Outside Done – Bus Wrapped!

Thanks to 11Alive News and The Color Spot, the outside is done…. Woohooo… It was extremely awesome picking up the bus this past weekend, and seeing the transformation to the outside complete. Now, all we have to do is complete/finish the inside.

Currently, we are building/framing sections and taking steps toward completion. This is super amazing to see the bus that we were donated back in September 2014 come so far… God is truly pushing this project forward.

We ask that you help us raise the last 20K to not only finish the interior of the bus but to get the bus up on the road providing full makeovers to people in need around the city. These funds will cover more materials needed to continue transforming the inside of the bus, labor, and get us running.

Below are the before/after photo, and the framing we have done on the inside. If you’d like to give, please click [HERE].

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1505491_829451727091994_2580595931294264660_nLBW Team

 

IKEA & LBW

Help us to continue to make a difference. We’re participating in the 5th annual ‘IKEA Life Improvement Co-worker Challenge’ – a program that gives our charity the chance to win a makeover from IKEA (16th Street Location). This makeover will help us create a training space for those in the community that is functional, inviting and well-designed — a place our community can feel welcome and comfortable.

Participating is simple. All you have to do is go to www.IKEA-USA.com and vote for (‪#‎lovebeyondwalls‬). You can vote once a day from February 16th until March 2nd. It’s that easy! To vote, click the image below. Thanks for your support!

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LBW Team

Bus Update – One Step Closer

This past weekend, we prepped the bus by blacking out the important parts! Can’t believe it is going in to be wrapped tomorrow. After it comes out, the first phase of construction will happen on the 21st.

If you are an electrician, contractor, or skilled worker hit us up, we need your skills (email volunteer@lovebeyondwalls.org)! One step closer.

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LBW Team

Love Beyond Walls @ Morehouse!

Yesterday, Terence got a chance to present to over 70 up and coming community leaders from Morehouse & Spelman College about #lovebeyondwalls, and what t means to make a difference in the world through service.

The talk took place in front of the group “Project House” (an organization led by the student body that organizes students to serve among the homeless population).

Below is a picture of Jairus Davis (E board Member) that invited us out and put this on at Dansby Hall.

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LBW Team

 

Night 25 – 10 Degree Weather

Last night made night 25, and also one of the hardest nights yet. Why? Because the weather dropped immensely, and we had to take extra precautions. We had tons of blankets, heaters, and had to cut our night/morning short around 5AM this morning.

If I can be candid for a moment, people ask how have I been able to survive mentally, spiritually, and physically on top of a bus in the middle of winter for almost 30 nights without getting sick, or having a mental breakdown from the pressure that comes with this (because my personal life has still happened).

Well, allow me to tell you that’s it has been God’s sustaining hand. I’m not superman, I’m not strong enough to complete this alone. God has moved through my wife Cecilia Lester caring for our children and supporting, and many others who have stepped up to send encouragement.

I’ve wanted to quit, I’ve wanted to stop, but God won’t let me…God has placed more compassion in my heart as the days go on for those who are broken, and are deserving of hope and love. I’ve seen the other side walking in the shoes of those who are voiceless and nameless… I have tasted the bitter view of the lenses that many wear who are affected by poverty.

Today, I’m five days away from finishing something that’s so much bigger than me or our org. It’s something that gives those who are forgotten a voice, and places focus on God’s love that is needed in the earth today… This is my truth. 

Terence