The Weekly BASIC Report.

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

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!

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...

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...

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!

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....

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

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.

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

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??

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.

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!

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?

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?!?!

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!

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...

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....

...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...

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!!

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!!!

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...

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It Was A Beautiful Day...

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.?

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...

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?)

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?

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....

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!) ;-)

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...

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

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

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

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!!!

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?

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.

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!!

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."

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....

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

Clarke's Recent readings on Wisdom.

More interesting articles about Church Unity...

Another article examining the issue of why we (in the Restoration Movement) divide, and how we deal with this issue.

Here's another blog by a Church of Christ student.

Prayer Requests and Other Thoughts...

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....

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

Clay's Ramblings: Going to Prison

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

Interesting Places to Research Homelessness

Hi!
I wanted everyone to find out what "The Man" says about homelessness, hopefully these sites will help you understand the problem a little better.

National Alliance to End Homelessness

National Coalition for the Homeless

National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty

You know, I find it iteresting that there are so many national groups that focus on the sociological problems of poverty and homelessness. The common consensus is more affordable housing = a cure for homelessness. Housing can help, but it can only do so much. People need a way to get to that housing. So, reading all the literature, we need better interaction between people and government because government is equipped to be there, ready to spend money on getting people affordable housing.

There's also been a lot of chatter about justice. The recent acts of brutality against the homeless in BASIC's homestate of Florida underscore a growing sense of apathy amoung people in general. Everyone is tired of seeing the guy flying a sign at the nearest busy intersection.

What does this mean?
Homelessness is a spiritual problem, and it's a problem for everyone. From apathetic teenagers to alchoholic street bums, people aren't recognizing that they need a savior.
We are, after all, not home yet...

An Ominous Day?

By: G. Brandon Hoyt
LAKELAND, FL
As you can well imagine, all the guys downtown this last week were thinking about "today", June 6, 2006. I wrote the full date out on purpose, it's silly to think that a day is "The Mark of the Beast" when 1. it's mentioned as a number, sixhundred sixty six, to be exact; 2. the people OF THAT DAY could understand it. I doubt the church was thinking "man, 6/6/06 is going to be a horrible day!" They had greater things to worry about like emporers whose names just happened to add up to sixhundred sixty six. Did I mention that they made you carry papers to serve as proof that you had made an offering to Caesar, and that without this paper, you could not buy or sell anything? Now I could be wrong, but because of the precision of this line of thinking, and it's something every Christian everywhere can understand once they had all the facts, I choose to believe that unless GW demands sacrifices to him, we are allright.
Still don't mean I want an RFID chip implanted in me though :)
Well, as Doc Smith always says: When people want to focus on the sensational, focus on Jesus instead.
So we talked about the mark of the beast and the mark of the spirit.
Every time I think about the spirit's mark, I think about "the fruit of the spirit" found in Galatians 5:23-25. Call me oldschool, but I believe that THIS is what we are to be concerned about seeing in a person or on a person, not some tattoo or national id card. With the spirit's fruit in our lives we can be confidant that God is our maker, we have his seal!
Thank God we are more than conquorers!!
Praise God for the power of His seal in our lives!!!

This Week's BASIC Prayer list includes:

Dan McMillan: "Always need prayer. Want to leave town maybe miami."
Garrick Mitchell: "Let me live through today"
George Graham: "Strength"
Edwin Cabrera: "Power to resist Temptations"
James Aiken: "Work"
Steve Soglin: "Pray to reinforce my relationship with God. And to change my life."
Dannie Paul: "Yes, get off drugs."

Jesus said the way you know a person is a disciple by the love they have for each other, and the spirit marked life is a life marked with love.

RAFI UPDATE!!!
Rafael returns to central florida today! He's got a cast on for the next four weeks, and phys. therapy after that. Pray that his leg will heal and that he has a safe trip here. He's a great kid, and he would appreciate an email or two of encouragement. Thank him for supporting BASIC, and pray that BASIC can support him though this physical trial.

Kelly and I's special day!

It's our wedding anniversary!
We've been married three years. Seems like it's been longer than that, and yet, like it's not been long enough.
You know you've got a special woman when you go out to your ham shack, look in the fridge, and it's got a buncha Dr. Pepper in it!
Man I love that girl....
Makes me want to do the laundry!
Summer time is strange for BASIC. we sometimes get people who want to do stuff for a mission's trip, and our regular helpers sometimes want a break so they can go on vacation or something like that. In all, it usually works out. We had 15 people this last Sunday. I saw Connie Boltz this last sunday, she is someone I perpetually pray for. No Red Feather though...
I've thought about calling the system we use at BASIC "B.U.M.S." : Basic Urban Ministry System. What do you think?

Finally some ISP...

Verizon comes through!
Now I've got internet back, but we've been so busy, I haven't got much to say.
Seems like my momma said something about not saying anything at all if you ain't got nothing nice to say...
Some BASIC Newz"
Next week, 1st sunday in June, BASIC will receive a special collection of food from Southside Christian Church as part of their service about Hunger Awareness Day.
Thanks in advance guys!

Where's my ISP?

I ordered internet service on the 24th of April.
Yesterday I still had no modem, so I call my supposed ISP, Verizon. They don't have a record of me, so I had to order again. I got a call today telling me to expect service at the end of the month. It was a dark day.
Enough of the Hemmingway.
Moving should be a sport, that way, we'd figure out better accessories and whatnots than the patented U-Haul appliance dolly. We'd also really think about what we packed before we moved. Right now, Kelly and I have thrown out about two boxes of stuff we didn't even need to pack, and that amount is going to grow. I have a shack now. A real Radio shack! I'll have to share space with the Christmas Tree though. It also needs a door, but we'll replace our old doors soon, and when we do, one of those will go onto the shack door. Hehe! Late nite QRP operations on 40m, here we come! I'm a ham radio operator, KG4GVL, if you didn't know that already. It's a great way to relax, plus it helps me be ready for emergency type things. I've got dreams for this little shack. I call it the "Shack in the back". Sounds great for a QSL card, eh?
Enough shop talk.
Last sunday, Rafael covered for me again. This young man is phenomenal! Unfortunately, he twisted his ankle sometime later on, and is now on crutches. With your prayers, he'll be back up and at'em in two weeks. We won't go downtown next Sunday to give our volunteers some time to spend with their mamas, but in two weeks, we'll be back downtown. Rafi and I are also looking into Orlando's underground, to find the network of punk rockers and fringe elements. It's an area of ministry he's really interested in. It's also the proverbial tough row to hoe, so keep us in prayers about that.
Since buying a home, I've realized a few things about God and myself. Number One: No matter how hard I try, I am not in control. I only control how I respond. Number Two: God's love is big. I love my wife, and would do anything for her, but God's love is bigger. God will protect me and her late at night when bad things happen. It's so easy to say I trust that, but acting on it is a different matter. God is teaching me to pray to him, not to my own abilities. Number Three: Ministry in groups works! Everyday a group of people minister to me, and it is helping me. Whether it's my Pop, The Gravy, Raphael, or my Wife, they collectively nuture my soul.
Keep it up Guys!
And thank you.
Thank you too Mom, for doing all you do!