A Whole Car!

Earlier this month (March 1st), #lovebeyondwalls did a campaign to raise awareness about homeless survival by doing the very first homeless marathon the city of Atlanta. To conclude the walk, we raised shoes at the finish line through a campaign we called #givemilesaway.

Well, this month not only have we raised over 5K shoes, an anonymous giver literally donated a car to our organization to give actual miles away to a family that has had a hard time.

Below is the car! Therefore, in April, we are on the lookout to BLESS some family that has a story, and needs a hand up. Because we want to be good stewards of this vehicle, we are asking that stories be submitted via email. We will select a story that is able to maintain and care for the vehicle like the original donor would.

Please view the picture and the details below!2014-03-16 15.10.14-1car

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help us #giveloveaway Terence

5K Shoes in 15 Days!

This morning (5AM), I am reflecting on the need that is in this city (ATL), across the country (USA), and in other countries as it relates to the poor. This past Saturday, 400+ men, women, and a few children stood in a line to receive a pair of shoes. Why? Because some of them were wearing shoes that were not their size. Could you imagine wearing a size 11 shoe, and have to squeeze your feet into a size 9? This was the case most times…

The line was so long, it literally wrapped around the parking lot. Below is a picture if you think I’m joking…

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All this for shoes… YES SHOES! And just think… We have seen people die on the News over the latest pair of shoes (namely Jordan’s)… Nothing against fashion, but these people were not standing in line for the latest pair of Jordan’s…They wanted any shoe!

While I write this blog, I am thinking about two things: Firstly, the many supporters, organizations, donors, churches that gave to our #givemilesaway campaign (God used you)! We were able to raise over 5K shoes. How? Over 400 people gave to this campaign! Not only will we be able to resources shelters, people directly, but continue to do this throughout the year as needs arise. There are too many people to thank, but God knows you ALL.

Secondly, I am reflecting on a passage found in the book of Matthew. It is in Chapter 25, and is one of those verses that I center my life around. It speaks to what we are all called to–to care for those who are in need! Not for our own glory, but to share and display the love God intended for ALL people to experience.

Here’s that verse (Matthew 25:34-40, NKJV):

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Terence

Not About Me – 48 Hours Later!

I’m up thinking (5AM)… I cannot believe I made thirty miles walking! In fact, my eyes are sweating (LOL). I don’t think I was strong enough to make a 15 hour walk, but God saw me through it…

Over the last two days, I have gotten many pats on the back, encouraging words & well wishes for walking thirty miles on behalf of homeless people in Atlanta (and this country)… BUT, I don’t think I deserve the credit…

Why? Because without God, and the good people who were around me, I would have not completed the 30 mile walk–literally! The pictures below (among many others) prove my point:
DSC_0065DSC_0073There were many individuals & social media followers who pushed, encouraged, and stood with me the whole way (even people I don’t know). Additionally, there are many people on the #lovebeyondwalls team that helped make the “LOVE RALLY & WALK” possible. Many people on the team even stayed the night with me in the parking lot at Crossroads Church (I’m extremely grateful for them).

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What am I saying? I’m glad you asked. Without God, my wife/family, & a solid support system, #lovebeyondwalls wouldn’t be anything. Of course we would do work, but not without the support from good people that God sends.

So instead of making this blog about me, I would like to make it about the people who made history with me, and the people we advocated for–people who face homelessness by living on the streets, in shelters, or living with loved ones without a residential address. It’s over a million of you! And, If you fit this category, YOU DESERVE A VOICE!

It’s the people that go through life without support that need a voice!  It’s the individuals who have a heart to serve and help others that need the platform. NOT ME. I’m just trying to be obedient to God, and follow Jesus’ model… I know if he were walking the earth, he’d be involved in broken communities and loving on the poor.

Although I cannot name everyone who helped, I’d like to say you know who you are! You rock, you are special, and God is using you to help uplift people who are looked down upon!

In closing, I would like to list four words that I thought about the entire walk that helped me finish:

1) Resilience – This word means to continue despite present difficulties, and to press forward continuously.

2) Love – This word is a verb, and must be shown through demonstration. This word also restores and protects.

3) Teamwork – This word means nothing in this world happens alone… There is always a team needed to achieve great goals.

4) Family – This word helped me to remember that I have a solid support system who believes in me–my wife, kids, and loved ones!

Terence

The Countdown Begins (2 DAYS LEFT STATS)

During my personal research this morning, I was inspired through many of the stats that I came across! Why? Because many of them touched my heart.

In fact, while walking thirty miles, I am going to post many of them on my social media platforms. Below is one stat that really hit close to home…

VFH-Stat 1

Terence

 

The Countdown Continues (3 DAYS LEFT HELP US PLANT)

Are you like me? Sometimes it’s hard for me to be vulnerable and ask for help... LOL. Not in a bad way, but when it comes to asking for financial support it is tough.

Well, I’m in a place where I can’t be uptight any more. God is definitely doing something with #lovebeyondwalls, and is pushing us to take a leap of faith even more.

Last month, we were introduced to a local building in our area (the picture is below). This building could possibly be the starting place for the #lovebeyondwalls team.

In fact, it will give us a greater opportunity to HELP & SERVE more people. And, if we can do that, more life change can happen! Did you know in less than three months we have mobilized over 1K people to get involved in our campaigns, over 20 businesses, and have grown our social media platform by 1000%… This is not to brag, but to say maybe God is up to something!  

Here is the actual building:

possiblehome

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But, we still need your help… We need your help to secure our first office space. It will take at least 10K to get in this building and operate for one year. What will we do in the building? I’m glad you asked.

1) Base – This would be our base to work from, dream, raise up leaders, and collaborate more to impact the area around it, and the city of ATL.

2) Storage – We would use this place as storage and a place to get more organized to lead more community engagement projects.

3) Train – We would train, teach, and lead people on how to do what we do.

4) Restore – We would use it as a place to counsel, build relationally with people, and work to restore the lives of those we serve.

Our goal is to raise 10K… We have a gofundme page, and a starter amount of 5K. If we could get 200 people to give $25 this would give us half of our budget to secure this place.

Therefore, not only are we walking to raise awareness, we are walking to get planted to HELP more people.

If you would like to give, please visit our page [HERE], and consider making a contribution. I believe that we have the opportunity to change the world around us for God’s glory. I personally ask that you would consider helping us to get planted and established.

Terence

 

 

The Countdown Begins (4 DAYS LEFT STATS)

Over the next 4 days, I’ll be Tweeting, Facebook-ing, and Instagram-ing stats on poverty, homelessness, and hunger! These stats and many more have fueled my attempt to walk #30miles straight. The stat that touched me this morning is found below…

1million

Why focus on education as it relates to homelessness? Because the other day, we had a group of brave students (who are not homeless) do a project on our organization.These students presented on what we stand for, how we mobilize people, our coming campaigns, and encouraged some of the judges to participate. This has encouraged #lovebeyondwalls to launch its Educational Campaigns soon.

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Pray for us as we gear up to walk for 1 million students who may be homeless.

Terence

The Countdown Begins (5 DAYS LEFT VFH Ribbon)

“Why launch a homelessness ribbon?” I have been asked several times. Well, here’s the short answer is below:

When we go out and encounter many homeless individuals, we hear stories that are both heartfelt and filled with pain. Additionally, we realize that many of this people will never have a chance to express on a platform, or have thousands of ears listening to their experiences.

Although this may be true, we believe ALL people have stories that should be understood and respected.

Therefore, we decided to create a lime green ribbon that gives A VOICE to those who are often times forgotten. So, #lovebeyondwalls decided to launc a ribbon called, “Voice for Homelessness.” It’s a ribbon that is specifically is designed to give all those affected by poverty and the perils of life A VOICE! Below is a picture of our ribbon that contains our #lovebeyondwalls heart in the center!RibbonProfile copy

Terence

The Countdown Begins (7 DAYS AWAY)

I don’t know what to think this morning…

It’s (5AM), and I am literally 7 days away from doing the second most daring thing I have ever done in my life. I have never walked 30 miles before (it will take 12 hours to complete)!

I am literally nervous and excited at the same time. I’m in constant preparation of my mind and body to make this happen!

However, I honestly have three fears:

1) I won’t make it.

2) I won’t make it.

3) I won’t make it.

LOL. I’m going to need every ounce of support I can get–including prayers, and anything else that will help me to get through.

One plus I do have is that I’ll have my personal trainer walking with me… He is going to be there the entire journey. Also, other people will probably join in on the journey as well. Will you?

Today, I am mediating on a scripture found in 2 Corinthians 12… The writer is very transparent in this verse (speaking of his personal limitations), and then is encouraged with a thought from God.

 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

I am praying that God continues to give #lovebeyondwalls the strength to raise awareness and impact the lives of people!

Terence

The Countdown Begins (DAY 10 WHAT IF'S…)

Have you ever had the “WHAT IF’S…?” 

You know what I mean…

What if this doesn’t work?
What if I don’t make it?
What if I’m crazy?
What if they laugh at me?
What if this is in vain?

What if… what if… what if… (If you have ever attempted to do something beyond yourself, you know what I mean)!

Well, last night it really dawned on me that I only have 10 DAYS left before I attempt to walk 30 miles to raise awareness about homelessness and how difficult it is for homeless people to survive on the streets. I kept thinking, “What if my body shuts down…what if I catch cramps… what if nobody joins in…” I don’t know why, but those “what if’s…” started to change my focus, and cause me to doubt a little.

I literally had to snap myself out of it, and refocus on the main objective which is to give homeless people a voice! I had to tell myself all last night that this is NOT about me… It is about people in this country who have not had a voice about their stories! With that being said, I am going to give my ALL so people can have a voice! Especially my friends who are homeless under the I-20 bridge.

But there is something to be said about the “what if’s…” These negative thoughts have the power to paralyze you and cause you to fear! In fact, if you “what if….” too long, you’ll begin to doubt the mission (your mission), your purpose, and abort it.

Here’s the truth though, we ALL will have these moments! We will ALL have the “what if’s…” But, it is also up to us to respond to them with courage and tenacity. How do you fight your “what it’s….?”

I fight mine with three simple things:

1) A big picture – This is where you keep your eyes on the main thing or main reason for doing it.

2) A little accountability  – This is where you make yourself accountable to people who will push you when you feel weak (this also includes accountability to God).

3) A huge memory – This is where you remember the wins, and how far you’ve come. If you forget your wins, you’ll drown when losses are present.

Below is a picture of a box of shoes that were mailed anonymously to #lovebeyondwalls yesterday for our #givemilesaway March campaign! It has fueled #3 on my list above!

“STOP WHAT IF-ING…”

securedownload

Terence