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Terence Lester
In Homelessness, Journey, Raising Awareness

Scouting places to sleep…

Today, I went to scout places that I’m going to sleep (when I go homeless), and I came across this place right under the I-20 75/85 bridge in Atlanta, GA.

When I saw this community of tents, my heart broke even more to continue moving forward with this project. Below is the picture and video:

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Here’s the video of the place:

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I ask that you follow the movement I’d like to start in my city (Atlanta) called #lovebeyondwalls! A movement of hope, God’s love, and doers!

Terence

 

Terence Lester
In Blogging Journey, Homelessness, Journey, Raising Awareness

In 7 days…

I’m up early today (5AM)!

Why? I’m literally thinking about the commitment I’ve made about going homeless for a few days. Mentally, I am trying to wrap my mind around giving up everything to sleep in shelters (right before Christmas). I have been praying, and speaking with my family and a couple close friends about this journey! Some of them have championed me onward, while others think I am literally nuts. But, I believe in the mission of #lovebeyondwalls!

For three days there will be NO access to: My family (wife & children), Showers, Clothes, Hygiene Products, Starbucks Coffee, Chick-Fil-A, Computers, Heat, Television, and all of the aminities that we often times take for granted because they are at arms length.

Although it may be hard trying to get mentally ready for this, I am still inspired to do it. Why? Literally, while I’m in the comfort of my warm home, my friend (who is homeless) is bundled up (with 8 blankets) sleeping on the side of the road in downtown Atlanta.

I wonder what he has thought about all night?

I wonder what he ate last night?

I wonder if the cold air kept him up while I was comfortable in my bed?

I wonder why he would rather sleep on the side on the road and not the shelters?

I wonder what his “life’s” shoes feel like?

Honestly, I never thought I’d be so passionate about raising awareness about this epidemic, or serving in the trenches. But, I ask myself, “If Christ were still walking the earth, where would he be?” Sure, I believe he’d roam in affluent spaces, but I also believe he would be among those who are broken, hopeless, and have nothing to give in return.

Today, I’ll spend time with my family and pray as I prepare my mind to take this leap of faith. I ask that you pray for me too! I’m meditating on this scripture today (Matthew 25:34-40, NIV),

“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

 

Terence Lester
In Homelessness, Journey, Raising Awareness

The gift of a pillow!

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Everybody who is homeless is not an addict, junkie, and does not have a mental illness. For the last two months, I have spent time befriending many homeless men and women in my city, and what I am finding out is that some of them had life altering events to occur that was too overwhelming for them to handle (without the proper support system).
The man I met today has been living on the streets for four years (literally sleeping on the streets). His name is Kurt. He told me to call him “Kurt dog!” I asked him, “Why won’t you leave, and go and get help?”

He responded, “I have no where to go… every since my wife died four years ago, I lost every thing.” I believe in this guy, and Jesus does too.

Kurt has inspired me to do the most daring thing I have ever done in my life! I will post later this week.

Terence

Terence Lester
In Homelessness, Journey, Raising Awareness

Life-changing experience!

Between now and the first of the year, I (Terence) am planning to try one of the most life-threatening attempts/experiences I have never tried before to raise “more” awareness of the homeless epidemic here in there city of Atlanta. I have befriended many homeless people in this city (most of my friends sleep outside on mats), and care about this epidemic that needs more support, and care.

I cannot wait to share! The theme of this experience will be called, “A Mile in My Shoes!”

More details will follow soon.

Terence

Terence Lester
In Homelessness, Journey

Loving the Homeless!

Homelessness is not a wall between those who have, and those who don’t have! Everyone should be respected, and loved. Every year (for the last eight years), our family has mobilized people to serve and love on Atlanta’s homeless population. Why? Because there was a time when I personally experienced homelessness! This year, we are serving the weekend before Christmas! If you’d like to join us, contact us directly.

Terence

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Terence Lester
In Education, Journey, Raising Awareness, Vision

The Silent Uniform Crisis!

Over the last few years, I (Terence) have done extensive work in urban, inner city, Title 1 school settings. Not to pat myself on the back, but because often times these schools have tremendous need (whether educational, social, physiological, etc). And, sometimes the funding that is received by these schools (Title 1) are not enough to meet every academic and social need its community may have.

Recently, I discovered a “silent” epidemic that hasn’t gotten much attention! The epidemic is simply this–there are some students who attend schools (K-5) either improperly dressed, under-dressed, or wearing the same attire 3-4 times a week. This happens when a family does not have the resources to purchase new uniforms, clothes, or does not have the resourceful connections to provide for their children.

Guess what? When this happens, the child suffers, is sometimes embarrassed, lacks confidence, and disconnects with the lesson. Next year, our organization (#lovebeyondwalls) is going to put on a social campaign to resource schools across the country who have this problem among their students, and lack the means to address and supply these students/families with extra support.

If you are reading this, I ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we dream to connect dots to provide solutions for those students and families who need the extra help with “student attire” in grades K-5. We are advocates for education!

Terence

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Terence Lester
In Education, Journey, Raising Awareness

Taking first steps!

In 2014, we plan on doing intentional work in the educational sector of our society. Our goal is to partner with multiple Title 1 schools (K-5) to advocate for students, and raise awareness about many of the social challenges they face. Yesterday, we were giving leads to 10 schools through a relationship we established in 2011. In January, we will release our first biggest campaign to advocate for students who attend Title 1 schools.

LBW Team

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