I produced this piece for a PBS station in MO, 15 years ago. I think Bill represents the true LIVING of Christmas, year round. I found him literally back in the hills of Missouri, so forgive the politically incorrect statements. It saddens me how things have not only NOT changed, but have gotten worse. As Bill cautioned.
Santa is the Spirit of Giving, it does not need to be cash. Just make someone KNOW they matter.
Merry Christmas!
For many people, this year’s efforts were the start of something powerful. A new beginning for several “Michelle’s” desiring to end their transitional state of living on the streets. Several men and women were taken into ADAM’S House, (Alcohol & Drug Addicted Men’s Stabilization Houses, a group that offers not only transitional housing but also employment as well), Furtherance Foundation, COMPASS and others.
All of them desired the help, hope, love, and support every single one of the volunteers, housed and unhoused, offered each other. This help, hope, love, and support will continue on their entire journey, with each step they take.
So many people ask why we do what we do.
The reason we go to Tent City, housed or unhoused, is because all we want is to just Matter to someone who Matters.
Let me share part of the secret. I am not speaking for all, I will just share my belief.
When you go to Tent City, you FEEL GOD! Plain and simple. You feel the love.
Whether you believe in Him or not, you FEEL Him. Housed or unhoused, giver or givee, you feel Him.
Have you ever done something for someone, anyone, especially a stranger, without expecting anything at all in return? Remember that feeling inside you? That warm, radiant, glowing feeling?
That is God. That is God, unmistakably and undeniably inside each and every one of us.
And you can’t fool Him.
If you do something for someone, with any kind of motive, services points, to be seen, or any other reason, you don’t get the “buzz.”
So simple, when we do the work we do, we feel God. And those we are loving feel it too.
On a personal note, it was nice to see Jimmy down at Tent City. Because of where Jimmy’s mind is, he freaks when he is in crowds, get very paranoid. We were able to get him some new stuff he needed, and then he had to leave.
As for Philip and Bob… Bob is still struggling, and we are still there with him. Philip is doing great. He volunteers every Saturday for Food for Thought. We had him over to celebrate Thanksgiving. He told us it looks like he is set for a job, very soon. Great job everyone.
We want to have a bowling night soon for all the volunteers to get together and hang out. Not sure if it will be before or after the holidays, so stay tuned.
Put it on your Calendar, next year’s Tent City is October 30th through November 1st.
>rent a car bulgariar a highly rewarding weekend, many of us are rehabilitating. Updates will be posted later this week, but for now, please go to the Tent City Forum and share your thoughts and experiences.
It is time now to go matter to those who matter. Join us! Below is the weekend schedule. If you need to contact us, we are available by phone, the number is on the contact page.
Friday
3:00 to 4:30: 1Matters Town Hall Meeting
5:30 to 6:00: Opening Ceremonies
5:00 to 6:00: Friday Dinner
6:00: 1Matters - 1Votes Candidates Forum
7:00: Tim Oehlers
8:00: Laurie Swyers & Mary Dick
9:00: Cedar Creek Band
10:00: Comedy: Melanie Maloy
11:00: AJ Szozda
12:00: Pat Lewandowski
Saturday
7:00 – 8:00: Breakfast
9:00 – 4:00: Project Homeless Connect
9:30 – 4:00: “1Matters - 1Votes” Early Voting
Noon to 1:00: Saturday Lunch
5:00 – 8:00: Community Dinner
8:00: Candace Coleman
9:00: Kerry Patric Clark
10:00: Jesse & Alex Mireles
11:00: Pat Lewandowski, Mudfoot, Tom Kornacki
Sunday
7:00 – 10:00: Celebrity Pancake Breakfast
10:00 – 11:30: Worship Service
Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.