My wish and prayer for you all is that you and your family will have a safe, warm, fun-filled, Blessed Christmas! A Christmas of remembering the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also looking forward to His Second Coming!
Have you ever wondered why the shepherds responded so quickly to the announcement of the angelic host that a savior had been born in the town of Bethlehem? Even the religious leaders of Israel responded to Herod's question about where the Christ was to be born by telling him, "In Bethlehem..." Now we all know of the significance of the little town of Bethlehem, we know that shepherds grazed their sheep there and it was where the Messiah, Jesus, was born. However, did you know that Bethlehem was a town designated to be the birthing place for lambs which were used for the Passover sacrifice? Micah 4:8 and Micah 5:2 give some details about this little town just south of Jerusalem.
In Micah 4:8 we read of the 'tower of the flock' or 'watch tower of the flock', or in Hebrew, 'Migdal Edar'. In his book, 'Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah', Alfred Edersheim, a Jewish believer in the late 1800's, Migal Edar was the location where the Messiah was to be revealed. This watchtower stood as a place of protection for the city from approaching enemies, but it was also utilized by shepherds to watch over the specific flocks from which sacrificial Passover lambs were taken.
The shepherds tending these flocks were not your ordinary run of the mill shepherds. They would have been specifically trained by the Rabbis for a holy task. The had to insure that, as much as possible, every lamb was free of any blemish or injury, in order to be used for the Passover sacrifice. Since they were instructed by the Rabbis, they almost certainly knew of those passages in the Targums (Aramaic translations) and the Mishna associating the birth of the Messiah with 'Migdal Edar'. For example, Migdal Edar is translated in one of the Targums as 'The Annointed One of the Flock of Israel.' It is also written in the Mishna that 'He spread his tent beyond Migdal Edar, the place where King Messiah will reveal Himself at the end of days.'
Those shepherds out tending their flocks by night had strong hints of Messiah's advent in the very town where they lived, so that when the angelic host appeared announcing his arrival, they responded immediately and went to worship Him. Folks, we today have ever increasing signs of His soon Second Coming. Are we also prepared to respond? Our readiness to act in faith and worship will show how well we understand the sign of our own times. Let us be awake and be inspired by the expectation of his soon arrival - for, just like those shepherds of Bethlehem, we truly were born for such a time as this!
Let us do as Jesus told us to do, look up for our redemption is close at hand!
Some of this material came from a teaching by George, a Jewish believer living in Israel.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Yours in Christ,
Troy
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
CHRISTMAS PHOTOS & NAVAJO CHRISTMAS DANCERS
CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SOX PLACE
This past Saturday, we gave the street connected youth a Christmas Party. A local church came in and provided a breakfast, breakfast burritos, pancakes, oranges. Doyle read the Christmas Story to all who were in the building and everyone listened closely. Afterwards gifts were passed out to children of all ages. The adults were given gifts also and were eager to get something special. I glanced outside during the celebration and saw about a dozen young adults who did not come in. I can only speculate as to why they would not come in and join in the reading, the laughter, the happy time. Was it disbelief or was it the memories of a time when they were happy in a home celebrating Christmas with family and did not want to be reminded of what they did not have now. Pray for these precious souls whom society has rejected.
Doyle keeps telling staff that the Lord only gave him one thing to do with this ministry, one thing and that has not changed over the years - Love on these youth. We are to love them and not try to change them. The Lord will bring change as He works through us to be His hands extended. Just love them.
I found this poem by a street connected youth sometime in the past.
What would it be like to be a lost child,
Alone in your head - empty in your soul
No way in only out.
Knowing at any time you may become a number no one cares about.
Knowing that miracles come in the form of meals and copper dreams.
When it's cold, when it's dark, when it's lonely,
Where do you turn when nightmares come creeping.
There is no teddy bear to save you,
Or sheets to hide under to protect you from monsters & robbers.
Have you ever wondered what sleeping in garbage cans was like?
Next time your(sic) hungry wait a day then go outside and find a meal.
Next time your (sic) cold take off your coat and stay warm.
Pzus
In our day, many people are only a paycheck away from the streets. Some because of lost jobs, illness, and some because of mental illness are on the street and want to get back into 'normal' society.
I am reluctant to wish these precious souls a Merry Christmas, instead I want to wish them a safe, warm, and blessed Christmas.
For you my readers, I want to wish you also a Blessed Christmas. Let's remember that without this birth we would not have a savior who knows what we go through and loves us and wants to spend eternity with each of us! He left His throne in heaven to come to this earth that He created so He could become the sacrifice demanded by our sin.
I'm going to try to upload some photos now.
Love to you all.
This are photos of Sox Place and some of our people. I'll put Christmas photos on in a moment.
Troy
Doyle keeps telling staff that the Lord only gave him one thing to do with this ministry, one thing and that has not changed over the years - Love on these youth. We are to love them and not try to change them. The Lord will bring change as He works through us to be His hands extended. Just love them.
I found this poem by a street connected youth sometime in the past.
What would it be like to be a lost child,
Alone in your head - empty in your soul
No way in only out.
Knowing at any time you may become a number no one cares about.
Knowing that miracles come in the form of meals and copper dreams.
When it's cold, when it's dark, when it's lonely,
Where do you turn when nightmares come creeping.
There is no teddy bear to save you,
Or sheets to hide under to protect you from monsters & robbers.
Have you ever wondered what sleeping in garbage cans was like?
Next time your(sic) hungry wait a day then go outside and find a meal.
Next time your (sic) cold take off your coat and stay warm.
Pzus
In our day, many people are only a paycheck away from the streets. Some because of lost jobs, illness, and some because of mental illness are on the street and want to get back into 'normal' society.
I am reluctant to wish these precious souls a Merry Christmas, instead I want to wish them a safe, warm, and blessed Christmas.
For you my readers, I want to wish you also a Blessed Christmas. Let's remember that without this birth we would not have a savior who knows what we go through and loves us and wants to spend eternity with each of us! He left His throne in heaven to come to this earth that He created so He could become the sacrifice demanded by our sin.
I'm going to try to upload some photos now.
Love to you all.
Troy
Sunday, December 12, 2010
MISCELLANEOUS FROM TROY
I told you last time about the brother and sister who are so young, her name is Cara and she was kicked out of her home by her parents. No details yet but I know that sometimes teenagers can be from an alien planet, and you want to ask the aliens to bring back your child, but for a parent to kick their 16 year old daughter out onto the street is beyond my ability to comprehend. Her brother is Tyler and he is a run away. Probably went with his sister. Pray for them as the Holy Spirit brings them to mind. One of our board members told me of some parents who loaded their teenager up in the car, drove downtown Denver (16th Street Mall), told them to get out and don't bother coming home again. May God have mercy and give grace to the homeless children.
Yesterday I went to my grandson Gage's first birthday party. What a delight he is. Every so often he would see me in the crowd and give me a big grin and stare for just a moment extra. He really loved the paper in the bags, and had to be shown that there was something else at the bottom of the bag. At one point he was praising the Lord for birthday cake. OK, so maybe I was reading something into his actions, but it sure seemed like that was what he was doing. I'll post photos as soon as I can figure out how.
Last night I attended a worship service that was all Navajo, songs and dances. I was based on a thought that Daniel Smiley has had for over 20 years; how would the Navajo tell the Christmas Story if they had been exposed to it before Columbus came to America? Since their story telling is in song and dance the program last night was his idea of how it would be told. It was simply called The Christmas Dance. It incorporated traditional Navajo dancers in their dance 'costumes' with spruce branches, drums, rattles, body painting, feathers, etc. I was told that this is a fairly new way of worship for Navajo Christians, in fact, Daniel said that if they attempted to do this portrayal on the rez (reservation) he would probably be strung up or even crucified. Old traditions die hard, especially in the church. When he talked of the Dance the love of the Lord just flowed out from him, and his humbleness before the Lord was moving. I heard someone later ask about doing such things in the church. What most Christians don't realize is how hard it was to get what are now 'normal' things into the church, for instance, Having a 'band' lead in worship in music was unheard of and would not have been allowed few short years ago; guitars were also not acceptable in church until late 50's and early 60's; pianos were not allowed in church a few generations ago. So why should some Christians be shocked when Native Americans sing and dance before the Lord? Didn't David? The message does not change, however, the method of delivery does.
Christmas was Jeanne's favorite time of the year. She loved to decorate the house, in fact, we had 12 plastic tubs loaded with decorations, I know because I had to lug them up and down the stairs every year. She had each tub numbered and the contents on 3x5cards so she could change the decorations each year. She so loved Christmas and the birth of her Lord, and then she married a ol' Scrooge like me! Go figure.
I truly want to wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And guys, help with the decorations, ok??!!!
Jesus came so that we could have forgiveness of sin and life eternal with Him. As He was born and died for you, so live for Him.
Troy
I ask the Lord to give those of you who are facing this Christmas without a certain loved one a special amount of His grace and love and strength.
Dueteronomy 15:11 and Matthew 25:35,36
Yesterday I went to my grandson Gage's first birthday party. What a delight he is. Every so often he would see me in the crowd and give me a big grin and stare for just a moment extra. He really loved the paper in the bags, and had to be shown that there was something else at the bottom of the bag. At one point he was praising the Lord for birthday cake. OK, so maybe I was reading something into his actions, but it sure seemed like that was what he was doing. I'll post photos as soon as I can figure out how.
Last night I attended a worship service that was all Navajo, songs and dances. I was based on a thought that Daniel Smiley has had for over 20 years; how would the Navajo tell the Christmas Story if they had been exposed to it before Columbus came to America? Since their story telling is in song and dance the program last night was his idea of how it would be told. It was simply called The Christmas Dance. It incorporated traditional Navajo dancers in their dance 'costumes' with spruce branches, drums, rattles, body painting, feathers, etc. I was told that this is a fairly new way of worship for Navajo Christians, in fact, Daniel said that if they attempted to do this portrayal on the rez (reservation) he would probably be strung up or even crucified. Old traditions die hard, especially in the church. When he talked of the Dance the love of the Lord just flowed out from him, and his humbleness before the Lord was moving. I heard someone later ask about doing such things in the church. What most Christians don't realize is how hard it was to get what are now 'normal' things into the church, for instance, Having a 'band' lead in worship in music was unheard of and would not have been allowed few short years ago; guitars were also not acceptable in church until late 50's and early 60's; pianos were not allowed in church a few generations ago. So why should some Christians be shocked when Native Americans sing and dance before the Lord? Didn't David? The message does not change, however, the method of delivery does.
Christmas was Jeanne's favorite time of the year. She loved to decorate the house, in fact, we had 12 plastic tubs loaded with decorations, I know because I had to lug them up and down the stairs every year. She had each tub numbered and the contents on 3x5cards so she could change the decorations each year. She so loved Christmas and the birth of her Lord, and then she married a ol' Scrooge like me! Go figure.
I truly want to wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And guys, help with the decorations, ok??!!!
Jesus came so that we could have forgiveness of sin and life eternal with Him. As He was born and died for you, so live for Him.
Troy
I ask the Lord to give those of you who are facing this Christmas without a certain loved one a special amount of His grace and love and strength.
Dueteronomy 15:11 and Matthew 25:35,36
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
SOME ARE SO YOUNG
I'm sitting here with my coffee and toast, thinking about last week. Two things stand out in my mind, one is the celebration of the life of my best friend, Sarge Sherhag. I spent some time with his family, his wife Pam and one son, Brent and his finance, Jessica. It was a good time but not long enough. At least, we have the hope of eternal life with family and friends.
The second thing that comes to mind is the two young children who have come in a few times in the last couple of weeks. I first noticed them as they came in looking scared. They looked so young and vulnerable. Last week I kneeled down behind the couch they were sitting on and talked with them. I first asked where did they spend the night before. The girl said, "Outside and we only had one blanket." I told her to be sure and go downstairs and get a couple of good blankets and if they could find a sleeping bag to take it. I then asked if they were brother and sister. They were. When I asked how old they were, she replied, "He's 12 and I'm 16." If she was a day over 14 I would be really surprised. I told her that if they needed anything at all that they were to come to me and ask and I would help them out. I wanted to take them in my arms and hold them. I will get their names and story as time goes on. Pray for these children, and I know that you do as the Lord lays them on your heart.
In another vein, the church I am attending, Denver Christian Indian Center, is putting on a Christmas Play this next Saturday the 11th. It is written by Daniel Smiley (Dine [Navajo]), a pastor of a church in Black Rock Mt, AZ. It is written based on the question, how would the Navajo people celebrate the birth of Jesus if they had heard the Gospel before Columbus landed? Native Americans celebrate events with dance and song, and in this play they dance native dances to celebrate His birth. Songs will be in Navajo and English, with singers and dancers in full ceremonial regalia. I am really looking forward to this. If you are in the area, come by and watch this. It starts at 7pm and last about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
We have received word that the daughter of one our board members is critically ill. She is in her twenties and suffers from complications from diabetes and other problems that doctors are not sure of. I have not met her but I am told she is a sweetheart and is always positive and upbeat, even in her pain which is constant. She now has trouble walking as her feet are so painful. Many people are taking days in which to pray for her. Her name is Megan and I know that she and her family are looking to the Lord for healing. Please pray for Megan.
I'm going to try and post some photos on this post, but if not, I will try to do it on a separate post.
The Lord is good and He is good all the time. He has been a sure help and a firm foundation for me through out my lifetime and especially in the last year. I simply don't know what people do who do not have the Lord holding them. To God be the glory!
Love ya'll
Troy
The second thing that comes to mind is the two young children who have come in a few times in the last couple of weeks. I first noticed them as they came in looking scared. They looked so young and vulnerable. Last week I kneeled down behind the couch they were sitting on and talked with them. I first asked where did they spend the night before. The girl said, "Outside and we only had one blanket." I told her to be sure and go downstairs and get a couple of good blankets and if they could find a sleeping bag to take it. I then asked if they were brother and sister. They were. When I asked how old they were, she replied, "He's 12 and I'm 16." If she was a day over 14 I would be really surprised. I told her that if they needed anything at all that they were to come to me and ask and I would help them out. I wanted to take them in my arms and hold them. I will get their names and story as time goes on. Pray for these children, and I know that you do as the Lord lays them on your heart.
In another vein, the church I am attending, Denver Christian Indian Center, is putting on a Christmas Play this next Saturday the 11th. It is written by Daniel Smiley (Dine [Navajo]), a pastor of a church in Black Rock Mt, AZ. It is written based on the question, how would the Navajo people celebrate the birth of Jesus if they had heard the Gospel before Columbus landed? Native Americans celebrate events with dance and song, and in this play they dance native dances to celebrate His birth. Songs will be in Navajo and English, with singers and dancers in full ceremonial regalia. I am really looking forward to this. If you are in the area, come by and watch this. It starts at 7pm and last about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
We have received word that the daughter of one our board members is critically ill. She is in her twenties and suffers from complications from diabetes and other problems that doctors are not sure of. I have not met her but I am told she is a sweetheart and is always positive and upbeat, even in her pain which is constant. She now has trouble walking as her feet are so painful. Many people are taking days in which to pray for her. Her name is Megan and I know that she and her family are looking to the Lord for healing. Please pray for Megan.
I'm going to try and post some photos on this post, but if not, I will try to do it on a separate post.
The Lord is good and He is good all the time. He has been a sure help and a firm foundation for me through out my lifetime and especially in the last year. I simply don't know what people do who do not have the Lord holding them. To God be the glory!
Love ya'll
Troy
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
MY FRIEND - SARGE
I first met Sarge in September, 1963, at the College of the Ozarks (now University). Now here we are 47 years later and he has preceded me to heaven. I got word Monday that he had stepped from the land of the dying into the land of the living. Jesus reached down His hand at about 6am and Sarge took it.
How in the world we became such good friends I can't remember, but we did. We were from two different backgrounds, he from the north and I from the south. He was a jock and I wasn't. Sarge was the type of guy that when you met him you walked away his friend. Everyone liked him. He was truly a Prince among men.
We became such good friends that he was my best man at my first wedding. He drove back to Arkansas from Ohio to attend her funeral a year and a half later. I know that he would have been by my side in January when we laid Jeanne to rest, if he had not been taking chemo and related treatments.
I have been friends with Sarge longer than I have known my younger sister.
He was not always known as Sarge, a name I believe he picked up in High School. Russell Sherhag is his real name. He was never a sargent, but that is how he is known around the country.
We had a standing joke between us, Pam included, that is until email. A line from 'Dances with Wolves' was our mantra, one character says to Kevin Costner, upon seeing a skeleton with an arrow sticking out of it, "Someone back east wonders why he don't write." We always joked about me writing a letter and the mailman passing out when he saw the return address. I was out west and they were back east wondering why he doesn't write. Thank God for email.
I will have only good memories of Sarge and our times together, though we weren't in each others company very many times over the years. I have to admit that there were times that Sarge did more to maintain our friendship than I did.
I know that I will see him again in heaven but I will miss him terribly here on earth. I know he is talking with his family and has laughed with Sharlene and Jeanne, but Sarge, wait for the rest of us at the corner of Hallelujah Blvd and Love Ave, for we will see you soon. We will dance before the Throne and praise God together.
See you later ol' buddy.
How in the world we became such good friends I can't remember, but we did. We were from two different backgrounds, he from the north and I from the south. He was a jock and I wasn't. Sarge was the type of guy that when you met him you walked away his friend. Everyone liked him. He was truly a Prince among men.
We became such good friends that he was my best man at my first wedding. He drove back to Arkansas from Ohio to attend her funeral a year and a half later. I know that he would have been by my side in January when we laid Jeanne to rest, if he had not been taking chemo and related treatments.
I have been friends with Sarge longer than I have known my younger sister.
He was not always known as Sarge, a name I believe he picked up in High School. Russell Sherhag is his real name. He was never a sargent, but that is how he is known around the country.
We had a standing joke between us, Pam included, that is until email. A line from 'Dances with Wolves' was our mantra, one character says to Kevin Costner, upon seeing a skeleton with an arrow sticking out of it, "Someone back east wonders why he don't write." We always joked about me writing a letter and the mailman passing out when he saw the return address. I was out west and they were back east wondering why he doesn't write. Thank God for email.
I will have only good memories of Sarge and our times together, though we weren't in each others company very many times over the years. I have to admit that there were times that Sarge did more to maintain our friendship than I did.
I know that I will see him again in heaven but I will miss him terribly here on earth. I know he is talking with his family and has laughed with Sharlene and Jeanne, but Sarge, wait for the rest of us at the corner of Hallelujah Blvd and Love Ave, for we will see you soon. We will dance before the Throne and praise God together.
See you later ol' buddy.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
THE THUMB SUCKER AT SOX PLACE
As I watch the Street Connected Youth coming in to Sox Place, I keep wondering what brought them to this place in their lives. What happened in their younger childhood that caused them to leave a home, at least a house, go onto the streets and put themselves at risk for sexual abuse, physical abuse, death by overdose or freezing...could it be that the streets were more comfortable than their home life? Everyone of them have stories of abuse from father, mother, fathers girlfriend, mothers flow thru boyfriends that are very abusive to children in the way. Girls are raped by their mothers live-in boyfriends. Physical abuse abounds from drug/alcohol use by parents. A daily occurrence of being slapped, slugged, kicked and told you are no good and you were a mistake, and will be glad when you are gone...why would you want to stay in that situation?
There were two young women who came in that I couldn't help but wonder what happened to them. The first one couldn't have been more than 20 or 21. I had not seen her before or seen her since. It took me a few minutes to realize that she was sucking her thumb! It came out if she said something then right back in. It came out when she put food in her mouth, then right back in her mouth. She walked around, then went outside, but always with her thumb in her mouth as if nothing strange about it. What trauma would cause such behavior?
The second young woman was again in her early 20s and seemed so shy, she was here for a couple of weeks before she acknowledged me by introducing herself to me. I can't remember her name because when she told me what her street name was I forgot everything else. She said call me Rage. I asked her to repeat that and she did and then spelled it out R A G E. If I get another chance to talk with her I'm going to ask her why, why Rage?
Josh told me of two young women who had come around a few years ago. One said her name was Ugly. He said that she told them that that was her name because her Daddy never told her she was beautiful therefor she must be ugly. Fathers, you may not realize it but you have major influence in your daughter's lives for good or bad. Which will it be? Remember, Ugly.
Another girl's street name was an old slang word for a woman's breasts. At Sox Place they absolutely refused to call her by that name. Your heart will break for these thrown away children. The Fathers heart breaks for His little ones.
Last week I shared about my interest in Native American ministry. Based on US Census, the Native American population in the US alone in between 4.9 to 5.2 million. The Pentecostal Church of God and the Southern Baptist convention both say that less than 3% consider themselves Christian. Do the math, that is about 150,000 who claim to be Christ followers (I got my worst grades in Math in school and college). Can you wrap your minds around how large a mission field this is??? And it is all with the borders of the US. And as I said before, you don't need a passport, or shots, and you can drink the water and eat the food, and English is the prevalent language. However, it is a hard ministry. There are no large exciting evangelistic meetings, most churches consist of a handful of people, and results can take years. But didn't the Lord say something about taking the Gospel to the nations?
I did some research and found that the push to take the Gospel to the Indians came to a standstill in the latter half of the 1800's. The shift then became foreign missions. It was easier than trying to reach the American Indian. In fact, this is a quote from one such study, "...the Indians were not attractive as converts. Many missionaries, therefore, set their sights on other parts of the world."
We are to remember Jesus' command in Matt 28:19, "...all nations..."
Back to Sox Place. After the article in the Denver Post, we have had several donations come in. Today, three young women came in with a small pickup loaded with blankets and sleeping bags. We can get 50 coats one week but next week will need more. As these things come in, they go right back out. Like the food that is donated to us, we give some of it right back out to others who are putting together food boxes and giving them out.
Just so you know, there are 5 full time staff members here, three draw a nominal salary. Doyle does not take any money from Sox Place and I am "self-supporting". Your donations go to take care of the basic needs of the ministry.
Ya'll come see us when you can, ya heah?
Keep praying for us and watch the Lord meet our needs and yours.
With you in His service,
Troy
There were two young women who came in that I couldn't help but wonder what happened to them. The first one couldn't have been more than 20 or 21. I had not seen her before or seen her since. It took me a few minutes to realize that she was sucking her thumb! It came out if she said something then right back in. It came out when she put food in her mouth, then right back in her mouth. She walked around, then went outside, but always with her thumb in her mouth as if nothing strange about it. What trauma would cause such behavior?
The second young woman was again in her early 20s and seemed so shy, she was here for a couple of weeks before she acknowledged me by introducing herself to me. I can't remember her name because when she told me what her street name was I forgot everything else. She said call me Rage. I asked her to repeat that and she did and then spelled it out R A G E. If I get another chance to talk with her I'm going to ask her why, why Rage?
Josh told me of two young women who had come around a few years ago. One said her name was Ugly. He said that she told them that that was her name because her Daddy never told her she was beautiful therefor she must be ugly. Fathers, you may not realize it but you have major influence in your daughter's lives for good or bad. Which will it be? Remember, Ugly.
Another girl's street name was an old slang word for a woman's breasts. At Sox Place they absolutely refused to call her by that name. Your heart will break for these thrown away children. The Fathers heart breaks for His little ones.
Last week I shared about my interest in Native American ministry. Based on US Census, the Native American population in the US alone in between 4.9 to 5.2 million. The Pentecostal Church of God and the Southern Baptist convention both say that less than 3% consider themselves Christian. Do the math, that is about 150,000 who claim to be Christ followers (I got my worst grades in Math in school and college). Can you wrap your minds around how large a mission field this is??? And it is all with the borders of the US. And as I said before, you don't need a passport, or shots, and you can drink the water and eat the food, and English is the prevalent language. However, it is a hard ministry. There are no large exciting evangelistic meetings, most churches consist of a handful of people, and results can take years. But didn't the Lord say something about taking the Gospel to the nations?
I did some research and found that the push to take the Gospel to the Indians came to a standstill in the latter half of the 1800's. The shift then became foreign missions. It was easier than trying to reach the American Indian. In fact, this is a quote from one such study, "...the Indians were not attractive as converts. Many missionaries, therefore, set their sights on other parts of the world."
We are to remember Jesus' command in Matt 28:19, "...all nations..."
Back to Sox Place. After the article in the Denver Post, we have had several donations come in. Today, three young women came in with a small pickup loaded with blankets and sleeping bags. We can get 50 coats one week but next week will need more. As these things come in, they go right back out. Like the food that is donated to us, we give some of it right back out to others who are putting together food boxes and giving them out.
Just so you know, there are 5 full time staff members here, three draw a nominal salary. Doyle does not take any money from Sox Place and I am "self-supporting". Your donations go to take care of the basic needs of the ministry.
Ya'll come see us when you can, ya heah?
Keep praying for us and watch the Lord meet our needs and yours.
With you in His service,
Troy
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
WHY AN INDIAN CHURCH?
Last week I told you of my visit to an Indian Church. Why an Indian Church you probably asked. I'll explain that later in this post, but first let's talk about Sox Place.
I had a young mother ask me if we had a baby tooth brush. I've got to be honest, I had no idea what a baby toothbrush looked like. I had her look thru the baby stuff we have but she did not find what she needed. You can see by that that we need what you need to go thru your day at home.
One man who has been around Sox Place for a few years shared with me that he had cancer and that he had had two rounds of chemo before this. He said he had been advised to have a third, but he was not going to go thru that again. He is praying for God's healing and letting God have his will in his life and healing. I asked if I could pray for him and he wanted me to. Afterwards he had tears in his eyes and thanked me profusely. He has come to me every day since and asks how I am doing!
One day while sitting around watching everyone do their thing, I asked a young man, "Where you going tonight? How will you stay warm?", He said that one old building that he had been sleeping in was torn down. He guessed he would walk around all night.
While people ask, "How can I help? What do you need? I just don't know what to do", our Cintas service man, Thomas, has contacted some of his customers about our needs. One of his customers has 40 pairs of pants that former employees had bought and then left when they quit, and Thomas will pick them all up for us. Another client runs a hotel and said they were going to be changing out their blankets for new ones. Know what Thomas did? You guessed it, he asked to have them donated to us! Thomas has started his own personal Matt 25:35,36 ministry. If we just look around us and pray for guidance, the Lord will show us what's needed and what's available. Those of you in NW Arkansas, are you aware of Seven Hills Ministry in Fayetteville? Or Samaritan House in Rogers? They also have needs. There's a couple of women's shelters in Bentonville that I gave stuff to but can not now remember what the names are. Look around you, there are needs to be met.
So, why an Indian Church? Why not a church like I have been use to? Something I failed to tell you in my first posting was that the Lord used an interest in Native American ministry to get me open to moving out of my comfort zone and into Sox Place.
Having spent 20+ years in New Mexico, and being a student of Western History, I read Louis L'Amour novels, I had read about and visited some of the Pueblos in New Mexico. I had joked with Pastor Cass at New Life Christian Center that when you did a short-term mission trip to a reservation, you did not need a passport, no shots, you could drink the water, you could converse in the same language, and you could usually drive there. I started researching such trips with the object of me leading some people on these type of trips. While researching, I contacted one such ministry by email and during my July 1-6 trip (this was a momentous time period) to be with my daughter, Chelley, that person contacted me and ask, "Would you be interested in pastoring a Native American church?" I responded that I would be. He had the person in charge of Native American ministries for the Pentecostal Church of God get in touch with me. We were never able to meet while I was in Arkansas, however, he wants to meet with me on one of his trips thru Colorado. Does this mean that I am not committed to Sox Place? Not at all, I am committed here as long as the Lord wants me here, and as long as my brother Doyle can use me. And as long as I can think up things to cook.
So, I visited an Indian Church which is predominately Navajo, but is intertribal in its outreach. I love old architectur and the building they own was built in 1893 and the exterior and interior design has not changed. It is not what I have been use to, however, it is evangelical in belief and practice. The song service not what I have been use to but is worshipful. They are having a Thanksgiving pot luck dinner on the 21st., what can I cook?
So, you see now why a visit to an Indian Church? What has the Lord for me in the future? I don't know, but I am determined to be open. Just one more thing I ask you to pray with me about.
Last week, I had a thought and I know it was of the Holy Spirit as I would not have thought of this, at least not as question to me. "How are you going to love the unlovable if you are never around them?" Good question.
I leave you with a quote from a dear friend of Jeanne and mine, Jamie Hedges Collins: "Jesus loves me inside my mess, and I just want to be willing to get out of the way so Jesus can get to us and soothe our aching hearts."
Love to you all and keep on keeping on with the Lord.
Troy
I'm going to try and post some pictures next time.
I had a young mother ask me if we had a baby tooth brush. I've got to be honest, I had no idea what a baby toothbrush looked like. I had her look thru the baby stuff we have but she did not find what she needed. You can see by that that we need what you need to go thru your day at home.
One man who has been around Sox Place for a few years shared with me that he had cancer and that he had had two rounds of chemo before this. He said he had been advised to have a third, but he was not going to go thru that again. He is praying for God's healing and letting God have his will in his life and healing. I asked if I could pray for him and he wanted me to. Afterwards he had tears in his eyes and thanked me profusely. He has come to me every day since and asks how I am doing!
One day while sitting around watching everyone do their thing, I asked a young man, "Where you going tonight? How will you stay warm?", He said that one old building that he had been sleeping in was torn down. He guessed he would walk around all night.
While people ask, "How can I help? What do you need? I just don't know what to do", our Cintas service man, Thomas, has contacted some of his customers about our needs. One of his customers has 40 pairs of pants that former employees had bought and then left when they quit, and Thomas will pick them all up for us. Another client runs a hotel and said they were going to be changing out their blankets for new ones. Know what Thomas did? You guessed it, he asked to have them donated to us! Thomas has started his own personal Matt 25:35,36 ministry. If we just look around us and pray for guidance, the Lord will show us what's needed and what's available. Those of you in NW Arkansas, are you aware of Seven Hills Ministry in Fayetteville? Or Samaritan House in Rogers? They also have needs. There's a couple of women's shelters in Bentonville that I gave stuff to but can not now remember what the names are. Look around you, there are needs to be met.
So, why an Indian Church? Why not a church like I have been use to? Something I failed to tell you in my first posting was that the Lord used an interest in Native American ministry to get me open to moving out of my comfort zone and into Sox Place.
Having spent 20+ years in New Mexico, and being a student of Western History, I read Louis L'Amour novels, I had read about and visited some of the Pueblos in New Mexico. I had joked with Pastor Cass at New Life Christian Center that when you did a short-term mission trip to a reservation, you did not need a passport, no shots, you could drink the water, you could converse in the same language, and you could usually drive there. I started researching such trips with the object of me leading some people on these type of trips. While researching, I contacted one such ministry by email and during my July 1-6 trip (this was a momentous time period) to be with my daughter, Chelley, that person contacted me and ask, "Would you be interested in pastoring a Native American church?" I responded that I would be. He had the person in charge of Native American ministries for the Pentecostal Church of God get in touch with me. We were never able to meet while I was in Arkansas, however, he wants to meet with me on one of his trips thru Colorado. Does this mean that I am not committed to Sox Place? Not at all, I am committed here as long as the Lord wants me here, and as long as my brother Doyle can use me. And as long as I can think up things to cook.
So, I visited an Indian Church which is predominately Navajo, but is intertribal in its outreach. I love old architectur and the building they own was built in 1893 and the exterior and interior design has not changed. It is not what I have been use to, however, it is evangelical in belief and practice. The song service not what I have been use to but is worshipful. They are having a Thanksgiving pot luck dinner on the 21st., what can I cook?
So, you see now why a visit to an Indian Church? What has the Lord for me in the future? I don't know, but I am determined to be open. Just one more thing I ask you to pray with me about.
Last week, I had a thought and I know it was of the Holy Spirit as I would not have thought of this, at least not as question to me. "How are you going to love the unlovable if you are never around them?" Good question.
I leave you with a quote from a dear friend of Jeanne and mine, Jamie Hedges Collins: "Jesus loves me inside my mess, and I just want to be willing to get out of the way so Jesus can get to us and soothe our aching hearts."
Love to you all and keep on keeping on with the Lord.
Troy
I'm going to try and post some pictures next time.
Monday, November 8, 2010
SOX PLACE ADDRESS
For those who have asked, the address for Sox Place is PO Box 544, Denver, CO, 80201. This is for donations to the ministry. If you are sending a gift for me, use the same address but note it is for me so you can get tax credit.
My personal address is PO Box 241, Denver, CO, 80201.
Thank you for your kind comments about the blog. I'll try and keep it up to date.
My personal address is PO Box 241, Denver, CO, 80201.
Thank you for your kind comments about the blog. I'll try and keep it up to date.
HAPPENINGS AT SOX PLACE
Another interesting week here at Sox Place. Out of the clear blue I had one young man ask when we were going to start GED classes. I don't know if I mentioned it or not but I want to start helping any who want their GED to get it. I explained that if he would keep in touch I would help him. Then he asked about reading and writing. Again, I told him that I would help him all I could. Not sure how to do it but with the Lord's help I'll help him learn to read and write.
On Friday a Fundraiser for Sox Place took place at Dave and Busters. D & B has been described as an adult Chuck & Cheese. Video games to the max! This Fundraiser was organized, paid for and run by the executive administrative assistant to one of the Sr. VP's at Cricket. We had several corporate sponsors who donated high ticket items for an auction and many other individuals donated items. I was amazed and pleased to see the corporate backing and interest shown for the ministry of Sox Place. There were two key Microsoft executives who flew in from California to interview Doyle and attend the Fundraiser. I have no idea how much money was raised, but it goes to the operational budget of Sox Place. However, our monthly budget still depends heavily on the regular giving of individuals and churches. The Lord has shown favor for this humble ministry.
Yesterday, Sunday, I attended a small 1st Nations church, Denver Christian Indian Church. The elder is a soft-spoken, gentle man, Richard Silversmith, a Navajo. I felt very comfortable and was warmly greeted by many. We sang Lamb of God, Walking into the Light with native drum accompaniment, Cover Me, and one song that really moved me - Just a Closer Walk sung in Navajo. It reminded me of the time I was in the Philippines and heard the missions hymn, Send the Light, send the Gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore. It was sung in Tagalog. We here sang it for missionaries to take the Gospel to foreign shores. I was hearing it sung by those on foreign shores asking me to send the Gospel! I was moved then in my spirit and I was moved yesterday to hear What a Friend sung by Navajos in Navajo. I'm going to go back to that church.
The Lord is gently sharing some thoughts with me about serving. The other day I was in the kitchen washing out some large pots when the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the man who wrote Practicing the Presence. He had been wealthy and a party animal when the Lord got a hold of him. He gave it all up to serve in a monastery by washing the dirty pots and pans so others could be served hot meals. While washing he practiced the presence of the Lord. Oh, please don't think that I am something super holy, I'm not. The Lord is simply showing me aspects and rewards of true servant hood. It is all about Him and the ones being served, not about the one doing the serving. Matt 25:35,36
On Friday a Fundraiser for Sox Place took place at Dave and Busters. D & B has been described as an adult Chuck & Cheese. Video games to the max! This Fundraiser was organized, paid for and run by the executive administrative assistant to one of the Sr. VP's at Cricket. We had several corporate sponsors who donated high ticket items for an auction and many other individuals donated items. I was amazed and pleased to see the corporate backing and interest shown for the ministry of Sox Place. There were two key Microsoft executives who flew in from California to interview Doyle and attend the Fundraiser. I have no idea how much money was raised, but it goes to the operational budget of Sox Place. However, our monthly budget still depends heavily on the regular giving of individuals and churches. The Lord has shown favor for this humble ministry.
Yesterday, Sunday, I attended a small 1st Nations church, Denver Christian Indian Church. The elder is a soft-spoken, gentle man, Richard Silversmith, a Navajo. I felt very comfortable and was warmly greeted by many. We sang Lamb of God, Walking into the Light with native drum accompaniment, Cover Me, and one song that really moved me - Just a Closer Walk sung in Navajo. It reminded me of the time I was in the Philippines and heard the missions hymn, Send the Light, send the Gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore. It was sung in Tagalog. We here sang it for missionaries to take the Gospel to foreign shores. I was hearing it sung by those on foreign shores asking me to send the Gospel! I was moved then in my spirit and I was moved yesterday to hear What a Friend sung by Navajos in Navajo. I'm going to go back to that church.
The Lord is gently sharing some thoughts with me about serving. The other day I was in the kitchen washing out some large pots when the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the man who wrote Practicing the Presence. He had been wealthy and a party animal when the Lord got a hold of him. He gave it all up to serve in a monastery by washing the dirty pots and pans so others could be served hot meals. While washing he practiced the presence of the Lord. Oh, please don't think that I am something super holy, I'm not. The Lord is simply showing me aspects and rewards of true servant hood. It is all about Him and the ones being served, not about the one doing the serving. Matt 25:35,36
Saturday, October 30, 2010
WHAT IS A CRUSTY?
A crusty is one who is also called a traveler and a train rider. They travel across the county by hopping trains and going to other areas, as in south this time of year to Phoenix or Tucson. While the name crusty may not be a pretty description it is one liked by them. A crusty is one who is so covered in dirt and soot that they are crusty. It is rare to see one by themselves, usually there are 3 to 4 and sometimes there are girls that are traveling also. It is unusual but they are the most polite and grateful of all the ones who come to SoxPlace. They know and use the words thank you, please, may I,etc. I had one approach me about getting some food to take along. They needed enough for 16 hours. Cans of soup mix, ravioli, chili, ramen noodles, tuna, and the like. Also, they are likely to have a dog on a leash with them. I haven't asked them yet about the logistics of how they know where the train is going, how to get on and stay on, and other such items of interest, but I will.
This week I met Turtle, Squirrel, Detroit, Ice Box, and Black. A street name is not one you give yourself, it is given by the others on the street. Doyle and Jacob have identified 22 different types or categories of street connected youth, of which crustys are one. I'll share others as we go along here.
I was standing next to a young man who was sitting in a high stool. As we were talking I placed my arm behind his back to lean on the chair. He looked up at me and said, "Don't put your hand behind my back." Whoa, I apologized to him and made sure I didn't put my hand behind his back again. So much to learn.
As I have said we give out socks everyday. One young man said to me that he did not have any socks on and could he have a pair. I immediately got him a pair.
A blessing that the Lord has allowed me is that I get to spend time with my son Brian, my daughter-in-law Sarah, my grandson Gage and my daughter Chelley. I am now having lunch with my son every Monday. I've hung out with Chelley over chicken strips and pizza. For the two of us hanging out together is talking or reading. I know some of you will say, hanging out reading, that's not hanging out. OH yes it is! In the same room and just knowing she is over there is a real blessing for me. We have not been able to do that in the past. She was looking at some of my books the first evening and she said, "Dad, these are first edition Zane Greys. Did you know that?" Sure didn't but now those are on the top shelf. Copyright 1911, 1912, 1919, 1926, etc. These are books that I have had for many years and have enjoyed reading, but did not know they were first editions.
There is a Japanese TV producer that has been in contact with Doyle about doing a type of documentary for the Japanese audience. The question that is being asked is why are American teenagers running away from home. Now that is a good question to ask ourselves. They want to show it in Japan I believe as a statement to the Japanese culture to seek answers so they can avoid the same phenomenon.
I am reading a novel by Jonathan VerHoeven, a young man I met while I was serving as Chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol. He told me a few months back, in a "two ships passing at sea" type meeting, that he was writing a series of WWII novels about the Navy in the South Pacific, the titles based on the Navy Hymn. Being the old salt that I am, I was very interested. The first just came out, Perils On The Sea. His historical facts of sea battles and Navy life are so right on. If you enjoy Christian Fiction, Navy life, WWII history, naval battles, then you should get a hold of this one.
I want to leave you with a quote from Sarah Young's mighty devotional, Jesus Calling.
Jesus is speaking, "Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me. So the best defense against worry is staying in communication with Me. When you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think much more positively. Remember to listen, as well as to speak, making your thoughts a dialogue with Me."
Keep praying for us, the street connected youth, and the needs of the ministry.
Love ya'll
Troy
Matt 25:35,36
This week I met Turtle, Squirrel, Detroit, Ice Box, and Black. A street name is not one you give yourself, it is given by the others on the street. Doyle and Jacob have identified 22 different types or categories of street connected youth, of which crustys are one. I'll share others as we go along here.
I was standing next to a young man who was sitting in a high stool. As we were talking I placed my arm behind his back to lean on the chair. He looked up at me and said, "Don't put your hand behind my back." Whoa, I apologized to him and made sure I didn't put my hand behind his back again. So much to learn.
As I have said we give out socks everyday. One young man said to me that he did not have any socks on and could he have a pair. I immediately got him a pair.
A blessing that the Lord has allowed me is that I get to spend time with my son Brian, my daughter-in-law Sarah, my grandson Gage and my daughter Chelley. I am now having lunch with my son every Monday. I've hung out with Chelley over chicken strips and pizza. For the two of us hanging out together is talking or reading. I know some of you will say, hanging out reading, that's not hanging out. OH yes it is! In the same room and just knowing she is over there is a real blessing for me. We have not been able to do that in the past. She was looking at some of my books the first evening and she said, "Dad, these are first edition Zane Greys. Did you know that?" Sure didn't but now those are on the top shelf. Copyright 1911, 1912, 1919, 1926, etc. These are books that I have had for many years and have enjoyed reading, but did not know they were first editions.
There is a Japanese TV producer that has been in contact with Doyle about doing a type of documentary for the Japanese audience. The question that is being asked is why are American teenagers running away from home. Now that is a good question to ask ourselves. They want to show it in Japan I believe as a statement to the Japanese culture to seek answers so they can avoid the same phenomenon.
I am reading a novel by Jonathan VerHoeven, a young man I met while I was serving as Chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol. He told me a few months back, in a "two ships passing at sea" type meeting, that he was writing a series of WWII novels about the Navy in the South Pacific, the titles based on the Navy Hymn. Being the old salt that I am, I was very interested. The first just came out, Perils On The Sea. His historical facts of sea battles and Navy life are so right on. If you enjoy Christian Fiction, Navy life, WWII history, naval battles, then you should get a hold of this one.
I want to leave you with a quote from Sarah Young's mighty devotional, Jesus Calling.
Jesus is speaking, "Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me. So the best defense against worry is staying in communication with Me. When you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think much more positively. Remember to listen, as well as to speak, making your thoughts a dialogue with Me."
Keep praying for us, the street connected youth, and the needs of the ministry.
Love ya'll
Troy
Matt 25:35,36
Monday, October 25, 2010
HERE AT SOX PLACE
Another interesting week here at Sox Place. My typical day, if there is such a thing, is kind of like this: up around 6am, a pot of coffee, time with my Lord, checking my emails, and around 8 start cooking something. Usually I know the night before what I'm going to cook, but it has changed after a cup of coffee. Depending on what I fix, around 10 or 10:30, I move down stairs and mingle with the staff and interns.
Around 11 we gather for a time of Bible study and prayer. Some of the street people will come in and sit with us, and they come because they want to. These are the ones who will eventually want to know more. One recently asked Doyle how to have peace in his life, he just wanted peace. Another wanted to know how to get out of his present lifestyle. Opened doors for speaking into their lives.
We officially open the door at 12 and the lunch counter is open. We do not serve them the food, they are free to get what they want and as much as they want and are welcome to come back for more. They then move to a sofa, chair, table or even outside to eat. There are pies, cakes, pastries, etc., that have come in from grocery stores, bakeries, donut shops and the kids get what they want, sometimes one will take a whole pie or cake. This will go on until the food is gone or it is closing time.
Some will crash and sleep for hours on a sofa because they know it is safe and they can sleep. For some reason they were not able to sleep during the night. Others will be gathered around the pool table, it is never without players, others are at 4 computers on Facebook or Twitter or surfing the Web. There is a large TV that movies are going during the whole time selected by one of them. People are coming and going all the time. We sit two small metal round tables outside on the sidewalk with chairs and again people are coming and going all the time.
Last week a young woman asked me to save her a cake, a birthday cake if possible. Her young son's birthday was Thursday and she wanted to have a cake for him. An elementary school (public) fixed sack lunches and drove the streets looking for street people to give them to. They saw the youth hanging out in front here and came in to see what was going on. They left about 75 sack lunches with a burrito, apple and fruit bar in them. They didn't last long.
The Lord is showing me some insights into serving. When we serve the poor we are not expecting anything back, nor can we. Look up and read for yourself Luke 6:32-36, especially 35a.
In Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, the first line of the first chapter says it all when it comes to serving - "It's not about you." Jesus said that he came to serve, not to be served. Matt 20:28. Also read Matt 25:35-45. There is always the discussion about who is the least and as the old saying goes, When everything is said and done, more is said than done. I would put to you that instead of trying to figure out who the least is, that you go out and do something for someone who is less fortunate than yourself. As the advertising slogan goes, Just Do It!
Why not read Matt 25:35-45 and pray for the Lord to show you where your Matt 25 ministry lies? Why not start your own Matt 25 project?
I continue to ask you to pray for us here at Sox Place. There is true spiritual battle raging around us. Pray for our needs - financially it takes $2500 a month to open the doors; we are getting more requests for blankets; we desperately need one or two more freezers as we are getting food from the stadiums after home games that can be frozen, and some catering companies are doing the same; I have been asked to do a once-a-month Saturday Breakfast for the kids and will need to raise the support for that. Mention us in your prayer time as the Lord lays us on your heart.
We are giving away to other ministries food that we can not use. We are giving off the top, first fruits, to others so they can be blessed and bless others. Giving not what is not usable but what is good and very usable. Tithing, if you will. That is why we need another freezer, because God is blessing us to bless others.
Love ya'll
Troy
Around 11 we gather for a time of Bible study and prayer. Some of the street people will come in and sit with us, and they come because they want to. These are the ones who will eventually want to know more. One recently asked Doyle how to have peace in his life, he just wanted peace. Another wanted to know how to get out of his present lifestyle. Opened doors for speaking into their lives.
We officially open the door at 12 and the lunch counter is open. We do not serve them the food, they are free to get what they want and as much as they want and are welcome to come back for more. They then move to a sofa, chair, table or even outside to eat. There are pies, cakes, pastries, etc., that have come in from grocery stores, bakeries, donut shops and the kids get what they want, sometimes one will take a whole pie or cake. This will go on until the food is gone or it is closing time.
Some will crash and sleep for hours on a sofa because they know it is safe and they can sleep. For some reason they were not able to sleep during the night. Others will be gathered around the pool table, it is never without players, others are at 4 computers on Facebook or Twitter or surfing the Web. There is a large TV that movies are going during the whole time selected by one of them. People are coming and going all the time. We sit two small metal round tables outside on the sidewalk with chairs and again people are coming and going all the time.
Last week a young woman asked me to save her a cake, a birthday cake if possible. Her young son's birthday was Thursday and she wanted to have a cake for him. An elementary school (public) fixed sack lunches and drove the streets looking for street people to give them to. They saw the youth hanging out in front here and came in to see what was going on. They left about 75 sack lunches with a burrito, apple and fruit bar in them. They didn't last long.
The Lord is showing me some insights into serving. When we serve the poor we are not expecting anything back, nor can we. Look up and read for yourself Luke 6:32-36, especially 35a.
In Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, the first line of the first chapter says it all when it comes to serving - "It's not about you." Jesus said that he came to serve, not to be served. Matt 20:28. Also read Matt 25:35-45. There is always the discussion about who is the least and as the old saying goes, When everything is said and done, more is said than done. I would put to you that instead of trying to figure out who the least is, that you go out and do something for someone who is less fortunate than yourself. As the advertising slogan goes, Just Do It!
Why not read Matt 25:35-45 and pray for the Lord to show you where your Matt 25 ministry lies? Why not start your own Matt 25 project?
I continue to ask you to pray for us here at Sox Place. There is true spiritual battle raging around us. Pray for our needs - financially it takes $2500 a month to open the doors; we are getting more requests for blankets; we desperately need one or two more freezers as we are getting food from the stadiums after home games that can be frozen, and some catering companies are doing the same; I have been asked to do a once-a-month Saturday Breakfast for the kids and will need to raise the support for that. Mention us in your prayer time as the Lord lays us on your heart.
We are giving away to other ministries food that we can not use. We are giving off the top, first fruits, to others so they can be blessed and bless others. Giving not what is not usable but what is good and very usable. Tithing, if you will. That is why we need another freezer, because God is blessing us to bless others.
Love ya'll
Troy
Sunday, October 17, 2010
FIRST WEEK AT SOX PLACE
Just over a week ago I left Bentonville for Denver. On Thursday I loaded up the truck with the help of Ken Foeppel, Brad Hill and Tim Murphy. That was after I had taken a tumble out of the back of the truck, hitting the bumper with my lower left back ribcage, and then hitting the concrete with my head. The odd thing is that I never had a tender spot or knot on my head! I really had no pain, just some discomfort, until Saturday morning, then I was in constant aching. Coughing and sneezing were two things I told myself not to do, but when I slipped up, the pain was excruciating.
I arrived at Sox Place about 2:30pm and we started throwing things off, at least the others did. It turns out that there was a 4 band concert that night next door and they were going to start unloading about 3:30. I was bent over in pain and could only point where things went, up a narrow staircase into the two rooms that was going to be my home. It was around 7 or 8 when we finished getting things situated. I spent that evening with Chelley (my daughter) and could hardly move off the sofa, except with great pain in my left side.
I spent the next day with Chelley, Brian and Sarah (my son and daughter-in-law) and of course Gage my grandson. I had called back to New Life Christian Center in Centerton, AR, my home church and asked for prayer. As Sunday passed I could feel my back getting better. I now have a tender spot back there but no pain, thank the Lord and you for your prayers.
Monday I did a little rearranging of boxes so my bed was accessible. I was living and now sleeping among the boxes. Then hung out with Doyle, my brother and boss. Some more straightening and to bed because Tuesday was my first day and I was being thrown in at the deep end.
I got up and started warming up some pulled pork sandwiches that had been donated the day before, about 200. Couldn't find regular coffee so I fixed decaf, bad mistake. I thought I'd go down on the street and just observed the traffic. First day in 2 or 3 months that it rained. I was out for about 10 minutes and got wet and cold so I turned to go back inside. OH, NO! I'm locked out. No keys, no phone, nothing. It was very funny later but not right then. I knew Doyle would be there around 9, and it is now 7:45. I had on a hooded sweat shirt and jeans and they were wet by now. I looked like some of those we served. I began to ask the Lord how these young people stayed dry and warm. Then began to pray for them. Doyle told me later that they often do not stay dry. They have come in here with clothes and sleeping bags soaked. As he put it, they just learn to survive. We provide hot meals, clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, etc, as these things are donated.
About 8:45 Doyle drove up with Josh, my nephew and boss. Josh looked at me and started laughing, would have been rolling on ground if he had not been in van. They drove on around to the back and let me in. The sandwiches were kind of dried out.
I met some different kind of people that day and the next few days. Charlotte, looks about 18, and said she thought her little toe was broken. It seems she was bumped by a car and her foot run over. She absolutely refused to see a doctor. Not much we could do. I met Smiley, Shaggy, Freckles, Kimmy and her infant daughter, Tina, Holly (she was a street person but now provides addiction counseling) and many others.
Friday we had a group of college students from Sterling College in Kansas come in for about 5 hours to help out. They cleaned, moved boxes (mine), talked with the street youth, played a card game with them and generally got things done we had not been able to get to. They were a blessing. I have a living room without boxes now.
Saturday we had a home group from a local church bring hamburgers and hot dogs. They set up in the alley and when through, there was about a dozen dogs not eaten. They wanted to know how they could get more involved. I, of course, mentioned bringing a meal once a week. They will bring chili on occasion. One lady went to Target and bought 4 sleeping bags as one person asked for one and we were out. It seems that she had been kicked out of her home at 16, so she knew the hardships these youth face each day and night.
My nephew, Josh, mentioned to me that being around this type of ministry for long periods of time can drain you and wear away at you spiritually and that you need prayer-er supporters and a body of believers to connect with. That is going to be my earnest search, to find a body of believers to connect with locally. I'm so thankful for all you who are praying for me and this ministry. So many of you at New Life Christian Center have told me that you would pray for me. Thank you, and I truly appreciate that. Nothing can be accomplished for the Kingdom without prayer. It is truly spiritual warfare here but the enemy is defeated and we have the victory through Jesus!
Love you all.
I arrived at Sox Place about 2:30pm and we started throwing things off, at least the others did. It turns out that there was a 4 band concert that night next door and they were going to start unloading about 3:30. I was bent over in pain and could only point where things went, up a narrow staircase into the two rooms that was going to be my home. It was around 7 or 8 when we finished getting things situated. I spent that evening with Chelley (my daughter) and could hardly move off the sofa, except with great pain in my left side.
I spent the next day with Chelley, Brian and Sarah (my son and daughter-in-law) and of course Gage my grandson. I had called back to New Life Christian Center in Centerton, AR, my home church and asked for prayer. As Sunday passed I could feel my back getting better. I now have a tender spot back there but no pain, thank the Lord and you for your prayers.
Monday I did a little rearranging of boxes so my bed was accessible. I was living and now sleeping among the boxes. Then hung out with Doyle, my brother and boss. Some more straightening and to bed because Tuesday was my first day and I was being thrown in at the deep end.
I got up and started warming up some pulled pork sandwiches that had been donated the day before, about 200. Couldn't find regular coffee so I fixed decaf, bad mistake. I thought I'd go down on the street and just observed the traffic. First day in 2 or 3 months that it rained. I was out for about 10 minutes and got wet and cold so I turned to go back inside. OH, NO! I'm locked out. No keys, no phone, nothing. It was very funny later but not right then. I knew Doyle would be there around 9, and it is now 7:45. I had on a hooded sweat shirt and jeans and they were wet by now. I looked like some of those we served. I began to ask the Lord how these young people stayed dry and warm. Then began to pray for them. Doyle told me later that they often do not stay dry. They have come in here with clothes and sleeping bags soaked. As he put it, they just learn to survive. We provide hot meals, clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, etc, as these things are donated.
About 8:45 Doyle drove up with Josh, my nephew and boss. Josh looked at me and started laughing, would have been rolling on ground if he had not been in van. They drove on around to the back and let me in. The sandwiches were kind of dried out.
I met some different kind of people that day and the next few days. Charlotte, looks about 18, and said she thought her little toe was broken. It seems she was bumped by a car and her foot run over. She absolutely refused to see a doctor. Not much we could do. I met Smiley, Shaggy, Freckles, Kimmy and her infant daughter, Tina, Holly (she was a street person but now provides addiction counseling) and many others.
Friday we had a group of college students from Sterling College in Kansas come in for about 5 hours to help out. They cleaned, moved boxes (mine), talked with the street youth, played a card game with them and generally got things done we had not been able to get to. They were a blessing. I have a living room without boxes now.
Saturday we had a home group from a local church bring hamburgers and hot dogs. They set up in the alley and when through, there was about a dozen dogs not eaten. They wanted to know how they could get more involved. I, of course, mentioned bringing a meal once a week. They will bring chili on occasion. One lady went to Target and bought 4 sleeping bags as one person asked for one and we were out. It seems that she had been kicked out of her home at 16, so she knew the hardships these youth face each day and night.
My nephew, Josh, mentioned to me that being around this type of ministry for long periods of time can drain you and wear away at you spiritually and that you need prayer-er supporters and a body of believers to connect with. That is going to be my earnest search, to find a body of believers to connect with locally. I'm so thankful for all you who are praying for me and this ministry. So many of you at New Life Christian Center have told me that you would pray for me. Thank you, and I truly appreciate that. Nothing can be accomplished for the Kingdom without prayer. It is truly spiritual warfare here but the enemy is defeated and we have the victory through Jesus!
Love you all.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
WHAT HAPPENED TO JEANNE 3
Our meeting the oncologist was Wed the 13th. On Thursday I was out taking care of business. Thursday evening Jeanne had a very restless night. I'm not sure got any sleep. Not in pain but just restless.
We talked a bit during the morning Friday and started getting ready to go to the church for work. I came out of bathroom about 9:45, and I said something to Jeanne to which she responded in a normal conversation. I went into the next room to get my coat and when I started back to our bedroom Jeanne was on the floor beside the bed. I tried to help her up but she looked at me with blank eyes. I called 911 and paramedics were there in about 3 minutes (station was two blocks behind us). Randy Gully, a very good friend from church and also a paramedic, was off duty when he heard the call on his radio. He was 1 minute behind others. Thanks God for him, as he first helped me then helped other paramedics get Jeanne to the ambulance. Her blood sugar was 55, blood pressure was 50/60. They got her stabilized and she waved and grinned at me at the back window looking in.
She arrived at hospital and they hooked her up to monitors. She was never given any medication. Xrays and blood samples were taken. After reviewing everything, the ER doctor talked with me about the situation then said,"she has maybe two days to live." I was floored! I had no idea about anything like this
He said we could put her on a ventilator and help her breath for this episode. Jeanne and I talked it over and she said that she had been on a ventilator before and came off ok. In the meantime the ER doctor talked with oncologists and came back to me and said that he did not now recommend the ventilator. He said the cancer had spread to her right breast and lung and her liver. Jeanne and I talked this over also and she was ok with it all. During the day several people came and went and came back and were a real help to me with their presence and their prayers.
Around 4pm I am signing some papers for them to draw fluid off her lungs when the ER doctor said, "She's going NOW! She had been drifting in and out of sleep and she simply slipped away in her sleep. She was not drugged in anyway. Jesus reached out His hand to her and she took it.
That's a bit of a nutshell as to what happened. This has been hard to re-live those last days and hours but has also been a good release.
The Lord is good and He is good all the time, blessed be the Lord.
We talked a bit during the morning Friday and started getting ready to go to the church for work. I came out of bathroom about 9:45, and I said something to Jeanne to which she responded in a normal conversation. I went into the next room to get my coat and when I started back to our bedroom Jeanne was on the floor beside the bed. I tried to help her up but she looked at me with blank eyes. I called 911 and paramedics were there in about 3 minutes (station was two blocks behind us). Randy Gully, a very good friend from church and also a paramedic, was off duty when he heard the call on his radio. He was 1 minute behind others. Thanks God for him, as he first helped me then helped other paramedics get Jeanne to the ambulance. Her blood sugar was 55, blood pressure was 50/60. They got her stabilized and she waved and grinned at me at the back window looking in.
She arrived at hospital and they hooked her up to monitors. She was never given any medication. Xrays and blood samples were taken. After reviewing everything, the ER doctor talked with me about the situation then said,"she has maybe two days to live." I was floored! I had no idea about anything like this
He said we could put her on a ventilator and help her breath for this episode. Jeanne and I talked it over and she said that she had been on a ventilator before and came off ok. In the meantime the ER doctor talked with oncologists and came back to me and said that he did not now recommend the ventilator. He said the cancer had spread to her right breast and lung and her liver. Jeanne and I talked this over also and she was ok with it all. During the day several people came and went and came back and were a real help to me with their presence and their prayers.
Around 4pm I am signing some papers for them to draw fluid off her lungs when the ER doctor said, "She's going NOW! She had been drifting in and out of sleep and she simply slipped away in her sleep. She was not drugged in anyway. Jesus reached out His hand to her and she took it.
That's a bit of a nutshell as to what happened. This has been hard to re-live those last days and hours but has also been a good release.
The Lord is good and He is good all the time, blessed be the Lord.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
WHAT ABOUT JEANNE? (2)
I think I was in denial, or at least not remembering information from the oncologist. In December '09 we met with the oncologist who said the cancer was back. I guess I had conveniently forgotten that we had been told that there was no known medical cure. He said he could try another combination of chemo drugs. Jeanne asked what they were and said she had tried them before and had pretty bad reactions to them. She asked to wait until after Christmas to start them. She wanted to go to Albuquerque to see our new grandson, Gage, Brian and Sarah's first born and our first grandchild. She knew when she started the chemo treatment she would not be able to travel. I thank the Lord that she decided that.
She made the trip to Albuquerque and back just fine. No oxygen or wheelchair. I will always be thankful that she was able to spend time with Gage. Even now I can hardly hold back the tears that begin to come.
She started the first chemo treatment on Dec 30th, a Wednesday. On Saturday night she had a severe reaction. On Tuesday she went to her morning Bible Study at church. Her second treatment was on December, Jan 6. That Saturday night there was another severe and violent reaction. I was ready through out the night to call 911, but Jeanne did not want it. She made the decision that night that she was not going to have anymore treatments. Again, she drove herself to church to meet with the women for Bible study. They could tell she was not feeling good but I don't think more than one or two knew what was happening. I was out of town that day for business.
On Wed the 13th, we sat with the oncologist and told him no more treatments. The thought went through my mind that I needed to start preparing for her eventual struggle and death, little did I know how soon however.
Again I need to stop for now. I'll pick this up in a few hours or maybe days. It's both hard and good to write this. I'm still amazed at the good Hand of the Lord through all this. There were times we could see the obvious working of the Lord and I haven't shared it all. He was the anchor of my soul the last 4 years and continues to be.
Until next time may the Lord bless you all and keep you through your circumstances. Read Hebrews 4:16.
She made the trip to Albuquerque and back just fine. No oxygen or wheelchair. I will always be thankful that she was able to spend time with Gage. Even now I can hardly hold back the tears that begin to come.
She started the first chemo treatment on Dec 30th, a Wednesday. On Saturday night she had a severe reaction. On Tuesday she went to her morning Bible Study at church. Her second treatment was on December, Jan 6. That Saturday night there was another severe and violent reaction. I was ready through out the night to call 911, but Jeanne did not want it. She made the decision that night that she was not going to have anymore treatments. Again, she drove herself to church to meet with the women for Bible study. They could tell she was not feeling good but I don't think more than one or two knew what was happening. I was out of town that day for business.
On Wed the 13th, we sat with the oncologist and told him no more treatments. The thought went through my mind that I needed to start preparing for her eventual struggle and death, little did I know how soon however.
Again I need to stop for now. I'll pick this up in a few hours or maybe days. It's both hard and good to write this. I'm still amazed at the good Hand of the Lord through all this. There were times we could see the obvious working of the Lord and I haven't shared it all. He was the anchor of my soul the last 4 years and continues to be.
Until next time may the Lord bless you all and keep you through your circumstances. Read Hebrews 4:16.
WHAT ABOUT JEANNE?
January 15, 2010, at about 4:10pm, the ER doctor turned and said in a shocked voice, "She's going NOW! He was surprised. She stepped from the land of the dying into the land of the living at 4:15pm. She was in the presence of the One she had served and loved with all her being for so many years.
So many of you asked, what happened? You said that you didn't know she was so bad. You thought she was healed; that the cancer was in remisson, that she was doing better.
In July '06, Jeanne began to realize something was wrong. There was not a lump but there was a mass. We had no insurance but she found out about an organization that would pay for a mammogram. This organization got us hooked up with Medicaid. These places are out there and you can find them, you just have to be persistent.
The mammogram confirmed cancer in her breast. She then had an incisional biopsy that also confirmed it and that it was Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Let me beat a drum here - all women and their husbands, PLEASE go on the internet and research IBC. It is not like other breast cancers, it is not common. There are symptoms that are unusual and even embarassing. There was a case of a 16 year old girl who was so embarassed she did not even tell her mother.
We were told that there was no known medical cure at this time. Jeanne did not roll over and die. She fought it, for 3 1/2 years she fought it, amazed the oncologist and his nursing staff. She always gave credit to her Lord and Savior.
Jeanne went completely organic and natural for about 6 months and was experiencing a lessening of the symptoms. In April she began to have difficulty breathing and quit her work as a Field Inspector for insurance companies. We traveled to Albuquerque in May to conduct the wedding of our son Brian to Sarah. Oh, did she love being a part of that. However, she was in a wheelchair and really having difficulty breathing. Our good friend, Harold Vann, loaned her some oxygen tanks and that kept her going.
About a week after returning from Albuquerque she said one morning that she needed to go to the hospital, she couldn't get her breath. The oncologist examined her and based on the visual examination, he told us later, that he said to himself, "She's a goner." On questioning some medical people including my sister, Enola, who is an RN, I was told it doesn't look good, it's bad; the intern said she only has a few months. I was told to either start chemo or take her home and call Hospice. The oncologist didn't think chemo would help but that it might give her a few more weeks or months.
When she responded so well to the chemo the oncologist and his staff were surprised.
It was during this time, June, that her mother died and she could not go to the funeral. It was a really hard time for her.
Her hair had started coming out and she started wearing a wig. But after a few months her hair began to come back and she began brushing it. She had just started going without a wig when she was told she had 4 tumors on her brain and needed radiation. She lost her hair again, except it came out everywhere except for a 1 1/2" strip that ran from her forehead back to her neck - a MOHAWK! She laughed about that.
She was on Herciptin, a non-chemo antibody most of the time. Her blood work was good. However, in the last few months her "tumor marker" was moving up - not a good sign.
I need to stop at this point and give myself a break. I'll pick this up in a few hours or maybe tomorrow.
So many of you asked, what happened? You said that you didn't know she was so bad. You thought she was healed; that the cancer was in remisson, that she was doing better.
In July '06, Jeanne began to realize something was wrong. There was not a lump but there was a mass. We had no insurance but she found out about an organization that would pay for a mammogram. This organization got us hooked up with Medicaid. These places are out there and you can find them, you just have to be persistent.
The mammogram confirmed cancer in her breast. She then had an incisional biopsy that also confirmed it and that it was Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Let me beat a drum here - all women and their husbands, PLEASE go on the internet and research IBC. It is not like other breast cancers, it is not common. There are symptoms that are unusual and even embarassing. There was a case of a 16 year old girl who was so embarassed she did not even tell her mother.
We were told that there was no known medical cure at this time. Jeanne did not roll over and die. She fought it, for 3 1/2 years she fought it, amazed the oncologist and his nursing staff. She always gave credit to her Lord and Savior.
Jeanne went completely organic and natural for about 6 months and was experiencing a lessening of the symptoms. In April she began to have difficulty breathing and quit her work as a Field Inspector for insurance companies. We traveled to Albuquerque in May to conduct the wedding of our son Brian to Sarah. Oh, did she love being a part of that. However, she was in a wheelchair and really having difficulty breathing. Our good friend, Harold Vann, loaned her some oxygen tanks and that kept her going.
About a week after returning from Albuquerque she said one morning that she needed to go to the hospital, she couldn't get her breath. The oncologist examined her and based on the visual examination, he told us later, that he said to himself, "She's a goner." On questioning some medical people including my sister, Enola, who is an RN, I was told it doesn't look good, it's bad; the intern said she only has a few months. I was told to either start chemo or take her home and call Hospice. The oncologist didn't think chemo would help but that it might give her a few more weeks or months.
When she responded so well to the chemo the oncologist and his staff were surprised.
It was during this time, June, that her mother died and she could not go to the funeral. It was a really hard time for her.
Her hair had started coming out and she started wearing a wig. But after a few months her hair began to come back and she began brushing it. She had just started going without a wig when she was told she had 4 tumors on her brain and needed radiation. She lost her hair again, except it came out everywhere except for a 1 1/2" strip that ran from her forehead back to her neck - a MOHAWK! She laughed about that.
She was on Herciptin, a non-chemo antibody most of the time. Her blood work was good. However, in the last few months her "tumor marker" was moving up - not a good sign.
I need to stop at this point and give myself a break. I'll pick this up in a few hours or maybe tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
HOW ARE YOU DOING?
How are you doing? I get asked this question often. I don't mind anyone asking, however, I'm not sure how to answer most of the time.
So...how am I doing? It depends on when the question is asked - during the day or the night. Am I tired or rested?
The first months after Jeanne died I was in a pit but tried to keep up a good front around others. Silly, huh? Everyone knew I was not on top of the world. During the daytime I was focused on work so my mind didn't dwell on that missing part of my life. Evenings were the worst, and still hold some moments of loneliness. I don't get a lot accomplished in the evenings.
But...how am I doing? The Lord has been an ever present help and presence through it all. Unless you have experienced a time when you were out of control with the overwhelming circumstances in your life, the statement of "the Lord being an ever present help", probably doesn't ring a bell for you.
He is called the anchor of my soul. My Anchor!! It's another statement that is so true for me.
The Lord has shown me, over a period of months that His plan for my life is not over. Jer 29:11 I heard about 70 & 80 year old men and women going on short term mission trips to Europe and China. I began telling myself that I'm not too old for the Lord's work! He led me to Isaiah 41:9b, where He said to me, "You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you."
You might ask, didn't I already know this? Yes, but remember I'm coming out of an emotional fog the last few months. Jeanne was very much apart of His plan for my life, but her death did not stop His plan for me.
So...how am I doing? I'm ok, I'm fine, I'm doing alright, I'm still missing my friend and companion and my beloved wife, I'm still trusting in the Lord, I'm holding onto His strong right hand that He grasps me with. Isaiah 41:10
My journey with him continues and it is an exciting and fulfilling journey.
In my next writing I want to share details of Jeanne's last days, as many of you have asked about them - what happened? I thought she was doing better. I didn't know she was so bad.
Until then, may our Lord and savior bless you all with His grace and love.
Love you all.
Troy
Come visit us at http://www.soxplace.com/ and then come visit us in Denver.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
WHAT'S HAPPENING? WHERE AM I?
Ever asked yourself those questions? What's happening to/in my life? Where am I in this walk called my life? I certainly have the last few months.
My blog title is what I see my life has been...A Journey. A journey that my Lord started me on some time ago. Was it in August when my brother asked me to come out Denver and work at Soxplace? Was it in July when He said that I was His servant, He had chosen me and not rejected me (Isaiah 41:9b), then told me to get my house in order now? Was it in January when Jeanne died? Was it in August 1964 when I accepted Jesus as my savior? No, I believe it started in eternity before I was even formed in my mothers womb. Jeremiah 1:5. What does that say about when life begins?
I wrote in my journal a few weeks ago, the journey continues. There was a few months there right after Jeanne died that, though I didn't actually verbalize it, I was feeling like life was over. And, yes it was over, life as I had been use to. But the Lord assured me that His plans for my life were not over. Yes, Jeanne had been part of His plan for my life for 20 years, but His plans did not stop when He called her home.
I am going to be working with one of my Heros of the Faith - my brother Doyle. I have watched him over the years over come many adversities and hindrances to keep him from the calling God had placed on his life. I've watched him be successful (as God counts success - being faithful) without encouragement from some of the most important people in his life. I am privileged to be going to work alongside him and his sons in this ministry to the throw away kids on the streets of Denver. Though the idea of my younger brother being my boss and my nephew also being my boss, well, I don't know... ;D>
I ask for your prayers as this is not only a step of faith financially, but also from the standpoint of being out of my comfort zone. And prayer for those He brings into my life that I will be able to exhibit the love of Christ for them. That being said, I am so excited to be starting on this next part of my journey! I am sad to be physically leaving such good friends and family, however, the excitement of this journey has got me EXCITED. Did I tell you how excited I am?
In the next couple of posts I want to share with you some of Jeanne's last days. Many of you wrote and asked, "What happened?" I have wanted to share this for some time but just haven't. I ask your indulgence as I do this for many friends and family. After that I plan on trying to post something each week about the ministry there in Denver and the Lord's work in my life as I continue on this journey He started me on a long time back.
Love you all,
Troy
I am sending out an email sharing this blog address so anyone who wants to can come look. I will not be putting you on one of those infernal, eternal mailing lists.
Come visit us at http://www.soxplace.com/ and then come visit us.
My blog title is what I see my life has been...A Journey. A journey that my Lord started me on some time ago. Was it in August when my brother asked me to come out Denver and work at Soxplace? Was it in July when He said that I was His servant, He had chosen me and not rejected me (Isaiah 41:9b), then told me to get my house in order now? Was it in January when Jeanne died? Was it in August 1964 when I accepted Jesus as my savior? No, I believe it started in eternity before I was even formed in my mothers womb. Jeremiah 1:5. What does that say about when life begins?
I wrote in my journal a few weeks ago, the journey continues. There was a few months there right after Jeanne died that, though I didn't actually verbalize it, I was feeling like life was over. And, yes it was over, life as I had been use to. But the Lord assured me that His plans for my life were not over. Yes, Jeanne had been part of His plan for my life for 20 years, but His plans did not stop when He called her home.
I am going to be working with one of my Heros of the Faith - my brother Doyle. I have watched him over the years over come many adversities and hindrances to keep him from the calling God had placed on his life. I've watched him be successful (as God counts success - being faithful) without encouragement from some of the most important people in his life. I am privileged to be going to work alongside him and his sons in this ministry to the throw away kids on the streets of Denver. Though the idea of my younger brother being my boss and my nephew also being my boss, well, I don't know... ;D>
I ask for your prayers as this is not only a step of faith financially, but also from the standpoint of being out of my comfort zone. And prayer for those He brings into my life that I will be able to exhibit the love of Christ for them. That being said, I am so excited to be starting on this next part of my journey! I am sad to be physically leaving such good friends and family, however, the excitement of this journey has got me EXCITED. Did I tell you how excited I am?
In the next couple of posts I want to share with you some of Jeanne's last days. Many of you wrote and asked, "What happened?" I have wanted to share this for some time but just haven't. I ask your indulgence as I do this for many friends and family. After that I plan on trying to post something each week about the ministry there in Denver and the Lord's work in my life as I continue on this journey He started me on a long time back.
Love you all,
Troy
I am sending out an email sharing this blog address so anyone who wants to can come look. I will not be putting you on one of those infernal, eternal mailing lists.
Come visit us at http://www.soxplace.com/ and then come visit us.
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