Significant Progress and the Opening of Friendship Community House

     I do apologize that it has been a few weeks since my last update. The end of December and the beginning of January have been a blur. I had the flu during finals week. Shortly thereafter, it developed into pneumonia that sent me to the hospital and kept me pretty immobile for most of the break. I feel better, but as I understand it will take several months for my body to get completely back to normal. But even in the turmoil, this has been one of the most productive times since I have moved to this area. 

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY BECAME AN OFFICIAL ENTITY IN DECEMBER

     Most importantly, we have come in contact and helped a number of people. Of course, I will be careful in how I word this as to not violate anyone's privacy. Also, I do not share these in pride but to share the types of situations that we can help with in the future. Aaron, Amanda, and I came in contact with a woman who was stranded in subzero temps. We brought her to the house and spent the afternoon hanging out at the house. Later, we were able to bring her back to where she lives. In another case, we came in contact with a homeless man who specifically requested a sleeping bag. We were able to give him a sleeping bag and a bag of helpful items. Sometimes we see these people again; sometimes we don't. 

WHILE I HAD PNEUMONIA . . . I GOT CREATIVE AND 

PAINTED A 10'x5' WALL PAINTING

     But just as significant as our impact on others is our impact on each other. I can honestly say that my time with Amanda, Aaron, Justin, Dylan, Sophia, and others has encouraged me, taught me, and inspired me. Most noteworthy is the progress that I have seen in Aaron Porras. He and I work together every day, and quite frankly so much that we often get on each other's nerves. But we're both okay with that I think. But just when I think that all this is for nought, I just have to look at this young guy. I have seen him make a 360 in the last year or so. He has been faithful to nearly every function that I have dreamed up. He has been consistent, hardworking, and creative. He has caught the vision and included people with the love of Christ while still holding to Biblical truths. He has proven to be compassionate, intelligent, and forgiving. This guy is pretty awesome, and I can't think of anyone else more qualified to be my right hand man (or my left hand man? idk)

     I think I have mentioned several times the generosity of my KC colleagues who have donated appliances, housewares, clothes, and about 6,000 canned goods to fill up the pantry. The most exciting new development there is that the nursing department has chosen FCH as one of the year-round ongoing community projects for their nursing students. A group of nurses will be specifically committed to us. Also, a local high school program that we have been involved with is planning to do their summer program at FCH.

     I was privileged in October and November, through the release of the book, to be on television and newspaper a number of times. Through this opportunities, we caught the eye of several other organizations who have donated time and money to our cause. I do not say these things to brag, but to remind us that noise is necessary to our goals. If we are to be a significant force in the community, a voice for the voiceless, and a respectable destination for donated resources, we have to be bold and proactive. 

     We proudly opened the doors and began operation last Saturday at 3pm. We are dedicated to being available T,Th, F from 4-7 pm; from 12-7 pm on Saturday, and from 1-5 on Sunday. We can expect operation during these first few months to be random and unorganized. We have to use trial and error to see what works and what doesn't. Both volunteers and chronically homeless people are unpredictable. That is just the nature of what we are doing. 

     People ask us every day what we need. My answer is usually the same. We need you. We need friends to work, to dream, to paint, to collect, to take ownership, to influence, to drink coffee, to build relationships, to say 'here I am, send me.' But as with any calling, if you don't answer, somebody else will. We continue with full confidence that in a couple of years, FCH will be a thriving center of outreach, influence, and Christian thought.