Christmas Projects 2008

In addition to our daily ministry reaching out to the homeless downtown, CBSO is planning on two additional outreach opportunities for Christmas 2008. These two projects are the following:

1). Support 3 children for Christmas via New Orleans Mission. We plan to provide them with a “normal” Christmas, just as though we were shopping for our own children.
For each child, we would like to provide the following:

Clothing
o 2-3 pairs Pants
o 2-3 shirts
o School uniform (if necessary)
o shoes
o Package of socks
o Package of underwear
o Pair of pajamas

School supplies as needed

Toys/Christmas Presents
o 2-4 quality toys, age appropriate

The target amount will be $150 for clothing items per child and $150 toward presents for each child. Therefore, to reach out to three children at the New Orleans Mission, total proposed amount is $900.

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2). Support Celebration Church River Parish Campus to put together 5 Christmas baskets, providing a full holiday meal.

Each basket/box will contain at least the following:
7lbs meat (turkey)
2 cans cranberry sauce
2 boxes Stuffing
3lbs Box of Potatoes
1 Gravy Mix
2 cans Green beans
2 cans corn
3 lbs Yams
20 dinner Rolls
1 Pie or desert item

5 Christmas Meals at $50 per basket is $250.

Total Cost for both projects is estimated as $1150.

We are looking forward to partenering with our friends in the community to make these two projects possible. If you are interested in contributing financially to this project, all donations must be submitted by Monday December 8, 2008. Please email us at Beatingthestreets@gmail.com so that we can plan accordingly. We ask that you pray for these projects, that we would meet our budgeted goal quickly. We thank all of you who have faithfully and consistently supported us. Because of your burden for our passion and concern for our friends, we are continually equiped to meet needs in the community.

Love-

Angie & Kati

A Year In Retrospect

A year ago I prayed that God would send me a partner shortly after my previous partner had passed away. God was prompt in answering that prayer and meeting that need as specifically as the request that was made. In all things, he well passed my expectations. It was only 5 short days later that I met Kati and we were beating the streets together for the first time of what would be many more times to pass through bitter cold, extreme heat, and rain.

Yes God answers prayers.

I cannot give you an exact price tag, but I am certain through the donation of new clothing, used clothing, gift cards, and other donations, the worth exceeded $10, 000. We were equipped to equip the workers with appropriate clothing, footwear, and tools necessary to carry out their trade. We were able to put basic hygiene items, undergarments, and socks in every hand our path crossed. We were able to provide clothing, bedding, and outer garments appropriate to climate. We were able to place reading glasses and Bibles in as many hands as would receive that blessing. Finally we were able to also nourish our friends with food and water regularly. We know for certain that God provided every single donation in our hand and that was not only a prayer answered but an honor to be entrusted to disperse those items.

It is God who answered the prayers for David Keep who is now off the streets, gainfully employed, and now employing his own teams of workers whom mostly consist of people who struggle with homelessness. It is God who answered the prayers of our friend Russ who is now surrounded by other believers and is learning to overcome addiction and developing a relationship with the Lord. It is Russ who said, “If he (God) can change this one, he can change anyone.” It is God who answered Ruban and Shannon’s prayers by equipping them to earn enough income now to move out of their van and into an apartment. Also, now Shannon seeks to renew her relationship with the Lord and desires to be connected with a community of believers.
The Lord has answered our prayers and the prayers of our friends. We know that even in the examples above that they still have serious struggles and face numerous challenges, just as we all do. We continue to believe as we intentionally build lasting relationships with the people that we serve, we will witness our friends experience deliverance in their life, and move forward in confidence of Christ Jesus.

This past year has been such a blessing in so many ways. It is only through your prayers, love, and support that we were equipped to serve. We receive this responsibility as a blessing and pray that we have proven faithful.

Next week I will be sending out an update and a projection of our goals for the winter months. We will also have two Christmas projects that we want to present to you our supporters. So be watching for that!

Thanks.


Angie