We had quite a night at the shelter!! I thank God for our visiting helpers, Jackie and James. They were both complete naturals!! James…such a helper to Michael, the trailer was packed and unpacked in record time. Jackie spent her time loving the babies and children. She was so wonderful assisting children with finding clothing to wear. As she worked, her labors were filled with both joy and sweetness.  

We showed a few chapters from the movie “The Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” It is an incredible evangelistic tool, especially relating to issues facing our clients. Many responded to the “Call to the Cross”. 

I spoke with Armstrong, the security guard working today. He shared with me that the shelter was almost empty this morning. Many of the residents went to church. He never saw the facility so empty!!! He said a spirit of peace filled the house last night and this morning. Praise the Lord.

However, the sad news is that the shelter is filled above capacity.  Women are now forced to live in a two separate overflow facilities, one of which is the neighboring “Men’s Shelter”. This forces homeless men who would ordinarily be sheltered, to live on the streets.  Last month I made an appeal to those of you living within the general Charlotte/Concord area.  The Salvation Army is asking the Faith community to share the burden concerning sheltering the homeless. By mid September, women WILL be forced to live on the streets, at this moment exactly 63 of them.  The Army is asking the Church to take some of these ladies into their facility overnight. Transportation will be needed from the shelter to your church in the evening; several volunteers will be required to stay  with the ladies, breakfast is asked to be served and transportation back to the shelter early the next morning given. Please do not wait for “someone else” to take this responsibility.  It is OUR shared responsibility as the Church of Jesus Christ!  For this reason The Salvation Army and I hope that the Faith community-who is so rich in resources will make room. With hundreds if not thousands of churches located in Charlotte and neighboring counties, there must be much opportunity to serve these ladies.  Will YOU make room?  Please contact Deronda Metz at (704)348-2560 or send me an email if you are willing to open your heart and doors to serve God’s people.   

We are happy to report that the following individuals made a public profession of faith. 

Amaya (age 7)
Monday (age 14)
Deanna (age 13)
Daysahdan (age 10)
Alna (age 8)
Anahine (age 9)
Maria (age 5)
Michael (age 9)
Alexandria (age 30)
Gabriella (age 31)
Chris (age 11)
Deshante (age 11)
Samantha (age 10 1/2)
Alexis (age 7)
Alia (age 2)
Tasha (age 12)
Chandra (age 11)
Tyniesha (age 11)
Jasmine (age 13)
Royal (age 13)
Jamaas (age 14)
Elijah (age 11)
Shameka (age 26)
Carmen (age 23)
A lady whose name is unknown (still dressed in hospital clothing, was released to the
shelter after surviving a third suicide attempt)

At The Cross

All quotes appear exactly as written…this includes spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors. I do this not to embarrass, I do so to protect the content of the request.  For clarity, I have personal comments italicized in parenthesis.  For confidentiality purposes, first name initials will substitute any names given.

“for being set free and to continue my save life the right way perfect health.”

“I want a game.  I miss my brother.” (A child)

“Pray for salvation of my pastor.  He’s living in adultery and the church is hindered in increase as a result.  Pray that he forgives himself inwardly and regain courage to be loyal in his whole heart.  Pastor is over (name removed). In Jesus Name.”

“I need prayer for my son, “D” to be delivered from drugs. I wish I could let go of my awful shame and guilt for what I did to my children. I failed God so bad. 1 3 year old boy who drowned and my 1 son who is living I put him through a terrible life from my alcohol and drug addition. My son “D” has lost his two children 3 years ago because of his drug abuse and mental illness. So pray for “A” “C” “A”-mom. I am also HIV positive.” (With this she included a paper to represent the following quote)”Please let this be a symbol of my son’s “D” crack pipe that God would deliver him.” “B”

“I work for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and I’m transferring my position to drive school bus to raise my son “D” full-time.  Pray with me that I receive my CDL’s.” “A”

“I, “M” need God to heel my heart for a bad relationship. I would need God to Bless me and my kid. My kids are here and there. Direct my path. Keep me close to him. Cover me with his blood Pray for “M” “D” “A” “L” Lord my son “L” wants to go to Job Corps when he go off to J.C. watch over him. Keep him and never leave him. Right now in Jesus name Aman.”

“Father im asking in Jesus nAme I have Faith that 4 will answer my prayer. My mouth Lord Please Guide it and keep me. And LoRd Please let me have a healthy baby. And a good home of my own for me and my Family. Dear Father this is “S” coming to you once again asking that you please bring “N” home to his son.”

“I would like 4 people to stop treating us like we are homeless. I mean we are but the don’t have to act like it”

“help me change help me find a house God will change me help me Lord. Your kid, “A”

“I need Help to cope with Being in a shelter.  I need prayer for my family.  I need prayer to finish RNA school. I would like to have a closer walk with Jesus.”

“Please give me a house of 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom for me and for my children.”

“Please forgive for abusive in life and adoption of a child. Set me free from friends and family in the past and future.”

“Dear Father, I feel that my family should go to church. Help out everybody I think  I feel like crying and God take away people who do alarm my children or pray for.”

“Need new job and apartment. Freedom from debts. Favor with God. Bless my children “A”+”J” Total forgiveness for husband and MOTHER IN LAW Total trust in God + not Man.”

“think you god I Love You” (A child)

“I lost my best friend my dad. I always depended on him and now I am lost. In every aspect of my life. I pray that God heals me from depression. In Jesus’ Name Amen.”