Thursday, December 14, 2006

Welcome to Post 100!!!

Here's a homelessness in the news update that also happens to be post 100 to this blog:


Who Says Scots are Cheap?
" A RECORD 80 restaurants have signed up to a scheme to help the homeless in the city this Christmas.

Streetsmart is asking diners to chip in an extra £1 when they pay their bills this month and hope to raise at least £40,000 for six local projects to support the homeless. "

Good news out of the UK, beats reading about the Jack the Ripper Wannabee that is terrorizing the city down south. Some of the comments are interesting. Instead of asking "why don't the homeless help themselves" they ask "Why don't the restaurants fork out their own money?" Strange...

Program helps homeless substance abusers
"SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — On Friday morning, Gregory "Slim" Slade marked 55 days of sobriety by reflecting on his life on the streets of San Mateo — a homeless alcoholic addicted to cocaine."

Good article, I wish the author had backed up some of his claims (like that most homeless people have addiction problems)with statistics, but hey, I'm glad he mentions the fact. Anecdotally, I can say I've never met a homeless person who didn't either have a past problem or present problem with drugs or alchohol. I've also met people who've been homeless for years, but have no admitted addictions, although they'll tell you they usta do this or that.

Homeless Suspected in Rash of Burglaries

Well, I guess it's true, homeless are bad people. Funny they mention the homeless part, but the "drug" part only gets a side mention. I wonder if drug use could possibly have anything to do with it at all. And according to some, it's supposed to be a vicomless crime... It is Las Vegas! Maybe what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas....

Viva Las Vegas!

A Romans 8:28, 29 Kinda Story

If you visit this blog today, read this story, it's from Stockbridge GA, right outside Atlanta where I usta live and minister. I don't think I know Rex Leo, but I'm glad he's still alive. God really does cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him...

How's God going to use you for His good today? Is it going to be by offering a kind word to a co-worker? I heard on the radio yesterday that a majority of women and men feel stress over this time of year. I think that's funny becuse we celebrate the birth of the prince of peace. Let Him rule in your life, and if there is stress in your life, he'll use it for His purposes!

Your Positive Activist,
GB HOYT

Monday, December 11, 2006

Aha! Thought I Forgot Didn't You??


Hello!
I am here, but like my Mama said, if you ain't got nothin' to say, keep yer mouth shut!
So how have you been? For the last two weeks, BASIC has been busy in some ways and not in others...
first of all, we missed last week. There was no group to help us, and we were out of stuff to hand out, except tee-shirts and women's clothes. I took some time to try and get some of the things we need to get done for incorporation done. There is still a long way to go. I'll be glad when it is over. This week was different though, Dr. Harold Armstrong president of Florida Christian College, brought a collection of blankets, socks, and other clothes donated by the students from FCC. In the picture, that's him in the middle. The other two guys are two of BASIC's most faithful volunteers, Corey Lopez, on the left, and Rafael (aka Rafi) Estrada on the right. Their work helps make BASIC happen every week, Rafi helps out with sorting clothes, leading the group when I can't make it, and Making thanksgiving dinners happen. Without Corey's Truck, we'd be hard pressed to make it downtown every week. Plus both of them are excellent at serving others, and can get a needs list filled out quicker than you can say "Socks please".
Last night was pretty interesting. We served about 70 people (68 lists to be exact), and we handed out a lot of pants and blankets. We also handed out all our socks. At about five minutes after I started speaking, it started to drizzle. We decided to go ahead and start handing out stuff. The drizzle increased to a light rain, but it was over in about 5 minutes, thank God! There were also numerous prayer requests this week.
Here they are!
Steve: "To be off the streets by Christmas"
Billy Haes: "Have a happy Marriage" (See The BASIC Website for more information.)
Samantha Howell: "To have a happy marriage." (Billy's fiancee)
Kathleen Parks: "Prayer for us!"
Shirley: "Affordable housing, money blessings"
Denise Henn: "My Health"
Mattie Fluker: "May the Lord be with us all in Jesus name."
Jack Bishop: "Yes for Everything"
Donnie Smith: "Sleeping Bag"
Corey Shaw: "That the Lord bless me with my needs, Thank You!"
Mike Smith: "Get us out of here. Pray for my family"
Shannon: "Off the streets"
Evelyn Gates: "Strength"
Bobby Whetstone: "Off the streets"
Johnny A: "Yes My leg"
Mo: "Get us out of here, pray for my family"
Jill: "To see my two sons"
Krystal Coleman: "Peace"
Sabrina Thomas: "my Life"
Derrick Wiley: "Yes, I need prayer for me to get my life back together, my own crib, etc."
Thomas Tugman: "For Good health"
Von Jennings: "For those to be prayed for that don't know to pray for themselves"
Thanks for your prayers!!!
I'll be seeing you all!
Your Positive Activist:
GB HOYT