , we had another powerful few moments. We all knew that the main service was going to be special....and it was indeed!!! Bishop Sims spoke about being healed. The alter service was so strong!! I am sure there were 75 people at the alter this morning. At one point the pastor and I met and exchanged a word concerning a member of his family and we both at the same time went weak in the knees!!!!!!!  We both almost hit the floor at the same time under the anointed word!!!!  What power was manifested today!!!  On this Independence weekend I would remind you guys that.......WHO THE SON HAS SET FREE...IS FREE INDEED !!!!!!!!!!!

A hot summer day in tent city.... Sumter S.C.



Jason in Tent City today



This week some folks in Columbia  found a Homeless Man in his tent. He had died in his sleep. While we are not sure of the cause of death in this case it came to our minds that it has been very hot this summer and that our friends that were living out side were in some jeopardy in this extreme heat. So today we spent some time in tent city and around town being sure everyone was ok.  As soon as Jimmy saw us he said.."Wow you guys are a God send".and he was right. I am sure that God had sent us to them. As it were there were some needs that existed in then city. God has blessed us to be able to help..So we did. 

As we went along I became aware that there seemed to be more folks out there on the streets than I had noticed before. The need is greater as every day passes.  As we go and serve the word of God in word and deed, our request is that you would consider those folks around you and their need. We would also ask that you consider adding this ministry to your daily prayer list.  We desire your prayers. Please take a moment this week and look around you. Is someone close to you in need?  Are you blessed to be a blessing ??



One section on Tent City in Sumter



A night with the men of Restoration Ministries Church of God Manning S.C.

Last night I was sent to speak with the Men of the Church in Manning S.C. I had a message all ready to go...And then just before I spoke,,It happened !!! I heard the Windows of Heaven open up and the Message changed, right there !!  I was given another message for these kind folks.  IT WAS AWESOME!! I opened my mouth and out it came. A message right on time just for them. God knew what needed to be said and He said it!!  , and it was great!!!

This is Pastor Tim and his wife Dorothy

I would like to ask all of our prayer partners to please seek the Lords blessings for the Church and its staff.



Isaiah 55: 10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
12For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Mission Cool Breeze update #1 Beaufort County S.C. This weekend.

102 in the shade today



a window unit in Beaufort










He is 78 years old living in 1 room of this apartment . He is a stroke victim and confined to a wheel chair. When I arrived at his house in the upper morning the temp was 81 and climbing. He had a small window unit but it was hard for him to get to the unit to change the temp because he had a hard time getting in his wheel chair to roll across the room to turn it down or up as the case may be. So most of the time he just waited on the meals on wheels guy to stop by and make the adjustment when he dropped off the lunch each day.

I was able to spend most of the day moving AC units around and adding the AC unit that had a remote control to cool the 1 room he was living in. Now... He is able to change the temp. in the room... from his bed.

I also was able to close off the other part of the apartment so he was not cooling the parts of the house that he could not get to.

At the end of the day the temp was 73 and he had full control of his environment without going across the room to adjust the temp. Just 8 hours work and things were better for him.

Think about this the next time you walk outside and the heat takes your breath away. There are people out there that live outside or in houses with no way to cool things down. They live, eat, sleep in this heat all day every day. I met a guy yesterday that told us that when it got too hot at home he went down to the river and spent the day so he could just stay in the water to be cool. Please consider your situation... Could you help someone ??

Consider this scripture while you think on it.....

Mark 9: 41For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
What do you say??? Could you be a blessing? Would you be a blessing???

Mission Cool Breeze 2011

Help Out Guys Rescue Ministries is collecting and distributing fans and window air conditioners for those folks in our area who are in the heat and unable to get relief. Our hope is that we are able to help senior citizens and families with disabled children.

If you would like to donate a fan or window unit please contact us at 803-795-6641

You can give relief from summer heat...

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, about 175 Americans die in a normal year as a result of summer heat. These are only the direct casualties: no one can know for sure how many more deaths are advanced by heat wave weather—how many diseased or ageing hearts surrender when they would have continued beating under better conditions.
Each summer, many children, elderly and chronically ill suffer in the heat. You can bring relief to a family in need by donating a new fan or air conditioner, or by making a financial gift to our Mission Cool Breeze. You can supply one fan with a gift of $10 or one air conditioner with a gift of $100.

AMAZING GRACE!

AMAZING GRACE! Our Lord God Himself welcomed His precious child, Reverend


Archie Benjamin Clay into His Heavenly home on May 27, 2011. Waiting to meet him was our mother, Evelyn Elizabeth Clay, their daughter, Catherine Hope Clay, and their grandson, Christopher Kevin Davis, along with all his loved ones and thousands that came to know Jesus through his ministry.

Surviving him are his wife of 21 years, Zola Clay of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, a sister, Catherine (Dan) Norman of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, five daughters, Donna Ann Thomas (Charlie), Eileen Clay Chappell ( George), Laura Clay, Susan Clay McCarthy-Bagwell (David), Amy Clay Nydam (Kevin), and one son, Grady Alford Butler (Jo). 17 grandchildren, Debbie Dubose, Henry Dubose, Jonathan Dubose, Laurie Ann Dubose, Grady Butler III, Vance Butler, David Benjamin Arnold, Susan Elizabeth Arnold, Chesley Lorraine Wiggins, Kellie Lorraine Davis, Casey Alexander Davis, James Christopher McCarthy, Jason Chad McCarthy, Tommy Matthew McCarthy, April Stoner Clark, Lester Ray Cobb, Evelyn Grace Nydam, and 24 great-grandchildren, and a beloved nephew, Reverend Paul Brad Keeter (Lou), of Fayettville, North Carolina.

He was born on July 22, 1929, in Enfield, North Carolina. He joined the Navy at 13 and served 4 years at sea. He fought in the Second World War, the Korean War and the Viet Nam Conflict. He was a policeman in Whitakers, North Carolina, and re-inlisted in the Air Force to serve over 30 more years. He received numerous awards and medals, including the Purple Heart while serving his country. In addition to his military career, he ministered faithfully and led thousands to give their hearts to Jesus. What a welcome

he must have received!

His homegoing celebration will take place on Wednesday, June 1st, at 1100 am at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad Street, Sumter, South Carolina.

REV. ARCHIE B. CLAY GOES HOME

Today, this precious man of God passed from this life to his eternal reward.

Church of God Bishop, Archie B. Clay is with his Jesus at this very moment...For all time.
“And Jesus took his own hand and wiped away his tears,

And he smoothed the furrows from his face,

And the angels sang a little song,

...And Jesus rocked him in His arms,

And kept a-saying:

Take your rest,

REQUEST FOR PRAYER FOR Rev. Archie Clay

Rev. Clay is in need of your prayers during this health battle. Rev. Clay is the one who paved the way for our ministry. He is a Church of God Preacher who has pastored at the Elgin Church of God in Elgin, S.C. and Meadowbrook Church of God in Sumter S.C. as well as a Chaplain at the Sumter County Jail. He is now retired in Rocky Mount N.C. We pray for Gods will in this health situation.

A good day with the Bethesda Church of God folks

Today we joined with the Bethesda Church of God Mission Group to hold a fund raiser for the upcoming Peru trip. We cooked 800 chicken halves and made BBQ chicken plates for $7.00. God blessed us with a grand turnout this morning. As well as the event, we took 25 plates to the Samaritin house homeless shelter and 5 plates to our friends in tent city. An added blessing was that my two grandsons went our into the streets with us to deliver the meals. 

God blessed us with a beautiful day for ministry. I am sure the many folks were blessed today and many folks will be blessed from the efforts of the folks at the church today.

AMOS 9
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.”

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES....WILL YOU JOIN US?

We’re hoping to go global this April and really change some lives, so here are a few easy ways to spread the word. Download the full toolkit or individual pieces below. Or get creative and do it your own way!

This Saturday morning with HOPE STREET MINISTRIES




Minister Robert Singleton
This Man of God is the founder of
HOPE STREET MINISTRES

 
A Message from Minister Robert Singleton...
awesome time at homeless kitchen yesterday fed upwards of 80 souls,gave away so many clothes,blankets,hats,gloves,hygiene bags,canned food ,bag lunches,volunteers cooked and served a 5 star breakfast !!80 men ,women, and children from 4 different churches came out to provide this service and show the love of Christ. awesome message from bro.Graham Bochman 6 decisions made yesterday,!! thanks to all.I'm always blown away!!PRAISE GOD




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Yesterday I had the awesome honor to spend
the morning with Hope Street Ministry here in Sumter.
These folks are the real deal. They are doing
a wonderfull work for the Kingdom of God.

If you are looking for a ministry to support, give these folks a look.

I pray an AMOS 9 blessing over them and I hope you will as well.

Amo 9:13

¶

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.

For the S.P.D

Yesterday afternoon one of our Sumter Police Officers was involved
in an automobile crash on hwy.521.  Cpl. Chuck Nesbit served our community for more

Than 10 years. He will be missed by all of us.

Weep not, weep not,
he is not dead;
he's resting in the bosom of Jesus.
Heart-broken wife--weep no more;
Grief-stricken son--weep no more;
Left-lonesome daughter --weep no more;
he's only just gone home.
yesterday afternoon,
God was looking down from his great, high heaven,
Looking down on all of his children,
And his eye fell on Cpl. Nesbit,
And God's big heart was touched ,
And God sat back on his throne,
And he commanded that tall, bright angel standing at his right hand:

Call me Death!

And that tall, bright angel cried in a voice
That broke like a clap of thunder:
Call Death!--Call Death!
And the echo sounded down the streets of heaven
Till it reached away back to that shadowy place,
Where Death waits with his pale, white horses.
And Death heard the summons,
And he leaped on his fastest horse,
Pale as a sheet in the moonlight.

Up the golden street Death galloped,
And the hooves of his horses struck fire from the gold,
But they didn't make a sound.
Up Death rode to the Great White Throne,
And waited for God's command.

And God said: Go down, Death, go down,
Go down to Sumter S.C,
Down in Rembert,
And find Chuck.
he's borne the burden and heat of the day,
he's labored long in my vineyard,

Go down, Death, and bring him to me.
And Death didn't say a word,
But he loosed the reins on his pale, white horse,
And he clamped the spurs to his bloodless sides,
And out and down he rode,
Through heaven's pearly gates,
Past suns and moons and stars;
on Death rode,
Leaving the lightning's flash behind;
Straight down he came.
And Death took him up like a baby,
And he lay in his arms,
But he didn't feel no chill.
And death began to ride again--
Up beyond the evening star,
Into the glittering light of glory,
On to the Great White Throne.

And there he laid our brother
On the loving breast of Jesus.
And Jesus took his own hand and wiped away his tears,
And he smoothed the furrows from his face,
And the angels sang a little song,
And Jesus rocked him in his arms,
And kept a-saying: Take your rest,
Take your rest.

Weep not--weep not,
he is not dead;
he's resting in the bosom of Jesus

Read this story as it was told to me......

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. 
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.
Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.' 
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. 
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, 
Literally. 
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.
It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. 
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then Even my husband did. 
I did not move an inch... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. 
As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. 
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling' 
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance..... 
He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.. 
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. 
I held my tears as I stood there with them. 
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted... 
He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). 
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the
Restaurant were set on me, judging 
My every action. 
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.. 
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. 
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.' 
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.' 
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope...' 
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give
. 
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. 
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. 
Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' 
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. 
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. 
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. 
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: 
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. 

A visit with a retired Church of God Minister this afternoon

Rev..Archie B. Clay and the family.

Today we traveled to Rocky Mount, N.C. to visit with my father in law who is a retired Church of God preacher. As we visited during the day, both, at the assisted living home and at the restaurant I was able to see him interact with the folks we met or ran into along the course of the day.  I noticed that every person he spoke to or had a conversation with he mentioned God in some way or another, Every single person!

After lunch we were sitting on the sun porch alone. We began to have a conversation about Kingdom things. As I listened to him speak of God, Jesus, and the work that must be done before the sky to the east opens, I became aware that he had been preaching a sermon all day long with every one he met. Now he was imparting words of wisdom to me.

RETIRED ???  I'm not so sure.....He was about his Fathers business all day!!!  What a blessing I received today.

Try this.... Spend some time with a retired Minister this week.  See if you are not blessed like I was today..

WHAT ARE YOUR WISHES BEFORE THE NEW YEAR BEGINS?

Two of Our wishes  for this year are really quite simple. First, we wish we could give you a really big hug right now, because your support of Help Out Guys Rescue Ministries means the world to us. Without you, our work would be impossible.Among those requesting emergency food service, families represent nearly 60%. One in seven children now lives below the poverty line.


Second, we wish we could help even more children and families, especially because there was a 9% increase in family homelessness last year. Families currently represent well over 40% of our homeless population! This is such sad, sad news.
Just think... more children than ever won't have their own bed to sleep in or yard to play in. More moms and dads won't even be able to make a healthy family meal, let alone serve it at their very own kitchen table. This is not the way anyone should live.
By giving to Help Out Guys Rescue Ministries today, at least one of our wishes can come true. We can begin restoring hope and helping families heal. And as far as that big hug that we owe you, we hope we can make that happen very, very soon.