Mosaic Providing A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Due to the events of the last month, including the death of my sister in law in Tennessee, our family didn't get to have Christmas until December 29. There were 11 of us who celebrated it here at the Mosaic house, my wife and I, our two children, Nathan and Marathana, our daughter and son in law, Emily and Brett, our grandchildren, Aaliyah and Atticus and of course the residents in house, Jarvis, Tra, and Lance. 

For those that don't know, Christmas is a huge deal for me, it always has been, in fact I will likely start shopping for next years Christmas today. Presents galore, a great meal and a wonderful time together. Yesterday was special though because it was the first Christmas in the Mosaic house, we had 3 formerly homeless guys who are a part of the family who also celebrated Christmas with us.  That's right a part of the family, they aren't just formerly homeless people, they are real live human beings that I and my wife are blessed to share life together with.

I could tell all kinds of stories, how one of the guys, who is working now, gave my wife, a box full of socks of all kinds that will last her all year long, the $50 Visa Gift Card I got from this person, all from a formerly homeless man who is working at improving on his life, obtaining his dreams. I have to tell you about his story though, one of his gifts. 


Mary Jane, my wife, had spoken with this person quite a bit about Christmas pasts, he told her that when growing up he had always done well at Christmas but never got the slot car race track he wanted. I decided to make it our mission to get him a slot car track for Christmas. I posted on Facebook, sent out an email, but there were no takers, I guess folks didn't understand the importance of sometimes giving another person a dream or a fantasy, a fantasy if you will, that could impact a life. Unfortunately, sometimes as care providers, we get so caught up in the horrid situation some people live in that we forget to share in the joy of life, the joy of being dream givers. For this one individual, he had never forgotten about that one present he always wanted, that one thing that seemed out of his grasp, out of the possibility of having.  I am a dreamer, I have been touched by people like Langston Hughes who wrote of dreams and their importance, I serve a God who understands the importance of hope, dreams, and an eternal future full of blessings, blessings that can, and should, begin on earth. 

We couldn't get a donation for the slot car race track so Mary Jane and I began a journey that had us driving all over Wichita to I don't know how many stores, taking I don't know how much time, and we won't even talk about all of the internet searches.  Eventually we went to Menards in Northeast Wichita, a lumber store that seems to have everything, including slot car race tracks. We saw several of them, and while we didn't purchase the cheapest track, we purchased a good track, wrapped it and placed it under the tree. 

We have this other crazy tradition, we pass out all of the presents before we start opening them. There are other traditions that due to the circumstances this year we didn't get to observe but we knew that when we passed out the presents we had to have the camera ready. Well this individual with the wrapped race track had all of his presents in front of him, but what does he do? He goes for the biggest present right off the bat, the race track, opens it and then, WHAM, he gets the look. 

Have you ever seen a grown man's jaw drop? A big smile come over his face, he tilts his head back and then tears enter his eyes?  While this was a gift for this man, it was also the best Christmas present I got yesterday, I got to see that, experience that, have a part in that. I saw it because at Mosaic we are about dreams, eternity, and doing more than helping keep someone homeless, but about helping them get on their feet, accomplish and believe in, their dreams.

One is never too old to dream, or to old to want more and we should never be too old to help those in need. Sometimes that need is to revisit a dream, even if that dream is a slot car race track. Have you encouraged others to dream, to focus on their potential as opposed to their situation? Let me tell you, there is reward in that, a reward that once one sees others care about their dreams, they care about obtaining, and going after not only old, but new dreams, dreams that instill and provide hope. Of course at Mosaic we are about getting people to their eternal dreams, dreams of a fullness of life with a Savior.  The Savior whom Christmas is really about, the son of God born in a manger, but one where the story ends with the cross and resurrection. When we believe and surrender to Jesus, we gain eternal life and an ultimate hope that can't be topped.

There are many who made this life possible for us, we have a house that costs almost $2,500 a month to operate, those in house provide approximately 1/3rd of that cost, sometimes up to about half, the rest comes from donations from people just like you and a couple of churches, including Central Community Church who has been faithful with their monthly contribution. Many have prayed, given financially and even if giving just a few dollars it all makes a huge difference for us  and I am grateful for all of the support. As the year comes to an end, please know that you have helped create dreams, we, and those having those dreams are grateful.  Mary Jane and I are blessed to be a part of those dreams, seeing them happen first hand, day to day. We still have needs throughout the next year and we appreciate your prayers and support during this time. Whether a person living here, or those active in church attendance who are growing in their faith, we have a bright future, and we are grateful for all of those who has made this ministry possible, again, with a sincere heart, thank you. 

If wanting to support Mosaic in any way, please email us your tax deductible gift to 1249 N. St. Francis, Wichita KS, 67214 or visit our web site to donate online at www.mosaicwichita.com  You are welcome to also subscribe to our email list by subscribing at mosaicwichita@yahoo.com.

God bless you, and thank you in the upcoming year 2014,

Sincerely,

Mike Furches
Pastor

Mosaic and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.

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Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

Mosaic
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

Murder, The Homeless, Gifts, and Merry Christmas

For as long as I can remember, I have loved Christmas. I don’t recall always having the best Christmases, but I always remember the joy of the season. It took my adulthood before I think I fully appreciated the meaning of Christmas, and even as a Christian and follower of Jesus, it still took some time to come to a place where I think I got it, at least for me. It was unfortunately through many tough times that I finally think I got it.

Over the last number of years I have tried to spend some time studying the historical character of St. Nicholas; I think the real St. Nick got it, it was really more about serving others and sharing the love of Jesus with the least of these, including prisoners, the poor and children that he shared the true and ultimate gift of God’s son with others. It is in showing love that we share the ultimate love with others; there is no greater gift that was given to the people of planet earth more important than the promise of a savior who would be a deliverer of, the poor.

This Christmas as has the last few Christmases for me been rather unique. I seem to work and be busier than any other time of year. This year with the operation of the Mosaic Women’s Homeless Shelter the business of this season has been multiplied, but it has also provided the opportunity to see more blessings.

This Sunday is Christmas and Mosaic is having an Old Fashioned Family Christmas Celebration. It is still time for the Mosaic Family, including those on line and others to be a part of this celebration. We plan to open up the doors on Christmas morning at 8 AM. From 8 AM – 10:30 AM we will be having a time of fellowship with snacks, coffee, hot chocolate and other things of that nature. We will have Christmas music on in the background and will also have several times where we break out and just sing some songs together. At 10:30 Santa will be on hand to share the gift of Jesus and the love of Mosaic and her friends with the homeless. Those who had placed their names on the Angel Tree will be given their Christmas Presents, and any extra presents that come in will be handed out, by # and order of arrival to additional homeless people. Just a note here, last week, we had 57 homeless people attend our meeting and we have been averaging over 30 who are attending our Sunday Discussion time prior to the start of church. Those gifts will be given out accordingly and individuals will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa. We expect the celebration to end around 1 PM and people can come and go as they choose during those hours. We also have a large amount of clothing that has been provided by various groups that we will start giving out at 10:30 AM.

This week we have also had the reminder of the blessings of this church. We have seen it in an unfortunate way though with the recent murder of Marshall Haushulz. I spent some time with Marshall’s girlfriend last evening speaking to her and Darrell Durbin one of our homeless volunteers and church participants who gave Marshall his sleeping bag and camp location. I am very much aware of a lot that is going on in this investigation. As the number of suspects are coming down, and the police are narrowing in let me say this, this murder and some of the events surrounding it play into the need for the Mosaic Day program, church, and ministry that we carry out. I won’t go into detail, but as this investigation continues, many will know, God is using Mosaic, but there is more that can be done by Mosaic and her people. The bottom line though, the homeless of our city need a place to call home, not a place where they receive service, special treatment or things of that sort, but a place to call home, be treated with respect, and provided a safe atmosphere where they can come without the threat of being threatened, harassed or disrespected by service providers. I am honored and blessed that we have done what we can.

We started 4 years ago, Santa for the Homeless where we hand out items to the homeless and provide them love. This year we get to do it for the first time in our own church, downtown, where many of the homeless attend. There will be everything from coats to for some who requested it and more, cigarettes given out on Christmas day. The homeless, who are a part of our church, and many others, will get something they want for Christmas because God cares enough to provide not just our needs, but sometimes our wants. Jesus is the ultimate gift, and believe me, we will share that gift among all others. You are welcome to attend, or to donate to provide additional gifts to the homeless, or to just help meet Mosaic’s basic needs of being open. It is up to you, but above all, remember Jesus, the redeemer of the poor this Christmas. Remember the love, healing and salvation he provides for all people, whether the millionare who needs to be released from their pride, or a homeless person who needs the confidence of a meal or warmth for the night. Salvation implies not just salvation from the spiritual needs, but also the physical. For many in our city, they know, Mosaic is doing her part.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your continued prayers and support. We need them, and God is hearing them.

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

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Recent Murder Impacts Mosaic

Is there a need for Mosaic? With the murder of a Mosaic attendee and participant in the last few days, you tell me? Many have heard of the individual who was murdered near Wichita’s The Keeper of The Plains on Friday. The abuse, hatred, and neglect is nothing new to us, in fact, it is an all too common story for those who serve, live with, and are a part of this community. This community is, and I am honored to say, an important part of life for Mosaic. They make up the majority of our church, and they are among the primary population group we have chosen to serve in ministry because we believe, I believe, it is commanded in scripture that we do so. Frankly, at this time of year, I am incensed that this type of abuse, the lack of concern continues to take place in our city.

Mosaic is a church that even this week, is trying to make a difference, not just in the shelter space we provide every night for women, but even today and tomorrow as we have brought in William Fosterr, a mentally ill, former homeless musician from Tulsa Oklahoma to perform for our church. Last night many were talking about the murder, yet others were talking about the inspiration that was provided by William. Many shared at how he was among the best guitar players, singers they had ever heard, and others shared about how important it was to have someone who had been in their shoes providing hope. How important is this message to William, he even offered to help me pay for gas to come do the shows he is doing. He isn’t getting paid, isn’t receiving any compensation, but is willing to come to Wichita from Tulsa to give of his life and service. William will be performing today at 2:30 where we finish up some of the filming that has gone on over the last year and a half for a documentary movie being made on his life and tomorrow morning for the worship service at Mosaic that starts at 10:30.

During the normal discussion times tomorrow, Sunday at 9:30 we will be discussing with the homeless as to what we can do to better serve and protect the homeless. We hope those who care attend. As a church, we have a responsibility and obligation to serve those who are a part of our body of believers; the homeless are a part of our body.

Next week on Christmas morning we also give back, we will have an old fashioned Christmas Morning where we will provide a family gathering for our body, including, the homeless. Every name was taken off of our angel tree and we will provide those gifts as well as additional gifts being given. Santa will be attending and providing love to the homeless.

Today, some will say, there is a lot about the homeless here, I will say, you bet there is. When there have been some who have left our fellowship because we 'do too much for the homeless,’ and others who question our ministry, (btw a ministry Jesus commands all of the church to do) and with the recent murder of a homeless person we were honored and privileged to serve, you bet there is mention of the homeless, there is mention of the homeless because Jesus came to earth as a poor, homeless person, who was born in a feeding troth to provide salvation and redemption for all people, including the poor and homeless. There is more that we want to do, more I want to do, more that needs to be done, and a small church, made up of mainly homeless people continues on, month to month, not knowing how we are going to do it but seeing God work. This morning, I am sad, but I am also blessed because I know we have been where God would have us and there is no better place than being where God would have us.

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

Facebook

The Virtual Pew

Movie Reviews

Twitter

Mosaic Wichita Facebook Page

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We Need You, Urgent!

There is a lot happening at Mosaic and while there are a lot of good, even great things, there are also concerns. As many know we have a property that we can purchase, on our block, that is valued at approximately $400,000. We can purchase this property, move in ready from $45,000 - $65,000 total. It would allow us as a mission oriented church to raise some money to keep us going, but it would also allow us to move forward to offer more needed ministries, including possibly a year round shelter for women and families with children. Not hardly a day goes by that I have to turn down shelter to families with children as there are currently very little available without a long waiting list. Please, we need the help. I have come to the conclusion that I am not the best person at raising funds, I wish I were, but I am a pastor, not a business person.

Mosaic also has a Christmas Angel Tree on site with names and gift ideas for homeless individuals. Would you consider adopting a homeless person or persons? The gift ideas are unique and requested by the homeless persons themselves. There is everything from bus tickets to towels, many would be greatly surprised at the simplicity of the requests.

Now can you help in one of these ways? I have in the past resorted to begging. As I hear that today there are rumblings of another group purchasing the building we are interested in, which I believe was a God send, I know there are those who could help us either raise the money for this property, or could contribute significant funds to help purchase it, and/or help us in raising the funds.

Mosaic also has its ongoing needs. We need a few families, preferably with youth and children to commit to our church to help us grow. We also need month to month finances as there are literally times that we don't know how we are going to make it. I challenge to come on virtually any Sunday, see the work, and see those who make up the church, most of which are homeless. I haven't received pay from the church in pastor salary in some months, and a total of $3,300 since January of last year. I don't say that so you can give, but to tell you, I believe in the ministry of Mosaic and will gladly take nothing as I know God provides if others are being blessed like they have been. There are hundreds we touch each week, but the reality is this, there is a possibility that in the future we can't make it and won't be able to continue on with the ministry we do. I know people often say these types of things, but that is the truth for this ministry. While some ministries may have their leaders living in big homes, driving nice cars and so forth, that simply isn't the case, we really do depend on the love and generosity of others. Please, consider helping this little church making such a big difference for The Kingdom of God.

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

Facebook

The Virtual Pew

Movie Reviews

Twitter

Mosaic Wichita Facebook Page

Personal Web Site

Mosaic Update, Christmas Wish Angel Tree News

Greetings, This week, at least for right now I am reminded of an old Larry Norman song that stated, ‘Christmastime is coming and the kids are getting greedy; It’s Christmastime. I know it stands for Santa Claus cause I seen it on the TV. It’s Christmastime. It used to be the birthday of the man who saved our necks, now it stands for Santa Claus you spell it with an X. It’s Christmastime.’ While I always enjoyed the song, I also understand Norman’s intent with satire and that the song was not meant to be a theological reflection. That said; it does seem that Christmas is more about commercialism than the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Let me ask a question, if you could give Jesus a gift, what would you give him? What would he want? Let me challenge, much of what Mosaic is doing are the very things that would please Jesus on his birthday.

Mosaic is at a place where real ministry is taking place and others are noticing it. Last week, we had 35 at our Jesus Discussion on Sunday morning, most all, homeless. We had approximately 75 by the time it was said and done at church. We had women each night as we operated the Wichita Women’s Overflow Shelter. We served approximately 300 meals through the week to the homeless and much more took place at this place, through this little church with little money. People are starting to take notice, there are people who come through our doors every night to see what is going on, the word is getting out on the street, and Mosaic is doing God’s work! Yet if truth be told, we barely meet our basic financial obligations from month to month.

I was talking to a dear sister in Christ tonight from another church who told me of how her heart is in what Mosaic is doing. ‘Now is the right time Pastor Mike, we have to find a way to let others know. There needs to be people from other churches who support what is going on here.’ As we develop a new worship team, including 3 members who are currently homeless, and others take on and consider roles in teaching, we truly are representing the potential for the Kingdom of God, but we need your help to keep this ministry going. Some have been critical of a church like this in the past; we should according to them, ‘be self sufficient’ and on and on. Their emphasis is on finance as opposed to the work of God. Let me be clear, we are a part of the Body of Christ that consists of people from various denominations and faith systems, and we are all, as we support this ministry, a part of God’s work. I am not embarrassed that many call us a ‘Missional Church.’ I just happen to believe that all churches are called to carry out the mission of Christ.

The newsletter this week is a little different. I am asking those receiving it to consider supporting and contributing to help out Mosaic with our financial needs, if possible on a regular basis. There are possibilities to do more, and provide an ongoing service at a prime location in our city, but it won’t happen without help from those in other congregations and in other places. Let me ask again, what could you give Jesus this Christmas Season in recognition of his Birth? I challenge, few places provide the potential to have the impact, and please the savior as much as the work going on at Mosaic. I challenge you, if you don’t believe me, call me at 316-807-8034, let me show you first hand the work we are doing and introduce you to some of the people who have been touched by this ministry. I challenge, it will equal any foreign mission experience you will go through, and you will quickly see, God is at work in downtown Wichita through a little church called, Mosaic!

Now to the basic things regarding our weekly newsletter; a contribution form is included on our web site www.mosaicwichita.com. There is also a donation link at the bottom of the page of this newsletter. You can also contribute to Mosaic by sending your contribution to: P.O. Box 47261, Wichita, KS 67201. But there is more going on. For those receiving this newsletter via email, you will also have the bulletin attached that you can look over prior to this Sunday’s service.

Now there is one other thing I want to make mention of and we need you to help with this. We have put together an Angel Tree to provide Christmas gifts to the homeless who are a part of our women’s shelter as well as the active homeless individuals who are a part of our church. We have numerous names and items on their lists as to some of the wants they have requested for Christmas. While there are plenty of places to eat, plenty of clothes and more essentials and needs available in the community, there are few that are providing wants and blessings, especially on Christmas Day. We told our ladies and church participants to write down a few things they wanted for Christmas and have those items on individual cards. Would you consider adopting an individual and buying them something for Christmas? The items actually vary from towels, to bus passes, and from gifts for a father’s child, to a pair of boots for an elderly lady who recently had a stroke. You can contact us, get the name of an individual, or pick out the individual to buy gifts for. We will place the gifts under our tree where on Christmas Day we are going to have a family celebration at church where we provide the homeless a Merry Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Savior. My wife and I have already adopted a couple of individuals, won’t you do the same?

In the meantime, thanks for reading, and God bless you this Christmas season.

Praying for you and appreciating your prayers for us.

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

The Keystone Kid

Facebook

The Virtual Pew

Movie Reviews

Twitter

Mosaic Wichita Facebook Page

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