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.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Welcome to Post 100!!!
Here's a homelessness in the news update that also happens to be post 100 to this blog:
Who Says Scots are Cheap?
" A RECORD 80 restaurants have signed up to a scheme to help the homeless in the city this Christmas.
Streetsmart is asking diners to chip in an extra £1 when they pay their bills this month and hope to raise at least £40,000 for six local projects to support the homeless. "
Good news out of the UK, beats reading about the Jack the Ripper Wannabee that is terrorizing the city down south. Some of the comments are interesting. Instead of asking "why don't the homeless help themselves" they ask "Why don't the restaurants fork out their own money?" Strange...
Program helps homeless substance abusers
"SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — On Friday morning, Gregory "Slim" Slade marked 55 days of sobriety by reflecting on his life on the streets of San Mateo — a homeless alcoholic addicted to cocaine."
Good article, I wish the author had backed up some of his claims (like that most homeless people have addiction problems)with statistics, but hey, I'm glad he mentions the fact. Anecdotally, I can say I've never met a homeless person who didn't either have a past problem or present problem with drugs or alchohol. I've also met people who've been homeless for years, but have no admitted addictions, although they'll tell you they usta do this or that.
Homeless Suspected in Rash of Burglaries
Well, I guess it's true, homeless are bad people. Funny they mention the homeless part, but the "drug" part only gets a side mention. I wonder if drug use could possibly have anything to do with it at all. And according to some, it's supposed to be a vicomless crime... It is Las Vegas! Maybe what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas....
Viva Las Vegas!
A Romans 8:28, 29 Kinda Story
If you visit this blog today, read this story, it's from Stockbridge GA, right outside Atlanta where I usta live and minister. I don't think I know Rex Leo, but I'm glad he's still alive. God really does cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him...
How's God going to use you for His good today? Is it going to be by offering a kind word to a co-worker? I heard on the radio yesterday that a majority of women and men feel stress over this time of year. I think that's funny becuse we celebrate the birth of the prince of peace. Let Him rule in your life, and if there is stress in your life, he'll use it for His purposes!
Your Positive Activist,
GB HOYT
Who Says Scots are Cheap?
" A RECORD 80 restaurants have signed up to a scheme to help the homeless in the city this Christmas.
Streetsmart is asking diners to chip in an extra £1 when they pay their bills this month and hope to raise at least £40,000 for six local projects to support the homeless. "
Good news out of the UK, beats reading about the Jack the Ripper Wannabee that is terrorizing the city down south. Some of the comments are interesting. Instead of asking "why don't the homeless help themselves" they ask "Why don't the restaurants fork out their own money?" Strange...
Program helps homeless substance abusers
"SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — On Friday morning, Gregory "Slim" Slade marked 55 days of sobriety by reflecting on his life on the streets of San Mateo — a homeless alcoholic addicted to cocaine."
Good article, I wish the author had backed up some of his claims (like that most homeless people have addiction problems)with statistics, but hey, I'm glad he mentions the fact. Anecdotally, I can say I've never met a homeless person who didn't either have a past problem or present problem with drugs or alchohol. I've also met people who've been homeless for years, but have no admitted addictions, although they'll tell you they usta do this or that.
Homeless Suspected in Rash of Burglaries
Well, I guess it's true, homeless are bad people. Funny they mention the homeless part, but the "drug" part only gets a side mention. I wonder if drug use could possibly have anything to do with it at all. And according to some, it's supposed to be a vicomless crime... It is Las Vegas! Maybe what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas....
Viva Las Vegas!
A Romans 8:28, 29 Kinda Story
If you visit this blog today, read this story, it's from Stockbridge GA, right outside Atlanta where I usta live and minister. I don't think I know Rex Leo, but I'm glad he's still alive. God really does cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him...
How's God going to use you for His good today? Is it going to be by offering a kind word to a co-worker? I heard on the radio yesterday that a majority of women and men feel stress over this time of year. I think that's funny becuse we celebrate the birth of the prince of peace. Let Him rule in your life, and if there is stress in your life, he'll use it for His purposes!
Your Positive Activist,
GB HOYT
Monday, December 11, 2006
Aha! Thought I Forgot Didn't You??
Hello!
I am here, but like my Mama said, if you ain't got nothin' to say, keep yer mouth shut!
So how have you been? For the last two weeks, BASIC has been busy in some ways and not in others...
first of all, we missed last week. There was no group to help us, and we were out of stuff to hand out, except tee-shirts and women's clothes. I took some time to try and get some of the things we need to get done for incorporation done. There is still a long way to go. I'll be glad when it is over. This week was different though, Dr. Harold Armstrong president of Florida Christian College, brought a collection of blankets, socks, and other clothes donated by the students from FCC. In the picture, that's him in the middle. The other two guys are two of BASIC's most faithful volunteers, Corey Lopez, on the left, and Rafael (aka Rafi) Estrada on the right. Their work helps make BASIC happen every week, Rafi helps out with sorting clothes, leading the group when I can't make it, and Making thanksgiving dinners happen. Without Corey's Truck, we'd be hard pressed to make it downtown every week. Plus both of them are excellent at serving others, and can get a needs list filled out quicker than you can say "Socks please".
Last night was pretty interesting. We served about 70 people (68 lists to be exact), and we handed out a lot of pants and blankets. We also handed out all our socks. At about five minutes after I started speaking, it started to drizzle. We decided to go ahead and start handing out stuff. The drizzle increased to a light rain, but it was over in about 5 minutes, thank God! There were also numerous prayer requests this week.
Here they are!
Steve: "To be off the streets by Christmas"
Billy Haes: "Have a happy Marriage" (See The BASIC Website for more information.)
Samantha Howell: "To have a happy marriage." (Billy's fiancee)
Kathleen Parks: "Prayer for us!"
Shirley: "Affordable housing, money blessings"
Denise Henn: "My Health"
Mattie Fluker: "May the Lord be with us all in Jesus name."
Jack Bishop: "Yes for Everything"
Donnie Smith: "Sleeping Bag"
Corey Shaw: "That the Lord bless me with my needs, Thank You!"
Mike Smith: "Get us out of here. Pray for my family"
Shannon: "Off the streets"
Evelyn Gates: "Strength"
Bobby Whetstone: "Off the streets"
Johnny A: "Yes My leg"
Mo: "Get us out of here, pray for my family"
Jill: "To see my two sons"
Krystal Coleman: "Peace"
Sabrina Thomas: "my Life"
Derrick Wiley: "Yes, I need prayer for me to get my life back together, my own crib, etc."
Thomas Tugman: "For Good health"
Von Jennings: "For those to be prayed for that don't know to pray for themselves"
Thanks for your prayers!!!
I'll be seeing you all!
Your Positive Activist:
GB HOYT
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Homelessness in the News, On your Doorstep...
... 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
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
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Prayer Request Update
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!
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!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
W.Y.L.D.-N- OUT!!!
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.
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.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Turkey... mmmmhhh....
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
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
Friday, November 17, 2006
PreWeekend Reminder to Pray!
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
My name is Brandon and I am a failure.
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
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
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Homelessness in the News
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
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
Monday, November 13, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
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
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
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
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
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
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
Monday, November 06, 2006
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
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
Friday, November 03, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, October 30, 2006
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
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
Thursday, October 12, 2006
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.
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.
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