DAYS 4&5 we are making progress on the office/storage! Long way to go… #plantlove #lovebeyondwalls
Terence
With the summer quickly approaching (finally!), #lovebeyondwalls will be facing new challenges, while trying to serve the homeless in Atlanta. Instead of looking to find ways to help people stay warm, we will need to find solutions on how to keep people adequately cooled and hydrated.
Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the significance of running water in our homes, but here are some facts to think about:
• More than 6,000 Metro Atlanta people (women, children and men) are without a home on any given day.
• Adult humans need between 11-15 cups of water daily for survival in mild temperatures. When temperatures reach mid-summer Atlanta heights, the need for clean water intake goes up significantly.
• Young children are extremely susceptible to severe dehydration and heat stroke, because their internal temperature regulators are not fully matured.
• There is limited availability for free water in the city of Atlanta, and most of the homeless population will be dehydrated during the summer, many of which will need medical attention for heat stroke or severe dehydration.
While we focus on bringing essential tools, support, and opportunities to the community in Atlanta, we also have to ensure that our dedicated volunteers will have proper hydration during our ongoing projects. In our first three months of operation, we had over 750 volunteers contribute their time to the cause. Our volunteers are at the heart of our operation, and we thank each and every one of them for their time.
If you would like to get involved in any of our projects, whether it’s to volunteer time or to donate goods, please contact us through our “Contact” tab. We are also looking for monthly sponsors at this time, to help us raise the money we will need to continue providing opportunities to the community, and to further make an impact on the homelessness crisis we are facing as a city.
#projectTHIRST – Launch May, 2014 – Stay involved to learn details on ways to help!
Jamie
Yesterday, our #plantlove campaign started!
Ironically enough, it was “April Fools” day. You know… the national holiday where people pull pranks on their closest friends & relatives? LOL.
Well, yesterday felt “foolish” is a sense. Why? Because it is unbelievable and humbling that we are taking steps forward to get planted in our office/storage and city of ATL/College Park. Personally, I am excited and blown away by God’s ability to provide. It does’t make sense at all.
DAYS 1 & 2 have been focused on getting the parking lot cleaned. There were many leaves, sticks, and old trash in the lot from the previous occupant. Also, we have taken these two days to get several things cut on — like power, gas, phone, and other small items. Currently, there is a little waiting period that came up unexpectedly.
We are awaiting the final inspections, and clearances for our organization to be planted in the headquarters (officially).
However, during this waiting period, I’m learning three lessons as a leader during the process. Here goes:
1) Remain focused on the bigger picture — The big picture for us involves serving, helping, and reaching people who are under resourced, under valued, and overlooked. This is our “why” behind our “what.” Nothing more, nothing less. When you stay focused on the bigger picture, it makes your process worth it.
2) Be open to grow — When you venture out to do something greater than yourself, it will demand that you grow in areas that seem uncomfortable to you at first. But, in order for your work to grow, you must continue to grow yourself. I have personally increased my listening and reading capacity (x2). Additionally, you must use every experience (in the process) as an opportunity to grow.
3) See it through — The process is uncomfortable at times, but you must have a resolve in your heart to “see it through.” This is the place where you refuse to look backwards. With the work we do with #lovebeyondwalls, we have a “see it through” mentality. Why? Because we truly value the work God has us doing.
Below is a back of the building shot! Every day in April, we are getting closer and closer to getting planted. Continue to pray that God guides our work.
Terence
In the entire month of March, we collected shoes from hundreds of people across the state of GA, and from some people who live out of State.
It was an amazing month! Why? Because we collected over 5K shoes, and were able to resource over a thousand individuals with their correct sizes. Why? Because generous, selfless, and kind strangers gave we were able to meet particle needs and minister to the homeless population in ATL.
Here is a picture of a gentlemen we met that had on five pair of socks just to fit shoes that were not his size. The beauty in this picture is found in the fact that he received dignity from a total stranger that sacrificed their shoes for him.
So, “What’s next?” you might be asking… I’m glad you asked.
The entire month of April, #lovebeyondwalls is getting planted in our office/storage space. Why? Because we have a vision to connect & resource many other organizations with items, serve more people, and build relationally with many under-resourced people and lead them on a life-changing relationship with God.
It’s a pretty huge vision, but it will happen one step at a time. And, the first step is getting planted. Therefore, we are literally planting “LOVE” in our city.
I cannot believe tomorrow marks a historical month for our “young” organization. It is commonly known as “April Fool’s Day” to many, but to us it is a reminder that “God takes the foolish things to confound the wise…”
It is a reminder that God is using us to do God’s work to help restore lives and reach people! We ask you to do two things:
1) We ask that you view our simple “wish list,” and help us rally items on it so we can get planted in the city of ATL, and
2) We ask that you continue to pray for our efforts!
Terence
We are excited about partnering with India Faith Ministries in India to resource many kids with shoes who don’t have any at all. This will kick off our #lovebeyondborders initiative to share the love of God with people across the globe. Thank you so much for your contribution to our #givemilesaway campaign!
Below I received an email from the kids the other day saying, “THANKS!!!” Not only did this warm my heart, but it is reminding me of how God loves every single person on this planet.
Keep praying for #lovebeyondwalls
Terence
This morning, I am thinking about #lovebeyondwalls next awareness campaign!
Yep… another campaign! Why? Because #lovebeyondwalls cares about those who are 1) broken and hurting, and 2) those in need of hope and support.
This particular campaign is very unique! How?
Because it will address a very overlooked area as it relates to education, poverty, & homelessness. I can’t wait to release it. This campaign will be very critical in promoting education, community, and wellness.
I have decided to walk in the shoes of those who suffer, and address many social pressures children deal with. Additionally, this will be one of the longest timeframes I have put myself under (and did I say I’ve never done this before a day in my life?)! It is so long that I am not only going to need prayer, but support, and tons of focus. Today marks 40 DAYS before I campaign! I will blog/video about every single experience…
Terence
We are approaching a historic month for #lovebeyondwalls! Why? Because in the month of April we will occupy our first office/slash storage space. Below is a picture if you have seen it yet:
Of course it is not a gigantic building, but it will be something we call a headquarters & home.
It will be a “launchpad” for the work we would like to continue doing in our city (ATL), country, and world.
It will be a place where we can get planted and grow as an organization. We ask that you do four specific things to help us get planted into our new office/storage space in the month of April (whole month).
1) Pray – I ask that you pray that God allows us to get planted, and immediately continue to reach people who do not have any hope.
2) Give – I ask that you look at our simple “wish list” and contribute in of the items on it that we need. This is ALL from scratch, so we will need your help. But, if we have to spend the first month on the floor with laptops working, we are cool with that too. LOL. Simply click [HERE] to visit our “wish list” page.
3) Volunteer – We will post the days that we will start working on the building to clean it, and make minor repairs to it. We ask that you volunteer to help get our building together. We will need help getting organized, painting, etc. Why? As we get planted, we can help more people.
4) Share our story – If you know someone who could help us move forward, share our story. You never know who “you know” that we can help, or could help us.
Thank you for reading this blog. Pray for #lovebeyondwalls as we aim to “PLANT LOVE” in the city of Atlanta! Below is the graphic for the new campaign #plantlove
Terence
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!
Help us #giveloveaway Terence
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…
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
