I was 22 and serving aboard a US Navy Ammunition ship operating off the coast of South and North Viet Nam. I am a dues paid, lifetime member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club. I had arrived at a plan for my life. I was going to be a missionary.
I became a Radioman to learn all I could about radios and communications from remote areas. I was going to use my GI Bill to learn to fly and then offer my services to any missions organization that needed me. That didn't work out.
I was a Construction Superintendent on some commercial office buildings in Houston in 1973. I and the architect on our buildings were going to start taking our vacations and pay our way to some mission outpost and offer our services to design and build houses and churches at no cost to the missionaries. Or just go and teach their children, fix their vehicle, fix meals, baby sit, whatever was needed to free them up to do the work of a missionary. That didn't work out.
I was attending Calvary Chapel Albuquerque and was putting together a group to smuggle Bibles into China. Then we were going to travel to the Philippines for two weeks to work with some native leaders in the interior. I had a passport and was applying for a visa. That didn't work out.
I started a church in Albuquerque, Hope Chapel Albuquerque, and helped others go on the mission field and go on short term missions trips. But not me.
But the Lord showed me something recently, I am a missionary. I am working in a mission field that is almost cross-cultural, a different language, and different customs than I am use to. I fix meals and help out where ever needed. My brother Doyle has been a missionary in this culture for over 12 years. He is supported by believers giving.
I am fulfilling my plans, though they are different from what I had thought they would be. I know it to be true, the Lord has plans for each of us.
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Sox Place has started a monthly Enewsletter. In it we talk about current events, upcoming events, articles about staff, and stories about the young people who come to us. If you would like to receive this Eletter, email kara .@soxplace.com
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In about two weeks we are to have our new website up and running. Keep checking back for updates.
We were going to purchase a 2002 van for SoxPlace use but the owner back out at last minute.
An update on our looking at a new location. The building I wrote you about has received an offer to purchase. It is not a done deal and we are still praying for that building. Thank you for praying with us.
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Have you ever seen a homeless person on the street asking for a hand out, but you didn't have any change or didn't feel comfortable giving them money? Consider this: use a ziplock bag, fill it with small food items like you would put in a child's lunch box (does that still happen). Things like small boxes of raisins, small juice boxes, cereal bars, any thing edible that is non-perishable and will fit in the bag. No fruit or any thing that needs special care. You can put some in your car and hand them out at the intersections. You can carry a few bags for days in you car. Most homeless are not sure when their next meal will be.
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Remember the 5280x club. More coming out soon. You can start this anytime. It is your commitment to give $52.80 a month for one year to Sox Place to help us further the ministry God has given us.
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Proverbs 14:31 "...whoever is kind to the needy honors God."
I leave you with a Christian Navajo blessing: May you walk in the beauty of the Lord. Beauty before you, beauty around you, beauty above you. Walk in the beauty of the Lord.
Love ya'll
Troy
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Sunday, July 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
I'M BACK WITH SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS.
I know it has been almost three months since I last posted. I'll talk about that in a moment, however right now I have an urgent prayer request. We are needing to move to larger quarters and we have located a building, 8000sq ft, about half a mile from our present location. WE are suppose to be getting some word on their acceptance or not in the 48 hours. Owner has agreed to reduce rent by $1100 a month. Pray for 1. God's will in all this and 2. For favor with the building owner. It is almost perfect for our ministry.
I haven't posted here for almost three months. Various reasons I guess but couldn't seem to sit and write. I have had all I wanted to say in my mind but had hard time sitting and writing. Probably depression but I don't like that word because it is so depressing. Let's just say I was out of sorts. Last day of March I was struck with Bells Palsy on the left side of my face and almost gone now. Two weeks later I had a sinus/allergy attack that turned into a bronchial problem that lasted 5 weeks. As that drew to a close I had all my money disappear from all my bank accounts. Got that straightened out and back to "normal". So I guess I haven't been in the mood to write.
We had a Human Trafficking Seminar here in May and lots of shocking and informative information. One statistic has stayed with me...within 48 hours of a young person going homeless, 1 in 3 will be under the control of a pimp. Our young people are at great risks.
There are two or three reasons that the Lord has sent me here, but one Doyle keeps trying to get through to me on - I'm here to rest and heal. It took me some time, months, to get that into my head. My main focus here is to cook. I'm also to pray over Sox Place and all that are connected to this ministry. Then I'm to take it easy. The last 5 years, and even before, have been very stressful. The Lord keeps assuring me that He has plans for me, that He loves me, that He will guide and counsel me.
While I'm here I am to cook. I have to come to realize that that is a very important part of this team. WE are a team and everyone has there part to play so as to have the ministry go smoothly.
In the past, some of you have asked how you can help us, praying but is there more. One thing that I am aware of is that we do not purchase food. I cook what has been donated, and sometimes I have to get very creative! We have to purchase paper plates, spoons, forks, napkins, cleaning supplies, cups, and one way that you can help is with Sam's Gift cards in any amount. A native American church stopped by to visit us here at Sox Place and wound up donating a whole processed hog ! Around 450lbs to 600lbs. I'll be driving back to Muskogee, OK, to pick it up sometime in the next s2 months.
There is another opportunity for you to give into this ministry. Soon we will be informing you of a "club" that will be announced to the public. You are hearing about now before it becomes official. Our 5280x club will be a way to help us here. The 5280 is the designation for Denver, it is the mile high city (now you people from New Mexico know that Denver is not the only mile high city). This club will be made up of people who commit to giving $52.80 a month for one year. This will go to operating expense. As we expand, there will be need for more resources. You can help in this. If the Lord leads you to do this, mail to Sox Place, PO Box 544, Denver, CO, 80201, and note that it is for 5280x. Soon we will have the capability to take credit cards at our new website. There will be some benefits of belonging to this club, but that will be announced later.
Love getting to see my son, Brian and his wife, Sarah and my grandson Gage. My daughter, Chelley, is keeping me fed by trying new recipes on me and taking me up into the mountains for long drives. Ahhh, being a dad and granddad! Loving it.
See you next week sometime.
Troy
I haven't posted here for almost three months. Various reasons I guess but couldn't seem to sit and write. I have had all I wanted to say in my mind but had hard time sitting and writing. Probably depression but I don't like that word because it is so depressing. Let's just say I was out of sorts. Last day of March I was struck with Bells Palsy on the left side of my face and almost gone now. Two weeks later I had a sinus/allergy attack that turned into a bronchial problem that lasted 5 weeks. As that drew to a close I had all my money disappear from all my bank accounts. Got that straightened out and back to "normal". So I guess I haven't been in the mood to write.
We had a Human Trafficking Seminar here in May and lots of shocking and informative information. One statistic has stayed with me...within 48 hours of a young person going homeless, 1 in 3 will be under the control of a pimp. Our young people are at great risks.
There are two or three reasons that the Lord has sent me here, but one Doyle keeps trying to get through to me on - I'm here to rest and heal. It took me some time, months, to get that into my head. My main focus here is to cook. I'm also to pray over Sox Place and all that are connected to this ministry. Then I'm to take it easy. The last 5 years, and even before, have been very stressful. The Lord keeps assuring me that He has plans for me, that He loves me, that He will guide and counsel me.
While I'm here I am to cook. I have to come to realize that that is a very important part of this team. WE are a team and everyone has there part to play so as to have the ministry go smoothly.
In the past, some of you have asked how you can help us, praying but is there more. One thing that I am aware of is that we do not purchase food. I cook what has been donated, and sometimes I have to get very creative! We have to purchase paper plates, spoons, forks, napkins, cleaning supplies, cups, and one way that you can help is with Sam's Gift cards in any amount. A native American church stopped by to visit us here at Sox Place and wound up donating a whole processed hog ! Around 450lbs to 600lbs. I'll be driving back to Muskogee, OK, to pick it up sometime in the next s2 months.
There is another opportunity for you to give into this ministry. Soon we will be informing you of a "club" that will be announced to the public. You are hearing about now before it becomes official. Our 5280x club will be a way to help us here. The 5280 is the designation for Denver, it is the mile high city (now you people from New Mexico know that Denver is not the only mile high city). This club will be made up of people who commit to giving $52.80 a month for one year. This will go to operating expense. As we expand, there will be need for more resources. You can help in this. If the Lord leads you to do this, mail to Sox Place, PO Box 544, Denver, CO, 80201, and note that it is for 5280x. Soon we will have the capability to take credit cards at our new website. There will be some benefits of belonging to this club, but that will be announced later.
Love getting to see my son, Brian and his wife, Sarah and my grandson Gage. My daughter, Chelley, is keeping me fed by trying new recipes on me and taking me up into the mountains for long drives. Ahhh, being a dad and granddad! Loving it.
See you next week sometime.
Troy
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
THE SUMMER I WANTD TO END IT ALL
Several years ago I wrote a small witnessing tract as a brief testimony of one summer in my life.
On June 4, 1967, I graduated from a small college in Arkansas. Little did I know of the traumatic and life-changing events that were to take place in the next few days. On June 14, I turned 22 years of age. On June 20, I reported for active duty with the Navy. On July 24, the day before I was to ship out to Viet Nam, my wife of a year and half died in my arms while visiting me in San Diego. In August I flew half-way around the world to catch my ship in the South China Sea, off the coast of Viet Nam.
It would be an understatement to say I was lonely and scared as I left behind family and friends, would I ever see them again? Loneliness like I had never experienced in my life swept over me. Thoughts of suicide came and went in my mind. I did not want to go on living.
With such tragic hurts you would think that I would have turned to alcohol to drown my sorrows. That would have only sedated my hurts for a few hours then I would have had to sober up. If I turned to drugs, again I would have only sedated the hurt for a few hours.
No, there was only one thing for me to do, I turned to the God of the Bible through His Son, Jesus Christ. The circumstances did not change but I now had peace and support in the midst of my sorrow and grief. The lonelinees became bearable because there was Someone else carrying it with me. Jesus Christ became my Burden Bearer, my Peace, my Friend, my Savior. Without Him I would have killed myself during the summer of 1967.
Are you lonely, afraid. sick, facing life without hope, run out of answers and options? Turn to Hm now and face life with new hope.
None of us know what the next day, hour, minute holds. Why go through life with only your own strength?
Praise the Lord God Almighty who is and was and is to come!
On June 4, 1967, I graduated from a small college in Arkansas. Little did I know of the traumatic and life-changing events that were to take place in the next few days. On June 14, I turned 22 years of age. On June 20, I reported for active duty with the Navy. On July 24, the day before I was to ship out to Viet Nam, my wife of a year and half died in my arms while visiting me in San Diego. In August I flew half-way around the world to catch my ship in the South China Sea, off the coast of Viet Nam.
It would be an understatement to say I was lonely and scared as I left behind family and friends, would I ever see them again? Loneliness like I had never experienced in my life swept over me. Thoughts of suicide came and went in my mind. I did not want to go on living.
With such tragic hurts you would think that I would have turned to alcohol to drown my sorrows. That would have only sedated my hurts for a few hours then I would have had to sober up. If I turned to drugs, again I would have only sedated the hurt for a few hours.
No, there was only one thing for me to do, I turned to the God of the Bible through His Son, Jesus Christ. The circumstances did not change but I now had peace and support in the midst of my sorrow and grief. The lonelinees became bearable because there was Someone else carrying it with me. Jesus Christ became my Burden Bearer, my Peace, my Friend, my Savior. Without Him I would have killed myself during the summer of 1967.
Are you lonely, afraid. sick, facing life without hope, run out of answers and options? Turn to Hm now and face life with new hope.
None of us know what the next day, hour, minute holds. Why go through life with only your own strength?
Praise the Lord God Almighty who is and was and is to come!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
INTERESTING WEEK HERE AT SOX PLACE
We had something like a Matthew 17, mountain top and valley experience here last week. I hope my inadequate words can tell you in such a way that you understand.
Tuesday and Wednesday we had a group of young people from University of St. Thomas. They were a part of 'club,group' ministry' called SHINE, taken from Matthew 5:16. They took their Spring Break to serve others, not party and indulge the flesh. They chose to serve in an Urban Ministry here in Denver and we were one of the fortunate ones. They didn't come to be served, they came to serve. They came to serve, not build us up, however, they encouraged us and strengthened us. Their love of the Lord, servant attitude, joy, enthusiasm, and desire to do whatever we asked, made an impression on us. I had one chop 2 bags onions, and he did it willingly! Maggie fixed a large pan of enchiladas for lunch and they were eaten in half an hour. Paige, Christina, Zack, Joe, Joel, Katie, Sarah. Who did I miss? Sorry ya'll, you made an impression on us and I remember you but name calling is just short of my ability.
Thursday morning, Doyle and I, said that we were sorry that they weren't going to be there anymore. Little did we know that the Lord used them to build us up for something that was going to happen.
It started Thursday with a young woman with a spirit of sexual perversion, a strong spiritual presence. Friday we had one guy trying to start a fight with a mentally challenged young man. Another was trying to control those around him. Other similar goings on so that Doyle made the decision to close early on Friday, 1:30, and not open on Saturday. Satan sent his messengers to create strife and havoc here, but he cannot. We have taken authority over him and will not cave into his attacks. Thank you for all who sent encouraging words.
The Lord is doing a mighty work here and there is more coming! Of course, satan doesn't like it and will fight us tooth and nail. WE HAVE VICTORY IN JESUS!! We truly appreciate all that are standing with us in prayer, financial support and when you can, presence support. It does help to know that you are praying for us.
Ya'll come see us when you can.
Troy
For those who didn't get the word, I was hit with Bell's Palsey Monday. No medication, and no real understanding of how it happens. It is not serious, doctor said it was a mild case and should be gone in 2 to 4 weeks. It sure is annoying. Kind of like when the dentist puts deadner in your gums and later you try to drink or eat and it runs out one side of your mouth. Just the left half. Like my sister Cheryl said, Keep your chin up.
Tuesday and Wednesday we had a group of young people from University of St. Thomas. They were a part of 'club,group' ministry' called SHINE, taken from Matthew 5:16. They took their Spring Break to serve others, not party and indulge the flesh. They chose to serve in an Urban Ministry here in Denver and we were one of the fortunate ones. They didn't come to be served, they came to serve. They came to serve, not build us up, however, they encouraged us and strengthened us. Their love of the Lord, servant attitude, joy, enthusiasm, and desire to do whatever we asked, made an impression on us. I had one chop 2 bags onions, and he did it willingly! Maggie fixed a large pan of enchiladas for lunch and they were eaten in half an hour. Paige, Christina, Zack, Joe, Joel, Katie, Sarah. Who did I miss? Sorry ya'll, you made an impression on us and I remember you but name calling is just short of my ability.
Thursday morning, Doyle and I, said that we were sorry that they weren't going to be there anymore. Little did we know that the Lord used them to build us up for something that was going to happen.
It started Thursday with a young woman with a spirit of sexual perversion, a strong spiritual presence. Friday we had one guy trying to start a fight with a mentally challenged young man. Another was trying to control those around him. Other similar goings on so that Doyle made the decision to close early on Friday, 1:30, and not open on Saturday. Satan sent his messengers to create strife and havoc here, but he cannot. We have taken authority over him and will not cave into his attacks. Thank you for all who sent encouraging words.
The Lord is doing a mighty work here and there is more coming! Of course, satan doesn't like it and will fight us tooth and nail. WE HAVE VICTORY IN JESUS!! We truly appreciate all that are standing with us in prayer, financial support and when you can, presence support. It does help to know that you are praying for us.
Ya'll come see us when you can.
Troy
For those who didn't get the word, I was hit with Bell's Palsey Monday. No medication, and no real understanding of how it happens. It is not serious, doctor said it was a mild case and should be gone in 2 to 4 weeks. It sure is annoying. Kind of like when the dentist puts deadner in your gums and later you try to drink or eat and it runs out one side of your mouth. Just the left half. Like my sister Cheryl said, Keep your chin up.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
TINA'S STORY and friends from back home
I just fixed 5lbs of pinto beans and some cornbread. Doesn't get much better than that!!
This past week has been interesting and encouraging. I'll get to all that but I want to tell Tina's story first. Remember, these stories are written by each person of their personal experiences. I do not edit them at all.
Christina (Tina) Akins
My life on the streets started when I was 12 years old. I ran away from home and came to downtown Denver. Through the years I ended up being raped by 4 men. But at home there were narcotics and a lot of alcohol, mixed with fighting people. So I found my escape. Through the years I got into a lot of trouble, got into drugs and drinking. While sleeping in train cars, parks, even the Light Rail when I didn't get caught. The whole time not knowing what I was looking for.
At 15 I had a child, while still on the streets. Then at 17 I had another one. The state (Department of Human Services) caught up with me. The whole time Doyle Robinson, Executive Director of Sox Place, knew my kids. I leaned on him a lot. I finally had someone in my life to say, "Hey, you're messing up. What's the problem?" That's when I learned what I had been in search of: a dad! Someone who cared unconditionally, a place to go when I was warm, cold, hungry, angry, happy or if I just had good news and no one to tell! I finally had a caring Dad and almost a brother with Josh Robinson (Assistant Director of Sox Place).
Now I have all of my kids, a roof over my head, love and everything I need and even through the death of my fourth child, I even still have my "light at the end of the tunnel" along with warm open arms with Doyle and Sox Place!"
This past week we had a college group in from Schreiner College in Kerrville, Texas. Helped with cleaning, cooking (dozens of pancakes), moving boxes, etc. While they were here another group came in unannounced. They were from a church in Kansas with their youth group and pastor Mike Gooder. In the course of the conversation with the pastor's wife, Cassie, I found that they were from Arkansas, when I said I came from Bentonville, they said they did also! In fact, they were at New Life Christian Center in Centerton, AR, the same time Jeanne and I were. I didn't recognize them but he said that when he came in he was sure he knew me from somewhere. Good time with them.
Last Monday I was able to spend several hours with Hal and Shauna Douglas and their two lovely daughters, Ali and Grace. We know each other from New Life Christian Center. They had come to Colorado for a vacation and took some of their time to come visit me. It was a refreshing and encouraging time for me. Thank ya'll so much!
I visited the Museum of Natural History and Science with my daughter Chelley this past week also. Very interesting, and took over 5 hours and didn't see everything. There was one display of gold nuggets in a vault. All kinds of shapes and sizes of nuggets, but the amazing thing was the nugget that weight over 7pounds. Not a picture of it but the nugget itself. Glad now I kept my sluice and gold panning equipment.
Spring is in the air and my fancy is turning to fishing.
Continue to pray for the ministry here at Sox Place. We have lost one staff member and another is moving to Tulsa the end of this month. Being short-handed we left will be filling in for the others and will be very busy. We do appreciate your prayers for our safety and well-being.
Love ya'll
Troy
Think on this: People see what you do, God sees why you do it. From Tracy Schauwecker.
This past week has been interesting and encouraging. I'll get to all that but I want to tell Tina's story first. Remember, these stories are written by each person of their personal experiences. I do not edit them at all.
Christina (Tina) Akins
My life on the streets started when I was 12 years old. I ran away from home and came to downtown Denver. Through the years I ended up being raped by 4 men. But at home there were narcotics and a lot of alcohol, mixed with fighting people. So I found my escape. Through the years I got into a lot of trouble, got into drugs and drinking. While sleeping in train cars, parks, even the Light Rail when I didn't get caught. The whole time not knowing what I was looking for.
At 15 I had a child, while still on the streets. Then at 17 I had another one. The state (Department of Human Services) caught up with me. The whole time Doyle Robinson, Executive Director of Sox Place, knew my kids. I leaned on him a lot. I finally had someone in my life to say, "Hey, you're messing up. What's the problem?" That's when I learned what I had been in search of: a dad! Someone who cared unconditionally, a place to go when I was warm, cold, hungry, angry, happy or if I just had good news and no one to tell! I finally had a caring Dad and almost a brother with Josh Robinson (Assistant Director of Sox Place).
Now I have all of my kids, a roof over my head, love and everything I need and even through the death of my fourth child, I even still have my "light at the end of the tunnel" along with warm open arms with Doyle and Sox Place!"
This past week we had a college group in from Schreiner College in Kerrville, Texas. Helped with cleaning, cooking (dozens of pancakes), moving boxes, etc. While they were here another group came in unannounced. They were from a church in Kansas with their youth group and pastor Mike Gooder. In the course of the conversation with the pastor's wife, Cassie, I found that they were from Arkansas, when I said I came from Bentonville, they said they did also! In fact, they were at New Life Christian Center in Centerton, AR, the same time Jeanne and I were. I didn't recognize them but he said that when he came in he was sure he knew me from somewhere. Good time with them.
Last Monday I was able to spend several hours with Hal and Shauna Douglas and their two lovely daughters, Ali and Grace. We know each other from New Life Christian Center. They had come to Colorado for a vacation and took some of their time to come visit me. It was a refreshing and encouraging time for me. Thank ya'll so much!
I visited the Museum of Natural History and Science with my daughter Chelley this past week also. Very interesting, and took over 5 hours and didn't see everything. There was one display of gold nuggets in a vault. All kinds of shapes and sizes of nuggets, but the amazing thing was the nugget that weight over 7pounds. Not a picture of it but the nugget itself. Glad now I kept my sluice and gold panning equipment.
Spring is in the air and my fancy is turning to fishing.
Continue to pray for the ministry here at Sox Place. We have lost one staff member and another is moving to Tulsa the end of this month. Being short-handed we left will be filling in for the others and will be very busy. We do appreciate your prayers for our safety and well-being.
Love ya'll
Troy
Think on this: People see what you do, God sees why you do it. From Tracy Schauwecker.
Monday, March 14, 2011
BLACK'S STORY and others
Before I tell you Black's story, I want to share a few short stories that came to my attention this week.
On Tuesday, Jacob, one of our staff members had to take his 3 yr old son Caleb to the doctor to have two abscesses drained. It was painful for little Caleb. Jacob texted Doyle this: "As Calebs father I sat and held his hand and tried to comfort him. The kids downtown don't have that like yours and Caleb has. No comfort, no father, no hand to hold." No father to comfort or hold their hands and tell them it's ok.
This past week a 15 year old girl was telling Doyle about her past. Her mother is a heroin addict, her father is a meth addict, and when she was 9, she held her older brother in her arms as he died from gunshots. No father to hold her hand, to comfort her, to tell her she was loved and cared for. I thought, and how can I or anyone else expect her to act like a "normal" 15 year old?
I found out about another young man who, when he turned 16, was given a present by his parents - they taught him how to shoot up heroin the right way.
One of our regulars came in Friday with a Kevlar vest on! He said he had been shot at.
Now for Black's story. Black or Davon Gray, is a big African American man that I have become friends with, and his street name is Black. Here is his story in his own words.
"My life at home was pretty different from most people. My father was an alcoholic and addicted to crack cocaine; my mother was prone to physical abuse and believing any negative thought about me. So at the age of fifteenn I became homeless.
Being a homeless teen was simple, you had no one but the police to tell you what to do and you only had to listen to them if you wanted to or they caught you. However, I found it hard to eat and buy things. Being a 6ft black guy makes it hard for people to want to just give you money. Yet it is real easy to get drugs like weed, heroin, cocaine, meth, mushrooms, and even acid. Oh, and alcohol is practically on tap! I lived the life of a slut, partying and robbing people.
I lived this life for about 6 years before it got boring. However I did not realize it was my lifestyle that needed to change. Doyle Robinson and the staff at Sox Place helped me figure that out. I spent the next 4 years of my life trying to change my ways. With Sox Place and their love, like a light guiding me more than I think they even knew. They helped me with getting housing, learning better people skills, even finding work when I needed it. Without Sox Place I have no idea where I would be today.
My name is Davon Gray and now thanks to Sox Place I have a goal in my life, I know how to live and I feel loved!"
On the upside, this last week we had a group from Harvest Time church in Ft. Smith, AR, come in to serve us for two days. A delightful group of young people they were too. Going through the Master's Commission and learning how to serve. They can come back anytime.
And just had a great family from my church in Centerton, AR, New Life Christian Church, stop and visit for 4 hours. Hal and Shauna Douglas and their two daughters and their daughters can't wait to get back again and help us here at the center. Talk about making me feel loved, they did! Thanks Hal and Shauna for the prayers over me and Sox Place.
The rest of ya'll come visit when you can.
Troy
On Tuesday, Jacob, one of our staff members had to take his 3 yr old son Caleb to the doctor to have two abscesses drained. It was painful for little Caleb. Jacob texted Doyle this: "As Calebs father I sat and held his hand and tried to comfort him. The kids downtown don't have that like yours and Caleb has. No comfort, no father, no hand to hold." No father to comfort or hold their hands and tell them it's ok.
This past week a 15 year old girl was telling Doyle about her past. Her mother is a heroin addict, her father is a meth addict, and when she was 9, she held her older brother in her arms as he died from gunshots. No father to hold her hand, to comfort her, to tell her she was loved and cared for. I thought, and how can I or anyone else expect her to act like a "normal" 15 year old?
I found out about another young man who, when he turned 16, was given a present by his parents - they taught him how to shoot up heroin the right way.
One of our regulars came in Friday with a Kevlar vest on! He said he had been shot at.
Now for Black's story. Black or Davon Gray, is a big African American man that I have become friends with, and his street name is Black. Here is his story in his own words.
"My life at home was pretty different from most people. My father was an alcoholic and addicted to crack cocaine; my mother was prone to physical abuse and believing any negative thought about me. So at the age of fifteenn I became homeless.
Being a homeless teen was simple, you had no one but the police to tell you what to do and you only had to listen to them if you wanted to or they caught you. However, I found it hard to eat and buy things. Being a 6ft black guy makes it hard for people to want to just give you money. Yet it is real easy to get drugs like weed, heroin, cocaine, meth, mushrooms, and even acid. Oh, and alcohol is practically on tap! I lived the life of a slut, partying and robbing people.
I lived this life for about 6 years before it got boring. However I did not realize it was my lifestyle that needed to change. Doyle Robinson and the staff at Sox Place helped me figure that out. I spent the next 4 years of my life trying to change my ways. With Sox Place and their love, like a light guiding me more than I think they even knew. They helped me with getting housing, learning better people skills, even finding work when I needed it. Without Sox Place I have no idea where I would be today.
My name is Davon Gray and now thanks to Sox Place I have a goal in my life, I know how to live and I feel loved!"
On the upside, this last week we had a group from Harvest Time church in Ft. Smith, AR, come in to serve us for two days. A delightful group of young people they were too. Going through the Master's Commission and learning how to serve. They can come back anytime.
And just had a great family from my church in Centerton, AR, New Life Christian Church, stop and visit for 4 hours. Hal and Shauna Douglas and their two daughters and their daughters can't wait to get back again and help us here at the center. Talk about making me feel loved, they did! Thanks Hal and Shauna for the prayers over me and Sox Place.
The rest of ya'll come visit when you can.
Troy
Monday, February 28, 2011
MINISTERING IN THE SHADOW
Several years ago the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, the denomination that Jeanne and I were ordained through, had their international convention here in Denver. The convention was held at the Westin Hotel at 17th and Lawrence. We stayed in that grand hotel in one of the finest rooms that I have ever been in, before or since. There were at least 2000 people in attendance that year. The seemingly ironic thing is that I am now ministering literally in the shadow of that beautiful hotel to the homeless of the streets of Denver. God's ways are so amazing!
My days have become some what routine with every morning starting to cook lunch. Some mornings I wake up with the question in my mind, what am I going to fix today? Doing lots of pasta, spaghetti, mac and cheese, rice and beans. We don't get nearly as much fresh food since the Broncos season is over and we don't get any catered food from there now. Have to depend on what we have frozen and pasta. A gentleman comes by every Thursday and Saturday mornings with a pickup load of bread, cakes, pies, donuts, and other various pastries that he picks up at a couple of local grocery stores that have a sell-by date of that day. One day I had 22 cakes and pies to cut up and serve for dessert.
I try to get to the gym 3 or 4 days a week now and I have to go early in the morning.
I am still attending the Christian Indian Center here in Denver. They are trying to sell their building so they can move into another area of ministry - homeless ministry to native Americans. The building was built in 1893 and has no parking what so ever. Street in front, on side and an alley in rear with houses on the other side. No parking lot. Pray for the Lord to sell the building for them.
Ya'll come see us soon, ya heah?
Love to you all and may our most gracious Lord and Savior grant you peace and grace.
Troy
My days have become some what routine with every morning starting to cook lunch. Some mornings I wake up with the question in my mind, what am I going to fix today? Doing lots of pasta, spaghetti, mac and cheese, rice and beans. We don't get nearly as much fresh food since the Broncos season is over and we don't get any catered food from there now. Have to depend on what we have frozen and pasta. A gentleman comes by every Thursday and Saturday mornings with a pickup load of bread, cakes, pies, donuts, and other various pastries that he picks up at a couple of local grocery stores that have a sell-by date of that day. One day I had 22 cakes and pies to cut up and serve for dessert.
I try to get to the gym 3 or 4 days a week now and I have to go early in the morning.
I am still attending the Christian Indian Center here in Denver. They are trying to sell their building so they can move into another area of ministry - homeless ministry to native Americans. The building was built in 1893 and has no parking what so ever. Street in front, on side and an alley in rear with houses on the other side. No parking lot. Pray for the Lord to sell the building for them.
Ya'll come see us soon, ya heah?
Love to you all and may our most gracious Lord and Savior grant you peace and grace.
Troy
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