Tag

Building bridges

Terence Lester
In Be the Church, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Community Service, Corporate Sponsorships, DRIVES, Family Values, Fighting for the Hopeless, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, LBW Home, Leadership Development, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Mobile Makeovers, Movement of Doers, Needs, Organization Update, Partnerships, Passion, Plant Love, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, Serving, Sole Beauti, Struggle, Uncategorized, Vision, Volunteerism

Night 3 – Support from Angels

Yesterday was rough, but I made it through night number three… I made 50+ hours on top of the bus… I am living on to of a bus in a very confined space in a tent away from my family, and normal comforts of life. No TV, regular bathroom, walking area, refrigerator where I can creep around the house to get my favorite snacks, no recliner of comfortable sofa… You’re starting to get the picture.

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In fact, someone asked me “what has been the hardest thing you have had to deal with while going through this journey?” My answer is simple… Being alone, and not having all that I think I need.

But, I am also learning some very important truths. One being that you don’t need a lot to find joy, peace, and happiness. All you need is God’s strength, and valuable relationships around you.

Over the last two and a half days, over 20 people have called, stopped by, and reached out to me to let me know that I was not alone and they were praying for me. That brings me joy! One of the top people has been my wife. She has brought my kids by, and have sent me words to uplift me during this time. In essence, it has been the relationships I have around me that have given me the strength to continue. This reminds me of one of my favorite passages in the scriptures written by Solomon about friendship. It reads (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV),

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I know some people may still wonder to themselves  “this still doesn’t make any sense at all.” However, I am still standing on my convictions that it does.

If we are able to raise the funds for the Mobile Makeover Bus, we would be able to makeover homeless individuals, provide support for families in need, and launch a program that teaches people skills next year in 2015. I’m asking you that you get on the bus with me, and help me take a stand for people who are in need of hope, diginity, and support.

If it was not for my support, I’d give up this journey. So I can only imagine what people feel who have none at all, or feel like they have no sense of self worth. We care for those people… Help us support them so they too can take a stand in life and feel valued. Below is a clip from yesterday highlighting why I am doing this… If you would like to help us raise the 50K it’s going to take to convert the bus…click [HERE] Terence

 

Terence Lester
In Be the Church, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Community, Community Service, Diversity, Empowering Youth, Fighting for the Hopeless, Gospel, Great Commission, Homelessness, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Mobile Makeovers, Movement of Doers, Needs, Organization Update, Passion, Plant Love, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, , Sole Beauti, Transform, Uncategorized, Volunteerism

Night 2 – I refuse to stop!

I have made it through night number two… I cannot believe it. If fact, last night a few people brought me some Christmas lights and food.

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But,  I woke up around 4AM because the rain was beating against the tent that I am living in on top of the bus. Even as I write this there are raindrops making loud music in the background to my words. If I could be candid, I feel vulnerable, weak, inspired, expectant, and a number of other emotions. If you haven’t seen the bus set up, this is what it looks like when I’m on top of the bus…

 

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However, I am determined to take a stand for people who do not have a voice. I have gotten told several times to stop because this makes no sense… Well, it does for me and #lovebeyondwalls.

This morning, I am thinking of the multiple families we encountered this year where children are living in single parent households and are sometimes unkeemped because the parent(s) can’t afford a hair cut for their child(ren). I am doing it for the kids that have very few clothes and have to go to school and endure the shame and ridicule that keeps them from their lesson. I am doing it for the person who is temporarily homeless and has no way of keeping themselves groomed. I am doing it for the mother who is about to interview but needs a hairstyle and clothes to make her look presentable.

Whether you realize it or not, there are people who need their confidence built, esteem built, and have the proper support system needed to receive the dignity they deserve. It is like my friend from the community Darren said yesterday… “Sometimes having a makeover helps people not feel stereotyped, judged, and outcasted.”

Therefore, I will keep going the next twenty-eight nights on top of this bus to raise awareness about people/communities that need to be made over. It is our vision to see this bus transformed so we can serve the people I mentioned above. Not only are we passionate about this, we are hoping you will get behind us and support #mobilemakeovers too.

Terence

Terence Lester
In Be the Church, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Community Service, Corporate Sponsorships, Diversity, DRIVES, Empowering Youth, Family, Fighting for the Hopeless, Gospel, Great Commission, Journey, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Mobile Makeovers, Organization Update, Plant Love, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, Serving, Sole Beauti, Struggle, Transform, Vision, Volunteerism

1 DAY AWAY – Mobile Makeovers

We are only one day away from committing 700 hours to take a stand to live on top on the bus (30 nights in a row) to raise awareness, and resources that will empower us to serve more people in the city of Atlanta.

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LBW Team

Terence Lester
In Be the Church, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Community, Community Service, Diversity, DRIVES, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Journey, Leadership, Leadership Development, Life Change, Mission, Missions, Mobile Makeovers, Movement of Doers, Passion, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, Serving, Sole Beauti, Story, Transform, Uncategorized, Volunteerism

Servant Leadership – Mobile Makeovers!

I don’t claim to be the best leader, but I have learned what my favorite leadership style is… It isn’t the most popular leadership style, but it is one that most aligns with how God has made me.

In fact, when you look at the New Testament, you’ll see that Jesus used the same model of leadership. What is it? That’s simple. It is “servant leadership.” It’s leading by serving others. Let me warn you though it’s not popular in a culture that tells you to place yourself first ALL the time.

In fact, if you were to do a google search right now on leadership styles all types of styles would come up that are often used by those leading organizations of all sorts. However, one leadership style you’d be hard pressed to find is servant leadership.

Why? Because servant leadership “is an age-old concept, a term loosely used to suggest that a leader’s primary role is to serve others (Haskett, Forbes)”

This past year, I have led with this style because it places people as the main priority. It’s grassroots, time consuming, and has high involvement, but is totally worth it when you see people touched and impacted…. In fact, it doesn’t always come out perfect, is messy, and has high risks, but the end goal is always to serve others. That’s what I believe God is most pleased with.

This morning, I felt the need to mention servant leadership because this is what we are aiming to display by getting our mobile makeover unit off the ground. Of course our approach is a little untraditional sometimes, but we are aiming to serve others in such a way that #lovebeyondwalls can play a major role in seeing people’s lives transformed. No agenda, no motives, no gimmicks,  just servant leadership.

Some have asked why live on top of a bus for 30 nights straight (and even called me crazy for attempting this)… But it is simple… To help us serve more people as we aim to get our mobile unit off the ground. I care about people, and have a deep desire to see people receive love, hope, and life transformation.

I ask that you keep me/us in your prayers as we embark on our next servant leadership journey. Additionally, think about supporting our cause by “Getting on the bus…” and clicking the image below.

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Terence

 

 

Terence Lester
In Be the Church, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Community Service, DRIVES, Empowering Youth, Engagements, Fighting for the Hopeless, Great Commission, Homelessness, LBW Begins, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Love Beyond Walls Story, Mission, Missions, Mobile Makeovers, Movement of Doers, Partnerships, Passion, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Serve, Serving, Sociology, The Local Church, Uncategorized, Vision, Volunteerism

Why Get on the Bus? – Mobile Makeovers!

About a month ago now, I had a conversation with my family. Specifically, my wife. She looked at me and asked me a very important question. She asked, “What are you going to do to take a stand for what you believe in?” I responded. “What do you mean?”

It short she was making a bold implication, “If you believe that God wants you to make over lives with this bus, then be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish that.” Thus we both agreed that I could live on top of the bus 30 nights in a row to bring awareness to several issues, and do whatever it took to help those we are seeking to help (Staying on top of the bus from Dec 14-Jan 14).

Therefore, yesterday I decided to publish the story and let the world know what I am attempting to do so #lovebeyondwalls can restore dignity back to more people through our makeover bus… I have gotten pretty negative responses, but I have also gotten some positive responses.  However, what matters most is that I take a stand for our cause, and what God has placed on my heart to do. 30 nights is a long time, but with support I can do it…

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My heart is filled with so much compassion for youth who live in single parent households (especially after the tragic events that have occurred recently), and families who struggle day to day in communities that are broken and often times lifeless. I know the makeover bus is not the full answer, but we could use it to start the process of helping/serving those we can touch and help, and mobilizing more compassionate people.

In fact, I overcame a number of odds myself and had a life makeover… I was once a high school dropout, juvenile delinquent, ex-gang member, grew up in a single parent household, was very misguided, and troubled in my teenage years and a portion of my early twenties. However, I beat the odds by God’s grace… (If you’d like to read some of my story, I wrote a book in my younger years called “U-TURN.” It’s the story of how my life was made over and how I turned my life around).

Therefore, this bus means more to me than lights and cameras or bells and whistles… It represents the power of life-change. It symbolizes that lives can change when people take interest in other people by helping them take a stand for their lives. It represents that hope is still near, and that dignity can restore brokenness. I don’t have a perfect story, but God used people to get me to where I am today.  Someone helped me so we (#lovebeyondwalls) want to help others.

Honestly, I am asking people to do four specific things… 1) Pray, 2) Share the story, 3) Give so we can reach our goal, and 4) Serve by coming out to help us when we start the process.

I truly solicit your prayers as I attempt to take a stand for homeless people, youth, and broken communities that need more that words… They need makeovers. Pray that God helps us change this bus so we can possibly change lives.

Terence

Terence Lester
In 501c3, 90 Days, Blankets & Socks, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Community, Community Service, Diversity, DRIVES, Education, Engagements, Family, Family Values, Fighting for the Hopeless, Journey, LBW Begins, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Movement of Doers, Needs, Partnerships, Passion, Plant Love, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, Serving, , Sociology, Story, The Local Church, Transform, Uniforms of Hope, Vision, Volunteerism

90th DAY – #closetstrike journey

You ever been under water in a swimming pool for a considerable amount of time, and all of a sudden you spring out of the water gasping for air? Well, that’s what today feels like…

It feels like I have literally been under water wearing this same outfit for 90 DAYS straight, and I can now prepare myself to get some air… Why compare having no oxygen to wearing the same outfit? Simple. Each day was a struggle, presented a new challenged, was filled with embarrassment, and became psychologically and emotionally taxing. There were many times I found myself wanting to quit, or break out in tears, or even spring out of the “water of shame” to get some air.

“AGAIN…..” I’d wake up and say to myself.

However, the focus of this journey wasn’t about me! It was to gain a clear understanding of what children who battle poverty fell…. It gave me deeper understanding of how children are impacted emotionally, socially, and even psychologically (those who lack resources). When a child has to endure poverty, shame, and even socially isolating circumstances, it becomes damaging to their self-picture. When a self-image is destroyed, it is hard for any type of hope or confidence to be present (especially in a classroom setting). That’s why I am really excited that our organization will be able to help a little! We are aiming to encourage both educators and students! #lovebeyondwalls will soon present uniforms to four schools we are partnering with to aid families and children.

90

Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, 501c3, 90 Days, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Community, Community Service, Diversity, DRIVES, Education, Fighting for the Hopeless, Gospel, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Movement of Doers, Needs, Plant Love, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Serve, Serving, Story, The Local Church, Vision, Volunteerism

Be100radio Interview

Got a chance to interview about #closetstrike on Be100radio.com! We’ll post the interview as soon as we receive the link!

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Terence

Terence Lester
In 90 Days, Blankets & Socks, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, College Park, Community, Community Service, Diversity, DRIVES, Education, Engagements, Family, Family Values, Fighting for the Hopeless, Great Commission, Journey, LBW Begins, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Movement of Doers, Needs, Partnerships, Passion, Plant Love, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, Serving, The Local Church, Transform, Vision, Volunteerism

Days 85-87 – Awesome BBQ!

This past weekend, #lovebeyondwalls partnered with several people to pull off a BBQ in College View Hill Apartments on Saturday. We had over 30 volunteers, served over 250 people food, resourced 20 people with groceries, and led over 30 youth to faith.

A young man that worked with us named Demetrious Nimmons had each of those young people sign the basketball after declaring their faith in the Lord. Below is a collage of a few pictures from this past weekend. Also, this BBQ day made DAY 85 in on the #closetstrike journey!

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Terence

Terence Lester
In 90 Days, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Community, Community Service, DRIVES, Education, Engagements, Fighting for the Hopeless, Great Commission, Homelessness, LBW Begins, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Movement of Doers, Needs, Passion, Plant Love, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, Serving, , Story, The Local Church, Transform, Uniforms of Hope, Vision

DAY 80 – 10 more days to go!

This morning makes 80 DAYS in one outfit! I only has 10 MORE DAYS TO GO to make a full 90 DAYS! My uniform is too small and shoes are badly worn, but this sacrifice is constantly reminding me of ALL the children #lovebeyondwalls will help this school year who have to endure the same journey not as a stance or choice but are forced to each day.10543628_727142203989614_4566573084676689924_n

Terence 

Terence Lester
In 501c3, 90 Days, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Education, Engagements, Fighting for the Hopeless, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Homelessness, LBW Begins, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Movement of Doers, Needs, Passion, Poverty, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Serve, , Story, The Local Church, Transform, Vision

DAY 66 #strikeday

We are just 24 days away from completing our #closetstrike campaign so we decided to take it to the next level and so can you! Join us in the stand by wearing your uniform (white top and khaki bottoms) for the next three Mondays of July. 

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LBW Team