I’m up… I’m thinking… I’m filled with compassion… My heart is racing really fast as I think about the next awareness campaign… It’s literally 5AM, and the prayer request I received 48 hours ago now is pushing me to go through with it!
The prayer request came from a mother in another state that is battling domestic violence, verbal abuse, and little support for her children. And guess what? She wrote this email from a hospital… Why? Because she is pregnant and is close to delivering another child (did I mention she’s married?)
In fact, her and her children are without many items and is being overtaken by abuse, poverty, and lack. This breaks my heart knowing this… This breaks my heart knowing that she thought enough of #lovebeyondwalls to reach out for prayer…And, I DID JUST THAT… I prayed that God grants her and her children safety!
Do I know this lady? No. BUT, I do know the pain the children may feel. I know what it feels like to have been around this type of brokenness. Can you relate?
Nonetheless, as I read her prayer request in the form of questions, I was moved to tears. Imagine getting this type of email over the weekend. You don’t believe me it brought me to tears? You read her words below (PLEASE EXCUSE THE EXPLICIT WORDS):
Courage: how many times have you verbally abused your pregnant wife? Called her b*tches, hoes, dumb mother f*ckers? How about in front of company? Ever had sex so rough that she ended up in hospital or weeping uncontrollably? What about promised her you’d never work if it meant paying bills instead of buying beer? Oh what about pulled her hair? Maybe calling her seven year old son a bastard or bi*ch as$ m.f. to his face was hurtful enough? Maybe you ran off unannounced for two or three days with the house and car keys? Those girls were just useful for the money they could give you, right? You didn’t want them for sex though? Hickies in your 30’s, but who gave u those? What about the ‘line or two’ order cocaine habit that keeps you from working and constantly falling urine tests? Did her dad suggest they work it out when she told him all about it? Well, this wife has had all that and more, but is too broken to leave. At the end of my rope. Pray for me as many church folk advise me to stick through this. My pregnancy caused me to not be able to work out pay my own bills. unemployment has run out, and with 9.5 weeks left, my cervix is shortening, I’m on bed rest, and baby may come early. All this while my husband constantly leaves me alone with no car and we have not paid any bills so eviction is eminent. Lord, I need Your help just as You’ve come through before. Said, You’d never leave me nor forsake me.
You may be asking, why would you share this? Firstly, I shared it in a way not to reveal the person’s identity. Second and last, I shared it because it is reality, it is what people are going through in this broken world, and I am saddened by the advise that was given to her by “church folk.” She stated that she was at the end of her emotional rope from being abused, cheated on, and some people told her to stay…………… Does this make you cringe?
Of course we have been able to connect this lady with one of our partners to recuse her from this situation, but I am still left with the question, “Who else?”
“What other women and children are experiencing this type of mistreatment and lack?”
“How many more children are suffering with this type of poverty and brokenness?”
Better yet, “What will I do?”
For the last 48 hours, I have read the above prayer more than 100 times… And, it bothers enough to act. Can I save the world? No. But I can zero in on children, and help to give children a voice who experience the residue of brokenness? Yes.
In another email the lady expressed that her children were without clothes, necessities, and other items that kids should have. This broke my heart even more because children never ask to be in situations like this, and still deserve to have their basic needs met.
Therefore, on behalf of this lady, her children, and many other families that I have encountered being plagued by dysfunction, life circumstances, and poverty– I am going to do something.
In 25 days, we are launching our third awareness campaign to raise resources for children who battle brokenness and poverty. Pray for this lady, her children, and the many other children out there battling…
Terence
Yesterday, our #plantlove campaign started!
Ironically enough, it was “April Fools” day. You know… the national holiday where people pull pranks on their closest friends & relatives? LOL.
Well, yesterday felt “foolish” is a sense. Why? Because it is unbelievable and humbling that we are taking steps forward to get planted in our office/storage and city of ATL/College Park. Personally, I am excited and blown away by God’s ability to provide. It does’t make sense at all.
DAYS 1 & 2 have been focused on getting the parking lot cleaned. There were many leaves, sticks, and old trash in the lot from the previous occupant. Also, we have taken these two days to get several things cut on — like power, gas, phone, and other small items. Currently, there is a little waiting period that came up unexpectedly.
We are awaiting the final inspections, and clearances for our organization to be planted in the headquarters (officially).
However, during this waiting period, I’m learning three lessons as a leader during the process. Here goes:
1) Remain focused on the bigger picture — The big picture for us involves serving, helping, and reaching people who are under resourced, under valued, and overlooked. This is our “why” behind our “what.” Nothing more, nothing less. When you stay focused on the bigger picture, it makes your process worth it.
2) Be open to grow — When you venture out to do something greater than yourself, it will demand that you grow in areas that seem uncomfortable to you at first. But, in order for your work to grow, you must continue to grow yourself. I have personally increased my listening and reading capacity (x2). Additionally, you must use every experience (in the process) as an opportunity to grow.
3) See it through — The process is uncomfortable at times, but you must have a resolve in your heart to “see it through.” This is the place where you refuse to look backwards. With the work we do with #lovebeyondwalls, we have a “see it through” mentality. Why? Because we truly value the work God has us doing.
Below is a back of the building shot! Every day in April, we are getting closer and closer to getting planted. Continue to pray that God guides our work.
Terence
In the entire month of March, we collected shoes from hundreds of people across the state of GA, and from some people who live out of State.
It was an amazing month! Why? Because we collected over 5K shoes, and were able to resource over a thousand individuals with their correct sizes. Why? Because generous, selfless, and kind strangers gave we were able to meet particle needs and minister to the homeless population in ATL.
Here is a picture of a gentlemen we met that had on five pair of socks just to fit shoes that were not his size. The beauty in this picture is found in the fact that he received dignity from a total stranger that sacrificed their shoes for him.
So, “What’s next?” you might be asking… I’m glad you asked.
The entire month of April, #lovebeyondwalls is getting planted in our office/storage space. Why? Because we have a vision to connect & resource many other organizations with items, serve more people, and build relationally with many under-resourced people and lead them on a life-changing relationship with God.
It’s a pretty huge vision, but it will happen one step at a time. And, the first step is getting planted. Therefore, we are literally planting “LOVE” in our city.
I cannot believe tomorrow marks a historical month for our “young” organization. It is commonly known as “April Fool’s Day” to many, but to us it is a reminder that “God takes the foolish things to confound the wise…”
It is a reminder that God is using us to do God’s work to help restore lives and reach people! We ask you to do two things:
1) We ask that you view our simple “wish list,” and help us rally items on it so we can get planted in the city of ATL, and
2) We ask that you continue to pray for our efforts!
Terence
This morning, I am thinking about #lovebeyondwalls next awareness campaign!
Yep… another campaign! Why? Because #lovebeyondwalls cares about those who are 1) broken and hurting, and 2) those in need of hope and support.
This particular campaign is very unique! How?
Because it will address a very overlooked area as it relates to education, poverty, & homelessness. I can’t wait to release it. This campaign will be very critical in promoting education, community, and wellness.
I have decided to walk in the shoes of those who suffer, and address many social pressures children deal with. Additionally, this will be one of the longest timeframes I have put myself under (and did I say I’ve never done this before a day in my life?)! It is so long that I am not only going to need prayer, but support, and tons of focus. Today marks 40 DAYS before I campaign! I will blog/video about every single experience…
Terence
We are approaching a historic month for #lovebeyondwalls! Why? Because in the month of April we will occupy our first office/slash storage space. Below is a picture if you have seen it yet:
Of course it is not a gigantic building, but it will be something we call a headquarters & home.
It will be a “launchpad” for the work we would like to continue doing in our city (ATL), country, and world.
It will be a place where we can get planted and grow as an organization. We ask that you do four specific things to help us get planted into our new office/storage space in the month of April (whole month).
1) Pray – I ask that you pray that God allows us to get planted, and immediately continue to reach people who do not have any hope.
2) Give – I ask that you look at our simple “wish list” and contribute in of the items on it that we need. This is ALL from scratch, so we will need your help. But, if we have to spend the first month on the floor with laptops working, we are cool with that too. LOL. Simply click [HERE] to visit our “wish list” page.
3) Volunteer – We will post the days that we will start working on the building to clean it, and make minor repairs to it. We ask that you volunteer to help get our building together. We will need help getting organized, painting, etc. Why? As we get planted, we can help more people.
4) Share our story – If you know someone who could help us move forward, share our story. You never know who “you know” that we can help, or could help us.
Thank you for reading this blog. Pray for #lovebeyondwalls as we aim to “PLANT LOVE” in the city of Atlanta! Below is the graphic for the new campaign #plantlove
Terence
This morning, I am reflecting on last Saturday. Why? Because not only did #lovebeyondwalls make history (walking the longest distance in GA for homelessness), we got a chance to meet some really cool people along the way. Below are seven lessons I learned while walking thirty miles… Maybe these can apply to you in some way! I share these because I almost did not make it walking 15 hours straight!
1) In order to persevere, you must keep your mind focused on the main thing — Whenever you set out to do something, staying focused on the bigger picture will help you to make it through… This one of the reasons we made it! We remained focused on the vision God had before us.
2) It’s okay to push the envelop to help others — Taking a risk can move people to respond and get involved. However, sometimes you may have to start alone and trust that God will bring others along to help. One of the reasons #lovebeyondwalls walked was to give those who have no voice a voice.
3) You cannot complete anything great alone — Whenever you set out to do something great, it takes a team. There were thousands supporting #lovebeyondwalls via social media, hundreds supporting along the way, and several others who made the walk with #lovebeyondwalls.
4) You must rest for long journeys — This point is synonymous with life. There is no way around resting. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. If we did not take small breaks, our bodies would have shut down.
5) You must have a plan — You’ve got to have a plan before you attempt to do anything. Knowing, studying, and preparing the route before hand helped my personal trainer and I mentally/physically prepare for the walk.
6) You must be vulnerable — In order to grow, or accomplish anything you’ve got to be open. There was a point where I had to use two brothers as crutches to make the last 9 miles. My knee was shot, and I had to let go, and ask for help to make it.
7) You’ve got to resolve not to stop until you’re finished & trust God — Sometimes you’ve got to have a resolve in your heart and know that this is what God has called you to do. This takes determination, resilience, and faith. If it wasn’t for my faith, I would have given up. But, God strengthened me every step of the way.
Terence
We will have two serving opportunities this month (March) to pass out many of the shoes we’ve collected for our #givemilesaway campaign! Below are the details… Email us if you are interested:
Terence
Today marks 90 DAYS since we officially launched our site, blog, and went public with #lovebeyondwalls… It has been an amazing ride so far, and we hope to continue to change and impact lives all over the world.
It has been really cool to see our ten year history (severing the community) start to impact so many lives. God deserves all the credit.
Below is a quick update charting our movement over the last 90 DAYS… Of course it includes numbers (which I don’t like sharing), but it at least reveals some sense of measuring. I have chosen to share this because we have had many supporters, donors, and people to sow into to our organization. We want to reveal to our supporters how they are helping us to move and impact lives!
20 FACTS FOR #LOVEBEYONDWALLS IN 90 DAYS
- We have led 3 people to faith.
- We have baptized 1 individual.
- We have gotten 3 people off the streets.
- We have established over 50 relationships with people who are homeless.
- We have served over 1K homeless men, women, and children.
- We have mobilized over 1K volunteers both local and nationally to get involved with our campaigns.
- We have generated over 30 partnerships.
- We have raised over 12K socks from local and national supporters to distribute to the homeless community.
- We have raised over 1K hygiene products to distribute to the homeless community.
- We have partnered with 5 churches to mobilize people.
- We have secured 5 drop-off locations.
- We have stopped three evictions.
- We Have raised over 1K shoes to distribute to the homeless community.
- We have had over 15K website visits around our awareness campaigns.
- We have grown our social media following by %1000 (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
- We have set up our first educational campaign.
- We have worked with two major news stations, and 1 radio station.
- We have mobilized over 200 students in K-12 schools to get involved in our efforts.
- We have partnered with 5 schools.
- We have inspired over 100 people locally and nationally to start their own community work.
- We have made history with the first 30 mile walk for homelessness in the city of ATL.
There are more facts….but I can’t share them all right now. However, I want it to be known many of the numbers above are not to pat ourselves on the back, but to track what God has miraculously done as we have selflessly given ourselves to the work of God.
WE WANT TO THANK EACH OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING!
We hope to continue to have more of an impact in 2014 as we share more of our creative efforts. I ask that you keep our efforts, campaigns, and ideas in your prayers.
Terence
I’m up super late tonight (3AM)… In fact, I can’t sleep because I am in awe of what God did in my homeless friend’s life…
If you don’t know by now, I met Robert a little less than three months ago under a bridge when I made myself homeless for 72 hours (around Christmas time). I went homeless without anything, and did not know why I was filled with compassion to do it, but now it make sense. I met Robert, and many other people who were staying under that bridge, heard stories, and shed tears with a bunch of people (they are my friends).
Robert in particular became a really good friend of mine, and expressed that he wanted to give his life to God, and be baptized. He said, “I just want to start my life completely over and change.” Well, over a three month period, our friendship became closer, and he started attending church with me (a few times).
On yesterday, I spoke at Crossroads Church (the starting point for the walk) and Robert attended with me… I shared some of his story (his childhood, drug problems since age 14, and a few other challenges), and how he came to faith under the bridge night #2 (of the 72 hours I was homeless), and spoke about how God’s love changes others!
After speaking, the production director Justin Kirk asked if I’d like to baptize him on the spot… I asked Robert, and he agreed to do it on the spot. Therefore, I spoke both at both services and in the second service I was able to baptize my friend (I’ll post message later). I shed tears because when Robert came out of the water he said these words, “I saw myself on the screen, and I can tell I am transforming!”
This is why I am going through with the 30+ mile walk… I AM 12 DAYS AWAY!
I am walking for every Robert in this country that do not have a voice, but have potential to experience life change! I am walking to raise awareness of a overlooked epidemic–homelessness, and the possibility to have some people restored. Additionally, we are raising shoes in the month of March (the entire month), and a few funds [HERE] for a storage space.
Currently, we are asking people to “GREEN OUT” their social media profile pictures to give homelessness a voice! Green is the color we decided to go with because green represents life, growth, and newness (and it is the color of our ribbon). This is what we’d like for those who have no voice to experience–new life! And, I believe this is what God wants for God’s people…
Here is “GREEN OUT” picture (use it):
After service, a guy named Brian Preston walked up to Robert and told him he wanted to give him a shot at a job…
Is this Robert’s opportunity to have a “hand up” not a “hand out?”… We’ll see! They will speak this week.
Below are some before and after pictures of #lovebeyondwalls work with Robert! All I have to say is God is definitely working in this young man Robert.
Here is a before picture when I first met Robert:
And, here is the picture from yesterday when he got baptized like he wanted:
Terence
