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DRIVES

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Diversity, DRIVES, Education, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life Change, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Needs, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, , The Local Church, Transform, Vision

The Countdown Begins (DAYS 14-12 LIFE CHANGE)

I’m up super late tonight (3AM)… In fact, I can’t sleep because I am in awe of what God did in my homeless friend’s life…

If you don’t know by now, I met Robert a little less than three months ago under a bridge when I made myself homeless for 72 hours (around Christmas time). I went homeless without anything, and did not know why I was filled with compassion to do it, but now it make sense. I met Robert, and many other people who were staying under that bridge, heard stories, and shed tears with a bunch of people (they are my friends).

Robert in particular became a really good friend of mine, and expressed that he wanted to give his life to God, and be baptized. He said, “I just want to start my life completely over and change.” Well, over a three month period, our friendship became closer, and he started attending church with me (a few times).

On yesterday, I spoke at Crossroads Church (the starting point for the walk) and Robert attended with me… I shared some of his story (his childhood, drug problems since age 14, and a few other challenges), and how he came to faith under the bridge night #2 (of the 72 hours I was homeless), and spoke about how God’s love changes others!

After speaking, the production director Justin Kirk asked if I’d like to baptize him on the spot… I asked Robert, and he agreed to do it on the spot. Therefore, I spoke both at both services and in the second service I was able to baptize my friend (I’ll post message later). I shed tears because when Robert came out of the water he said these words, “I saw myself on the screen, and I can tell I am transforming!” 

This is why I am going through with the 30+ mile walk… I AM 12 DAYS AWAY!

I am walking for every Robert in this country that do not have a voice, but have potential to experience life change! I am walking to raise awareness of a overlooked epidemic–homelessness, and the possibility to have some people restored. Additionally, we are raising shoes in the month of March (the entire month), and a few funds [HERE] for a storage space.

Currently, we are asking people to “GREEN OUT” their social media profile pictures to give homelessness a voice! Green is the color we decided to go with because green represents life, growth, and newness (and it is the color of our ribbon). This is what we’d like for those who have no voice to experience–new life! And, I believe this is what God wants for God’s people…

Here is “GREEN OUT” picture (use it):

greenout

After service, a guy named Brian Preston walked up to Robert and told him he wanted to give him a shot at a job…

Is this Robert’s opportunity to have a “hand up” not a “hand out?”… We’ll see! They will speak this week.

Below are some before and after pictures of #lovebeyondwalls work with Robert! All I have to say is God is definitely working in this young man Robert.

Here is a before picture when I first met Robert:

MeandRobert

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, here is the picture from yesterday when he got baptized like he wanted:

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Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blankets & Socks, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, DRIVES, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Raising Awareness, Serve, , Vision

The Countdown Begins (DAY 15 HOMELESS FOR A NIGHT)

On February 28th, I am going to sleep in a tent in Douglasville overnight at Crossroads Church (in the parking lot) before we start the #30milewalk at 3AM or 4AM in the morning!

The reason why I am doing this is so we can get a huge headstart on the journey before us. It is going to take us at least 12+ hours to complete the 30 miles, and I want to make sure we have enough time to make it to Paschal’s restaurant  between 3pm-6pm.

If you’d like to start out walking with us, I am inviting you to do so by meeting us at the church, joining us on the route on Bankhead HWY, or walking the last mile with us on Northside Dr.  Lastly, I am sleeping in a tent because we are aiming  to get the full experience of walking in the shoes of homeless people who have to struggle to survive (through walking and living outside)!

Below is the artwork if you are interested…

nightofhomelessness

Terence

 

 

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Needs, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, , , Uncategorized, Vision

The Countdown Begins (DAY 16 1000 SHOES)

Yesterday, I was inboxed over Facebook by a mother from a Church I recently interviewed at (West Ridge), and she inquired about our March Campaign to raise 1000 pairs of shoes!

Why? Because I briefly shared that we would focus on shoes in the month of March from stage. In fact, after I shared what we were doing, somebody placed their shoes in an offering bucket, and a few kids came up to me after service and donated their shoes on the spot. How cool is that? VERY!!!! Here is a picture…

2014-02-09 12.29.31-1

Yes, in March #lovebeyondwalls is raising 1000 pairs of shoes to resource those in need in ATL. I briefly mentioned my discovery of homelessness, and how homeless people have to walk tons of miles to survive. In fact, I walked 20+ miles myself when I was homeless for 72 Hours.

What broke my heart though is when I would ask my friends (who sometimes did not have on adequate shoes) how many miles they had to walk per week? Some responded, “30, 50, and even 70 miles per week…”

“With those shoes…they are not in good shape” I said.

“Yes, with those shoes…” they responded.

Therefore, I vowed to walk 30+ miles on behalf of my homeless friends to raise 1000 shoes to give away to any homeless person we encounter in March. Children, women, or men. It doesn’t matter.

Today, I am encouraged though. Why? Because one of the first people to want to raise shoes for us is a six year old girl… We are calling the campaign #givemilesaway! Why? Because shoes are like tires to homeless people.

Here is the inbox message I received….

inbox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can you get involved? Come and join us at our love rally and bring shoes to the finish-line! Below is the flyer for where you can meet us when we finish our #30mile walk!

LoveRally-Instagram

Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, DRIVES, Homelessness, Journey, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Raising Awareness, Resources, , Vision

The Countdown Begins (DAY 17 Weight Loss Progress)

Yesterday, I posted a picture of the progress that I have been able to make with my weight! Looking at the before and after picture has given me encouragement to keep going! I started out in an earlier [BLOG] explaining my unhealthy eating, weight gain, and need to transform myself to walk thirty miles on behalf of homelessness.

People asked, “What have you done to lose the weight?” and my response was simple, “Eat better, training, and walking…I have found out that 80% of weight loss is changing your eating patterns”

Well, it has been an amazing/hard journey so far, but I can see progress! It is my hope that #lovebeyondwalls is able to shed light on a sensitive issue that is near and dear to my heart.

Below is the picture

Terence

2014-02-11 13.40.57

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Campaigns, Collaboration, DRIVES, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life-dares, Love Kits, Movement of Doers, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, , The Local Church, Transform, Vision

The Countdown Begins (21 DAYS Weight Loss)

Today marks a historic day (I’m on ALL juice)! Why? Because today I am officially 21 DAYS away from walking thirty miles to raise awareness on behalf of homeless people around the country who have to walk long distances to survive.

Paralleling my preparation to walking this many miles, I have been on a weight loss journey. I have been overweight for a few years, and thought it would be awesome to transform my eating habits and lifestyle while aiming to serve and help others. I started my journey 29 DAYS ago eating salads, fruits, veggies, and drinking nothing but water (I haven’t had a juice or soda in 29 DAYS). This has helped me to drop 15 of 35 pounds that I wanted to lose to accomplish this task! Since eating healthy, I have had more energy, been really focused, and am confident to continue the journey.

Now, I am on a juicing regimen along with walking many miles each day for preparation. In order for me to accomplish this task, I desire to be in top notch health and shape. It is my hope to drop these pounds, and cross the finish line at Paschal’s Restaurant on North side Dr on March 1, 2014.

In fact, I am inviting people to meet us on North side Dr to meet me and walk the last mile with me…More info will comes in days to come.

Below is a picture of my route

30mile

I ask that you continue to pray for #lovebeyondwalls and this journey!

Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, DRIVES, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, , Vision

KIDS GO TO LEGOLAND FREE WITH DONATIONS

Recently, LEGOLAND reached out to us to do a drive for our “LOVEKIT…” campaign.  In fact, they are doing a DRIVE for #lovebeyondwalls to help us reach our goal of 300 hygiene kits for the homeless in ATL. Read an earlier blog [HERE] about why we are doing this drive.

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Below is the verbiage they have placed on their site,

“We’re having a hygiene drive for Love Beyond Walls throughout the month of February! Donate 10 items to receive a special offer!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta will be having a hygiene drive for Love Beyond Walls Organization throughout the month of February! Bring 10 hygiene items for a special discount offer!

We are so happy to be working with Love Beyond Walls Organization this February”

Click the image below and it will take you directly to the offer! Thanks for your support.

legoland

Terence

 

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blankets & Socks, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, DRIVES, Education, Engagements, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Raising Awareness, Serve,

The Countdown Begins (DAYS 28-26 STORIES ARE AMAZING)

I really can’t believe I only have 26 more days until I walk 30+ miles on behalf of ALL who are homeless in this country! This is totally something I have never done before in my life, but I feel like I should. I may be as focused as ever at this point! Why? Because I truly have a heart for those without a voice!

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Here’s why:

This past saturday, we mobilized 40+ volunteers to hit the streets with us to engage those who are homeless in ATL! I truly encourage those who serve with us not to give ONLY a hand-out, but connect with them as people and HEAR their stories.

I encourage people to build relationships in hopes to create trust between the served and those that serve. NOT TO SAVE, BUT TO RESTORE DIGNITY! Well, something special happened this past Saturday…

A young lady (Flowers) who has been serving with us connected with a gentlemen, heard his story, talked to him for hours, and wrote down tons of free resources for him to use to get himself together (and off the streets).

Well, when we went out there again… this same guy walked up to her, and shared with the entire group all the steps he had taken. He was clean shaven, showed the group many of the things he had collected, was looking for work, and mentioned he was checking himself into a facility this week (WED). Even better, he prayed with us at the close…

People who served (young and old) got a chance to see what God can do through relational power!

This story is powerful because he remembered not the handouts, but Flowers taking time to hear his story.

We are checking up with him this week for encouragement and to make sure he follows through. With stories like these, I can’t help but to see this 30 mile walk through, continue to build #lovebeyondwalls, and continue to love on those that are forgotten… Continue to pray for my strength as I prepare mentally to take this huge step of faith.

Below is a picture of our new friend Tony! Pray for him, and his new steps toward freedom!

2014-02-03 06.06.37 Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, DRIVES, Education, Great Commission, Homelessness, Interview, Journey, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Raising Awareness, Serve,

30 Mile Video (The Journey)!

Have you ever seen what 30 miles looks like in a video? Here it is… This is the journey ahead of us…#lovebeyondwalls

[embedplusvideo height=”600″ width=”600″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/MDOmsA” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/-3cjbPtPvxo?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=-3cjbPtPvxo&width=600&height=600&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep2014″ /]

Terence

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