Believing And Serving In Christ

"By the way I thought that you would be there..."

2009-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

Great lyrics!
Did I see you downtown Sunday? Maybe, probably not though. S'kay, cuz I can't make it every week either and I started this work!
Strange eh?

I'll give you strange: So the fishmobile needs a new alternator belt right. It squeeks when it drives, and makes people go crazy. Mainly it could lead to a broken alternator belt, or even a broken alternator. gotta fix it in two weeks. To fix it sunday, I turned the belt around. It kinda worked, a little bit.

So that's goin' on.

We are in the middle of the sermon on the mount. I introduced the guys to "Mr. Anonymous" hehe, doer of good deeds, I could tell you more, but then, well, what would be the point. ;-)

We do have prayer requests!

Craig McGrew: "I pray that my life will find meaning, that I can skillfully manange all that life throws at me, not to lose myself in hopelessness or depression, and my prosperity come and accumulate around me, lifting me up"

Berlin: "Please pray for me for understanding"

Jonathan Jones :"$"

Jaren Whitman: "My girlfriend's cancer, and I find a job"

Duck: "home and a job"

Lawrence J Brown: "Job employment"

Gregory Scott: "Pray that I get a regular job soon."

George Moore: "That my job comes through"

Dwaine McCoy: "Reunite me with my family"

Jack Bishop: "For Everything"

Yvonne Cook: "Pray for everyone we love you thank you all God bless"

These are important! Pray for them. Pray for me.

Later!
G. Brandon Hoyt

Mind Death and the Art of Feeling Numb

2008-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

There are so many things in this world that keep pulling you down. You got terrorists in Mumbai, poor retail sales on black Friday, gubbmint officials who start lame duck sessions when they are first elected, and who live on a diet of pork and cocktails. I tell you, it's not hard to be apathetic with all the junk that I see people walking around keeping to themselves. At least my kids are still sweet.

So here's what's been going on this week: I got real sick Tuesday, and spent the rest of the week recovering, and dealing with the after effects of being sicky sicky. Thanksgiving was pretty good, but I didn't eat as much as have eaten, didn't want to see it again. Gross, right? I did spend some time trowing balls into trees to recover other balls that thrown into trees. It was a vicious cycle that eventually required the use of a ladder and a polesaw.

The weather and my recover efforts conspired to keep me home yesterday, but Matty, Jess, Rico, Steve, and others went downtown and handed out foodbags or one item to help people get out of the weather quicker. He said there were "Literally 80 people waiting". Now that's odd to me because most of the guys know we can only serve forty. Meh, meet the needs, save the world. Next week hopefully things will be better, we are supposed to get a cool snap this week.

for prayer requests, pray for me, and everyone downtown this week during the weather. I've got some hackin' work to do this week. Lervly lervly.

One last thing, one of my former college room mates has started an outreach to people with HIV, Life with a Vision that I think will be an entirely worthwhile effort!

l8r g8r
GB HOYT, sick and tired of being sick, and tired.

Even When I Ain't there, There you Go!

2008-11-24T23:37:00.000-08:00

Yo,
Didn't make it downtown this last week, but God's people did! Jess and Matty took some of the All-Stars downtown to help the homeless, and ministry happened. I love it! We even got some prayer requests:

Michael seaquist> Needs a good job
D.J.> To have others in need given help
jack Bishop> Jobs, Apartment Etc....
Desiree> For Gods will to be done in her life
Alphanso Ellis> Prayer to get off drugs and to be saved
James> Prayer for himself
Gregory Scott> Pray that he finds a full time job soon
Leon Johnson> Pray that he lives a more Christ like life.

Thanks guys for gettin' out there!
I received live updates via my inside man on the streets, and he informed me that everyone was grateful.
Things were well!

GB HOYT

I Can't Brain Today, I Have the Dumb

2008-11-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

Work is pretty fast paced right now. We are in full on thanksgiving mode, which means late nites for me (*GROAN*) and tiredness in the morning. On the homefront, the girls are gettin' round and round...
what is happening to my hair. I'm noticing more grey.

So on the BASIC front, the press for pants continues. Got a pair? Give it to us!

So, since I'm hurting my brain by thinking too much I feel obligated to help you think as well. hehe.
here we go:
What about this whole evil thing?
Natural evil, man made evil, whatever kinda of evil you can think up.
Why is there evil in the world? I've heard the question asked so many times, it kinda bores me a little bit. I know people who've suffered, I have suffered myself. I address part of the problem in this post and it's still very valid today.
I have a new thing to add to my argument though.
Ok,
first read that post, come back, and you will understand what I'm saying here. Cause it's a gripe with people who don't get consequence.
People complain when God allows evil people like Hitler or Pol Pot to commit genocide, but when God does something about it, they complain about God committing the same crimes.
Punishment for harsh evil is harsh.
I get that.
why don't others??
here's the example:
What if i told you of a culture of drunken men routinely engaged in religious rape routinely engaged in warfare to spread their way of life upon the earth. They practiced slavery, took advantage of the less technologically advanced, and generally caused a ruckus. You know, they burned cities, killed babies, occasionally offering them to whatever idol they thought appropriate.
God punished them by telling the Israelites to kill them. They had their chance, they just didn't take it. Pull the plug.
God punished evil, and people hate Him for it.
God waits to punish, and the same people hate Him for it.
People are stupid, not God.
Somebody call me a jerk or something please, this is way to simple in my mind. I'm missing something obviously.
Help!
I need clarity.

Muddled and sleep deprived,
GB HOYT

Spot O' Cool Weather

2008-11-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

Hello,
I guess the fall is officially here in Florida. It's cold this morning! It was starting to get chilly last night too. My hands actually got a lil' cold. I'm just glad the fish mobile has heat! Took a lil' while to run out of needs lists, i was kinda surprised. The BASIC All star crew took to the streets, and did their work well! Handed out a lot of jackets and other things. We need pants!
Can't get enough pants!
here's some prayer requests!

Stacy => "that I will be found faithful in Jesus Name"
Gregory Scott => "Pray for me that I may find or get a regular job real soon ok"
Stormie Knight => "Help make me a good christian in the faith, amen."
Luther Nelson => "Peace for the hurting ones"
Duck => "a Home"
Jack Bishop => "Pray that I find work ASAP"
James D. Kemp => "For my friend and I to make it to having a house and finally off the streets and stay off drugs"
Tony Wagner => "Oh, no sweat!"

Thank you!
GB HOYT!

Short Fall Rundown...

2008-11-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ok,
This fall has been an *Amazing* time for BASIC. Some big things are happening and I am loving it!

First of all,
BASIC has hired some part time help! Jessica Brooks and Matt Walters now do a lot of the grunt work, like gettin' clothes sorted and sized, preppin' the fish mobile, and helping the services run smoothly and effectively.

Secondly,
Lotsa clothes are beginning to come in. A lady gave us a Bunch of jackets, just in time for the season, we'll be glad to get them to people who need them! Also, we just this week put out bins at Florida Christian College to collect blankets, boots, and socks. If you are reading this and you or someone you know goes there, please, stop by the Student Union Building, and make a donation! Or send someone in your place. I will say though, that we need pants!! Especially in the 34-38 inch waist range. Really really need those. Pants, can't get enough.

Thirdly,
Thanks to Matt, Jess, and the increase in clothing, we have been able to take people downtown every week the weather has allowed. I personally haven't been downtown every time, but someone has. That is the way it should be. I don't want this ministry to depend on my presence. I don't think it does. If BASIC is to really start helping people get off the streets, I'm going to need some free time to train small group leaders. We are going to start that in January.

i hope to be better about getting the prayer list posted online now. Feel free to make fun of me if I don't.

Love,
GB Hoyt

"Falling" behind...

2008-11-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

Just a lil' seasonal Joke about my updating habits!
So,
This has been an exciting fall if you are involved at all with BASIC! We Have had a lot of help this fall, and I would say, that if we had about $250 more dollars in support a month, we could keep doin' this sort of thing well.

Matt Walters and Jessica Brooks have been helping us out! They are a real blessing. I'll have more to say later, but wanted to post these prayer requests before I got too busy this week.

Prayer requests:

Marlyn Lucas => "Angela Joshua, granddaughter"
Victor Washington => "Prayer for Angle"
Andrew Cook => "For Love"
James Sanders => "Pray to get myself together need a place to rent"
Willie Williams => "Strength"
Leon Johnson => "To let go and let God for work, a good job so I can go indoors to live"
David Truhn => "Job"
Willie Sims => "To get off the street"
Orlando De Jesus => "Family"
Jack Bishop => "Everything"
Danny Paul => "Pray for me to get off drugs and alchohol!"
Gregory Scott => "Pray that I may come upon a regular job real soon ok"
Jesse Morris => "For Protection"

Thanks for praying!
GB HOYT

If I Were a Carpenter...

2008-09-08T08:16:00.001-07:00

(************atttentionsnsnsss!!!***********************)
don't forget to checkout my new randomness!

Yo,
so I went to Orlando yesterday with an agenda:

1. Plug hole in fishmobile gastank.
2. Board up windows.
3. Lock all doors.
4. hand out foodbags downtown.

Items one and three were accomplished with no problem. Item two is about 33% complete, one window is boarded, all the wood is cut, but I'm not satisfied with the way things are right now. It still has a few design kinks to work out and whatnots.

As for item four, which is arguably the most critical, mission mostly accomplished. I went downtown, handed out about 15 foodbags (and there were more than enough people to go around), and told everyone what was up. People were waiting so some people at least remembered when I said I would be back. There were even a fair number of new faces. That kinda surprised me, but I guess it goes to show the power of word of mouth.

Next week we have college kiddies to help out, ought to be interesting.
later guys,
GB Hoyt

Catfish are Jumpin and the Cotton is High

2008-09-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Summertime is almost over. We are at the peak of the hurricane season, students are back in school, homeless activists are being arrested in my "back yard", and my mom and dad are about under water. It's also been a pretty busy summer. First things first.
We took July and August off, as far as street ministry is concerned. Many of the people and churches who support us had things going on, and couldn't provide the necessary manpower to get everyone together. Even I took a much needed vacation. It's tough raisin' two kids, holding down two jobs, and trying to run a homeless mission on top of that. I need help! I get some every now and again, but what we really need is someone who can do this every week.

Hopefully, that can happen this year. I'm going to see if I can get a couple of college kids from Florida Christian College to take the ministry on a coupla days a week for pay. It's a lot to ask a college kid to give up a coupla days a week for free, and I don't mind shellin' out a little dough if it means that ministry can happen every week. I have a few things going on that keep me from doing ministry in Orlando the way it needs to be done, and I'd like some prayer in that regard.
1. My truck is about broke down. It's got over 180,000 miles on it, more than one ding, and a leaky head gasket. I have every confidence in the world that she'll leave me stranded one day, probably on my way to or from Orlando. I can't afford another car payment, and I can't afford all the repairs necessary. So mostly, I just need to take it easy right now, and be happy if I make it the 6.5 miles to and from work.
2. I had to take a second job. One day the truck will need replacin' and the girls will need to go to college, so I got a second "at home" job with a website developer. That's right, I'm a paid hacker! It's great work, but requires I spend time doing it, and that means my time to spend with my family is greatly impacted. These kids don't raise themselves you know.
3. There is a lot of work in Lakeland to do. I honestly feel guilty not doing more here. This is my community, I can't pretend that I'm connected to Orlando beyond ministering to homeless people once a week. If students were more involved with BASIC I would feel a lot better, and could do something useful here.

What do you think?

peace out!
GB HOYT

Yesterday.

2008-04-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Alright,
it's monday and i'm going to post on what happened yesterday downtown, first time all year, just about, hallelujah!

The fishmobile is back in service. Thank God. it's been out for a while now, but we are now using it again, even if it is a little ugly. The volunteers who helped pass stuff out certainly appreciated it, and the guys who received food and clothes, were happy that things went smoothly as well. All in all we had a great experience.

I spake on the necessity of quickly changing, before we are changed quickly, text was from 1 Corinthians 15:50 to the end of the chapter. It's important to understand that we must change to inherit the things that God as planned for us in the future. Flesh and blood do not inherit the kingdom of God.

As for prayer requests, I'll try to post those a little later in the week, the girls are in need of my constant supervision, so it's hard to pay attention to this blog and to them.

on other notes: my personal truck nears death. she ain't runnin' well, because we were just forced to buy another vehicle it will be difficult to replace the ole rabid mosquito, but alas, we still prevail.

So the daily chores call me away, look for another update later this week.
Oh, and if you are a nerd, checkout my latest attempts at being non sequitar: Scattagun experiment...
until then,
weeeeeeeee!
and God loves you,
G Brandon Hoyt

Up WAAAYYYY too Early...

2008-04-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

there are certain pitfalls in life. Take this morning for instance, both my girls awoke at 4:30. Now, normally they are up at seven thirty, but today they hate me, so they were up really early. I don't know exactly why either, they just do. On most days that I work, I get off bout 1:30 am and am in bed by 2:30. Last nite i got home early, and went to bed bout midnite, thinking that I could get some sleep. I was wrong, here i am, with the same amount of sleep as normal. The girls are back asleep now, and am trying to do the same, even resorting to typing with my eyes closed. I'm not doing a bad job either from what I can tell. I'm going downtown later tonite, so i'll update later. supposedly i'll have lots of help.
GB HOYT
tired boy...

Spring Crowds

2008-04-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's been fairly busy downtown, the city is currently facing some legal troubles, a homeless man who started a congregation has an important ruling about the city's no feeding in parks ban coming up soon. i don't know what exactly that will mean for us right away, other than we might move back to the park behind the library to do BASIC. The fishmobile should be back this weekend, i'm going to wash it sunday before we go downtown mostly because i'm tired of having it and not using it. i don't care if we have to load and unload it every week, it's gettin' used, dag nab it.

so that's a quick update!

love you all!
GBHOYT

Here I am!

2008-02-12T07:50:00.001-08:00

Hello,
incase you have forgotten, this is Brandon Hoyt. I just had a baby, and while when we only had one, i could blog while she napped having two complicates things a little bit. but now the oldest is watching the little mermaid, so we should be alright.

sorry for the few capital letters, the shift key is the enter key right now, and it's a long story!

ok, so the quick update is this:
BASIC continues, i've been doing inner city work now for nine years, and still doin' what i can do. being daddy though, has made me cut back quite a bit, especially since i can't do ministry for a full time living. i've been working on getting a job that would pay more than the bills so that i don't have to worry about pay, but we'll just see about that. Right now that mostly involves learning computer programming, both in school and outside of the formal educational setting. If you know anyone who would be willing to hire a new C++ or Ruby on rails programmer, lemmee know. Also i'm slowly learning the trickier aspects of linux system administration, and learning some lessons the hard way as it were. Namely, get your disk partitioning space right when you install the operating system, but that's enough nerd talk, let's get to the ministry!!

We've been going downtown almost every week as BASIC since august of 2003, starting january this year, i've changed our weeks to the 2nd and 4th sundays of the month downtown, mainly cause i need the other sundays to get stuff ready in the office. if i could get about 3 or four volunteers to commit every week, we would be able to get everything done that we need to get done, and go downtown every week, but until then, we just don't have time. I need to go shopping, sort clothes, clean the office, update a database, and keep everyone informed all by myself. Also, so that we can really help more people, i have decided to limit the number of people we serve every week we go downtown to forty. That is a sustainable number for us to help, and make an impact in their lives on a deeper level.

We do have some prayer requests:
Dan Siegfried: Thank you Brandon!
Parice Wallace: Mom
M.L. Taylor: for myself, for alcohol
Nelson Daniels: need job!
Michael Wright: that i will be able to get a job
Jack Bishop: everything, sleeping bag.
Curtis Latimer: Family members
John Duck: I need a job and a home.
Krystal Coleman: that God continues to answer my prayers, forever.
James Wilson: gainful employment volunteer to lead to employment in field.
Sheral Ables: Pray that we all stay safe.
Dwight: pray for everyone.
Theresa McDonald: for my wedding and babies.
Shameekia Smith: yes my child and myself.

also, remember my family, we were in a car accident superbowl sunday and our car was totaled, the guy drove off, but the police caught up with him, and we still don't know if he has insurance or not. Kelly's leg received a little abrasion, and my back hurts a little, but the kids seem to be alright. So far it's been a yucky ordeal, our car was paid for, and now we'll have a car payment, but with prayer, and hope, we'll come to a swift resolution to the matter.

so thanks for listening!
keep the faith,
GB HOYT

Changing Places, Changing Hearts, Changing Seasons.

2007-09-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

It's getting Darker earlier, and I can tell.
It's pretty amazing to watch the seasons change. I feel the restlessness of fall come upon me, and I am prompted to do certain things because it's that time. I am prompted to watch birds as they migrate, and to join others in this effort. I do it year round, but now I will actually make special trips to special places in an effort to see them through my binoculars. I will keep lists, an hope for things such as "cerulean Warblers" and "Lesser Yellowlegs". I have lifelists, statelists, countylists, and Lake Hollingsworth lists. It's not quite an obsession, just merely a tick, one that borders obsession in the fall. I also feel obliged to hurl lead at squirrels in an effort to acquire meat for gumbo. That's right, I am a hunter, and I love eatin' tree rat. We have a love hate relationship (squirrels and I) with an understanding that no matter what, if one of us sits still long enough, they can be considered food by the other. So far I have an advantage, but I know from experience that I should never sleep in the back yard... I also feel obliged to heed my Grandfather's exhortations to grab a spinnerbait, and chunk it when "the water turns on the bayou". It's a phenomenon you'd have to see to understand, but so far the biggest bass I've caught out of the ole muddy bayou was caught under such condition behind Henry Corley's momma's house. I was using a plastic lizard, but I've caught bass on a spinnerbait "out-da-by" too. Can't do that here in Lakeland though, for Bayou Beouf don't run over here. This time of year is when I miss Cheneyville the most.
I also think, what's going to happen this fall? Will Florida be warm, cool, hurricaned, or dry? All of those are valid options. It's a sobering time of year, because it is one of stark change, and great contrast. Gone is the single question of summer time: "is it raining or not"? Now we have to ask, is it raining, is it snowing, is a hurricane a blowing (thank you Gene Wilder!) The snowing part is hyperbole, but you would be surprised as how cool seventy can be if you have to sleep outside, under the stars, and nothing between you and the dirt/concrete/park bench but your clothes...
We need blankets and pants.
That is the most important thing I can say now.
We need blankets and pants, Please.

Sunday update to come, right now it's important for you to know that:
We need blankets and pants, fall is here.
and what will fall this year?
GB HOYT

And Here is the Lesson!

2007-09-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

Mornin'!
here's the lesson I'll be giving in Sunday school. I will be preaching a shorter version tonite downtown.
Goodnite everybody!

1 Thessalonians 1

1. What are the three things that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remember before God about the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3

2. How did they receive the Gospel? 1 Thessalonians 1:5

3. Why is the way they received the Gospel important to their congregation? 1 Thessalonians 1:4

4. What is the Job of the Holy Spirit in the world and to the believers?
John 16:7-14

5. Describe the faith of the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8

6. How did the world regard the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:8

7. What kind of life did they have before they converted to Christianity?
1 Thessalonians 1:9

8. When they turned from their former lives, what life did they begin to live? 1 Thessalonians 1:10

GB HOYT

Video!

2007-09-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's not of BASIC, but it is still relevant. I found this by simply googling "Homeless News" without the quotes, and finding a Blog that is about Homeless news.

Here's the video:

It's pretty good, but like anything, I don't agree with everything the video assumes. It's easy to assume that money is the primary way to fix homelessness, but I think the primary emphasis needs to be on prevention, and the problems that lead to homelessness are more complicated than mere money. Not to say there could be more money spent on the issue, just that there are bigger fish to fry, like world view transformation, justice under the law, personal sin. It's more important to get someone out of their comfort zone, both homeless and not, and get them to a place where they are actively seeking and doing God's will than it is to simply increase spending. If you are not homeless, and you are doing God's will*, I think you will find that something changes you to the point where homelessness stops being the problem, and homeless people are blessed by you, and they can turn and bless God because of you.

I think I want to write more about that, but for now, just sit and think about it. Sunday I'll be going downtown, Saturday I'll post my lesson for the trip, which is based on the lesson I'll be giving this Sunday in Sunday school at Highlands Church of Christ in Lakeland, FL.
Until Next Time!
GB HOYT

*I include this post to Arron Chamber's entry on a new program because I really like the WATER concept he is using for his young adults ministry. It's something that the whole church needs to read, understand, and realize that this is what they've been thinking all along. The part about worship really says something special to me. Read it, and the rest of his bloggings too.

Creating Perspective

2007-09-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Much of what BASIC does involves "creating perspective".

Ok, let me define that: Creating perspective is the art and science of giving people the chance to remove their assumptions about anything. Once their assumptions are removed, and they have a chance to re-examine a situation and consider a different way of viewing the situation, then perspective is created. The goal is to understand that no one person knows everything, and that knowing everything about a situation is the only way one person can permanently judge someone's actions as being damning or liberating. Ultimately, this should lead to a service producing humility where one can obey the command to display a sincere love to others, even our enemies. Romans 12:9-13 says:

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

I must admit, I have a hard time displaying love toward everyone. Seems like if I have a chance to ignore the situation of someone who either doesn't like me, or if I can find a reason to not like them, then I will ignore their situation, or pose some cutesy little paradigm to their situation that neatly absolves me from responsibility to help them overcome their sin.

What I need is perspective.

If I had the right perspective I would understand who my real enemies are. A couple of posts ago I asked a question about my enemies. I don't remember mentioning the names on that list. I mean, I suppose the only people who are my enemies are the ones who directly oppose the spread of the message of God. They are not drug addicts, prostitutes, murderers, adulterers, abortion doctors, or other "sinners" that many preachers preach against. I would say that most muslims are not "my enemy" because they are at least willing to talk to Christians and hear us out. This article is not about who is and is not my enemies though, I'm writing this so that hopefully you will understand what I mean when I talk about creating perspective.

What perspective do you need?

I know homeless people who need the perspective that they need to know me before they make demands of me. There may be very good reasons why I don't hand out money to them, even thought that's what they say they need. I know people with money who need perspective about homeless people, that they are not just hopeless alcoholics without morality. I know liberals who need to understand that Jesus really does need to be involved in the process of restoration. I have never met anyone who didn't have a comfort zone from which they examined the whole world, and thus missed out on something that is so obvious;

When you have the right perspective.
Love,
GB HOYT

Downtown Live!!

2007-09-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yo!
I am downtown, live and in person!!
I had to ride around a little bit to let everyone know that BASIC won't be downtown next weekend but the weekend after. pluss I wanted to blow off a little stress on the ole trusty steed. So, I saw a goodly number of people and I handed out a bunch of the copies of the Gospel of John. I've had a bunch kinda locked up for a while and rediscovered them. I guess it was kinda my way of being sorry for not having food and clothes, although I have no reason to feel that way. I do long for a change from the ordinary. Sometimes I wonder if I'm building the right relationships. So much of what BASIC does right now is meet "right now" needs. I kinda get frustrated. It's good to ride when I think about such things because it is easy for me to forget here i am going the in the world. Helps me see. Plus traffic keeps me on my toes...

Well, I'm at Panera, and my truck is a little ways from here. I must go so I can get home. Hopefully, that means an earlier bed time, but I also discovered the presentation I am giving Tuesday has been deleted! That means I have to rewrite it. Yuck.

I love you all!
GB HOYT

Sunday School Lesson

2007-09-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
While I am not preaching this Sunday in Orlando, I am giving the Sunday school lesson today at Highlands Church of Christ. I would like to share it here with you so you can see it and so people can view it online as well. The text is from Psalm 129 and here are the nine questions I will be asking tomorrow!
1. How is the suffering of the children of Israel described in Psalm 129:3?

2. What are some of the afflictions they may have been facing at the time? Ezr_3:3; Neh_2:10

3. Why does the Psalmist declare the Lord to be righteous in Verse 4?

4. What does the writer ask God to do? Verse 5.

5. Who is in Zion? What comes from there? Psalm 2:1-6; 9:11; 14:7; 20:2; 50:2 What is the significance of being turned away from Zion?

6. When are some times that the children of God have faced an enemy, only to be delivered at the last moment? Acts 16:16-39

7. Name some of the enemies of the children of God: 1 Corinthians 15:26, 1Peter 5:8 Matthew 13:37-39; Acts 13:8-11; James_4:4

8. Can we continue to expect God to deliver us from our enemies? Revelation 20:7-15

9. Is God's blessing extended to those who oppose and frustrate the children of God? Verse 8

I'm not going to link all the other verse references, if you want that you will need the E-sword topic file from me!!!
It's free to use.
Any questions?
GBHOYT

Extra, Extra Read all Ablog it!

2007-08-29T05:43:00.001-07:00

Hello!
This is the midweek news update!!
YEah I did it...
So,
First of all, some personal news: As many of you know, Kelly is great with child, and we've been pretty nervous. I'm nervous at least. I remember when our first daughter was born and how trying of an experience it was, if only because of the nature of the emergency that was involved. Katie was born via an emergency c-section, and that means that little yet to be born Emma will have to be born by one as well. Yesterday, Kelly went to the doctorman again, and he said that they will probably do the surgery October 3. I don't know, but it just seems funny to me that we can plan our Kid's birth. The first birth wasn't planned at all though, at least.
Keep praying for us in this time!
Ok, so, some homeless news:
A lady we had seen from time to time named Venus Martinez was murdered late July. I found out this last Sunday. She was found near the spot we usta meet, as a matter of fact, we *Just* changed where we meet, right after they found her body. Word is that she was raped and strangled. It's been about a month since it happened, and I haven't been able to find any information about any progress in the investigation. I mention it now cause it's news to me, and I did know her...
... also, seems like the powers that be are deliberately focusing on Murdered Homeless People. I don't know this guy, and I don't Stephen King The Person He Murdered or why he was murdered, but I do know there are lots of communities like the one where this guy lived along the I-4 corridor that need some sort of constant community witness to the changing power of Christ.
NOTE: The link for "The person he murdered" contains comments left in Honor of King. It helps to make homelessness something tangible to see the impassioned pleas of people who either knew him, or researched him...
...
A little research can change the hardest hearts.
...
Here's a site with some interesting news about violence against homeless people toward the east coast in Deland: Police search for suspects in beating of homeless man it's good cause it deals with the latest, and it focuses on some of the past crimes in the area.
God please rip the callous off our hearts!

So,
for the 2 coming Sundays I won't be going downtown to do food and clothes. This next Sunday I need to go shopping for BASIC. Hopefully there will be some back to school backpacks on sale! Why not buy two or three and drop them off at the church building? Sunday after Kelly is having a baby shower, and I'm on Daddy duty. So that's the news, I hope you were changed
Now get out there and Love somebody!!
GB HOYT

God Loves You, me, Tina, and Steve!

2007-08-26T21:58:00.001-07:00

Back from downtown.
Here I am, I didn't get too worked up, but I did yell. I wonder if you can guess the parts of the sermon that I yelled. I'll give you a hint. I really don't think that some things are fair...
;-)
Anywho. I served about twenty-four people Sunday Nite, me and God, and some of them helped eveyone. Things went really well. I arrived about six downtown, and was done by seven. I call that a perfect plan, even though it rained lightly the entire time. Somehow, the rain was enough to feel appropriate considering the subject matter of the sermon.
Crazy...
Let me give you an interesting God story about today. In my travels, I have to decide by the time I get to the end of my street tolls or no tolls. Paying tolls means I save half an hour sometimes in travel time. Not paying tolls means I save about $3.50. Hmmm. It's not really an issue right now, because I don't have any toll money!!! :-D Hooray for simplicity!
In my simplicity, I prepared to exit highway 98 onto I-4, and I spied some hitch hikers. Two of them to be precise, a man and a woman.
WARNING!!! I am not about to advocate picking up hitch hikers. There are just too many way to creepy Urban Legends to just go picking them up. I knew them both!!! I also knew they were homeless I recognized Tina Bishop right away. She's small... I didn't recognize Steve first off though. They are the ones mentioned in the title of the post. They had come to Lakeland for the weekend to give Steve's Kids some good news and they were on their way back. Well, I was able to give them a ride to Orlando in the A/C. God has great timing.

So: Here are the prayer requests:
Jack Bishop: Everything
Adrian Hendy: Things get better
Cathy: Grandma
John Santrock: My Grandma
Nelson Daniels: Need Job, Place to stay.
Mona Thomas: To fight hunger and pneumonia while it continues to rain.
Steve: That we make it through another day.
David Fahrmer: For my mother and for our safety on the streets.
Robert Duncan: Pray for my mother.

Nearly fifty percent participation this week on the requests! Hey, that ain't bad...
So. Everyone have a good week, I'll have some more news later.
God Bless you!!
GB HOYT

Sneek Peek!!!!! aka: Sunday's sermon right now!!

2007-08-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Yo!
Here's a copy of the sermon I plan on preaching tomorrow nite, read, enjoy, rip it off! Rip it up, I don't care, discussion is appreciated though.......
Thanks Bunches for reading it!
GB HOYT
:
Do You Really Want it All to Stop?
An Adventure in Missing the Point

Text: Jeremiah Chapter 12
Intro:
No news is good news, and I'll tell you why. Every time I turn on the radio or pick up the paper, something else has gone wrong in the world. Recently storms made tornadoes in Detroit city, I mean, Detroit! Hurricane Dean killed at least 12 people in the Caribbean, and everyday it seems like someone else is dying for what amounts to no real good reason. Do you ever feel like the world is broken? What about the people around you? What about the government? Why is it that Lindsay Lohan can be arrested multiple times for drugs and alcohol and spend less than 2 hours in jail, but you sleep in the bushes, and it takes three months to get a court date sometimes!?! It's messed up and I'm tired of it!
The bad news is that this is nothing new. I say it's bad news because nothing has changed as far as injustice is concerned. Things were messed up when the Bible was written, and I'll just go ahead and say that things will be messed up until they are made complete in Christ's Kingdom. No matter who is the leader, you will find injustice. Jeremiah the prophet lived in the middle of one of the most wicked times in the history of the children of Israel. There was rampant idolatry, manifesting itself in wicked practices like temple prostitution by both men and women, and child sacrifice. Even the kings of Judah, the very sons of David would engage in this horrible practice. This is what Jeremiah Says:
Jeremiah 12:1-4 Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? (2) You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. (3) But you, O LORD, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and set them apart for the day of slaughter. (4) How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? For the evil of those who dwell in it the beasts and the birds are swept away, because they said, "He will not see our latter end."
It is important to understand what we feel when we look around at all the suffering, and I think that this passage is one of many that shows that God doesn't expect us to keep living our lives without question why sometimes. The problem I think, and that this passage will show us is that many times when we ask for Justice, we don't really understand all that that implies, and that we often get more than we bargained for. For one thing, things here are in a state of constant flux, and everyone agrees that seemingly insignificant acts can lead to something with grave unintended consequences. I think God is doing something big, but it's something that is taking a long time in manifesting itself in the world. Things really are so screwed up God is going to have to use a do-over to make it right! As we look at this passage, I want us to see one point taking shape: Because making things right means making things over, let us brace ourselves for the change to come. To understand this, we first need to realize that things are not right, and it's not fair.

point one: The question has already been asked: how can an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God allow evil to go unpunished? Things really on the surface seem to be unfair. Jeremiah starts the passage off assuming that God is righteous, and yet he doesn't do anything about the situation. Jeremiah can see and record with his own eyes the atrocities of the people, even the leaders and priests are not innocent in the matter. First of all this isn't the first time Jeremiah has complained about evil people winning. Jeremiah 5:28 says that the wicked have grown "fat and sleek" by way of their wickedness. Read Psalms 73:1-12, or listen to this: "I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree." That's what Psalm 37:35 says, the wicked just rest themselves, go check out Job 12:4-6, and Malachi 3:14-15. Jeremiah could say much the same thing today, just listen to these recent little news blurbs:
a. The eldest member of a young trio that beat and stoned a homeless man in March pleaded no contest to aggravated battery today.
Jeremy Woods threw a punch that sent John D’Amico tumbling into a wall March 27 in Daytona Beach. The 58-year-old homeless army veteran was then pelted with rocks and bricks by two 10-year-old boys, suffering a serious eye injury.
Woods, 17, agreed to a maximum sentence of 15 months in state prison with his plea before Circuit Judge Juliane Piggotte. He will ask for less when he's sentenced Sept. 6. The two 10-year-olds are now in juvenile detention programs. (From the 13th Juror Blog)
b. A Florida judge sentenced John Evander Couey to death Friday for the kidnap, rape and murder of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford.
Couey, a convicted sex offender, buried Lunsford alive in two black trash bags with her hands bound and her favorite purple stuffed dolphin tucked in her arms, Circuit Judge Richard Howard said. Lunsford's body was found in a grave in Couey's yard about three weeks after she disappeared. (From Fox News)
Jeremiah wants to see the bad guy get theirs! He screams out in prayer, aloud to God, and on paper so that we can read it today. He asks God to set them apart for the day of slaughter because even the very land the wicked inhabit cry out against them. Today, I think it would be wise for us to pray like Jeremiah prays here, to pray to God to make things better soon, because it is so hard to stand. Also, I don't think we will be ready to hear God's answer to Jeremiah until we express the disgust in our souls. Good Lord, your righteousness is from everlasting to everlasting. You see all, and not even a simple sparrow dies on this earth without you knowing about it and allowing it. Father we ask you to no longer let the unrighteousness go unpunished. We ask you to bring judgement on those who continually do us harm. Do not delay in bringing judgement Father, our hearts are heavy, and we feel sick. In Jesus' Holy Name we Pray, Amen. Remember we are going to learn today that making things right means making things over, so we need to brace ourselves for the change to come. When I am honest to God about how I see things, it helps me get ready for how God responds to me. God's response is shocking in this case.

point 2: If we are going to pray bold prayers, we can expect God to answer boldly. Many of you missed my sermon called "shirt, tie, and mohawk" but in it I mentioned that Jesus likes to mess with us a little bit. In that sermon we saw Jesus messing with a blind man by rubbing dirt into his eyes and telling him to go wash! He gets that trait from God. God messes with people and in this text, he messes with Jeremiah by telling him that things are only going to get worse. Listen to the next part of the passage:
Jeremiah 12:5-13 "If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? (6) For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; they are in full cry after you; do not believe them, though they speak friendly words to you." (7) "I have forsaken my house; I have abandoned my heritage; I have given the beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies. (8) My heritage has become to me like a lion in the forest; she has lifted up her voice against me; therefore I hate her. (9) Is my heritage to me like a hyena's lair? Are the birds of prey against her all around? Go, assemble all the wild beasts; bring them to devour. (10) Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard; they have trampled down my portion; they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. (11) They have made it a desolation; desolate, it mourns to me. The whole land is made desolate, but no man lays it to heart. (12) Upon all the bare heights in the desert destroyers have come, for the sword of the LORD devours from one end of the land to the other; no flesh has peace. (13) They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing. They shall be ashamed of their harvests because of the fierce anger of the LORD."
Remember, today's sermon title is "Do You Really Want it All to Stop?" Listen to what happens to the children of Israel because of their sin. It's horrible! Consider Jeremiah, he didn't escape the wrath, he was a part of it all, all the suffering in Jerusalem, all the famine, all the killing. He was even kidnapped and sent to Egypt with some Jewish rebels. I really wondered when I studied this book, if Jeremiah would have run away sooner if he had really known he was going to be in the middle of it. Part of being a person who calls on people to repent is being with that people when they suffer, and suffering alongside of them, so what are you going to do? The little things affect big things: Consider what happens when the gov't JUST changes the mortgage interest rates. Stocks fall, houses go cheap, people lose their jobs, everyone panics! We want God to bring Justice, but let us consider what it would take to punish all the rebellion that's been going on since man started living in rebellion. I do rest, and comfort in one thing though: God fully intends to bring judgement. Revelation six nine through eleven says:
Revelation 6:9-11 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. (10) They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (11) Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
For the nation of Israel, God tells them that he plans on abandoning the temple in Jerusalem. This is significant to the people of Israel, it is, after all, what made them special. They had God with them! No longer would that be the case. God will bring about His punishment in his own time, and when he does, it is complete. I want to know why God Doesn't do it now though, I think I can find some pretty good reasons why not in the scriptures, especially in the New Testament: He wants To Bring the unrighteous to repentance:
2 Peter 3:1-10 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, (2) that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, (3) knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. (4) They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." (5) For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, (6) and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. (7) But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. (8) But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (9) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
He also wants to keep His true people from stumbling and living in constant fear, think about Christ's parable about the wheat and the weeds:
Matthew 13:24-30 He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, (25) but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. (26) So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. (27) And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' (28) He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' (29) But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
Also, I think God withholds his judgement because He wants to teach us about loving our enemies:
Matthew 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' (44) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (47) And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? (48) You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sin is God's enemy. God will destroy His enemy completely. He desires us to restore ourselves with our fellow man because that's part of missing the point. Sin is what's wrong, and it is the sin that must Go! When we ask God to bring His justice fully and completely to this world, as we did earlier, we are really asking that He takes all the sin out of the world.

point three: I trust this will happen, over time, because this world is proof that God takes His time. As we continue learning that we must brace ourselves for the change to come, we need to remember that things are really screwed up, and that they are only going to get worse. This is good news, because even in the midst of all this evil, we can accept the lessons God is trying to teach us, and that God will bring us back to Him. Listen to what God says at the end of Jeremiah Chapter twelve:
Jeremiah 12:14-17 Thus says the LORD concerning all my evil neighbors who touch the heritage that I have given my people Israel to inherit: "Behold, I will pluck them up from their land, and I will pluck up the house of Judah from among them. (15) And after I have plucked them up, I will again have compassion on them, and I will bring them again each to his heritage and each to his land. (16) And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, 'As the LORD lives,' even as they taught my people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built up in the midst of my people. (17) But if any nation will not listen, then I will utterly pluck it up and destroy it, declares the LORD."

God's punishment in this life is meant for one reason only I think, I think it's to bring purity. God tells the lukewarm Church of the Laodiceans in Revelation the third chapter: "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent." We would do well to heed that advice. If we do so, God will bring us to our heritage. God's children have a heritage and God will welcome us in it. God even tells the Israelites about us all. Listen again: "and it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, 'as the LORD lives,' even as they taught my people to swear by Baal, then they shall be bult up in the midst of my people." God has a two fold invitation: that was His invitation to follow God and live. God also has an invitation to destruction: "But if any nation will not listen, then I wil utterly pluck it up and destroy it, declares the LORD."

Conclusion: Either way, brace yourself for the change to come. Expect judgement, if you will continue to live in disobedience. God will find you. You cannot hide. God did not spare the Israelites, not even one escaped judgement. You won't either. God will burn the sin out of you when the time is right. I want to live. I want you to live too! I would rather have my sins washed away than burned away. God may promise the judgement for the future, but He promises salvation today for all who will seek Him. We all know that the world is messed up. We know that things are going to get worse. We also know that God will take us back inspite of all we have done to offend Him. Don't miss the point: Because making things right means making things over, let us brace ourselves for the change to come. Seek God out with me today, and do not allow yourself to be caught unprepared for the holiness of God to overtake you.

Floating around the Internet....

2007-08-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so floating around the internet, this is one thing I've found: Scott Biao is 45 and Single. This article is by a fellow blogger, and is pertinent. Firstly because my wife Lurves the Reality shows, so I know she'll get a little fix from it.
My thoughts to add in:
Oh, the price we pay to be in a covenant relationship with the Father! It's not always easy to be the Faithful Bride that Christ calls us to be! For one thing, we are forced to admit that we've been doing it all wrong. Second we may have to leave everything behind to follow him!
Crazy...
Sacrifice for the sake of knowing God?
Really?
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot loose" - Jim Elliot.

25Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

31"Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:25-33

GB HOYT -- everyday I must do as Scott did to Johnny, kiss myself on the cheek and tell myself to give myself a break.

Downtown this Coming Sunday...

2007-08-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hello!
we are gettin' downtown this coming Sunday, to meet some needs, and also so I can scout out a community of homeless people near 50 and JYP. Supposedly there is a homeless camp somewhere around there. We shall see! I can't wait to have my new baby. This morning I am honestly excited about the prospect of having a tiny one again. Also, I can't wait for my KT to be a big sister.
(*Sigh*)

So, anyway, back to reality,
If you want to come downtown with us, feel free. We could use some extra help sunday, meet up at Southeast Christian Church, just south of Goldenrod and Curry Ford at 3pm.
Sofar, the only people confirmed coming are James, "The Gravy", McCrickard, and me! I think Rafi just started school ('bout time) and he needs to get A's!!! That way he can make lots of money, get lots of land, and give that land to people to live on!!!
Well,
Everyone take care. Lemme know if you can make it downtown,
GB HOYT

A Wing and a Prayer.

2007-08-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ok,
So Sunday went well, the youth group from First Christian Church of Winter Park came along with some of our regulars from FCCWP. The weather fussed at us, showering us in some light ran, and forcing us to herd under the bus stop shelter. I briefly spoke about the woman caught in adultery in John chapter eight, and the kids wonderfully helped out and met some serious needs.
Here are the prayer requests we collected Sunday nite:

Debbie Czichos: to have a self life on my trips and journey one state to another
Larry McCoy: For a full time job
Leon Johnson: Pray for my soul to be free from demons and to do God's will
Alan Adkins: Yes have something wrong with both of my eyes.
Thersa McDonald: My brother Bob who was shot in hear Thursday night.
Mona Thomas: Lessen my burden I am not without grief for miscarriages due to untimely betrayal. I pray never to be without them in prayer.
Anthony Smith: Anthony
Campbell Ray: an apartment
Melanie Campbell: Apartment
Jean Weislogel: For everyone to have inner peace and a personal relationship with God.

We served about 26 people total. Many of them were new to me. I also saw some old faces if only briefly. I think the lightening we saw to the south of us was keeping some people away, but I expect we will start seeing more people in the near future.

That's BASIC in a nutshell... We are planning something for labor day weekend called "Labor day of Love" but it's still in the beginning stages, we'll let you know how things go with that.

In Christ,
G. Brandon Hoyt.

Sunday Bloody Sunday....

2007-08-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

So,
No I'm not dead, and I haven't given up. I haven't committed to do anything in Lakeland yet, I have been doing things in Orlando...
Here's what's been going on:
In a nutshell.
In July the Family and I took a vacation to Cheneyville LA, that bustling little metropolis in central Louisiana that is the home of my roots. After that, we started going downtown almost every week. We're going (starting this week) to be meeting in a new spot. It's closer to downtown, and kinda already known by a lot of the homeless people. Come downtown and I'll show you where it is! It obeys the city's feeding ordinance, and is in a more public spot. I'll actually publish the prayer list Monday, because we haven't been seeing many people there really hasn't been much to report. I'm looking forward to the rest of the year. Kelly's going to have a baby, and the college kids I think will be good. A lot of the people who first started coming with Roland Howard's Intro to Evangelism class will be seniors this year, so I think we should be able to drum up some good support from the college kiddies...
that's me life fer now....
Take care,
GB HOYT

Six People, Six Helper, make 12 Together for the Glory of God.

2007-06-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

We saw Six people this last sunday downtown. Not too many. We took the time to do a bible study on the book of John. It's three questions long, and you can participate by going to this website: The Pirate Preacher's Discussion on the Book of John Have fun answering the questions. If Orlando is going to change, it is going to change by the grace and power of God as God's people proclaim and act out the word of God.
Some prayer requests:
That we faithfully proclaim the word of God.
That the guys we saw last week get the work they need to find a place to live. Several had work, but needed it to not rain for a few days so they could do it!
Pray we can find a permanent place to meet downtown or in some area where there are homeless people. Also pray that we can find something to do with the homeless here in Lakeland, cause they be here too!!!
Thanks and God Bless,
GB HOYT.

Today and Last Week...

2007-06-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, I feel like I can give an accurate account of my life last week and the few weeks before. On May 21st my wife and I got some scary news. She's pregnant and due early October, and the Dr. said the baby had fluid on her lungs. He said that this could be because of a hernia in her diaphram. Kelly (my wife) and I were scared. We were also prayerful. We decided to tell our family and friends, and soon a lot of people were praying for God's will to be done. I spent some time in God's word, and reviewed the story of the man born blind. The people in Jesus' day wondered at a person's maladies and thought many times that they were due to sin either in the life of the one who suffered or in the life of their parents. This is a common and typical response I think. I know I was kinda feelin' that way. You want to play the "if only" game. Well Jesus' response was interesting, he said that neither this man nor his parents sinned but it happened this way so that God could be glorified. I thought about that for a minute and remembered that in Romans we are promised that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love the Lord (Romans 8:29). These ideas floated around in my head, and I began to become confident that somehow God was going to get a lot of thanks for this, and even if we got bad news, God would work it out to be something good.

We were scheduled for an appointment to see a leading doctor in fetal surgery, and a lot of people were praying for us. Thursday, we went to Tampa to see this doctor, and they took a full sonogram. I didn't know what to expect but I was confident that God would be there, and that he would take care of things. For some reason I kept expecting them to say things looked fine, even though there was no reason for such an expectation, everything I had read about so far suggested that the problem our unborn child was having was a serious problem that would require surgery, and could have some grave consequences. The Doctor who saw us came in, and did little sonogramming. The head guy came in and looked over her shoulder, and then she gave us the good news. There is nothing wrong. There is no fluid on our baby's lungs. Everything is good.
Thank God that He is good!
Your question for the week is, Does God still work miracles?

G. Brandon, Kelly, Katie, and Emma (current working first name for lil' bit)
bid you grace and peace!

And Just like that...

2007-06-08T23:50:00.001-07:00

The Doctor tells us nothing is wrong that they can see, see your doctor in a week!!
Praise the Lord!!!!

Update from Tampa,

2007-06-07T09:57:00.001-07:00

Hello,
Kelly and I are having lunch right now at a place called NOLA's in Tampa. We are waiting to go to the Dr. Keep praying for us and our baby!! Hopefully everything will turn out ok. I am hoping for the doctor to look at the ultrasound and say "Now why exactly are you here, cause everything looks fine on this end."
Love,
GB and Kelly Hoyt, your worried warriors...

Ok, Glad I got In on that...

2007-05-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Journey Christian Church has started an outreach program to downtown Orlando, and I'm glad I got to see part of what they do.I found out about the service through Ron Seiber, a student at Florida Christian College who was required to come downtown with BASIC about three years ago. Glad he remembered who I was.

The outreach Journey is doing is called Journey Downtown, and it seems to be aimed at reaching out to all the people downtown not just to homeless people. They served some pizza to the people at the corner of Jefferson and Magnolia and after that they gathered to worship and hear the word of God. I had to cut out just as they were starting the singing before I turned into a pumpkin. That was about eight o'clock. The funniest thing about going and sharing is that this was part three of a three part trial outreach. Apparently it's going well enough that they are going to continue the services starting in the fall on a weekly basis. At least they did something even if they can't return in the fall.

I also got to ride my bike around a little bit, and that was refreshing. Downtown is changing faster than I can keep up with it seems, and it's getting me a little crazy!
Our summer-through-the-new-year plans will be as follows: Get downtown 2 times month, the idea being that we've got to stay as close into contact with people as possible to hope at having a chance to get people what they need. We're going to raise $6000 for the first twenty weeks of 2008. The idea being starting with the first weekend in the new year, going downtown each sunday for the first twenty weeks without having to worry about having money, raising money, or getting supplies. It's kinda a test. If we can't raise the $6k by the new year, that may change our plans. It's something to pray about. Also keep praying for my wife's pregnancy. Yesterday we found out we're having another little girl, and there seem to be some complications. We go to see a specialist June 7th (unless we can wrangle an earlier date out of them!!) for some more testing and a consultation. Please pray for us, and our baby. There is no feeling quite like the helplessness of not being able to do anything about a problem your child is having. We'll have more updates as they are available.
Thanks and God Bless!!
GB HOYT

Against the Flow

2007-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Action against Orlando's Homeless continues. Consider Jackie's account of a recent attempt to get the mayor's attention. Things ought to be interesting for me this sunday. I hope it goes well. I've been keeping my eye out in Lakeland, looking for random chance encounters with homeless people. They seem a little more scattered out here, but maybe that's because It's a smaller area, and I'm just not seeing as many in general. I know a lot of guys in Orlando have been to Lakeland, but I repeat myself. I'm also looking for a second job! Maybe a local Christian book store.

Weekend Plans and Prayer Requests...

2007-05-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

Haldo!
Got a weekend of downtown activity coming up. I plan on coordinating with Journey Christian Church. They apparently have been doing a once a month thing with homeless people. I didn't know about it, so we will have to see how things are going. Please pray that this will be a chance to learn and to also show what we have been doing.
Also, I've been doing a little websurfing and found a local guy that is off beat to say the least: Captain Lamewad is worth checking out. He is apparently pretty know to the blogosphere, but I think he wants to be a force for good in the local area. Looking at some of his links, I wonder if I know the man, cause we share some similar interests... We will let him remain anonymous for now... I'm not going to look too hard...

GB HOYT Out.

Breakin' it Down Oldschool...

2007-05-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

AH Yes,
I remember going downtown for the first time and seeing a guy named Joe on a steam grate.

I remember asking him if he wanted some raisins...
Crazy what can happen in such a short time.
Still lotsa homeless people in Lakeland.
I hope everyone had a good mothers day.

GB HOYT

GASP!!! a new Post!!

2007-05-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Pardon my slacking, I haven't known what to say.
Sundays have been weird. The city of Orlando has pretty much determined that we will always have a hard time getting some consistancy in the lives of the homeless because they will always be hurried off when they inconviniance the city council. I don't know what it will take in that regard, other than a permanent meeting space. Until they get their act together though, I'm considering a change of venue so to speak. There are homeless people here in Lakeland where I live, and I think we'll start doing some work with them. I can invest a lot more time with a lot less effort, and if there is one thing that I know makes a difference it is the amount of time you spend with people that matters. The congregation where my wife and I currently worship has a youth minister that seems to be willing to see what happens in Orlando so we can start sometime here in Lakeland, I will keep you posted.

Until then,
GB HOYT

Great Experiences this Last Sunday...

2007-03-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody!
We had a good experience last nite, partially due to the great help we had, mostly to do with the goodness of God. Three groups participated with BASIC in a coordinated effort to meet the needs of Orlando's homeless. Randy Patterson led his small group,
Roland Howard brough a group of Spanish Speakers from Poinciana Christian Church, and some students from his Missions and Evangelism class came as well.
Students lead the worship time, and one of the students (Matt) gave the word. I was grateful to have the Poinciana group as well, because there are usually 4-6 guys downtown and that's all they really speak. Felix Estrada (Rafi's uncle) translated for a couple of guys from Hondouras. We received many prayer requests.

BASIC is hard to describe sometimes, but sometimes things just work. This was one of those nite when things just worked. Thank you Lord for success!

Here are the Prayer requests:

Michael Johnson: To get out of the streets
William Joseph: Pray for that I get right!
James Bell: Home
Telani Ward: Yes medically, spiritually needs, Ronnie Rubin Pray for him.
Ernest Owens: My beloved family
Yvette Gully-Murray: Thanks for being a spiritual force in the homeless lifes Jesus
bless your ministry, please continue to pray for our leadership for the Lord,
Amen: Love Yvette
Fred Halcomb: Pray to get better, Amen
Alex Noble: For me and my friends
Krystal Coleman: Peace
John Johnson: yes
Dannie: Prayer stay off drugs
David Walker: That we can get a place to live.
Jorge Zelaya: Mother in Honduras
Luis Mendoza: My family
Lynn Brannum: safe to California
Edmond Gray: Help get off drugs
Jimmy Gates: Yes Health Issues
Dee: Yes- I pray for porsperity

Thanks for your prayers,
GB HOYT- Your Positive Activist.

Back Downtown...

2007-03-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

Well guys,
Strange things happened in the last week. I anticipated going to the office and downtown to do a little work, but that didn't work, Kelly's Uncle Don passed away last Thursday, and we went to the funeral. It's been hard on Kelly's family, especially her mom. Uncle Don was her only brother...
... so I didn't get downtown last weekend as I planned.
Sometimes I feel like I'm flying blind. I know that prayer helps, and I need yours.

So the plan for now is to do our thing on sunday, got some students from Florida Christian College coming.

Ought to be fun,
GB HOYT

All that you Can't Leave Behind...

2007-02-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

According to U2, the answer to the thing you can't leave behind is love. While most people treat love as a trite thing that is solved by some mysterious feeling, a quiver in your liver as it were, I want you to think about something...
God commands us to love...
Why would He tell us to feel anything?
My point:
There is a choice in love! Who do you choose to love?

I have a couple of challenges, then we'll get to the homeless news:
Challenge number one: Find the homeless people in your community. No seriously, do nothing but find one homeless camp, or one street corner where you know homeless people congregate to fly signs or whatever.

Challenge number two: Find somebody to love!
Not the "I need romance " type, but make a conscious decision to love someone you don't know. Maybe you do know them, but you've had a strained relationship.
Post your resutls in the comments sections.

News:
Ok, BASIC is changing things up a little bit. God willing, we will start a small group in March, and that will be our main focus. We will meet the needs of the people more intensely at the small group. We will continue going downtown on a monthly basis, but not weekly. God willing this will enable us to have more pants and things like that to hand out to everyone. Two weeks ago we went downtown to serve the homeless, and it went well. We had our usual group of Winter Parkians (if that's a real word) and also four young men from Florida Christian College. It was a great group.

Have fun with your assignments!
Next week Corey, Rafi and I are going to be getting el offico better organized. Man it would make a great community service opportunity to have someone who could get there a couple of times a week to make sure clothes were sorted...
hint, hint...

Later,
GB HOYT - your tardy positive activist...

Prayer Requests, Update on People, Future Plans

2007-01-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

Interesting Sunday this last week.
Everything went pretty much the same as it's gone since we moved to the general location we are at right now. Only differences, we started a little earlier, and we were back under the bridge and not in the fenced in area. Rafi and I travelled seperately, Rafi to First Christian Winter Park to get our helpers for the week, and I directly to downtown so as to find out where we are meeting. I was on my way to a potential spot, when I thought, "why don't i swing by the old haunts, just for kicks?" Low and behold, there were people there!
For the time being, OPD is letting people sleep there as long as they get out by the morning. We'll see how long that lasts. Something that disturbed me was someone (homeless or not I don't know) had graffitied one of the poles with a phrase that said "We shall not be governed" I don't know what that means... And that bothers me... Does it bother you?

Ok, we served about 50 people.
Here are the prayer requests.

Jack Bishop: "Yes Prayer for an opportunity."
Vincent * : "Strength, Power, Love for God!"
Thomas Tugman : "For Good Health"
Krystal Coleman: "Peace"
Sherri Phillips: "That my husband gets his promotion next month at work."
herbert Freeman: "Yes to lvoe Jesus"
Leon Stephene: "for a job"
Denise Henn: "my health"
John Mizell: "Pray that I have a better life with my new job."
Samantha Howell: "Get off the street."
Dee: "Wealth, Prosperity, Distinctfulness, Knowledge"

BASIC is going to change format soon! It was nice to have almost enough of the most needed things (Pants, socks, hygeine kits) for a change, and even a few shoes. The biggest reason why that was possible was because it's been 3 weeks since we last trekked downtown. That means we had enough time to collect things. Rafi and I have talked about starting a small group, all we have to do is put it together. If you are willing to have your home be opened to such a prospect, lemme know!

Your myspace lamewad (again) positive activist,
GB HOYT

On the Necessasity of Gettin' it Right the First Time...

2007-01-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

This article is a brief foray into the topic of "unspoiled", "perfect", "sinless". It stems in part from a desire to understand life, the universe, and everything, and more specifically, to be able to intelligently answer and understand questions like, why is there evil and sufferring in the world?
This is a broad subject and I take a very analytical approach to it. I like to see how all the dots connect to make the big picture, and I believe that an answer to suffering is contained in the fundamental essence of "The Way Things Are"(TWTA. One part of TWTA is to understand how Everything is put together. By Everything, I mean Everything, every rock, every galaxy every moment of history, every moment of present (and possible presents) and every moment of futures (and possible futures). Everything... (*Just for arguments sake, for now, let's consider the reality of everything possible as being different from the concept something possible.*) Check out this link if you are having a hard time thinking about Everything, I think it makes it crystal clear (if you are looking through an amythest at least...)
Everything is put together in such a fashion that we cannot see Everything. We can't see even the past, we experience it as it is. We cannot, but that doesn't mean that SomeOne isn't watching Everything right now. I believe God sees Everything. That's important because unless you see Everything, you can't understand TWTA.
See where this is going? We see TWTA in a fixed dimension, namely 4th dimensionally, We don't see things that happen in dimesions above and below. We can represent something 2 dimensional by drawing a line on a sheet of paper, but in reality, the line has length, width and depth. The closest one could come is the computer screen you are looking at right now, but once again, there is nothing two dimensional about the images on the screen, they don't even really exist! Light is emmanated from the screen from particles that have four dimensions, and without that critical fourth dimension, you couldn't see things change.
hmmm...
So God see Everything, so only He can Understand TWTA.
something to consider next time I think about blaming Him for something....

GBHOYT

First New Post of the Year??

2007-01-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

Man am I slackin'!
I know there are just tonnes of people out there waitin' to hear what's newz.
here's the Newz:
BASIC once again is mobile. The City Beautiful has regulated us out of our old spot, so now we must make choices, find a new spot (Brian Nichols has given me a possible site) or change our strategy a little bit.
Rafi and I are gonna visit a "new spot" Sunday. Ought to be interesting. Rumor has it that OPD can't bother anyone there, we shall see.
Plan B (*I'm favoring as a more Plan A kinda option though...*)involves starting a small group and intensely meeting the needs of say, 5 homeless people over a period of 6 months, and limiting our larger feedings and clothing distributions to once a month.
We shall see about that too...
Jackie's post breaks my heart, but I will love mercy. Well, I don't know that it's merciful to lock someone up for life or not, I haven't thought about it deeply enough, seems to me that's it perpetuates Injustice to pay for a murderer to stay alive. Curiously enough though, God does seem to choose certain murderers to perform his will, even while smiting down (love that phrase!) others.
IN the end, we all need to learn what is good...
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? " Micah 6:8 ESV.
That is after all, why Jesus didn't stone the woman caught in adultery in John 8.
Think about that.
Clearly if we acted justly, these three boys would die, a life is the only thing that can pay for a life...
...but if we love kindness (other translations say "mercy")perhaps we can learn to be glad when "people get away with it".
Doing so requires that humble walk....
Also check out Jackie's post on what St. Pete is planning on doing.
Why the heck does Government always have to come up with the solution?

Love,
GB HOYT

If a picture is worth a thousand words...

2006-12-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

What picture do you need to see to know what I'm trying to say?

What is frustrating to you? Is it looking out the window and seeing the same things again and again? Is it another roadside bombing in some country in the middle east? Perhaps injustice frustrates you, as you watch the news and hear about some guy shot by police as he was on the way to buy some more crack.

I get frustrated when the people who are elected choose to "deal with problems" by making it harder for me to do what God wants me to do.

I haven't posted in a while cause I don't know what to say. How does one say "hey this has to stop" to everyone who needs to hear it?
I just can't stand it anymore.
I'll have my picture for you to ponder up soon. I jsut need to think a little longer about what I want to say and do.
Sorry I've been a lamewad.

Welcome to Post 100!!!

2006-12-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

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

Aha! Thought I Forgot Didn't You??

2006-12-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

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

Homelessness in the News, On your Doorstep...

2006-11-29T06:39:00.000-08:00

... Well It's on your doorstep if that's where you are when you read this blog...
Just don't stay there for long! You wouldn't want city officials to enforce the "No Camping" in the city limits ordinance. That's what recently (Last nite) happened to some homeless people in downtown Orlando. And it seems like Las Vegas and Orlando are following parallel courses:

City of Las Vegas Closes Circle Park
"One of the oldest parks in Las Vegas closed down Tuesday just days after a homeless man was stabbed and killed there. City officials say it's the crime that forced them to shut down Huntridge Circle Park. But homeless advocates say it's just a move to push the homeless out."

Las Vegas recently had it's own feeding ban put into effect, and it's interesting to watch what happens in Orlando and Las Vegas. I'm convinced that there is basically no reason for either Orlando or Las Vegas to exist other than to provide pleasure for people, and nobody wants to look at homeless people while they party. We are so selfish in this country.

Growing up Homeless
Hey, homelessness isn't just an american problem! I find it interesting that there are 100,000 homeless families in the UK.

City Activates Homeless Warming Centers
More and more of these stories are appearing, as it is that time of year. Some organizations in Orlando will open their doors if the expected low is to dip below 40 degrees (it does actually get that cold ever now and then around here). I'm glad we are blessed with warm weather for the most part though. Usually there is a bump up in the homeless population this time of year, as citrus industries gear up for production, and northern weather gets cooler.

Thanks for your time in looking at what's going on!
Publix has scheduled me for another sunday, but we are going to see about that....
Thanks for your prayers!
G Brandon Hoyt

The Prayer Request Update

2006-11-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!
Well, for some of you it will be a "good afternnoon" or good evening,
But none the less, The sun is rising somewhere.
Ok,
first of all, let me explain last nite's lesson:
W.Y.L.D. -N- OUT!!!
First of all, you have to read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 to get the scripture we studied. Now you will notice there is a whole lot of talk in this passage about being the exact opposite of being wild or "wyld" as it were. That's ok, because that's the point. I find four things we are to practice and one thing to remember in this passage, and it just so happens that you can make it all spell "W.Y.L.D. -N- Out"

W- We are given istructions. God tell us in this passage how to be sanctified, that is, how we can be made holy. We are to be sanctified in our sexual relationships, Our desires and "lusts" (we don't just lust for sex you know, some of us have problems with drugs, alchohol, power, control, money, all of our lusts). Our relationships with our fellowman is to be sanctified too. We are to "love our neighbors as ourselves"

Y- You and I are called to be Holy. The call we are given in our instructions comes from God, not man. Lot's of people want God's love, but they don't want to admit when they need to let go of what they want and take hold of the life God has for them to live. That's why homeless people are beaten by youths, and why they are also evicted from under bridges. NOBODY wants to be holy. It is a life we are called to though. We are to be different than the world.

L- Love your Brothers. Go read 1 John 3:16-18 Nuff Said...

D- Do your Work. We need to make sure we are doing the work God has called us to do, whether it's making money, or it's our acts of service, God has given us things to do. Minding our affairs is not just some sneering command to "mind our own business" but instead is a command to look after our household affairs. It is a nicer way of saying "get the plank out of your eye before removing the speck from your brothers." Notice the reason why we are told to live quietly, mind our own affairs, and do our work: OTHERS ARE WATCHING....

-N- OUT: Never forget what's next: WE ARE GONNA BE OUTTA HERE!!!!! The Lord will return, and we will have justice!
Praise the Lord, come quickly....

Until then, please pray for the Homeless of Orlando, and other places. If you get a chance visit Scott's Blog He's a homeless man in Utah, looking for, finding, and fulfilling his purpose, so stop by, give him some encouragement.
We served about 60 people this weekend, and saw Brian Nichols. Brian was a big help. He's the pastor of First Vagabond Church of God, a church for homeless people by homeless people. It's always good to see Brian. He and other homeless people have formed a community of believers in downtown Orlando to help encourage and strengthen each other as they become more like Jesus. Pray for their safety, and that B.A.S.I.C. can do what it can to assist Brian with what he needs.
Here's this week's prayer list:

Shunn Atwell: My Mom
Michelle: That me and Terrance gets the $308 we need to go to Wisconsin.
Terrance Benson: For me and my girl friend to get to Wisconsin before Christmas.
Thomas Tugman: For peace in the world.
Mike Smith: Get the heck out of here: my wife to have a baby.
Mo (Mike's wife): Pray for my mom and children, Erin (4), Anthony (10), Cody (3), and for me to have a baby and get the heck out of here.
Ted Grey: Pray for my well-Being
Ricky: Family
Clayton D. McRae: Homeless needs a lot of Prayer by Jan 07 moving out west, way out west.
Corey Shaw: Yes! That the Lord provide me with a better place to live.
Krystal Coleman: Peace
Michael Saldana: a Healing
Jill Naujoks: My Sons
Kathleen Parks: Pray for all!
Von Jennings: To be restored to family, Micks.
Dawn Poynter: God bless all
James Poynter: That everyone gets what they pray for.

Thanks for the prayers!
G. Brandon Hoyt gettin' W.Y.L.D.-N- OUT in Central FL!

W.Y.L.D.-N- OUT!!!

2006-11-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

OK Everybody!
We are getting ready for another evening downtown. tonite's sermon will be Called W.Y.L.D. -N- OUT!! As you can tell, we at B.A.S.I.C. are big into acronyms, and after our experience downtown, I'll tell you what it means.
Until then, we need to pray! Pray that we proclaim the word faithfully, and are able to meet needs. Pray for our safety, and for the safety of the homeless of Orlando. I know I missed my weekly "homeless in the news" update, but we'll make it up this week! December is around the corner!!
Love in Christ,
G. Brandon Hoyt -your positive activist.

Turkey... mmmmhhh....

2006-11-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!
This is a new Moment in BASIC history, Rafael is typing the prayer requests even as I am typing this, and somehow, working together, it is all happening!
This last Sunday Rafi lead the youth group from Southeast Christian Church on an expedition to feed the homeless of Orlando Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday. It's important to remember that while we set this Thursday aside to be especially thankful for the year, we also set aside each Sunday to be thankful for all the grace and Goodness God gives us every DAY! Being thankful is key to being restored to God, we are thankful for the blessing that He gives us, whether health, or family, or encouragement from others. It is in the act of thankfulness that we acknowledge that God is in control and we learn to submit to Him! Thank God for willing people too, without Rafi, and Corey, and Derek, and Red Feather, and countless others, BASIC would be a wash!!
Love,
GB HOYT- Your Thankful Activist.

Prayer Requests.

Thomas Thugman: For good Health.
Jerry Lynch: Low rent housing, something I can afford, thank you.
Ted Grey: Pray for my well being.
Richard Hughes: That job keeps going good and watch over me and my son.
James Poyntes: To get off the streets and have a nice place to live.
George Guahaer Jr.: Healing of my body and mind, as well as my brothers and sister who are going through hard times.
Jerry Stanfill: My Dad!
Juan Ramos: Pray for me for salvation.
Joseph Thompson: God to bless me and make my life better.
Pamela Munu: Low housing.
Anthony Goyens: Pray 4 everyone.
Edwin Cabrera: Power to make strong in Jesus.
Dawn Atkinson: Long Life.
Sherri Phillips: That me and my husband fins housing soon, and that my husband Job continues going good.
Lawrence Sutton: Don't get mad at anyone.
Red Feather Stands: Pray that I can go home some day.
Bobby Jones: Peace on Earth.
Deirdre Chambers: Daughter and brother and boyfriend, daddy, aunty, cousins, uncle.
Brandon Hoyt: Thank God for his rich blessings, and people who are willing to let the Church be the Church!!

Sunday's dinner was great!!!!! we had just enough people and just enough food for everyone, we had a different style for serving this time.
We brought tables and chairs so the homeless could sit down while we would wait on them and bring them their food, so everyone was chilling while listening to the word brought to us by Elliot Perez, an awesome servant of the Lord from Living Waters Church, He is such a great example of the passion that Christians should have towards helping others. Elliot talked about the devotion we need to have towards God, and that it doesn't mean that things will be easy, that we need to follow God and hear his call but in order to do that we have to renounce to our addictions, that we have to fight for it, we can't let fear control us, we need to keep our eyes on God.

Many many thanks to the Southeast's Youth Group, the kids were fast and very good at serving and helping, Derek is a very good leader and its clear they have learned what is to serve Jesus. Also many thanks to Matty, John , Corey and my uncle Felix whom provided trucks to carry the tables and such. Thanks to Mrs. Reid who did such a good job with the turkeys. And to everybody else that helped out, this dinner would have not been possible without your support. God's children ROCK!!!!!
And specially many many many many many thanks to Billy, Philly, and Joe, the three turkeys, I will miss them dearly... ::tear::

God, thank you so much for your blessings and the light you shine for us.

Rafael Estrada, Radical Servant

We Will Serve dinner this sunday.

2006-11-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

We will serve dinner this sunday.
Please come on out and help!!!

PreWeekend Reminder to Pray!

2006-11-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

EMERGENCY UPDATE!!!
Homeless to be Evicted!!
Wow,
Seems like about this time last year we were going through the same rigamarole.
I wonder if the city/residents/CSX understand that positive things don't happen without 1. Consistancy, 2. Centrality, 3. Patience. It's just something people don't understand I guess. We tend to judge someone's sins by what they possess in life, thinking bad things come to bad people.
We may alter plans for the Thanksgiving dinner based on whether or not we will still be allowed to enter the gates so to speak.
(*SIGH*)

Sunday is right around the corner! I've made a few changes this week to the links section, and I want to tell you about a few of the links in addition to reminding you to pray for our activities this weekend.
First of all, you will notice the e-Sword link has been changed to a nifty banner! If you haven't downloaded and installed e-Sword on your computer, please do so, it's a great Bible Study program. I use it to write sermons and lessons.
You will also notice There is a link to The Well Project. The Well Project is a non-profit organization that helps women who are HIV positive understand the effects of HIV on them, and to help keep them well. There are also a few new blogs on the "blog" list of things. Arron "Stickman" Chambers has a blog. He is a minister to Christ's Church, Madarin in Jacksonville. He was the former minister of Southside Christian Church in Orlando, and he is a reall hoopy Frood.

The Spiritual Oasis

is a site that helps Christians remember who they are, and keep on track. I find the postings to be useful as personal devotional material.

La Shawn Barber

is a conservative black female who tells it straight.
I hope you can find something useful from these sites!
Please also don't forget to spread the word about B.A.S.I.C. Thanks a lot!
Your Positive Activist:
G. Brandon Hoyt.

My name is Brandon and I am a failure.

2006-11-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Read Arron's Post and then let me explain.

That's what I am afraid of people finding out about me, that is what I hide.
I am a failure because:
1. I can't minister full time cause it doesn't pay enough to pay my self caused bills.
2. I have to go back to school to learn a skill that will allow me to make enough money to pay all my bills.
3. I failed a class my senior year of college, and it kept me from graduating until the next december.
4. I could spend all day detailing what I've tried and failed, from ham radio antenna fiascos, to failed attempts at learning foreign languages all without even giving one thought to anything that has worked out right.

While I say it's ok to fail as long as I learn from the mistake and move on, I can't stand failure, it gets in the way of who I am, and who I want to be. I hesitate doing something new because I think I will fail. Most of the time, when I start a new task, my first thought is "this will never work". Yet I move, and act, and I am usually pretty scared along the way!

So Pray for me!
What's your problem?

GB Hoyt

Homelessness in the News

2006-11-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
First and foremost, don't forget to Read Rafi's Blog about next weeks Thanksgiving dinner. That's B.A.S.I.C.'s biggest amount of news.

Proposal to Cut Young Homeless
"Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly will unveil a multi-million pound package of measures aimed at cutting the number of young people who become homeless."

No, it is not another article about violence against homeless people. It's just a bad choice for a tag line! Seems like the boys accross the pond are willing to put a little money into the fray. I find it interesting that the homeless youths are becoming homeless because they are being kicked out of the home. I find it even more interesting that the state, for some reason, feels compelled to feed, clothe, and bathe people that parents are not willing to help. Now I would be willing to feed, clothe, and bathe a homeless castaway youth, but with the aim of familial restoration. Apparently the parents feel like the teens should be able to support themselves. It's funny to me how people forget that money spent by the government is tax money, and that means that even when you kick out the kiddies, you still have to pay for them!
In all, this is another program I need to look at so I can see what will work in Orlando.

Grim Milestone for Homeless
"Imagine an entire busload of people dying in a horrible crash, because of faulty brakes. Cries of outrage, coupled with demands for improved safety inspections, would immediately dominate our newscasts, newspapers, government legislatures and water-cooler conversations."

Well, lessee, this article is about 500 homeless people's deaths in Toronto. Some of the analogy is faulty. It assumes that all 500 of the people who died were somehow innocent in their circumstances. From my experience, that's not the case. Doesn't excuse us from just letting the problem slide though. I'm glad the church has something going on to remember the death of people who die on the streets. That's one thing that I think is intolerable.

City Approves Plan on Dealing with Homeless"
"Homeless residents will be encouraged to move out of Gainesville's downtown by a package of policies approved Monday by Gainesville city commissioners."

Ok, more feeding bans! Yeah!!! Oh WAIT! They don't work. All they do at best, is shift the problem onto someone else's lawn. Don't really fly in the spirit of Jesus, I think. I haven't looked at the political leanings of the county commissioners, but I bet they aren't all nasty smelly hairy "conservatives". I want to end this summary on a positive note though: They did something Orlando has not, made provision for a drop-in one stop service center. I understand places like this are needed for the proper implementation of the Housing First initiatives, that is, housing is taken care of first, then they are given access to services at one central location. Very Helpful for guys who have debilitating (someone correct my spelling)conditions like Niles (who has parkinson's).

Just three articles today. Thanks for looking! Remember to pray for and get to know your local homeless people!

Your Positive Activist,
G. Brandon Hoyt

The Weekly BASIC Report.

2006-11-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

Good day to you all!
This last Sunday was the epitome of positive experience. If every Sunday were this smooth, there would be no reason for me to show up to do anything but talk to people with needs!!
Let's talk about what went right this week:
1. We had folks with experience to serve as the backbone for operations. Our star team from First Christian Church of Winter Park had the experience necessary to put all the volunteers to good use without me telling everyone what to do.

2. The Florida Christian College Students were ready, willing, and able to help out in any aspect of the ministry. Juan, a young man from the college, gave the evening's message (on 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1, even!), all the students got involved handing out bags, all around me I noticed that the students were involved in one-on-one conversations with people who needed ministry. It's been that way every week when the students have been involved.

3. There were a lot of prayer requests! It's going to take me a while to type all of these, so here they are!

James Poynter: to help me get off the street and get a good job
Garrick Mitchell: pray for family
Anthony Boykin: I love my mom and niece
Ernest Randolph: Help me.
Jack Bishop: Pray I make it to Da west coast b4 next year!!
Shannon McKarland: For a better life
Theo Thompson: to change my ways!
Jeremiah: I need a job, home
Von Jennings: To be reunited with my family
Gary D. Clemons: To make it home to Mississippi safely
Marlo Williams: freedom from Drugs and Alchohol
Earnest Mitchell: Yes, I need a job
Otis Parrish: Family
Baby Ruth Dean: Money
Deidre Chambers: pray for my daughter and brother and boyriend
Tim Frasier: For my Savior
Shorty: I want to pray for our soldiers and for those who are in more need than me.
Ronald J. Parramore: Birth right parents to be ok. family, Girlfriend.
Krystal Coleman: Peace
Jason Giffin: Pray I stay with Christ
Mr. Willie James Edmonds: (Leave?)
Gilbert Numall: God's Way.
Gary: Church in Seattle, Find Job.
Vincent Lee: Health and Strength
Jerry: Pray about my Dad!
Gregory Scott: Help me get a job (wants to be a dishwasher at at hotel)

That's almost a third of the people we served!!
I believe prayer is the most important thing we do every week with the people downtown, everything else should lead to us saying thanks to God, and asking him to take us to another level.

Thank you all! Don't forget to read Rafi's post on next week's thanksgiving feeding!!
Love,
G. Brandon Hoyt

PS: I would like to ask everyone to make a special prayer request for Jean Yates, she's one of the women we regularly see. She needs some spiritual guidance and accountability for a drug problem she has. if you know anywon, please email me or Rafi.

FYI: Schedule for Thanksgiving Dinner

2006-11-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Derek Reid has provided me with the schedule for this coming Sunday Dinner.

Here is it is:

Schedule for Homeless Thanksgiving

11 am—start making turkey
1 pm—start making mashed potatoes and Gravy
3 pm—everyone be at the church
3:30 pm—leave the church to go serve turkey
4 pm—set up tables, table clothes, plates, forks, knives, etc.
4:30—start serving
5:00—Eat with the homeless people
6-6:30—Pack up and go home

I'll keep you posted with any updates!!!

If you have any suggestions or questions feel free to email Brandon or me at:

recodepilot (at) gmail [dot] com

Your Radical Servant

Rafael Estrada

Time to Pray!

2006-11-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Don't forget to pray today!
Pray for the safety of our meeting, pray for the safety of the people we will serve. Pray for my safe travels to and from Orlando. Pray that you will find opportunities to serve the homeless in your area. Find out if they have jobs before you tell them to go get one, then pray that their boss will pay them pay that they are worth.

Please thank God for the following things:
Thank God for Rafael! BASIC happens a lot smoother because of his help.
Thank God for good weather! Since BASIC has started meeting under the bridge downtown there has been exactly two days of poor weather, one because of a hurricane, and one where it rained.
Thank God for our supporters. Without them, there is no foodbags, sox, undies, clothes to hand out, or anything because I'm poor, and so is Rafi ;-)
Thanks for praying!!

GB HOYT

Homelessness in the News, a Summary...

2006-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here are a few articles involving homeless people with commentary:

Homeless Hit and Run Victim Identified
"A homeless man killed by a hit-and-run driver last week was identified Tuesday.

Sheriff's deputies are still searching for the driver."

Mr. Webb apparently demonstarted proper form, walking his bike accross an intersection, and was killed. I hope his family has been notified, and that he knew the Lord. It's dangerous to be out and about whether or not you are homeless, and I can't help but wonder if the person who hit him though "He looks like a bum, so maybe noone will care"...

Homeless man Hired to Hand out Flier
"In 2002, Ehrlich's campaign was investigated for recruiting workers -- some from homeless shelters in the District -- to hand out literature at polling places under a statute that prohibited campaign workers from hiring people to work on Election Day."

Personally speaking, I don't think that what this Ehrlich guy did should be illegal, nor is it immoral, as far as hiring someone on election day to pass out flyers is concerned. I am also glad at least one guy got work for the day, and probably a free tee-shirt. I find it funny that some people think it's disgusting to hire homeless people! :)
I shouldn't be so harsh....

Chattanooga to Discuss Homeless Shelter
"The Student Government Association (SGA) of UTC will host a community forum to present the subject of the proposed homeless complex on Monday, Nov. 27, at 8 p.m., in the University Center's Raccoon Mountain Room."

Apparently Chattanooga wants to open a dayshelter at the farmer's Market, and everyone is concerned. People need to learn to be a little more hospitable.

Vacant School to Shelter Homeless Families
"A vacant Calgary school will likely become a temporary home for families as the city scrambles to find winter shelter for a growing number of homeless."

Calgary is doing something good here, but it's only temporary. Some of the more important questions are: what will happen in the spring? What will happen next winter? How is Calgary handling the housing shortage?
OTOH:
Calgary, I congradulate you for keeping families together. There aren't many choices when it comes to that. There are single mother shelters, and men's shelters, but not a lot of family shelters. Thanks!

Well, that's enough news for now, I'll probably outline some changes to take place in the spring in the next post...

Your Positive Activist,
G. Brandon Hoyt

Keep on Praying...

2006-11-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

Well Lessee,
After about a month of being out due to speaking engagements, family engagements and death, I finally got back downtown. Thank you Rafael for taking care of things while I was out, keeping everyone in line! While some things are important, like speaking to congregations about the needs of the mission, or doing the necessary paperwork to become a non-profit corporation, there is nothing better than getting the hands dirty in ministry so to speak. Recently I've been contemplating ways to make a better difference in the lives of the people we meet downtown. One thing that Rafi and I have talked about is starting a small group. In my Church Assimilation Plan (You will need Freemind Mind mapping software to view that document) I outline a bible study to take place within the context of a small group... The purpose of this Bible study and small group is to give a homeless person the tools they need for spiritual combat and accountability as well as connectivity to a local congregation to help them on the road to restoration.
Check it out,
Make some suggestions...
Other than that, I have for you this week's prayer list.
Otis Parrish: Pray for my family
Richard Hughes: A job so me and son can go home Mich
Gregory Barmore: Things in my life grow strong in the Lord
Jose Reyes: Yes, I got Beat up and all my body is in hard pain. I need to get well soon.
Deidre Chambers: Pray for my daughter and my broter, and my boyfriend
Felecia: Deliverance from Cocaine, family unity (Reunite).
Robert Knowles: Family Son Michael
Alexander Kendricks: Pray that I get a weekly job. Thank you!
David Lippincott: Please pray for my sister Susan and niece Alisia Thank you.
Clayton D. McRae: yes, kep me near the cross and let keep theses jobs until December/January let God be in control of my life.
Harry Mueller: Yes so I can get my life back together.

Thanks for your prayers!
Anyone want to buy some prepaid fone cards we can hand out at Christmas time???
Your positive activist:
G. Brandon Hoyt

PS Don't forget to visit the BASIC main website to find out more about us, and how you can get involved!!
www.basicorlando.org

PSS: Here is a reason to get to know yer local homeless people: Homeless Man Found Dead
It's one of those things that I don't look forward to every week, but I do try to keep up when someone is found dead.
Orlando could learn something: Stand Down Austin

Pray This Sunday!

2006-11-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

Please remember to pray for our activities this weekend. We have a college group that will be assisting us. Pray for Safety, pray for our provision, pray for fruit. Pray that the people we serve will have safety this week. Pray we will meet real needs, spiritual and physical. Pray we will maintain unity through the Spirit of Christ. Pray for something good to happen.
Thank you for your prayers!!!

G. Brandon Hoyt

PS:
I have included a link to Mending Hearts in Nashville (Nashvegas if you are Michelle Hammond. It is an outreach to women referred by Phil Wilson While we work mostly with Men at B.A.S.I.C., I like hearing that other people care about people with problems.

Catching up on Blogs....

2006-11-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Kevin Says it here
America has a problem.
We are self satisfied, myself included, and believe we are entitled to have what we have because of who we are. What about Iraqi George? doesn't he deserve to live in a blessed land too? Chances are (I don't know the man) that he has a better appreciation for faith than I do. Yet he suffers. In America I complain because John Kerry says something stupid (I speak for the general american conservative) but George runs literally for his life!
hehe!
Perspective....
We need perspective in marriage too:
Adam Ellis gives some great perspective on the Christian's role in a marriage relationship. He says a lot I've thought, and articulates it better than I could. Let's learn to start giving in our marriages! Then the culture will change. I also recommend his "Post Restoration Radio" podcasts.

Newsweek catches on to the Orlando feeding Debate Sometimes I feel like this issue is a dead horse. people who are homeless will get fed in Orlando, Ordinance or not! I am glad that it is getting attention toward a time of year that most people at least are thinking about homelessness. I do know Jessie, BTW, and the picture of him is take in our "Church Sactuary" Thanks to The Thirteenth Juror for the redirect! Jackie has Jury duty, pray she maintains her sanity. Well, she is a lawyer....

One of my favorite blogs I don't read enough is the pyromaniacs. In the most recent important post, we are called to a mission field, not a voting booth, very interesting...
Seems like the church all over is saying a lot of the same thing: Look around, take action. Just do it...
BASIC is more than an inner city mission in orlando...
Believing And Serving In Christ is every Christian's responsibility.

Have fun checking out the new links on the side...
Adam Ellis is a great speaker. The blogs under him are kinda related to what he teaches (he is half of Post Restoration Radio, Phil Wilson is the other half)
Highlands Church of Christ is where my family currently worships. Grace centered magazine is Joe Beam's publication.

Take care,
G. Brandon Hoyt -- Positive activist.

Change is Dangerous

2006-10-30T04:50:00.000-08:00

Change is dangerous to everyone.
Change is also the secret to successfully reaching people on the streets. Something has got to give if a person is to go from homeless to having a home, and being restored to functionality. First we have to understand something, Man IS created with an overarching purpose. Every time I read the Bible, I see this purpose becoming more and more crystalized.

Our Universal Purpose as the people of God is to suffer with others and Change Things!!!

Change is dangerous to everyone.
It means giving up the comfortable rountine of "let's meet here" and "let's do this" and it asks us instead : "What is wrong here?" Nobody like finding out that there is something wrong, yet we all know there are some things that just don't make any sense whatsoever. I can't explain hurricanes, crack babies, good people who die, bad people who prosper, but I do know that I am here to change that. I am here, Created in the image of God because God wants me to change my environment. One thing that has got to change about homeless people is their living environment. If we love God, we will seek to live "quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12 English Standard Version. The homeless lifestyle does not encourage such living conditions. I don't believe this passage teaches self reliance, I believe it teaches Godly reliance. All support networks break down eventually, and we need to learn that the "living" we make, and the quiet life are gifts from Him. Ecclesiastes teaches :

Ecclesiastes 3:10-15 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. (11) He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. (12) I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; (13) also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man. (14) I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. (15) That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.

We long for eternity, but until then, enjoy the work and toil we do! It's what we've been given as a gift from God. I'll be remembering that tonite at work.

On a personal note:
My wife's grandmother passed away this morning at about 4am. She is 93 years old, and had a rough last couple of months. My Mother-in-Law is up in Louisville with her family right now. Kelly is unsure right now if she will make the funeral or not. Please pray for our family as we grieve through this time.
Thanks...
GB HOYT

Fun times last sunday.

2006-10-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hey there pals, God poured many blessings on Sunday, we had plenty of blankets, and plenty of clothes for the day (we still need more guy's pants and shoes though, so keep 'em coming).

Of course, like I said on the last post... disaster follows me. When we left Winter Park and I was leading the Pack I got lost, I forgot which way to go. But another car took the lead an took us safely to downtown. I looked at the bright side... I got see a part of Dowtown I haven't seen before, it was nice.

Anywho, Thing went great nontheless. Here is the prayer requets list.
Have a good one.

Prayer Requests:
Shorty: Pray that my feet get better.
Denise Smith: Happiness.
Jose Sanchez: Yes.
David Williams: Pray for Shirley in Hospital.
Tim Frasier: For my safety.
Ted Corey: Pray for my well being.
Joseph Thompson: The Lord will make a change for me, that things will answer my prayers everyday and find me a place to stay.
Danny L. Thompson: Pray for Shirley Walker because she is in the Hospital.
Joseph Robertson: God loves us all.
Jessie Beam: Job.
Ty Brown: Kids.
Tammy Ovellette: Ronald's anger problem.
Ronald Hollis: Yes, Tammy my wife.
Krystal Coleman: Peace
Jeremiah Daniels: I need a job, sister, brother.
Eric L: Deliverance.
Don Annunziata: My Mother and Father.
Samantha: Get of the streets.
Thomas Belly: For my girlfriend Tamara Ortiz.

Let's get updated

2006-09-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys that I took a little while to publish these requests.
Anyway, Sunday was really stressing for me, at least during the morning. That Sunday morning I found out that the group that was supposed to help us out was not going to make it. So basically I was by myself and had no idea who was going to help me in the afternoon. I think tragedy likes me a lot, it follows me everywhere or it probably doesn't like Brandon, cause it doesn't show up when he is around, jejeje.
So, I asked some people for help at my church and one faithful servant of our Lord stepped to the plate.
Corey, he was such a blessing this Sunday, I had no money and he gladly donated funds to buy the materials for the so needed food-bags. He was also the only volunteer I could find.
We had to stuff both our cars with all the bins needed for the afternoon, it was fun.
When we arrived at downtown I was happy to see Living Waters church there again, that meant I could borrow one of their guys to help us out filling up the food bags. So Joel joined our army of 2 making it an army of 3 which in reality was an army of 6 if you count the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They always show up, and they have to, after all they are all we talk about, and Jesus Himself said that when two or more gather in his name, there he will be also.
During the sermon time I spoke about the methodology of Satan and how he likes to twist the word of God in an attempt to make us fall and commit sin against our Lord, also how we recognize the purity of God by looking at his works, taking the creation for example, that he first created the Light, and how that light dissipates the darkness, we don't see in Genesis that he created time first, or trees, or the sky, or gravy, or popcorn, He created the Light first, just think about it for a sec.
I noticed that more people than usual were actually paying attention to the message given to them, that made my heart full of joy and thanksgiving. I was very worried that day, I had no money, no volunteers, no Idea of what was going to happen, but God provided, his timing was just perfect, everything came out just right and his name was glorified. I was worried that with only 2 people we would have taken a long time to prepare the food-bags, but Joel and Corey made the fastest line I had ever seen, it was amazing!!! I was glad that things did not ended in an episode of me running desperate around like a chicken with it's head cut off, :-P
God is faithful, every day I get to learn that again.

Anyway... here is La Lista, God Bless Ya'll.

Prayer Requests:

Connie Boltz: Pray for Peace
Michael Carman: Pray for all those less fortunate not to have the Lord Jesus in their lives.
James Paynter: To get off the streets and get a good job to have a place to live
Carlito: Wife is in hospital undergoing preventive radioactive procedure for cancer.
Alejandro: To get house and live a better life with family.
Dawn Atkinson: to get off these streets and to get a job.
Krystal Coleman: Peace and Wellness
Danny Baptist : That I get a pair of boots because mine were stolen.
Jean Yates: Pray for my fiance Laurence
Ronald Hollis: For the Family
David Osteen: A home, my son, a new job.
Thomas Tugman: For a home soon thank you.

How can you Make a Difference??

2006-09-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sponsor a week's worth of foodbags!
Currently, B.A.S.I.C. hands out about 100 or so foodbags each week to people who need them in Orlando. These foodbags contain a can drink, vienna sausages, a sleeve of saltine crackers, and a little debbie snack, not much, but it something that they can eat right away, or save and eat the next day at work. Most of the homeless people I know work at least one day (%80 last time I took a survey) a week, and most of them do so to try and get a hotel room for at least a night. Shopping at Wal-Mart and sam's club (generally the best prices), we can get the things for the foodbags for about a buck a bag, depending what's on sale, or available. We usually wind up making 120 bags a week, and spending about $125-$130 on the material. That can add up pretty quickly! You can help out though with a donation to B.A.S.I.C., you'll get a thank you letter, and oval bumper sticker that says "Urban Outdoors". Just make a check out to :

Southeast Christian Church and put "For BASIC Orlando" on the Memo Line.

You can mail the check to
"B.A.S.I.C. Orlando, C/O Southeast Christian Church"
2413 S. Goldenrod Rd.
Orlando, FL. 32822

Thanks for considering a donation!
Remember there's a free sticker in it for you!
;-)

GB HOYT
-Your Positive Activist

Soulfood Served Here.

2006-09-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

It's important that people be fed useful things. I'm not just talking food here either. We all need a little soulfood. This last sunday, people got soulfood and physical food to meet their needs. The Living Waters Church provided some physical food in the form of hotdogs, and we also handed out our food bags, but more importantly, we all had a heaping helping of the word of God. We're studying 1 and 2nd thessalonians so we can have our faith strengthened in times of doubt. This last weekend, we covered the first couple of verses of chapter two.
Do you face opposition to the spread of the Gospel where you work, or live, or play? Sometimes, like in the middle east, this opposition is overt, and people face really hard choices about being obedient to the Gospel or to man's teaching. Paul faced similar opposition when he preached the Gospel for the first time in the city of Philippi. Listen to what Paul says:

1Th 2:1-4 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. (2) But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. (3) For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, (4) but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. --ESV

The Christian has a different reason for doing what he does. Our theme for the book of 1 Thessalonians is "God Rewards Faithfulness" and the "Shameful treatment" of Paul at Philippi is recorded in the book of Acts, chapter 16. Take a moment to read it, and think about how God rewards Paul's faithfulness in this chapter. I'll give you a hint, someone gets jailhouse religion, and it ain't Paul and Silas! ;)
Man, it's a great story! And it displays that you really don't need to know all that much to become a christian.

I hope you will follow along in these great books as we study the fact that God rewards faithfulness!

Prayer List::
Please add these to your prayer list!

James Poynter: To help me get off the street and get a good job
Ronald Hollis: For happiness and Love in God
Tammy Hollis: For the family
Bruno Groom: Family and health
Doug Loasur: Need more prayer in my life
Felix Gonzales: Pray for myself
Mo : Pray for my Children Erin (3) and Anthony (10)
Adrian Navaro: I need God to save me
Eric Cartwright: yes, wife, kids, and granddaughter, forgiveness, freedom
Carroll Hawkins: Need to use phone to call boss
Jersey: My Grandmother
Jesse Beam: Family
Ninyo Hammon: Yes
Garrick Mitchell: Pray for my Family
Ericka Johnson: Pray for Tuesday job interview
Tony H: For a good woman

Thank you! The prayer requests are important because people read them, and sometimes that's an answer to prayers. Ronald Hollis' brother found Ron when he requested that we pray for his family! PTL...
Ya'll have a good week, also remember my family and I as we travel next weekend to Jacksonville to speak to Starrett Rd. Christian Church about the work that BASIC does in Orlando. Thanks and God Bless!

GB HOYT
Your Positive Activist.

Rain Rain Go Away!

2006-09-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

We had a wet sunday!
The rain started about 10 minutes or so after we got downtown. Getting wet when you have to sleep outside is no fun. Fortunately we brought towels to hand out to people that needed them, and they came in handy. I found out that Biily Haes is in the hospital, he got hit by a car last week, and is in ORMC. Spider (see this week's "special guy" at www.basicorlando.org said he'll need a metal rod down his leg. maybe he could use a visit!

Survival. Is there a chance?

2006-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 27th, like any other Sunday in the past 2 months, has been a full Sunday.
3 weeks ago a family of four attended our Sunday fellowship. Mario, Rosalind, Michaela and Christian. They came in a blue van that made really loud noises, Michaela and Christian are the young ones in the family, ages 11 and 9 I assume, very young kids non the less.
Rosalind(the mother) is pregnant, and Mario had a surgery on his knee just recently. They used to live in a 3 room apartment where they would pay 900 dollars a month. Unfortunately Mario got injured and needed to get surgery on his knee, because of the time he needed for recuperation he was fired by his employer. Rosalind was only making 8 dollars the hour and the money wasn't enough for the rent. Consequently, bills came, they couldn't afford their place, and they couldn't afford to get to a new one. Mario has been looking for jobs that do not require physical effort since his knee is still in the process of healing, however he has been unsuccessful in doing so.
To make matters worse Rosalind is in her last months of pregnancy and it's very hard for her to keep a job, and she is also suffering from some medical conditions. Bottom line is that they have a tough cookie to chew on.
Why are they in this kind of situation? I don't really know, it could be many reasons, it could be their own fault or it could be one of those situations in which life is just not fair, but regardless of the reason why the situation is what it is, this is a family who is struggling for survival, struggling for the survival of their children whom, no matter what the situation is, are completely innocent and victims of the struggle.

That Sunday morning I got a call from them asking me at what time we would meet so they can assist, however, later in the afternoon I asked them if they were going to come but they told me that their car had broken down, they were parked at a Wal-mart. Luckily Brandon was in the area and so I gave him a call so he could give them a Hand.
The car starter was totally bad and it would not work, Brandon had to leave for BASIC, but they were still on my head. After BASIC I called them and they were still broken down at Wal-Mart, the car needed to be fixed. We were able to get them in a hotel and have the car fixed the next day, I want to thanks everyone that supports BASIC financially, because without the funds we would not able to help these people. When I took them to the Hotel I learned that Mario had found a job with a Culinary School and they would housing during his training, God has been good by giving him this opportunity and I hope he takes advantage of it and thanks God fully. The family is doing better now and we have been able to help, however there is still more people that need to be helped and reached, but we have a shortage of workers. But glory be to God through whom all things are possible.

I was supposed to publish this post like a week ago, but I have been busy... No, I have not been busy, I have been lazy, I have been careless, basically I haven't even cared that the world would know about this. And that is the reason why this is posted, the reason why people have to struggle for survival, because when somebody is in need, we bring up the excuse of being busy, when in reality we are lazy, we are careless, we just don't care.

And its sad, especially when we have such a high number of "Christian" population, and from that number I can assure that more than half have no idea that they need to go out and be like Jesus. Because their leaders have been too busy to burn into their hearts the commandment of healing and feeding, too busy breaking bread for communion with our aristocratic, political, and corporative congregations than to break bread with the hungry, the needy and the thirsty for the comfort of Salvation. We all say we are too busy... lies! we are too LAZY.

The young Christians like me are too busy to help because we spend all of our time discussing how we need to change our traditional churches because apparently they are not too effective in reaching people when in reality they are not effective in reaching people because we are too busy discussing how to reach instead of reaching. Because we converted our youth groups into a place of "chilling'" instead of our bases for planning and acting. Because we love to show how we are "radical" Christians by having the tool that killed Jesus tattooed on our arms, instead of being radical enough to actually hug somebody that is sick.

The adults, our parents, our leaders, are too busy having barbecues and chatting with other believers on how God is good and how God has blessed them, and they celebrate such joy eating and drinking, which is perfectly OK, but since they are so busy with their jobs during the week why don't they use that time for helping who is in need, why can't they use those resources to reach the lost, I guess because now its so easy to give money to charity and think you have already helped the world, how much happier we can be if we actually celebrate God's blessings by sharing them.

The church leaders, too busy to have people come to their church, instead of taking the church to the people, to busy to make sure everyone is happy and no feelings get hurt, instead of making sure that pure doctrine is taught and setting our souls on fire for the Lord, don't get me started in church leaders, they are too busy making sure the church works as efficiently as McDonalds or Walmart. Too busy embellishing the facilities instead of embellishing the body of Christ.

So in conclusion, the church needs to wake up and start running the race as if they actually care. If you follow Christ, act like you do. We are going through harsh times and help is really needed.

Take care doods.

Whaddaya Mean REAL FOOD?!?!

2006-08-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

I want to focus a few minutes on a passage of scripture that makes me think everytime I read it.
The text is John 6:26-64.
I know that's a HUGE chunk of scripture for most people who are used to 20 minute sermons, and singing the invitation hymn on the way out of the building, but it's a great passage, and it teaches some important things about Christian Living. Every week we gather at a special place as Christians. We call it communion, or the Lord's Supper. Some strange people call it the Eucharist. I believe this passage specifically refers to this event. I want to look at a few details in this passage. Maybe you'll see what I see!
First of all, Jesus Draws attention to himself. That's not what we would expect from the classic selfless Jesus. Yet he does this crazy stuff all the time. Now he's offering his own flesh and blood for food and drink. What does this mean to us? Short answer: It's a spiritual question.

Joh 6:61-63 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? (62) Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? (63) It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

So when he offers us to eat his flesh and drink his blood, he's calling us to a spiritual food and drink. Sometimes it's hard for us to understand that physical actions carry spiritual consequences, but that is the case! There is more that could be said about that. Think about it. If physical actions carry spiritual consequences, what are the effects (spiritually) of sin? Of righteous deeds? Of anything?
That's something to think about!

WEEKLY UPDATE:
here is your BASIC update!
Last night we served about 85 people, handed out all our foodbags and had some good fellowship. Our helpers were "Team Camo" from Southeast Christian church, and some of the youth as well. We handed out a lot of pants thanks to Team Camo, but we always need more!

Prayer List:
Donald Riddle; To get back on my feet.
Ell Estill: Job and to see a music producer.
Paul Sharper : I'm Soaked and someone stole my clothes last night.
Steve: God Bless
Phillip King: Prayer for sstady work and place to live.
Jessie Beam: Clutch for Kia ( for his car)
Ronald Hollis: Prayer for Brandon
Cheryl Corbett: Mom (Barbara Logan) and Car fixed.
Jeremiah Danels: Job.
Baby Ruth Dean: $50.
Krystal Coleman: peace
Claudia (See the Picture on the right!): Safe travel back to Kansas City Kansas to see her grandchildren. She also has some heart and blood pressure problems that make her susectible to having a stroke.
Thanks everyone! Have a good week!

GB HOYT

PS:
Do you need an uplifting sermon to listen to? Is your Church life suffering? Check out Marshall McCrickard's "Count On Me" Series. He's the minister at Port St. Lucie Christian Church, and an all around groovy guy!

2006-08-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

Wool is Cool... Make sure you are a Sheep... Don't be a fool.

Hey folks, here I present to you the Prayer List.
It was a good day Sunday. We had more than 60 people that got a chance to listen to the word of God, and eat some good hot dogs provided by Living Waters Church. We arrived a little late, but Living Waters already had the people organized. After the people ate I preached about how we are to enter God's sheep pen, by the only gate there is, God's Son Jesus Christ. And how Christ is also the good shepherd and how we need to listen to Him, that he said that His sheep listen to Him, and we need to obey because since he is the Good Shepherd he cares much about our salvation. Its something very simple and it may seem not to deep, but it doesn't need to be deep, Christ's Truth is very simple and it has to, because salvation is for all, so it needs to be understood by all. Interesting thing is that Christ explains it 2 times showing us the urgency that we need to have to make sure people understand.
You can find it on John Chapter 10, pretty awesome read, as anything else that comes from the Bible.
Christ is the Only Way, the Only Gate, if you try to jump through the fence you WILL be considered a thieve and a robber, and those get thrown out where the wolves are, very very hungry puppies.

Here is the list.
Tony: For a Job and a good woman
Alphonso Ellis: I truly need you to pray that God will save me.
Joey L. Rojas: Pray God opens door. Job, home, church, family
Terry Christy: Please pray that I can keep steady work for my place to stay
Donald Riddle: Pray for me and my family
Joseph Pereira: Pray for all the prophets to bring back the lost sheep
James Massey: Food, a real place to live no jail.
David Osteen: Job
Jay Benniefiel: That I get home and see my son.
Derrick: for my dad.
Anthony Goyers: I need my own place so I can be with my kids.
Larry Martin: People breaking in line.
James Macow: Pray for healing of spirit, soul and body and for Him to establish and settle me.

Ramblin' Man Rambles on...

2006-08-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Jackie Dowd draws more attention to the homeless situation all over the state. thanks for bringing YET ANOTHER law against homelessness to the forefront.
Does anyone see a pattern?
I'm beginning to think that perhaps there is a conspiracy of sorts afoot.
Of course, I'm being paranoid, but then again....
Back to serious matters:
Visited with Kelly's Uncle Don again this weekend, we talked more about faith, he looks better to me than he did two weeks ago, even if he had lost a little more weight. Rafi took Southeast Christian CHurch youth, and John Jessamore from Southside to the city's idea of a good place to feed homeless people. He'll have the full update on that.
Let's be a little more like Jesus.
It seems weird to me that in the life of Christ we see so many examples of him butting heads with society, yet he continues to do that which God purposed him for since the founding of this reality. THink about that, and post a comment about your thoughts. I'll give you mine later. Until then, I start school tomorrow.
Pray for me!
Your student activist,
G. Brandon Hoyt

When People are Involved....

2006-08-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

...Sometimes things go wrong!
;-)
I have forgotten my camera at a friends house, and I don't know where the prayer requests are. So I don't have a prayerlist this week yet, nor do I have a picture of this week's "Special Guy" for the website.
The one thing I can say about last sunday is that we had a TON of people to serve. 114 to be kind-of exact :)
We handed out all our foodbags, poloshirt (Time to break out the reserves!) all the tee-shirts we had with us, and even most of our largely sized pants! Not to mention socks. The only thing we came back with was underpants, and we are out of mediums (The most popular size.)
Needless to say, we need men's pants... Size 30-38 waist, size 30 and up length. PLEASE!!! We need pants. If you are in Orlando, and can donate pants, or if you can give money just for pants (about $3.00 a pair at Goodwill) please consider doing so. Almost everyone needs pants downtown.
I'll try to figure out where the prayer requests have gone, so stay tuned.
Thanks!
GB HOYT

Remember to Pray...

2006-08-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
Looks like I'll be preaching downtown to homeless people instead of to a sick guy in a hospital bed tomorrow. Kelly's Uncle Don continues to improve but he's still in the hospital, latest word is he's now fighting lung clots.
I'm home early, but I'm not sleepy. Instead I find myself thinking about what I'm going to say tomorrow. The text is Luke 12:13ff.

Luk 12:13-21 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." (14) But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?" (15) And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (16) And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully, (17) and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' (18) And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. (19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' (20) But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' (21) So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
(ESV)

People get greedy all the time. Even Homeless people! Carl Ketcherside reportedly identified homeless people as being "Needy, greedy, or seedy" I think that bears out. I meet guys wit tho are greedy every week. I meet guys who would be off the streets if certain needs could be met. The seedy ones are the ones who need the most help though. They've been out there a long time. They bear sin's mark on their body as a stench of alchohol, dirt, sweat, blood, vomit.
I'm preaching this scripture because it ties in well with two other passages for the purpose of building the point that God Comes First!!!

You can be rich, I say, and you can have it all, but you will die, and what will become of your riches? That is point of sermon number one: seek first the kingdom.

Luk 12:22-31 And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. (23) For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. (24) Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! (25) And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (26) If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? (27) Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (28) But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! (29) And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. (30) For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. (31) Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

I'll be the first to admit that homeless people probably hear this and other passages like it far too often in sermons. What I'm hoping though, is that they make the connection between Jesus' story about the rich guy and this teaching on seeking the kingdom. We seek the kingdom because of the fragility of life. Isn't it amazing how we are born, and we die? I remember the day my daughter was born, how she was so small, and as the dr.'s massaged her oddly colored (to me) little body, I waited to hear her cry. It was so thin! Her voice barely moved air. I remember how similar the emotion of that is to watching somebody near death. How they are just as dependant and helpless as a child, but on the way to the other life, and away from this life. Sometimes, people don't get to take a long time to die...

If I'm going to be greedy, Lord let me be greedy for the Kingdom!

GB HOYT

Updates, Updates, Updates!!

2006-08-10T05:56:00.000-07:00

Wow,
what a crazy week!
My wife and I got a chance to see "Uncle Don" my wife's mother's only brother. That's a mouthfull. We rode down to Naples Tuesday nite, and the situation was grim. He needed a liver stint to be put in, so he could eliminate some bile. He couldn't get one because his white blood cell count was too low for the operation. Between cancer and chemo, His body was breaking down. Starting Tuesday daytime, though, there seemed to be some improvement, enough so that he could come off the special diet he was on, and he could get out of bed, and into an easy chair.
Praise the Lord. We'd been praying for him, but Monday nite we really started praying hard. Wednesday I got to see him and talk to him about trusting God a little more each day. I hope to visit him soon so he can have his faith strengthened even more...
Pray for Don!

UPDATES ON FEEDING!!!
Thank you 13th Juror!!!! Jackie provided the information necessary for me to actually read what the new Orlando Feeding Ordinance says. It's under the agenda for 7/24/2006. Scroll down the page, and you'll see something about amendments to chapter 18A of the City code. Coupla clicks later and you can read what it says!
I still don't think it really affects us. After all, I haven't heard any bad news from the police who actually have to enforce the ordinance.
Thanks for your prayers in this regard too!!!!
GB HOYT

Emergency Prayer Request!!!

2006-08-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

Kelly (my wife) has an uncle with liver and pancreatic cancer. He
discovered this a couple of weeks ago, and immediately began chemo
therapy. His body is not doing well. Apparently, he needs a liver
stint to help him process bile, and if he doesn't get this soon, he'll
pass away. He has been unable to get it because of an infection. As
soon as it goes away, he can get the stint.
We're going down to Naples, FL (where he lives and is in the hospital)
today to visit with him and the rest of the family. Pray that we get
an opportunity to share with him the saving message of Jesus. He's
lived without any direct faith in Christ as savior, but this situation
is awakening him to the need. Thanks for your immediate and fervent
prayers!
GB HOYT...

________________________________________________________________________
Try Juno Platinum for Free! Then, only $9.95/month!
Unlimited Internet Access with 1GB of Email Storage.
Visit http://www.juno.com/value to sign up today!

It Was A Beautiful Day...

2006-08-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

Wow!
What an exciting Sunday! We were able to witness the death and rebirth of Cameron Madore! He was baptized because he wants to follow God and do the good things God has made him to do.
The crowd we served was a little smaller than the last few weeks, but when the Lord adds to His church, it's a great day, no matter how big or small the crowd! Between "The Living Waters" Church (based in Ocoee), Southside Christian Church, and BASIC we served about 70 people. I was glad to have the help, and especially Myranda (From Southside Christian Church) who helped the ladies get their needs lists filled out specially. Travis Jacob and John Jessamore came from Southside also, and John was able to share some of his testimony to God's goodness in his life! Not bad for a guy who needs a lung transplant! :-)

Our Prayer Requests:
Tracy Murdoch : Yes Me
Yvette Burns : Everyday be Ok, I'm sick.
Jean Yates : Yes, pray for me and my fiance Lawrence. Thanx, God Bless.
Melvin Baylor : Aartment or efficiency
Ronald Hollis : Jesus to save us all.
Yahya Abdel-Raheem : To get off of drugs and alchohol
Krystal Coleman : Peace Wellness
DJ Haes : For my wife to get better.
Baby Ruth Dean : Thank you for an appartment or room homes. and som $50.00 bill need now.
Tammy Ouellette : Us as a couple
Ronnie Rubin : That I may get closer to God.
Billy Haes : Today is by B-day
Larry : Get the either one I tested for.
Robert Clark : Prayer for me.
Robert Gray : For Protection
Jonathan "Mitch" Mitchell : Thank you for everything! God bless you!
Tony Stafford : Health
Alphonso Ellis : To be saved

Thank you for your prayers! Remember to pray a special prayer for Cameron. Also for BASIC, so that one day we can take a guy and get him off the streets right away! That's going to take a lot of resources.

Until the next time!
Believe and Serve!
GB HOYT

A View to the Future of B.A.S.I.C.?

2006-08-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

Kevin Tells a Good Story

The Homeless Guy tells a story about a chronically homeless person getting off the streets in his area. There are a few key things to recognize about this story, that you must understand before you will understand what makes this story so encouraging to me.
1. It was a church that helped this guy. It's OUR JOB as Christians to address social problems, not the government's.
2. They got him off the streets right away. This is similar to the Housing First approach some social groups are advocating these days. I like the idea cause it's GRACE BASED!! intentionally or not.
3. The person they helped could be classified as "Chronically Homeless". The chronically homeless consume a large percentage of social services. Getting them off the streets makes sense! Most of the services they receive do nothing to enable them off the streets. They merely survive the day.

So read, enjoy, etc.
GB HOYT

Getting Some Perspective...

2006-08-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

I often wonder what street life does to change your outlook on Life in general. This radio show might be able to help me understand what's going on.

The internet changes things. Kevin in Nashville can give his thoughts, I can blog from the livingroom while watching my daughter. News is everywhere.
Strange days, I tell you what...

MARK MY WORDS (Babylonians, Friends or Foes?)

2006-08-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

In the Book of Daniel,
King Belshazzar of the Babylonians received a message concerning the abrupt end to his kingdom and reign because of his unrighteousness. The experience is permantly recorded in Daniel chapter 5.
Of course, you knew this was going to happen because you read the book of Habakkuk.
God saw the injustice of the Babylonians, and was not willing to tolerate it.
Let's review:
There were six things that Habakkuk saw that made him question God.
God answers by saying that he would send the cruel Babylonians to punish the Israelites. The fall of Jerusalem, and divine judgement against the nation can be read in the book of 2 Kings 25. This telling history speaks a little bit of the cruelty the nation of Judah experienced at the hands of the babylonians.
Habakkuk questions God again, asking :

Hab 1:12-13 Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof. (13) You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and are silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?
Now God actually told ole Hab that God was going to do something unbelievable! It seems strange sometimes that God uses the unjust to punish the unjust. In the end, I believe what we see is a working together for the good of the Called (Romans 8:28, 29). God does not just let the punisher escape either. He promises destruction comes to Babylon as well in Chapter 2.

Hab 2:8-12 Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them. (9) "Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, to set his nest on high, to be safe from the reach of harm! (10) You have devised shame for your house by cutting off many peoples; you have forfeited your life. (11) For the stone will cry out from the wall, and the beam from the woodwork respond. (12) "Woe to him who builds a town with blood and founds a city on iniquity!

That's a summary of the destruction God brings to Babylon. I want to back up a few verses though, because God has something to say specifically to those of us who question Him, His timing, and His tolerance of injustice (specifically seen most recently as the bans on the public feeding of homeless people in Las Vegas and Orlando)

(Hab 2:1) I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

Hab readies himself to hear what God has to say. He knows and expects God to answer. This is important, because while God knows we have questions, He expects us to also be ready to give an answer.

(Hab 2:2) And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.

God has an answer, and He does not want there to be any delay or mistake in getting that message out. The message still rings out today, because God wants people to know what He has to say.

(Hab 2:3) For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

"wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay" This is the crux of this message for us: We are commanded to wait, God will not delay in His justice. It will happen at just the right time. Be patient! God brings His justice, even if it seems slow.

(Hab 2:4) "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

At B.A.S.I.C. we live lives of faith. That's how God commands us to live. Paul quotes this at least twice: once in Romans 1:17, and also in Galatians 3:11. We must live by faith, because ultimately, trusting in one's own strength is the thing that God condemns the most.

We feed the hungry in faith, knowing that God will feed us spiritually through His word!

Take care!

GB HOYT

ADDENDUM:::
Interesting things I read today on Blogs:
Two Views Reviewed: "Christian Activism" - Should Christians integrate their faith in every aspect of their life, or is there some seperation that must occur? A Reformed perspective, interesting to read what other people are thinking.

Christian Carnival: A great list of things going on in the "Holy Blogosphere"

the 13th juror: Outsmarted?

2006-08-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

the 13th juror: Outsmarted?

Jacqueline notices how the Food not Bombs people continue their efforts to feed, even by trying to avoid being in the park. Of course, the law does seem to state that feeding the homeless in "Public areas" is forbidden, but I can't confirm the exact wording of the law. Nobody has published the exact wording of the law...
I have not been able to find it either...
Have fun!
GB HOYT

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday....

2006-07-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Wow....
What an experience downtown.
BASIC set a new high attendance record.
Rafael and I had the pleasure of serving 94 of Orlando's homeless people. Some people will think, gee that's a lot of people, but when you consider that Orlando has between 4 and 6 THOUSAND people on the streets at night, 94 seems like a small drop in the bucket. Don't get me wrong, it still feels like a lot of people. But when you stop and think about the real need, it sticks out at you doesn't it. What is 94 compared to 4000?
We serve because we understand that God changes people. God used one man to preach the word to people way way back in time, on pentacost. You know the story most likely, Jesus ascends into heaven, telling his followers to wait in Jerusalem and they will receive a sign. The sign comes and they go away preaching, but this was a special sermon. They were speaking in other languages. It was so new to the people who were standing around, they thought the apostles were drunk! Peter stands up and corrects their thinking. You can find his sermon in Acts the second chapter. His one sermon (coupled with the witness of the apostles speaking in tongues.) lead to the salvation of over 3000 people. If the same formula holds true, our 94 people (coupled with the witness of the church around them) could reach over 282,000 people in one day. That'd be a lot of baptizing!
I know that's a pretty rough treatment of the numbers, but one of the things we do at B.A.S.I.C. is help people understand that they have a role in the church. Our efforts in concert produce light in the community to show the way along God's path. We must remember, we follow a narrow path, so we need to shine as much light on it as possible!
One way we shine light is by providing the prayer requests of the homeless every week. We publish these online so that you can follow the command of Paul to the Galatians (chapter 6:1 ff) and bear one another's burdens. There were many burdens this week to share. Everyone of them is important, but there are a few I want to highlight. The first four requests come from the same family. That's right, BASIC served a family this last week, and by family I mean, a Mother, a Father, a son, and a daughter. The kids were between eight and eleven, and the mother was pregnant. The father had a bad knee, but had recently reaquired some work.

Here are all the requests:

*Mario Durazo: Housing, Gas
*Rosalee Patton: Housing, Gas
*Michaela Williamson: Housing
*Christian Patton: Housing
Leon Stephene: Yes for a Job
P King: Lord please forgive me. And bless us all here in faith of your son's blood. thank you
Johnny A: Pray for me and my family
Krystal Coleman: Health, Peace
Michale Sal : That he continues what he started.
James Stringer: Job (*He's a landscaper if you know anyone*)
Alphonso Ellis : Salvation
John Maguire: Please help me to get home
Baby Ruth Dean: Need a place to live les than $400.00 pay $350 monthly
Melvin Baylor: Looking for a place to live for no more than $400 a month for a couple. Me and my fiance (*Baby Ruth*)
James Stafford (*?*): Shayla, Kelly, Maryssa, and Keeli
James Massey : Money to buy rundown houses to fix up to resell.

So that's this week's prayer request. The special guy this week is Mitch, don't forget to click the banner at the top of this page to find out more about him, and our pressing needs for the week.
Thanks!!
GB HOYT

More News... And No News.... (This is good news!) ;-)

2006-07-26T22:34:00.000-07:00

Local Six News Story about Food Not Bombs continuing the feeding of homeless people.
Then there is Channel 13's perspective...
The homeless Guy weighs in...
Lots of talk, lots of talk....
called one of Orlando's finest to get the skinny: Are we going to get this enforced on our trash: Call me if yes: No call yet! So we're still cool!!!
hehe!
Brings me to this week's study:

How do we respond when God doesn't hear our cries or He obviously is overlooking some terrible evil?

Start by reading the Book of Habakkuk. It's pretty short, and pretty, well, to the point.
Habakkuk starts by asking God about six things he notices:

Hab 1:3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. (ESV)

1. "Hab" sees the evil, so God should See it too.
2. God doesn't seem to be doing anything about it.
3. There is destruction
4. There is violence
5. Strife is here
6. So is contention
None of this seems to be deserved. So it seems Hab has a point.
Sometimes, things here stink. I bet you could name some things that stink in your life and in this world. The homeless downtown wonder, why is this happening to me, and will God do anything about it?
Well,
Crazy things happening sometimes need crazy solutions:
God sends the Babylonians!
Stay tuned for our next exiciting installment:
"Babylonians: Friend and Foe?"

De Debil is in De Details...

2006-07-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

UmmmmmHummm ma chere... Bee dun seem dat de home-uh-luss and de help-uh-luss be at de shawt end o de pee-roux stick again!

It's official! Now it seems like we could be up a creek... None to worry! We are out of site, out mind, and we got a fishmobile (albeit, she's a little sickly these days)
This guy gets it.
We keep preaching that homelessness is about spiritual issues, and you find these issues everywhere. Every person I meet has spiritual issues. It's strange to see them spill out into the legislation.
Patty Sheehan, Read Habbukkuk sometime!
Injustice does not go unseen, from the loneliest jungles of Ecuador to the brightest lights of Las Vegas. The plight continues. Will until Judgement day.
Er'rybody be safe now!
GB HOYT
www.basicorlando.org

Sunday is like Funday, but with and S instead of an F

2006-07-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks,

I am going to be your poster for today.
First allow me to introduce myself. I'm Rafael... yeah.
I don't have much to say about myself cause I'm not that interesting, really. Just that I was born in Ecuador and moved to the US when I turned 15, I am now 19 (not a fun age to be, no kidding).
I started to get involved with BASIC back in February I think...or March, I'm not really sure, all I know is that I felt that I wasn't doing anything for Christ so I looked for something to do and I found BASIC and decided to help, after that God made everything else happen.
I gotta tell you about the first time I helped in BASIC, I just came back from my country where there is lots of poverty, crime and corruption, so I had this picture in my head, of all the poor kids I saw begging for money, and all the people that I saw suffering. When I arrived at downtown Orlando and look at the group of homeless people my first impression was: "Is this a Joke? You are calling this people homeless and needy? Look at them!, wearing shoes, clean clothes!!! Why are we helping them"
I just came back from a place full of extreme poverty, and when I saw this I was a tad troubled. The problem is, that I had missed the point. Later in the day after listening to them I realized what it really means to be homeless, and why we are having such a big "homelessness" problem in the US, and the same reason applies to my country. You can dress them, feed them, give them shelter, but all of those efforts won't mean anything unless you give them food for their souls and that is the truth and the gift of Jesus Christ. Yes, homeless people here are dressed better than people down there. However, the only reason why we have that difference is the overall economy and the quality of life. The problem remains the same (just better dressed for the happy tourists).

I realized that not only are they homeless physically, they are also homeless spiritually. They have no where to go and sometimes they feel that they have no meaning.
After I realized that, two truths came to my mind. Material help will never solve the problem, and that the same effort we put on charities, donations, and the things we give, that same effort(and even more, lots lots more) should be used to teach people about Christ. When they come to realize that they have a savior, a father, a friend, a lord that will hold them, they will certainly feel that they have a home, and they will feel safe. God will provide them with the oportunity of getting off the streets, living a better life all thanks to him, and most certainly they will live their life FOR him.

I learned that "we" the believers have no excuse for not serving others, because everywhere in the world the same problem remains, spiritually homeless people, and we are commanded to reach them and show them the way to that great mansion that is the kingdom of God.
Right now I'm not able to help the people from my country, but I know that God requires from me to help the people I am able to help, regardless of their condition.
The field is HUGE but the workers are few.

So, last Sunday, Brandon was extremely evil and had me lead BASIC all alone :-), and as it always happens with me, things become chaotic. I had a lil trouble getting people to help out that day, but Brandon redeem himself and found some people that could help out. I think we served around 87 people this Sunday and we did it with the help from Living Waters Church of Ocoee, they are pretty cool guys and even though our plan for joining forces that day was very rushed, we performed our duties very well. People was fed and the word was preached, the skies wanted to let some rain out and a few guys were getting grumpy but the water stopped. After we were done I wrapped things up and i had big surprise....
!!!!THE FISHMOBILE WOULD NOT TURN ON!!!!!!
After checking stuff we determined it was the battery (Mitch Mitchell was a great help).
We got the battery jumped and we were on our way back. It was a mighty LONG Sunday. So since I made it alive here I present to you:

THE PRAYER REQUESTS:

Marilyn Lucas: For Kids

Jose Larios: Health

Julia Geiger: Social Security.

Leon Stephene: Yes, Job

James Massey: Some one to help me buy run down build to fix up and resell.

Chicago: Good day, work and my kids and my girl.

Larry D. Binns: Get job either with Orlando or Maitland.

John: Staying with God

Dan McMillan: Yes.

Steven Arp: My sons

George Graham Jr.: Strength and Courage

James: Yes

John Huovinen: I am in need of work to buy a Bas TxT to mols.

Ms. Jucques Davis: Yes, that the homeless, All, be blessed. To come off the streets of the United States of America.

Ron Hollis: Baby Hollis

Thomas Tugman: For a Home

Kathleen Parks: Not at this time except prayer for all.

Greg James: Tomorrow you are not where I am today.

Scott Christensen: Help me to do it myself.

Claudia: So one to keep their promise.

Michael: Same as Claudia

Johnny Thompson: I would love for Jesus to take alcohol and drugs out of my system and life forever.

Dayton Tompkins: Yes

Samantha Howell: Get off the streets.

Roosevelt Greene: That God will protect and continue to provide for me upon this path

Sheryl Dickson: To have a place next month.

Thanks for reading and thanks for all your support. Have a great week folks.

JUST TO ADD TO WHAT RAFI SAID!!!!

Our "special guy" this week is George Graham. Click the BASIC banner at the top of the screen to find out more about his struggle on the streets.

ALSO:
Recent News not withstanding... BASIC will continue feeding downtown. I wasn't worried about the original legislation, seemed like it continued to allow feeding where BASIC meets now. This law, however, seems to be worded differently. Namely the "2 Mile" part I don't understand.... What's that about?
Does it apply to us?
Cant say now. We'll still go downtown Sunday, we'll still feed people. We'll beg forgiveness before we ask permission to do the right thing. We'll smile and differ, and continue preaching the Gospel.
So pray for us!
Love in Christ,
GB HOYT- Positive Activist

Spiritual Victory - Devotions for Overcomers: The Divine Exchange

2006-07-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Victory - Devotions for Overcomers: The Divine Exchange

Barry Davis calls us to examine the life we lead in service to the king! Remember we had the servant king, someone who washed the feet of his followers. Man that's hard! I can think of a couple of guys at work I need to serve.

I'd like to highlight a servant: Rafael Estrada, yesterday he took the fishmobile out, and represented BASIC downtown. The youth from Southeast accompanied him, and another church called "living waters" helped as well. They've been coming downtown, but because of the recent city ordinances, have moved over toward our area. Rafi told me they served over 80 guys! The fishmobile also broke down, so we'll need to do something about that. I suspect the starter or charging system. Not fun either way!
We'll have a more complete update later....

Christian Unity: The Truth of the Gospel

2006-07-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

Christian Unity: The Truth of the Gospel
Alan Rouse poignantly hits the nail on the head in this article doesn't he?
I guess I'm sometimes Paul, and other times Peter! Good thing both men were covered by grace.

Viva Las Vegas!!!

2006-07-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

This Seems Familiar to me, can't quite figure out why though ;)
Surprisingly, Googling this article doesn't produce a lot of results, way to go Fox, for publishing something besides Israel Vs. Hezbollah!
The significance of this article for Orlando is precident. Considering current attitude toward homeless people here, it's only a matter of time before someone decides to look at the Las Vegas law as a starting point for local law enforcement. Plus the "we ain't the only ones who see a problem" effect comes into play. The more I think about it, the more I like The Housing First Initiative Basically, you get someone off the streets and then worry about their mental, drug, lifestyle problems. As I formulate a theology of sanctification, this makes more and more sense. I mean, God doesn't expect us to get perfect first, but coaxes us to grow.
Discuss!
GB HOYT

Just What is the Problem Here?

2006-07-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

What is appropriate fellowship?
This article perplexes me. I've fellowshipped with a cappella churches before, and am accountable (ie, placed membership at) to one now. When they've been the only conservative church available, I've gone too them, helped them conduct services with the elderly, and even taught a few Bible Lessons at them. Do I like a cappella music better than instrumental? No! I don't care about the form, but about where there is spirit and truth. I don't sing some hymns a cappella or instrumental, they are just plain wrong.

So what is the problem?

I think in this particular instance, it is because the youth minister at the "independant Christian Church" (what are we independant of I wonder??) is afraid of smaller numbers, and that is directly tied to his performance in the eyes of the leadership. Besides: We can't be havin' our youngfolk lost to the "legalists"! Why they are not unifying!

The problem rests in our inability to understand that our unity is in Christ not our teaching. It's a subtle difference that Sam Dawson seems to get. It seems IMHO that the problems of unity and division occur when we try to think about something we'd be better at acting upon. We are commanded to worship God in spirit and in truth. I'd say, let the kids begin there.
Try to worship God in spirit and in truth today!

The 7/16 Report.

2006-07-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody!
July 16th saw a slight reduction in our crowd, only 72 people received food and clothes. Of course I do mean that number halfway as a joke, many of you can remember that it wasn't long ago that BASIC had between 20-30 on a consistant basis, and 40 was considered a high week!

This picture is of Jessica Brooks and George Graham. George is currently working construction and is waiting to get enough money for an effeciency "away from all the garbage". He struggles, but he usually makes it. Pray for him to have the strength to stand against temption as he seeks to do God's will.
Prayer Requests:
Yevette G. Murray: "Prayer for finances that you for your Ministry, Jesus Bless, Amen!"
Eddie Williams: "Yes"
Phillip King : "Regular Job and lace to live of my own."
Michael Salclawua : "Shoes"
Steven Arp : "My Kids"
Greg James : "good life"
Greg Simpson : "Homeless"
Felix Gonzalez : "pray for myself and my girl"
Jr. DC: "knowing who God really is, to find peace of mind"
Dannie Paul : "Unspoken"
Garrick Mitchell : "Let the rest of the day be peaceful"

Thanks for praying for these guys, don't forget to check the BASIC website for this week's Major needs and special guy!

GB HOYT!!

2006-07-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

Our crowd continues to grow!
This last Sunday, we helped 78 people get things they need, whether, food, clothes, or things that help spiritually. Rafi develivered the sermon on John 9, and he did a good job! We'll have more on John 9 later. Don't forget to check out this week's special friend on the BASIC homepage.

Prayer List:
John M Conlon : "for me and my wife to be Paula McCreeny for full prosperity and to get her vehicle on the road."
Paula McCreeny : "Get my car repaired again, to have earned money again"
George Graham : "Prayer for strength"
Johnny Thompson : "Yes I would like Jesus to take away my desire for alcohol and drugs forever and to bless me to stay healthy, strong, and prosperous. "
Shadow Hawk: "Yes, Orlando, and New Orleans, and Miss.(issippi)"
Jonathan Amos Mitchell : "Psalm 26"
Carroll Hawkins : "Phone" (*Carroll is a guy, and one of our regulars, Ray Evans, Member with the Winter Park congregation, was able to answer this prayer request right away! Praise God for people who are willing to be Christ's hands and feet!*)
Larry D. Binns : "Get the position with either Orlando city or Maitland"
Danny Kennel : "No Floodings"
Mike Fai'son : "Prayer for my wife, who is in jail for problems at home."
Joe Smith : "Myself"
Alonzo Roper : "For better production"
***Terry Lange*** : "I had my ID stolen I need prayer so I can get it and few things" visit www.basicorlando.org/ThingsWeNeed.html

Terry is this week's special guy.
Luis Espinoza : "for Me"
Steve : "Prayer for all people"
Felix Gonzalez : "I need you to pray for me"
Theo Thompson : "Socks"
Krystal Coleman : "Health, wellness"
Connie Boltz : "Pray for me to get off the streets"
Annie R. Harvey : "Hope" Annie was in a motorized wheelchair this week, I didn't get a chance to talk to her about the hope she can have in Christ, but we were able to meet some of her needs.
William Robinson : "backpack"
Fred Halcomb : "Need Help"
Yvette Murray : "Please pray for finacial needs being met. Amen, Thanks Jesus bless you!"
Ramadan Muhammad : "food"
Jucques Davis : "yes! that things gets better for the homeless."

2006-07-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

April Hunt Talks about Homeless life in Orlando!
The significance of this story is that it involves Brian Nichols, one of my friends downtown. He's also the guy on the Right in this picture. Remember to pray daily for Brian and everyone else, they are hated by some who think that homeless people are just another group they can bully and threaten.

NEW- Get the "Short List" here....

2006-07-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this picture on the BASIC homepage? Click it and you will go to our "Needs" page. I took it this last sunday. Each week, I plan on changing the picture and highlighting a different person we served downtown, and some of their needs. You will also notice that on the right of that page there is a "short list" of our most common needs. There is also a downloadable copy of the "Full list" that you can post at your congregation of things that BASIC needs.

Thanks for your attention:

Central Florida's Positive Activist,

GB HOYT.

Prayer list from July 2nd...

2006-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

We had a HUGE crowd this last week!
Because the city is acting onery toward feeding people downtown, it seems our crowd grows... Nothing surprising. We served about 70 people with food and clothes under the bridge downtown.
Here is the prayer list:
Mike Singleton "Prayer, Finances"
Clifford Thomas "My life situation"
Antonio "To get out of the streets"
Leroy Henry "Grandfather's healing"
Mark Wright "For me and My Mother who Past Away on Thursday"
Chris Wallace "Health, eternal life, goals"
Azim "Health, eternal life"
Greg James "Success getting out of town and safety"
Shorty "Bro in Law come by"
Juan Contreras "That we get to Miami"
Leon Stephene "For a job"
Mike J "For my Wallets return"
James D. Massey "A job a place to live"
Greg Simpson "For all homeless"
James Aiken "Work"
Robert Gross "For Johnye to come home from jail this month"
Garrick Mitchell "Yes, let me feel better"
Ronald Hollis "yes, for my family" ***PTL!!!
Jerimiah "Job, sisters, and brother, and my dad"
Connie Boltz "Pray for me"
Michael Sulelomo "That we get to Texas"
Claudia Fain "To help us get to Texas"

***He's out of Jail for trepassing, looking for work better than labor pool tickets at Disney. Anyone you know hiring a cook????

To help get the things we need to get people off the streets, I've made a "short list" of the most commly needed things the mission needs. To access it, visit the B.A.S.I.C. homepage by clicking the banner at the top of the Blog, or visit www.basicorlando.org and click on Ben's picture. You can also get a master supply list from that page. We always need pants! I can't say that enough...

Christian Unity: Unity and Baptism

2006-07-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

Christian Unity: Unity and Baptism
This Elder in the Atlanta Church has some good ideas about the scripture. One of the problems I believe people have is that we've all heard the message, so to speak, from a young age. belief/repentance/confession/baptism were immediate to the New Testament era believer. Today, we are trained about Jesus from a very young age, and this decreases the violence done to our souls when we acknowledge our sins before God.
The IMMEDIACY of forgiveness is what is important to consider when thinking about conversion.

If you get this before 6:00 pm Eastern time Sunday, don't forget to pray for us downtown folks!!
Believe and Serve,
G. Brandon Hoyt

the 13th juror: Some teens' idea of sport: beating up homeless people

2006-06-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

the 13th juror: Some teens' idea of sport:
beating up homeless people

Hey Everyone, I remember hearing about this a long time ago, and I think BASIC may have served this guy before.

Getting Ready...

2006-06-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine, getting things ready to go downtown is a big deal. There's foodbags to make, a fishmobile to organize, clothes to sort and label, hygeine kits to assemble, and a myriad other tasks just to make each week happen. The amazing thing is that most of this happens Sunday, the same day we set out to serve people! The picture above is an older picture of a youth group helping us assemble foodbags.
Even before we are able to do this stuff, we need to buy/collect the raw materials so to speak. Usually that involves time at Wal-Mart, that oft misaligned marketplace where quantity is job one. Things at Wal-Mart are great. you get a lot for a little, so I make it the place to buy the things BASIC needs. Every now and again, we can find something cheaper something else, or someone will need something that can't be found there at the store. I can still almost garauntee though that I'll be there at least twice a month spending between $200-$300 just on socks, saltines, workboots, and other things.
This last week I wasn't able to go downtown because I didn't have a group to help me, so I spent extra time getting some things the mission has been short on, especially work boots and socks. These things are important because many of the guys we work with Sunday Evening could have a job Monday morning if they could get ahold of a pair of steel toed work boots. So far, Wal-Mart has had the best prices at $21-$27 a pair, but even then, you could imagine that things would get very expensive very quickly. So we are starting a new campaign called "Sock it to the Homeless People" and "Give Homeless People the Boot". It's going to be a great ad campaign designed to meet one of our most serious needs. If your church doesn't support BASIC already, but you think they could get involved in this, let them know about BASIC, and give me their church address. We'll be mailing something out in the next 2 months!
Until Then,
Believe and Serve!
GB HOYT.

Live From The Swamps Of LA: June 2006

2006-06-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Live From The Swamps Of LA: June 2006

Check out what my pop said a few days ago, it's written in green.
Never Understood just how deep the Old Man is...

Read some Wisdom

2006-06-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Clarke's Recent readings on Wisdom.

Prayer Requests and Other Thoughts...

2006-06-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Prayer Requests:
Marie "Financial, housing"
Michelle Franklin "Shelter job healing health"
Stanley McAllister "Health, Shelter, Job"
Paul Wright "Hot Shower"
Alonzo Roper "To become firmer in prayer"
Bobby Jones "To pray for my children and wife"
Willie J. Hutson "Physical healing"
J. Tilley "God give me wisdom"
Tony Bell "People to stop stealing from me"
Walter Smith "Mother, Dorothy Smith triple bypass 79 years old, KY, Thank you"
Tawanna "Need House"
Marilyn Lucas "Job and better place to live"
Anthony C. Johnson "To serve Jesus Better"
EJP "Pray so I can no longer be homeless ever and reduce homelessness!"
Bernard Peterson "Work"
Michael Simpson "Deliverence"
Kevin Kelly "Son, Kevin Jr."
Sidney Jones "That I be safe within streets"
Felix Gonzales "Yes I love for God to save me and....Please have me in your prayers"

Ok,
Let's try this again!
Sunday nite my computer crashed (It's been on a crashfest lately) and it lost the prayer requests. Hopefully this will get published before the next reboot!
BASIC Needs Pants!
We are short again on pants, size 30 waist to 40, any length at least as long as 30. We also need socks and work boots. God willing, next Monday I'll go shopping for some of those things, but we will have to see.

The city is at it again! They don't want people to feed the homeless in city parks. I could be wrong, but I thought we weren't supposed to be doing that anyway...
Well, all I can say we are under a bridge, not in a park, and if they don't like it, they can lump it. I can't address the issues a homeless person has if his belly is growling too loudly to hear my advice. Read the article carefully, and you will see at least one blatant NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) statement. You can also notice who the bill's writer is. I say this because the person writing is on the same left wing team as the "Food not Bombs" group doing something around lake Eola. I believe there is no food without a few bombs, so I don't see their point. (IE military is needed to keep the peace, so DEAL WITH IT, or learn arabic, chinese, or some other obscure language, cause that's who's going to be feeding who's left after they drop their bombs)
I'm not denying that crime is a problem in downtown Orlando. To the contrary, every week I see homeless people who have been beaten and abused in horrible ways, but there are better ways to deter and prevent crime than by shuffling homeless people around the city. I don't care if I'm out of site when I feed and clothe and preach the gospel, but I am getting tired of constantly being told when and where I can do it. We will keep on keeping on, that's why I've got me a fishmobile. It's loud, but it's an effective secret weapon.

Discovering some new Blogs....

2006-06-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hiya!
Discovered Team Pyro today, and think they warrant further investigationing...
This article about the Cross and God should make you Think.
Phil Johnson is not the Lawyer type, but another guy, who is nonetheless cool by me...
Just another thing to make you think.

More thinking.....

Now,
some action!

Clay's Ramblings: Going to Prison

2006-06-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Clay's Ramblings: Going to Prison

Thanks for getting involved Clay! Nothing like getting "in it up to your elbows" so to speak.