Tag

Love Beyond Walls

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Fighting for the Hopeless, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Homelessness, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Movement of Doers, Needs, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Serve, Uncategorized, Vision

A Whole Car!

Earlier this month (March 1st), #lovebeyondwalls did a campaign to raise awareness about homeless survival by doing the very first homeless marathon the city of Atlanta. To conclude the walk, we raised shoes at the finish line through a campaign we called #givemilesaway.

Well, this month not only have we raised over 5K shoes, an anonymous giver literally donated a car to our organization to give actual miles away to a family that has had a hard time.

Below is the car! Therefore, in April, we are on the lookout to BLESS some family that has a story, and needs a hand up. Because we want to be good stewards of this vehicle, we are asking that stories be submitted via email. We will select a story that is able to maintain and care for the vehicle like the original donor would.

Please view the picture and the details below!2014-03-16 15.10.14-1car

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help us #giveloveaway Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Give Miles Away, Homelessness, Journey, Life-dares, Mission, Missions, Movement of Doers, Needs, Raising Awareness, Resources, , The Local Church, Uncategorized, Vision

5K Shoes in 15 Days!

This morning (5AM), I am reflecting on the need that is in this city (ATL), across the country (USA), and in other countries as it relates to the poor. This past Saturday, 400+ men, women, and a few children stood in a line to receive a pair of shoes. Why? Because some of them were wearing shoes that were not their size. Could you imagine wearing a size 11 shoe, and have to squeeze your feet into a size 9? This was the case most times…

The line was so long, it literally wrapped around the parking lot. Below is a picture if you think I’m joking…

DSC_0174-1

 

All this for shoes… YES SHOES! And just think… We have seen people die on the News over the latest pair of shoes (namely Jordan’s)… Nothing against fashion, but these people were not standing in line for the latest pair of Jordan’s…They wanted any shoe!

While I write this blog, I am thinking about two things: Firstly, the many supporters, organizations, donors, churches that gave to our #givemilesaway campaign (God used you)! We were able to raise over 5K shoes. How? Over 400 people gave to this campaign! Not only will we be able to resources shelters, people directly, but continue to do this throughout the year as needs arise. There are too many people to thank, but God knows you ALL.

Secondly, I am reflecting on a passage found in the book of Matthew. It is in Chapter 25, and is one of those verses that I center my life around. It speaks to what we are all called to–to care for those who are in need! Not for our own glory, but to share and display the love God intended for ALL people to experience.

Here’s that verse (Matthew 25:34-40, NKJV):

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, DRIVES, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Movement of Doers, Raising Awareness, Second Homelessness Ribbon, Serve, , Transform, Vision

30 Miles & 7 Leadership Lessons

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!

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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

 

Terence Lester
In 90 Days, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Movement of Doers, Passion, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Serve, , Story, The Local Church, Transform, Vision

90 Day Celebration!

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

  1. We have led 3 people to faith.
  2. We have baptized 1 individual.
  3. We have gotten 3 people off the streets.
  4. We have established over 50 relationships with people who are homeless.
  5. We have served over 1K homeless men, women, and children.
  6. We have mobilized over 1K volunteers both local and nationally to get involved with our campaigns.
  7. We have generated over 30 partnerships.
  8. We have raised over 12K socks from local and national supporters to distribute to the homeless community.
  9. We have raised over 1K hygiene products to distribute to the homeless community.
  10. We have partnered with 5 churches to mobilize people.
  11. We have secured 5 drop-off locations.
  12. We have stopped three evictions.
  13. We Have raised over 1K shoes to distribute to the homeless community.
  14. We have had over 15K website visits around our awareness campaigns.
  15. We have grown our social media following by %1000 (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
  16. We have set up our first educational campaign.
  17. We have worked with two major news stations, and 1 radio station.
  18. We have mobilized over 200 students in K-12 schools to get involved in our efforts.
  19. We have partnered with 5 schools.
  20. We have inspired over 100 people locally and nationally to start their own community work.
  21. 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.

90days

Terence

 

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Education, Engagements, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Homelessness, Interview, Journey, LBW Home, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Movement of Doers, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Reflective, Resources, Second Homelessness Ribbon, Serve, , Sociology, Vision

Not About Me – 48 Hours Later!

I’m up thinking (5AM)… I cannot believe I made thirty miles walking! In fact, my eyes are sweating (LOL). I don’t think I was strong enough to make a 15 hour walk, but God saw me through it…

Over the last two days, I have gotten many pats on the back, encouraging words & well wishes for walking thirty miles on behalf of homeless people in Atlanta (and this country)… BUT, I don’t think I deserve the credit…

Why? Because without God, and the good people who were around me, I would have not completed the 30 mile walk–literally! The pictures below (among many others) prove my point:
DSC_0065DSC_0073There were many individuals & social media followers who pushed, encouraged, and stood with me the whole way (even people I don’t know). Additionally, there are many people on the #lovebeyondwalls team that helped make the “LOVE RALLY & WALK” possible. Many people on the team even stayed the night with me in the parking lot at Crossroads Church (I’m extremely grateful for them).

DSC_0246

What am I saying? I’m glad you asked. Without God, my wife/family, & a solid support system, #lovebeyondwalls wouldn’t be anything. Of course we would do work, but not without the support from good people that God sends.

So instead of making this blog about me, I would like to make it about the people who made history with me, and the people we advocated for–people who face homelessness by living on the streets, in shelters, or living with loved ones without a residential address. It’s over a million of you! And, If you fit this category, YOU DESERVE A VOICE!

It’s the people that go through life without support that need a voice!  It’s the individuals who have a heart to serve and help others that need the platform. NOT ME. I’m just trying to be obedient to God, and follow Jesus’ model… I know if he were walking the earth, he’d be involved in broken communities and loving on the poor.

Although I cannot name everyone who helped, I’d like to say you know who you are! You rock, you are special, and God is using you to help uplift people who are looked down upon!

In closing, I would like to list four words that I thought about the entire walk that helped me finish:

1) Resilience – This word means to continue despite present difficulties, and to press forward continuously.

2) Love – This word is a verb, and must be shown through demonstration. This word also restores and protects.

3) Teamwork – This word means nothing in this world happens alone… There is always a team needed to achieve great goals.

4) Family – This word helped me to remember that I have a solid support system who believes in me–my wife, kids, and loved ones!

Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, LBW Home, Mission, Movement of Doers, Needs, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Second Homelessness Ribbon, Serve, , Uncategorized, Vision

The Countdown Begins (2 DAYS LEFT STATS)

During my personal research this morning, I was inspired through many of the stats that I came across! Why? Because many of them touched my heart.

In fact, while walking thirty miles, I am going to post many of them on my social media platforms. Below is one stat that really hit close to home…

VFH-Stat 1

Terence

 

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Campaigns, Education, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Movement of Doers, Needs, Raising Awareness, Resources, Second Homelessness Ribbon, Serve, , Sociology, Vision

The Countdown Begins (5 DAYS LEFT VFH Ribbon)

“Why launch a homelessness ribbon?” I have been asked several times. Well, here’s the short answer is below:

When we go out and encounter many homeless individuals, we hear stories that are both heartfelt and filled with pain. Additionally, we realize that many of this people will never have a chance to express on a platform, or have thousands of ears listening to their experiences.

Although this may be true, we believe ALL people have stories that should be understood and respected.

Therefore, we decided to create a lime green ribbon that gives A VOICE to those who are often times forgotten. So, #lovebeyondwalls decided to launc a ribbon called, “Voice for Homelessness.” It’s a ribbon that is specifically is designed to give all those affected by poverty and the perils of life A VOICE! Below is a picture of our ribbon that contains our #lovebeyondwalls heart in the center!RibbonProfile copy

Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, Fatherhood, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Homelessness, Journey, Life Change, Life-dares, Mission, Movement of Doers, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, , Vision

The Countdown Begins (7 DAYS AWAY)

I don’t know what to think this morning…

It’s (5AM), and I am literally 7 days away from doing the second most daring thing I have ever done in my life. I have never walked 30 miles before (it will take 12 hours to complete)!

I am literally nervous and excited at the same time. I’m in constant preparation of my mind and body to make this happen!

However, I honestly have three fears:

1) I won’t make it.

2) I won’t make it.

3) I won’t make it.

LOL. I’m going to need every ounce of support I can get–including prayers, and anything else that will help me to get through.

One plus I do have is that I’ll have my personal trainer walking with me… He is going to be there the entire journey. Also, other people will probably join in on the journey as well. Will you?

Today, I am mediating on a scripture found in 2 Corinthians 12… The writer is very transparent in this verse (speaking of his personal limitations), and then is encouraged with a thought from God.

 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

I am praying that God continues to give #lovebeyondwalls the strength to raise awareness and impact the lives of people!

Terence

Terence Lester
In 50 Day Count Down, Blogging Journey, Campaigns, Collaboration, Diversity, DRIVES, Give Miles Away, Great Commission, Homelessness, Interview, Journey, Life Change, Life-dares, Movement of Doers, Purpose, Raising Awareness, Resources, Serve, , Vision

The Countdown Begins (DAY 10 WHAT IF'S…)

Have you ever had the “WHAT IF’S…?” 

You know what I mean…

What if this doesn’t work?
What if I don’t make it?
What if I’m crazy?
What if they laugh at me?
What if this is in vain?

What if… what if… what if… (If you have ever attempted to do something beyond yourself, you know what I mean)!

Well, last night it really dawned on me that I only have 10 DAYS left before I attempt to walk 30 miles to raise awareness about homelessness and how difficult it is for homeless people to survive on the streets. I kept thinking, “What if my body shuts down…what if I catch cramps… what if nobody joins in…” I don’t know why, but those “what if’s…” started to change my focus, and cause me to doubt a little.

I literally had to snap myself out of it, and refocus on the main objective which is to give homeless people a voice! I had to tell myself all last night that this is NOT about me… It is about people in this country who have not had a voice about their stories! With that being said, I am going to give my ALL so people can have a voice! Especially my friends who are homeless under the I-20 bridge.

But there is something to be said about the “what if’s…” These negative thoughts have the power to paralyze you and cause you to fear! In fact, if you “what if….” too long, you’ll begin to doubt the mission (your mission), your purpose, and abort it.

Here’s the truth though, we ALL will have these moments! We will ALL have the “what if’s…” But, it is also up to us to respond to them with courage and tenacity. How do you fight your “what it’s….?”

I fight mine with three simple things:

1) A big picture – This is where you keep your eyes on the main thing or main reason for doing it.

2) A little accountability  – This is where you make yourself accountable to people who will push you when you feel weak (this also includes accountability to God).

3) A huge memory – This is where you remember the wins, and how far you’ve come. If you forget your wins, you’ll drown when losses are present.

Below is a picture of a box of shoes that were mailed anonymously to #lovebeyondwalls yesterday for our #givemilesaway March campaign! It has fueled #3 on my list above!

“STOP WHAT IF-ING…”

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Terence