February Email Update

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5

We were in a meeting with a senior police department official in Phoenix, Arizona this week sharing our "story" and I found myself blurting out: "Each one of the children behind the doors at these apartment complexes is worth 100 trillion dollars."  Later I realized that was an odd way of communicating what I believe; and also that the number I used is way too low.

As I am typing this on a rainy Saturday morning, tears have come to my eyes just thinking about fatherless children.  When I think about the road so many of these boys and girls have to travel it breaks my heart.

And so, naturally, I want us to set up shop with the body of Christ at difficult apartment complexes acrossAmerica and hug them all.  And help them with their homework.  And plant flowers. And bring safety. And install playgrounds.

And give them a dollar when they see us when they recite the truth: "I am a son of a loving Father" or "I am a daughter of a loving Father."  Because they are.  They have a loving Daddy who wants to be the lap they crawl up on.  He wants to be their Guide.  He wants to be their Protector.  He wants to be their Provider.  He wants to be their Forgiver.  He wants to be their source of Hope.

Also in Phoenix, we had the privilege of meeting with a man of God named David.  As we were talking with him about the vision, we noticed he had tears in his eyes.  And so I stopped and listened to him say: "This is what the body of Christ does."  What a powerful statement.  The arms of Jesus hug.  The hands help.  The feet go.  The heart loves.  So many of you have joined forces with us to bless and serve and rescue.  Thank you.

We send you a hug in Jesus. Thank you for your friendship.

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-- Behind Every Door Ministries

Honoring the Honor Roll Kids!

Here is a picture from our most recent A/B Honor Roll skating party!  Great job, everyone!

-- Behind Every Door Ministries

The Lure of Leadership

Washing dishes, emptying the trash, and sharpening pencils are all on the list of daily responsibilities for those chosen as leaders in the Kid’s Club.  They are servant leaders.

When one young man asked us weeks ago about the possibility of becoming a leader, we explained to him that we saw clear leadership qualities in him, but that often, we also saw a bad attitude.  So, I told him about the specific qualities I saw in him, and we also talked about the specifics of the bad attitude.

Yesterday, he came to ask again.  “What do you think about my attitude now?  Hasn’t it been really better?“  He enumerated several situations where his new responses and choices were evident.  I was glad that I could tell him that he was absolutely right.  “Can you reconsider me as a leader,” he asked.  I promised that we would discuss it.

I believe that more than often children will rise to where the adults set the bar.  I believe in seeing and calling to the true person...out from under the bad behavior.  I believe that loving encouragement and exhortation will draw that person out.  I believe that leaders are made from young men like this one!

-- Suzanne Wallace

Beyond Boundaries

The effect of what we do at Behind Every Door goes beyond the boundaries of the apartment complexes where we serve.  Children come from the surrounding apartments to our afternoon Kid’s Club.  Kids who move away still find a way to get here.

Sunday morning, I received a call from a boyfriend of one of our former Kid’s Club members who has moved far south.  He, his mother and brother wanted to go to church with us.  "Of course!" we said.

During the service, someone spoke some words to this mom that they believed were from God.  “I got a picture of you with light emanating from you,” this person said to the mom. “I believe that is something God has for you and is inviting you into,” she continued.

At the break, the mom came to me and said, “I want to talk to you about what that lady said to me.  I used to be that way.  People used to say that I just glowed all the time.  I was walking with God.  But then I started indulging in things that I shouldn’t, and hanging around negative influences.  It has been a long time.  I want that back.”

We talked about repentance and what that would mean for her.  We talked about surrender to a loving God.  With many tears, she prayed and recommitted her life to Christ.  New life has permeated boundaries!

-- Suzanne Wallace

Meals on Heels

When I asked our resident friend, who is now experiencing sobriety, how I could help and support her she said, “I need something to do.”  

I remembered hearing the heart of another resident a few months ago about her passion to help the elderly.  With an upcoming Health Fair on the calendar (February 16th), I decided to approach this resident about beginning a ministry to our elderly in the apartments.  With excitement, she quickly responded with strategies and ideas.

I presented the idea to our now sober friend, and she is ready to bring meals to these residents.  She is calling it Meals on Heels!

Her love for cooking and giving has found a new avenue, and she has found a new purpose for her time.

-- Suzanne Wallace

Extraordinary Woman - Extraordinary God

I admit I was not optimistic when one of the Kid’s Club moms decided to leave the Christian based rehab after 5 days.

Her addiction to alcohol started before breakfast most mornings.  She said she couldn’t remember a time in her life that she didn’t drink heavily, even in childhood.  I felt it would be an extraordinary person who could pull themselves out of such deep addiction, while remaining in their familiar surroundings.

But, this is an extraordinary woman, and she has an extraordinary God!

Surprisingly and joyfully, she has been sober since leaving rehab and glows with new life. She has asked to help with what we are doing at Behind Every Door.  Support comes to her from our Overcomer’s group and there she encourages others.  She is back in church now and is bringing her friends with her.

Extraordinary!

-- Suzanne Wallace

Kids Club to the Mavs Game

Last week, 18 kids from Willow Pond and Village Oaks attended the Maverick's game.  We had a blast, and we go to see the trophy presentation from last year's championship!

 

 

 

 

-- Behind Every Door Ministries

2011 in Pictures

We are going to be posting some pictures from 2011 over the next few posts, so check back for more.

Enjoy!

-- Behind Every Door Ministries