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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

ONE DAY TO GO!

The finish line is close…

Today makes 89 days wearing one outfit on behalf of children that struggle with poverty! Tomorrow will complete the journey (90 DAYS)!

 Along the journey, many selfless individuals gave, donated new/used uniforms, and encouraged us to finish strong.

In fact, every single uniform raised will go directly to help four Title 1 Schools we have partnered with for the upcoming school year. To support more, click [HERE].

Lastly, we had over 40 people from all over the US take a stand with us by wearing uniforms the last three Mondays in July. We called them #strikedays (people uniting and taking a stand with us).

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LBW Team

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

DAY 84 – Emotions

Today is DAY 84 of #closetstrike… I have many mixed emotions when I look at this calendar. Fear, hope, joy, shame, and many more. I’ve given up everything I own for this many days to help children in need. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing God called me to love His people.

I love a passage found in Matthew 4:19 when Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men…” I believe what Christ was saying was saying was let me show you how to identify with those who suffer, and introduce them to God’s love and redemption. I hope that every uniform we raise releases God’s tangible love to those families who are in need.

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Terence 

83 DAYS & Some Hardship!

Literally, I have been wearing the same outfit 83 DAYS straight! And, if I can be honest I want to tap out right now! Why? One of my shoes is completely busted (meaning I have a shoe and a half), my shirt is not even white anymore, and my pants are falling a apart at the bottom. Talk about humbling…

This journey has given me even more compassion for students in Title 1 schools who struggle with poverty, and has also increased my awareness to pay attention to the stories right around me. You never know what a person is going through!

Although I want to give up, I am not… Even if that means walking in one shoe! I am deeply inspired to go the journey so #lovebeyondwalls can start uniform closets in four Title 1 Schools.

Below are the picture for my shoe and shirt…

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10556400_728441667193001_292309925945091653_nTerence

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 

First Community BBQ – Take Love

On July 26th, our next “day of service” we include mobilizing volunteers to put on #lovebeyondwalls first BBQ in the College Park Housing Authority apartments.

Why? Because we have encountered many residents in extreme need, and we feel compelled to take the Love of God to these wonderful people. If you’d like to volunteer, please email volunteer@lovebeyondwalls.org

Details are below!

Barbeque Flyer Template

LBW Team

 

Days 71- 73 – Serving the Community!

Jesus makes a bold statement that resonates deeply with #lovebeyondwalls every time we go and and engage the community. He said, “For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45, NKJV).”

Not only did Jesus see his life as a sacrifice, he saw it as something that would benefit others. 

This past weekend was awesome because we mobilized 27 volunteers to serve over 70 families in College Park Housing Authority apartments. Not only did we encounter great need, we encountered people whom God loves.

Could you imagine not having food in your refrigerator and not knowing how or where your next meal was coming from? This is what we encountered and more… It was eye-opening to discover the poverty that exists right in the communities around us. 

After serving, we got a chance to pray with and for many people, build relationships in that community, and schedule our next serve date.

Guess what?

We are now doing a cookout in these apartments on the 26th of July! We’re going to engage over 200 people from this community with the love of God and food. To learn more, email us at volunteer@lovebeyondwalls.org

Below are a few pictures from our serving!

Serve Collage

LBW Team