Today is the day !!!,

As I write this post, the delivery folks are at the children's shelter installing the playground equipment!!  Thank you Lord!!  I will post photos as soon as I can.

On another note, this week we were blessed to be able to provide our local disabilities board clients with several winter coats. Is is hard to think of grade school kids waiting for the school bus without a winter coat. I am thankful that we are able to help in some way.  God is good!

He does hear us...and He is kind and just to answer us.

Last week, a friend of mine, who is a  US Air Force Asst. Fire Chief , returned from a tour in Afghanistan. He told me a story of what happened to him on a patrol...or....more, what did NOT happen to him on a patrol.  He was the top gunner on the vehicle he was assigned to., While on a patrol in the area around his FOB,he said that his vehicle ran over an Improvised Explosive Device. As they ran over the device, the guys behind them recognised it to be a bomb and they took action to protect themselves. He said he was amazed that the bomb did not explode under their vehicle. It should have, It was designed to, It could have...but it DIDN'T !!! 

As he told this story, I was struck with this revelation...We told the Chiefs' wife that we would pray for him while he was gone. We further told her that we would pray for her and the family also.  I am absolutely sure that God stepped in on his behalf and stopped the bomb from exploding and allowed them to SEE it and take the correct action. So the truth of the matter is..It could not have harmed him at all !!! Aand it did not. Because God said so.!!! 

Just take a moment and read the 91st Psalm. If you have a need, just pray!!If you do not have a need, prayfor someone else! Please remember the US ARMED FORCES and all of  our Military. 

Praise God for his protection over our military and families!

"Yes Sir, I had a stroke last week and I just need some help"

Today my phone rang...And a weak, labored voice asked if we were the Preachers that helped folks with the cool air.
I advised her that we were, and inquired what was going on in her world. She said..", I had a stroke last week and I just need some help".  After a brief conversation, I learned that she was bedridden from her stroke and was under medical care at home. Her air conditioner had broken and her landlord refused to help her with the repair. Her medical doctor advises that she needs to be in an environment that was cool. She was to try to remain in the 76 deg. range.

As you know, we are still having 90 deg. days in the afternoons here in S.C.  When we got to her home, we found her in bed in the front room of the house. There were 5 school aged children with her and it was a bit warm in the house. The children looked to be taking care of her and the house. Jason and I installed her new air conditioner in the window across from her bed. During our visit, the conversation was about the goodness of God and healing. After the installation was completed, Jason and I had a good prayer with her and the family. We pray for God to work a miracle in the lives of every member of this family. Please join us in this prayer.

Ps 107:19-20

19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. 20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

This week... so many people in real need

We are so blessed this week to be sent...!!
 God sent us to deliver His blessings for a few folks this week....

One precious lady had not had eye glasses in three years. Over time, her expenses went up and her pay did not. After a while, She needed to make tough decisions...".Medical care... or... pay the rent". God positioned us to be able to help her with an eye exam and new glasses and now she can read again!

A family of 5 was praying for 1 months house payment.... God sent us to deliver His blessings to them.

A hard working lady who was on Social Security, Prayed for her car to be repaired so she could take care of the needs of her family because there was no money at all in her account to repair this car. She and her famliy was stranded.................God answered her prayer and sent us to deliver the blessing of a repaired car.

I wonder...Has God positioned you to be a blessing to another??   Would you... answer the call??

I further wonder...Are you in prayer for some needs in your life??
 I want to profess to you tonight, that God will answer your prayers just like he answered these kind folks prayers.

Ps 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (KJV)

Ps 118:5
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. (KJV)

Plans for the Thanksgiving Blessing Begin now.

"Operation Thank You" begins. This year, as in past years, we are planning to go to the "least of these". 
The day before Thanksgiving we will be providing and delivering many Thanksgiving meals and companionship to those in need, and the homeless across the city. It is our intent to deliver a deep fried turkey and all of the fixins to these families.

 We will update you as this mission unfolds. We would like to solicit your prayers for this mission. It is our desire that the recipients see clearly the love of God in these acts of kindness and that God is exalted in all that we do .

2012 / 2013 Winter Coat Initiative Sumter, SC

As in past years we plan to take to the streets and alleys of Sumter,S.C. to give away new winter coats & socks to our homeless population. As we begin this initiative, we would ask for your prayers for our friends that live outside.

 We also would like to thank the Bethesda Church of God for partnering with us to collect coats & socks for us. If you would like to get involved with us, coats & socks can be left at the collection box at the Bethesda Church of God on Broad Street in Sumter.

We will keep you all advised on this effort as we go along. Thank you God for choosing us and sending us!   As you direct.... We are happy to go.

We are stronger together!

This Saturday Jason and I met with the good folks at Calvary Chapel Sumter. They are renovating a house for a shelter and discipleship house for Women and Children. The Pastor gave a us a tour of the home that is under renovation. (Photos to follow soon) during the tour God moved on Jason and at the same time in different rooms of the house and we knew what we were to do. God has allowed us to donate the air conditioning for the house and to provide a playground for the kids in the fenced back yard.  So we will !!!

We were led to this swing set.
 It is called Noah's Arc.

I will post more here about this ministry and the progress they are making with their discipleship house.

I would ask all of our supporters to give this good ministry a look and support them as you are led. They are good folks doing a good work here in Sumter.

We are truly stronger together!!!


John 10: 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Just when you think you are alone....He sends you a sign !!

I have a friend who's name is George. George has had a very bad two weeks. It would seem that everything he touched just fell apart. I could tell that he was becoming weary and beaten down by the day to day situation. He was just tired and "ground down"

Yesterday he and I met out in the county on the Fairfeild highway. While we were parked next to each other on the side of the highway, I noticed this yard sign.......Right in front of us, beaming at us. PRAY FOR GEORGE!!

In that moment the mood lifted and we both had a good laugh!!!!
You know,  If you think about it....."He sent us a "SIGN" that looked a yard sign but...it was a sign.

God is aware of where you are and what is the matter in your life and just when you need it the most, He will send a sign.... When trouble comes your way just look for the sign!!!!!

Tall Tall Grass

Today while we were installing an air conditioner for the lady with COPD, we noticed that the grass there was about 2 feet tall. The grass in entire yard was so tall that when her two year old grandson who lives with her went into the yard he actually disappeared in the grass. Since this home is out of town and near a corn field I was struck with a since that he was in danger when he was outside. Snakes are an issue this summer and there is no way this little fella could see what was waiting for him when he was outside. This lady needed help in a bad way. As she did not have a working lawn mower, there was no way she could deal with the grass herself.
So... I called my brother in law who is a professional landscaper and knows about lawn mower repair. George was able to get the lawn mower repaired for her and we were able to get the grass cut for them.

This family received many blessings from the Lord this week. I wonder how this city would look if all of us would just reach out to someone in need and help them out of their situation.

Lord,….let us all walk in the “Peace be still”

3 AIR CONDITIONERS THIS WEEK

.

The first was in a home in downtown Sumter. This lady was 80 years old and alone in her home she is very ill and on a walker. She also has a broken arm from a fall she took on her stairs. She is on a fixed income. When we visited her home it was over 100 deg. in the house. We were able to install a window air conditioner for her and get her home cool. While were there with her we learned of a few other needs she had and were able to connect her with some services that could help her. This was a very good visit with her. God blessed us to be able to meet her needs tonight.

The second was a single mom with three children one of the children is autistic. He is very affected by the heat. On this afternoon it was 99 in her home. The house was in a state of disrepair and the AC unit was not working. This mom had to stay with a friend because it was so hot in her home. Being in a strange house was not good for her son and he was having a great deal of trouble dealing with it. We were able to install a new ac unit in her home and get it cooled down. With in two hours she and the kids were able to move back in her home. God answered her prayers for her tonight!

The third was a 60 year old lady with COPD and she was on oxygen 24 hrs a day. She was very sick and could not work at all. Her air conditioner broke and she just could not afford to have it repaired. It was at least 100 deg. In her home today we installed a new window AC unit and she was able to rest easy in her own home. God heard her and answered her prayers right there in her home today.

It has been a very good week this week, God allowed us to meet new friends and help them with many issues in their lives. It was a good week for them and us. I would ask that you consider these folks in your prayers today as there is so much pain, sickness, and lack out there. I would further ask our readers to consider looking for someone in need and give them a helping hand.

Tonight here in Sumter at the Bethesda Church of God 22 people found salvation !!

One of the men was a nation of islam person. On this night he laid down that faith and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior!!! Tonight was absolutely outstanding indeed!
22 new souls into the Kingdom!!
Folks, All I can say is...This Jesus is Real !!!! He is Real and Alive!!!!

Prayer request for our friends in tent city

Today the property owners of the location we call "tent city" evicted the homeless folks that live there and set the property and items in and around tent city under the blade of a bulldozer.  At this time tent city is gone and the folks who lived there are scattered all over town. I spent some time tonight in the streets looking for them and trying to find where they had gone. I found one guy who I can not name. He told me that they were hiding form the Police and did not want to tell me where some of the folks were. He did say that they were scattered all over.

While tent city was not the best situation for City or even the folks that called this place home, We ministers, at least knew where they were and how to find them so we could help them.  I am not sure what is next for our City or the homeless here. I am very concerned for the well being of these people and of our City.

I would ask all of our supporters to consider this situation in prayer.  Please pray that Godly wisdom and compassion would rule in this City.  I am concerned that without Godly Love, Compassion, and Wisdom....what ill fate will befall these trapped people next.

I need to be clear that this is not a political post....Just a plea for Compassion.  In the name of Jesus....

Please support our friends at HOPE STREET MINISTRIES

Gracie Nydam and a few book bags



Gracie and a few more book bags














Today we are going to donate 20 new book bags to our friends at HOPE STREET MINISTRIES. These guys are the real deal. I am asking all of our supporters to please support these guys if you would. Please see the information below.

This is from the HOPE STREET Web site:....."This is our 2nd Annual "Bag 2 School" book bag and school supply drive! We are collecting donations of book bags and school supplies for elementary level children from now until August 12. Please help us by collecting and donating! You can call and arrange a pick up (8039346623), or drop off supplies at Bethesda Church of God on Broad Street Ext where there is a collection bin in the lobby. We will also be hosting a "Stuff-A-Bus" at Walmart August 4th, and at Staples on August 5th, where you can donate to us on site and help us stuff a bus! Together we can ensure no child goes to school empty handed! God bless!

I am asking that you all add this ministry to your prayer list as well.  These are real God folks.

One thing..... leads to another....

Today we heard of an out of work for the summer, school teacher who is a single mom and is ill and must use a  walker. Her air conditioner died and her house was in the low 100s. She had to call a repair guy for her unit to be repaired. The bill for this took all of her money for the month. She absolutely had nothing left for food or other utilities for the month. Her son became very frustrated with their situation. It seems that he had lost his hope in the situation. He even asked  his mom.."Where is God now?" how can this be happening to us? Where is God now??

On that same day we heard of her situation and  were moved to go to her home and replace the money that she had just spent on the repair. This check made her be able to afford groceries and the other monthly expenses they had. She was soooo thankful that God saw her need and would send us to deliver her blessing. we had a very nice visit and prayer of thanks for this miracle. She called her son and her sister to testify that God had indeed met her need on the same day she had a need!!!!

BUT.........While I was there I noticed that her yard did not look like the houses on her street. It looked very unkept and overgrown. I knew she could not take care of it and she could not afford to pay someone to help her....Soooooo

late that afternoon my Brother-in-law and I went back over to her house and went to work on her landscaping. She did not know we were coming at all. She just looked out the window and we were there.
Cleaning out gutters, cutting grass, weed eating and edging both front and back yard. when we finished with her yard it was one of the better looking yards on the street...if I do say so myself.

She cried and cried....How her son could see where God was in all of this. "RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT THE WHOLE TIME"  You see.... God knows where you are and whats going on with you right now. Just when you think ...WHERE IS GOD???   the door bell rings and things start to happen!!!

Just ask Him...I assure you He is there. He will answer.....

A very HOT Saturday here in Sumter today....

Rev. Hanks preps the new unit.

The home is in the Bushes

                                                         Today God sent us to a 69 year old lady who is alone and very ill with MS. She has trouble talking because of the way the heat affects her MS. She is wheelchair bound.  Her air conditioner has not worked in a very long time.

When we arrived we found her home and waiting for us... in this unbelievable heat.  Rev. Hanks and I had a very nice visit with her while we installed her new air conditioner.  I could tell from her conversation that she was losing her hope and faith. She was just beaten down in her situation. She was in a very dark place in her heart.
 During our visit we had a good opportunity to build her up and bring her some joy, all the while the new AC unit was cooling things off for her. She ask us to pray before we left her....But she did not ask for prayer for herself but for her sick friend. So we had a very powerful prayer for her, her children, her healing, her situation, and for her friend. I could feel the mood in the house lifting as we prayed.

You know in Job the scripture says...."And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before".

This is our prayer for her, that as we prayed for her friend today...that our new friend would be blessed twice as much as she was and her troubles would be turned.   Amen

Note..We noticed that her wheel chair ramp in the front of her home was in disrepair......This week we will return to her home and make that better for her as well.    We are so very blessed to be able to minister in this manner....Thank you Lord for sending us!!!

It was 102 in her home today and she was HAPPY!!

Today we were down on Kent street in Sumter. It was hot!!!  When we walked into Mrs, Peggy's house it was 102 in her bed room!!  She was sitting on the hospital bed in her room ,upbeat ,and in a great mood. She was singing a little song, and was all smiles.  Did I mention that she is in her late 70s and she was blind, a double amputee, in a wheel chair, and very ill?

She lives in a very small house down by the Fair Grounds. It takes all of the money she has on her fixed income just to buy food and medication. (Lots of medication)
She just could not afford any type of air conditioner. So she just lived with the heat.

That's right, all of this situation and sickness around her and in her life and she was HAPPY and in a GREAT mood! She was singing Gods' praises and and was thankful just to be alive... even in this situation.  Think about it for a moment....

We were so blessed to be able to install a new remote control air conditioner in her home for her.  Before we left her home , the temp was in the 70s and falling.  We had a great time with her and she ministered to us more than we ministered to her......God is so good!!!!

A word from FEMA

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (June 25) If the heat is on in your neighborhood tomorrow, remember to: - Keep you and your family hydrated (including your animals) - Wear loose fitting clothing & sunscreen - Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day - Check on this without air conditioning, especially the elderly and other vulnerable groups Visit www.Ready.gov/heat for more tips on staying safe and cool. Please, Please look after your neighbor. The Ministries "Mission Cool Breeze" is in effect.

This weekend in Grier Town Park in Sumter, S.C.



 We were so very,very blessed his weekend, to have attended the HOPE STREET MINISTRIES outreach here in Grier town park. We are all of one mind and one accord and our GOD directed vision is being fullfilled minute by minute ,day by day ,month by month,year by year.Its more than telling people' GOD LOVES YOU ' it is showing them CONSISTENTLY THE LOVE OF CHRIST ...There were many ,many churches,youth groups,civic org.,other ministries, bussineses,and volunteers involved this weekend.
We fed more than 200 people,  11 people were baptized, & salvation came to at least 16 people.

There was a very nice concert, a Barber chair in operation, we gave away 50 bibles, the veterans affairs people were present, there was a give away table for the personal hygiene items. God blesses in a very large way here this weekend!!!!

Feeding more than 200 folks



God answers prayer for Helen



In the park today



A tent here in tent city









Mission COOL BREEZE 2012 begins today

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 $125.00 Today June 09 2012 we installed the first air conditioner here on Sumter SC

Sr. Adult Retreat at the Church of God Tabernacle in Mauldin S.C.

This week we spent 3 days in preparation and the execution of the Sr. Adult Retreat at the Church of God Tabernacle in Mauldin S.C. We teamed up with several boards and divisions of the Church of God Church Ministries Department to put on this event. This weekend,1300 Senior adults came and had a great time. There were many musical groups, Preachers , give aways, games and There was even a christian comedian. As always Buckys BBQ was there.  For me the U.S. military veterans service was the most moving, to see so many military veterans being honored at one time was very touching for them and for us.  I pray God will continue to bless them all.

We would like to thank the Church of God Church Ministries Director, his family and staff for a great event. Rev. Eddie Allen and family are the best!! We were blessed to be able to minister and have fun with  over 1300 people from all across the state this year. We consider ourselves very blessed to have been involved with this event for the past 8 years and we are looking forward to at least 8 more years.

Here is a thought for you today. The next time you see a member of our military, past or present just be bold and walk right up to them and tell them thank you!!

"Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Walking in Memory of Bishop Archie Clay...Relay for Life Sumter S.C.

Over the past few months the ministry has been working with the Bethesda Church of God and the Sumter Relay for life folks. We have conducted many many types of fund raising events for the Cancer Society.

We became involved with this event in memory of our ministry founder, Church of God Bishop Archie B. Clay who passed from this life into Heaven this year from cancer.

Our team from the church was over 100 people strong and we had a very good event tonight. As we walked all night long I kept Bishop Clay in the front of my mind. He was a five star General in the Army of God and now he rests in his reward. I consider it an honor to work for this event in his memory.

Easter with the Bethesda Church of God in Sumter, S.C.

This Friday at our church, the Bethesda Church of God members of the drama department and Ministers of the church began conducting communion (The Last Supper) every 30 minutes beginning at 10am and ending at 5:30pm. The sanctuary was made to resemble the upper room and members of the play cast reenacted the last supper with the members of the public seated at the table with disciples and Jesus who was played by Jason (Rev. McCarthy) .  16 communions were conducted with a approx 260 people attending. What a great way to celebrate Easter. This was an extremely moving experience for me because I was able to participate in this with one of my grandsons Miles. What a wonderfully moving experience this was.

It is our strong desire that you and your famlies are blessed and coverd in the love of God this Estaer.

Renovations complete at the Community Care Home!!!

Today the painters finished the job!!! Thank you Lord! The whole place looks fresh and new. It is amazing how much difference a new paint job will make. Everyone was all smiles and the mood was very light and happy today as they all began to move back into their newly painted bed rooms. :)

This week we will begin the new bedding comforters, sheets, & pillow cases for all of the rooms. Things are shaping up very nicely here. God has surely smiled down on these precious people here in the home.  I will be sure to post photos as soon as the bed rooms are complete. If you contributed to this project, please stop by and see what a difference your donations made in the life of these kind folks. We pray that God will bless you and your families.

Think about this....Its Easter weekend. On Easter, this

year our friends at the home were blessed with a new look and feel in their own bed rooms. God does hear our prayers!! He will answer your prayers, just like He answered theirs. What will you ask of Him???

Happy Easter!!!

Psalm 67:1-2

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

Painting begins this week at the Community Care Home !!!!

After a very kind donation for this project, we will begin the restoration project for the bedrooms at the community care home!!  It is our intent to transform all of their bed rooms for them. it is our desire that their bed rooms be bright and warm for them. Not only will we paint these rooms but we are going buy all new bedding and comforters for them.

God has truly blessed us to be able to help these wonderful folks.  I would like to ask if all of our supporters would add these folks to your prayer list,  please remember them each day.

I will post the before and after photos next week.

Church of All Nations Orlando, Fla.

This week we attended Church in Orlando Fla.
After a wonderful service and during alter call Susan noticed a lady that lingered at the alter. We both could see the profound sadness on her. Susan began to pray with her and talk with her there. Her story was very sad indeed. She says that she is alone in this world no family no friends. She only had a dog as her companion for the last 13 years. This pet became sick and died just recently. She tells Susan that she just did not want to live any more. Right there God sent down a word for this lady Susan relayed the word that God had given for her.  I stood away and watched this all occur. I could see as the heart break begin to heal right there in front of me. God was working this hurt and pain out for her right there at the alter. She let heart cry out at that alter and God himself sent the "peace be still". He is kind and just!  his answer is yes and amen!!

What a day we had in Orlando !!!  God is kind and just!!!  Ask what you will he will answer you!!!!

Cooking Chickens for Bethesda Church of Gods Missions Program

Today we along with the mission department at the Bethesda Church of God cooked 1300 chicken quarters. To raise money for the mission group to go to Central America later in the year.  We met our goal. Thank you!!!!  to everyone that supported us today! 

                                                     

Today in Santee S.C. at a local restaurant

Today while My wife Susan and her Sister Eileen and I were eating breakfast in Santee SC.  Susan noticed a man in  the rear of the restaurant eating alone. There was just something about him that would not let Susan go. We could tell that there was some type of sadness about him. As we ate and continued our conversation Susan just got up and went over to his table and introduced herself. She sat down and had a nice conversation with him. As I was watching from across the room I could tell he was feeling better, it seemed that his smile had come back just a bit. 

When Susan came back to the table she told us that he said that his wife had just died not too long ago and he was having a great deal of trouble with the loneliness and the heartbreak of losing her. Susan gave some very kind words of encouragement. It did seem to help him.

Think about this for a moment...How many times in our busy life do we just blast past someone in need of a smile or a kind word???  I would ask that we all slow down just a bit and look around us...pay attention to that small still voice that says.."be nice".

Building in Horatio,S.C.

Saturday morning we spent the day building for Pete. We had a great day with Pete and his wife and our new volunteer friends.

Valentines party with our friends at the community care home

THE TABLE OF GOOD STUFF

LET THE SISTERS SING

FUN AT THE TABLE

Tonight we were able to spend a wonderful night with our friends at the community care home. We brought a stack of pizzas, cup cakes, cookies, drinks, balloons, and a valentines day present for everyone there. The sisters sang and we all had a great time. God has allowed us to show these nice folks love and compassion tonight and over the past few months and we have enjoyed every moment of it. The smiles and laughter here tonight were grand indeed!!!

Jason preached a message on the LOVE of GOD,  we had a nice prayer and the party started. We sang and visited and ate and ate some more!!

Our prayer is that God would let our friends feel His love all day every day and not let them feel lonely or abandoned. Thank you Lord for sending us.