It has been said before, ‘all good things must come to an end.’ I have to ask though, do they really?
As many know Mosaic has offered and provided a shelter for women since November 1, 7 days a week, each evening from 6 PM – 7 AM. That has included meals each evening and morning for the ladies staying at our shelter, and with 4 staff persons, 3 for the duration of the program, and numerous staff and with a large number of women, some 10-13 a night on average, we have seen a lot of things take place, from some ladies who have gotten their lives back together complete with jobs and housing, to the tragedies such as loosing a baby shared with others. While it has certainly been an enjoyable ride, it has also had its hardships. I recall the worst part of having to turn down services to women with small children each day during the weeks leading up to Christmas, and the reality that after the morning of April 1, many women will once again, in our city, be back on the streets on a nightly basis. There have been personal benefits though, it has been a joy to have a small income for myself from working at the shelter, plus knowing that others also obtained an income. On the whole, I have learned to appreciate the plight of many of the homeless women in Wichita, I also realize the need for continued services. How we as a church, as small as we are can do that is beyond my reasoning and understanding at the moment.
The truth is, I will challenge most any other church, not from the perspective of bragging but to legitimately challenge the church to be the Body of Christ to the poor as Scripture mandates, to do as much with what they have, as Mosaic has done in the past months since our location to the downtown area. Don’t just be a water or tea church though, that is a church whose extent of interaction is to offer a homeless person a cup of water or tea, but instead, offer a ministry that gets to know people that helps them beyond the moment of their condition. Offer a service that goes towards building a sense of self-respect while at the same time promoting the reality of consequence for actions. Be a church that looks at, shares in life with, those who Jesus has called us to be with and love. When churches do their part, then small churches like Mosaic will not have to bare the burden of ministry on their backs alone. Let me say with caution as I am concerned how many will respond to this, but I am honored that my family will once again with the completion of this ministry, go on serving the homeless at a great cost, including the likelihood that we will have a drastic reduction in finance as we won’t have a guaranteed income outside of what little we get from The Virtual Pew, speaking opportunities, and outside donations. But again, we do this gladly, knowing that ‘what does it profit one to gain the whole world and lose their souls.’ We also know ‘man cannot live on bread alone, nor can we serve two masters.’ We serve with joy, despite the difficulty, because we know that the kingdom of God is advanced.
Mosaic will continue, I am looking forward to decent sleep hours over the next months, I am looking forward to seeing the day program hopefully come back to life, (we still need volunteers for this) and I am looking forward to doing what I can to serve those interested in Mosaic outside of the homeless population. There are still dreams, still visions to do not less, but to do more. To explore ways to offer services that will meet the needs of our people. Over the next months I joy at trying to discover ways, along with the congregation as to how we can serve those who actively become a part of our church, including our homeless members. I also joy in the start up and exploration of a Celebrate Recovery Group and weekly day and evening gatherings to discuss scripture and life. There is a future, and God is still Jehovah Jireh so I am excited.
This week we will have tonight, (Friday) a gathering of youth and adults to go to Lake Eldorado to participate in a bonfire together. Robert Beard a new participant at the church helping with the youth will be leading this and future activities. We are also going to be hosting from the Wichita Police Department Officer Nathan on Sunday morning as he discusses the new proposal before the city of Wichita having to deal with serving the homeless in our city, The HOT program. As a church we will evaluate the program in consideration of writing a letter of support from the church to the city in support of this new proposed program.
There is more in the future for Mosaic. Despite what some have thought, we have grown in many ways, God continues to provide enough funds to get by, but we still need you and want you to stay involved, supporting the work of the church, as well as the ministry that God has not just called Mosaic to, but I believe the church as a whole.
We also realize that many receiving our newsletter or seeing this on the web are part of other churches. We want to pray for your church or you as an individual as you have need, we also appreciate the prayers and support that you can offer our way. You can do this in a variety of ways, either donating on line at our web site at www.mocaicwichita.com or at our Mailing Address: P.O. Box 47261, Wichita, KS 67201, however you contribute, it is greatly appreciated.
We appreciate all you have done, and if you want to be on the weekly email list for Mosaic where you will receive regular updates, and/or the weekly bulletin, don’t hesitate letting us know by emailing me at mikefurches@yahoo.com or letting us know by visiting our web site.
Now as a last note, I know many are going to the movies this weekend to see The Hunger Games. While it may be a worthwhile film to see, I will also encourage you to consider the movie October Baby, see my recent review of the film here - http://mikefurchesreviews.blogspot.com/2012/03/october-baby.html
Blessings to you and may God bless you in your faithfulness to His Call.
Pastor Mike
Please pray for our future, our needs, and those we are called to serve.
If you haven't please visit our web site where you can also contribute to the ministry at www.mosaicwichita.com you can also email me at mikefurches@yahoo.com
Blessings,
Pastor Mike
Lastly, we now have a way folks can contribute to Mosaic online. If interested in sharing with Mosaic online you can visit the following link and do so. Just designate what your gift is for when you donate, you can designate gifts for ‘general funds,’ ‘capitol campaign,’ or ‘homeless program.’
If the button doesn’t appear, you can give at the following link - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G6KQJMMUS72CA
All contributions to Mosaic are tax-deductible. If mailing contributions to Mosaic, you can send them to the following address:
Mosaic Wichita
216 S. Market St.
Wichita, KS 67202
Blessings to you and have a great week.
Mike
Mosaic Church Web Site
The Keystone Kid
The Virtual Pew
Movie Reviews
Mosaic Wichita Facebook Page
Personal Web Site
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