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Hope Lives is Back!

Join us for 5 weeks starting August 5th!  We’d love to have you!  And, if you’re reading this blog, you’re likely already praying and processing through these topics (serving the marginalized, helping the physically and spiritually needy, missions-minded) so we’d love to have you in the class to corporately continue to grow in this area.  And, maybe invite some others to join you?!

We have some first-timers coming and some repeaters.  So, whether you’ve never heard of this class, heard of it and wanted to take it before but your schedule didn’t work, or already a graduate, JUMP IN!   Join us as we search the Scriptures as to what is true about our God, about us, and about the needy.

And, Lord willing, as we understand these truths, our lives, our communities, and our world will be changed by the people of God doing the will of God.  [Warning:  This is not for the faint-hearted.  I thought this class was a royal-kick-in-the-pants and a big part of me wants to go back to thinking I'm doing good to serve once a week, give a little more than 10%, and know at least one homeless person. But, by His grace, He's moved my heart and my hands have followed.  I won't deny that I kind of liked my self-centered, materialistic world, without much of a conscience or burden for the physical needs of others, but I'm infinitely more the BLESSED ONE by having my heart, schedule, and priorities re-aligned by intentional service and relationships with folks that I never intentionally interacted with and loved before.] Like last year, Jeff Ward and I will be team teaching this class.

click here to sign up (or copy & paste into your browser)…

http://www.watermark.org/ministries/equipping/equipping-ministry/

by Jennifer Lewis Clouse

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Impact…Poverty – Volunteer UGM’s Annual Golf Classic

Have you ever wanted to combine two passions at once - golf and ministry?  Well, here’s your chance!  Come support Union Gospel Mission by volunteering at the 19th Annual Golf Classic on September 9, 2010 (yes, it’s a Thursday).  Please see below for all the fun ways you can join me and support our brothers and sisters in the tournament:

 From 6:30 am – 9 am

2 Greeters

4 Registration people

4 Selling Mulligans/Strings

 From 7:00 am – end of tourney

2 Selling Drives

2 Photographers

From 7:30 am – end of tourney

2 People to distribute drinks at holes

2 People to run the Wii

 Grab a friend, forward along, but don’t keep this to yourself.  To sign up, please e-mail Emily Anderson at emily.anderson@raymondjames.com.  Proceeds from the tournament help underwrite UGM’s general operating costs and benefit homeless men, women and children.

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Impact…Justice – From Litigation to Community Collaboration

http://www.vimeo.com/12899588

ACT (Advocates for Community Transformation) from Reid Porter on Vimeo.

The boarded up structure at 4020 Esmalda embodied the challenge facing many West Dallas neighborhoods: a forgotten home, neglected to the point of ruin that had become a safe harbor for drug dealers.

Living in the same block were three families with young children. The Arredondos worried that their children would be injured by the rotting, failing structure. The Ibarras and the Gonzalezes would not let their children walk alone past 4020 Esmalda for fear of the strangers and perceived illegal activities.

Sensitive to the situation, ACT stepped forward to provide a voice for these families. Partnering with legal counsel from the law firm, Baker Botts, ACT assisted these three families to locate and negotiate with the property owner, Gloria Mabry, and take necessary steps to improve the situation and the safety of the neighborhood. After several unanswered attempts to engage the property owner, a lawsuit was filed. This lawsuit prompted Ms. Mabry to discuss the condition of her property with her neighbors and ACT. What an encouragement to all when Ms. Mabry expressed the same concerns as her neighbors; she worried for the safety of those living around her abandoned house. Ms. Mabry was not a recalcitrant, unconcerned owner but in fact a long-time former resident of West Dallas who wanted to participate in the community’s revitalization and move back into the community!

The case against Ms. Mabry quickly shifted from litigation mode to community collaboration for a just result. ACT and the neighboring families agreed to dismiss the lawsuit against Ms. Mabry if Ms. Mabry would agree to the demolition of the abandoned home. Grateful for their help, Ms. Mabry agreed to assist in the demolition of the house, and then safely maintain her land.

What an incredible picture for all on May 8, 2010 when, working side by side, over 50 people came together to clear the property. Ms. Mabry and her family helped alongside the Arredondo, the Ibarra, and the Gonzalez families. Other residents of the Westmoreland Park and Ledbetter Garden Neighborhood Associations joined, too, as well as volunteers from ACT and West Dallas ministry Builders of Hope. The local community victory was celebrated with music, barbeque and a tremendous sense of cooperative success!

The progress continues: ACT has referred Ms. Mabry to Builders of Hope for homebuyer counseling to move forward with her plans to rebuild on the lot and rejoin the neighborhood.

-Reid Porter

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Operation Clean Sweep recap!

Thanks to the 175 volunteers that showed up for “Operation Clean Sweep”. It was an amazing time as we took care of 75 lawns and developed relationships with folks in need that are connected with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.

Extra special thanks to guys who scouted out the lawns, made assignments, provided extra equipment, and cooked burgers on the Chuck Wagon.

Here’s a note from Suzanne Griffin, the Executive Director:

Today was absolutely magnificent. Our seniors loved having their yards done, but I believe even more than that, they loved making new friends and seeing so many people who really care about their lives and their needs.

As one of our seniors said, “It is wonderful to see so many Christians out serving the Lord. Plus, my husband was thrilled because he has been looking at our shrubs that needed trimming for months and just didn’t have the energy to do it himself.”

This afternoon words of praise and thanksgiving are coming from households all across West Dallas as our neighbors look at their yards and thank God for all of the Watermark members who sweated and toiled for them.

Thank you for making it all happen and thank you for partnering with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.

We had 174 volunteers who signed in the morning and I don’t believe that counts the Chuckwagon cooking crew or those who might not have signed in. Again, thank you for a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Suzanne

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-25

  • Luke 4:14-30 – Love Jesus' Isaiah quote. He did what we could not do. He not only proclaimed freedom but brought it! Now, let's live it out. #
  • Luke 5:1 Simon gave Jesus use of his boat; Jesus blessed his business; & then gave him a bigger blessing by calling him to leave it all! #
  • So excited about God's work in the world – teams leaving for Ethiopia, Uganda, and Haiti over the next few weeks. #
  • Volunteer service saved Starbucks! As if I needed another reason to go get a latte! http://huff.to/9WcFw4 #
  • "Operation Clean Sweep" – come w ur mower this Saturday – taking on 75 lawns of folks n need in W. Dallas. Details at http://bit.ly/a7HNp9! #
  • Come to "Service Opportunities at UGM's Center of Hope" Tomorrow from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Center of Hope, Union… http://fb.me/FneIlCd2 #
  • Come to "Service Opportunities at UGM's Center of Hope" Saturday, July 24 from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Center of Hope,… http://fb.me/DRs0mXKL #
  • Just created our External Focus Facebook page (big thx to Conner). Check us out and also teach us something about FB! http://bit.ly/boJElR #
  • Looking forward to hanging out with and celebrating our EF leaders tonight. They're heros…and there's pizza! #
  • If you are looking for a place for you or your community group to serve, here is a link to some of the places that… http://fb.me/DZsPdMHa #
  • Wake up Watermark! Grab your mower and join us at Brother Bills as we knock out 75 yards and build relationships in Operation Clean Sweep! #
  • RT @EndSlaveryCinci: How To Spot A Trafficked Person http://wp.me/pZKgN-1j #
  • Awesome turnout and off we go! http://twitpic.com/287o6g #
  • Crew at work. Fun to work with our Mercy Street mentees as well. http://twitpic.com/287wo1 #

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External Focus Facebook page goes live!

Just created our External Focus Facebook page (big thx to Conner Price).

Check us out and also teach us something about FB! http://bit.ly/boJElR

As you know we’re always looking for new ways to connect with folks and as you know many opportunities are urgent.  This will allow us to update you in realtime.  And, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter as well as @jeff_r_ward.

Also, excited about our new blog re-design…coming soon so stay tuned!

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Service Opportunities at UGM’s Center of Hope – This Weekend!

Center of Hope, Union Gospel Mission’s shelter for women and children, is in great need of ladies to take care of the children, while the mothers go to conference.  The dates and times are as follows:

THIS WEEKEND…

July 23rd: 12pm – 9:30pm

July 24th:  7:30am – 6pm    

Next Month…

August 20th:  4pm – 9:30pm

August 21st:  7:30am – 5pm

These times can be broken down into shifts and are great opportunities for groups or singles to serve.  Please take a moment to consider this opportunity to serve our King through serving these families.  These conferences are eternity building opportunities for the women who attend, and you will have the time to love on these sweet, lively children, building into their lives.

To sign up or for questions, please e-mail Emily Anderson at emily.anderson@raymondjames.com or call 214.450.2206.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-18

  • My BP just dropped, sitting in open air restaurant with see breeze overlooking the beach, watching world cup. http://twitpic.com/24h0as #
  • Just finished "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller…convicting…AND completed a Pokemon puzzle…love vacation! #
  • Broke my rule to not buy any more books for awhile…came home with two grocery sacks from library sale. Hey don't judge me…only cost $10! #

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-11

  • Great day…left the lake…back home in time for fireworks! Finished "Best of Tozer – really solid. Next up either Stott or Keller. #
  • RT @PastorMark :P rov 22:6 Train up a child…even when he is old he will not depart from it//just don't know if my kids will make it to "old" #
  • Reading "Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of our Daily Choices" by Clawson. Can you define "fair trade coffee"? I can now! #
  • My steering wheel keeps turning south. Looking forward to heading to Austin tomorrow and then on to the beach! #
  • Speaking of beach…a little language, but nothing better than the new live Zac Brown Band album…especially "Where the Boats Leave From". #

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“Mission of Hope Haiti’s “Hope House” Orphanage…transforming lives one child at a time”

A great short video featuring a story of one of their orphans and an interview with their director.

http://www.vimeo.com/12714932

This is 3 minute recap from Journeychurch.tv out of Norman, OK.

http://www.vimeo.com/11688313

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