STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
How are things at your Church? Terrible. How are you feeling? Awful. How are things at Home? I want to get out. It is very easy to get into the habit of complaining and murmuring. The news is full of encouragement……the War in Ukraine, Famine in Africa, the Border Crisis, Climate change, Water shortages, the list goes on.
Where does the complaining Spirit take us. We become depressed. We isolate because we think no one cares. We continue to internalize and repeat the bad news. If we still have friends, they are full of bad news too. At times in my life, I have been there. I remember one Sunday when a Pastor friend preached a sermon that I have never forgotten. He said, “When the waves are about to swamp your boat, keep hanging on.” I cried that day and I have never forgotten it. I have had several opportunities to share that with others. In fact, I am impressed with the fact that there are some people out there who need to hear these words.
The alternative is to start counting your Blessings like the old chorus goes. Psalm 150:6 says “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” I praise the Lord for the man in his 80’s who invited me to his house for dinner and gave me a gift. And I thank God for the woman in her 80’s who planted beautiful flowers in our planters at the Shelter. I also thank the Lord for the woman who served us recently at the Shelter with a sweet spirit after getting a devastating diagnosis from her doctor. I am thankful that many of you are still able to pray and to uphold the New Hope Shelter in prayer. This morning, I want to direct you back to the words of Psalm 150:6. Be encouraged this week.
We Love You, Brian Bisbee
THE DEDICATION AND RIBBON CUTTING ARE OVER
We enjoyed a Great time at the Ribbon Cutting with the Newton Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 5th. We had a Community Dedication on Sunday, April 7th which was standing room only. Several hundred people had the opportunity to tour our new Shelter. If you would like a tour, please give Brian or Marilyn a call at 316-283-7711 and we will be happy to arrange one for you or for a group.
APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH
We are always looking for good volunteers. If you would consider being a volunteer, please give Marilyn, our Volunteer Coordinator, a call at 316-283-7711. If you love to mow and use a weed eater we are looking for you.
SPRING INTO ACTION
At the April 7th Dedication a young woman by the name of Laura spoke. She came out of jail to the Shelter last year after being jailed for her Meth. Use. She got a job in a toxic waste plant and worked hard. She saved her money and moved into a place of her own. She has now gotten a raise and a promotion. She has also been reunited with her 5-year-old daughter who was in foster care. Would you consider supporting the New Hope Shelter monthly to help women just like Laura put their lives back together again? We need four new monthly supporters starting this month. You can send a check or give through our website www.newhope-shelter.org
FINANCIAL THOUGHT
The people of America are increasingly Car-poor. 62% of all used cars are now financed and 80% of all new cars are financed. Tip: move in the direction of getting your car paid off quickly. When you don't have a vehicle loan, save for a car you can buy with cash. Keep it well maintained and make it work for you rather than you working for it.
8 ½ x 11 Copy Paper
Laundry pods
Milk
Sliced cheese
Lunch meat
Paper towel
Ordinary napkins
Wal Mart and Dillons Gift-cards
Ibuprofen
Tylenol
30- and 55-Gallon trash bags
Kleenex
All-purpose cleaner
Our mission at New Hope Shelter, Inc. is to provide a sanctuary for those experiencing homelessness in Harvey, Marion, McPherson and Butler counties by uniting the local church into a nurturing community which restores hope through a growing relationship with Christ.
It is through the love of Christ we share with those in need of hope.
Executive Director - Brian Bisbee
brian@newhope-shelter.org
316-283-7711
