Movie Day Blessing

Mr. Emerson Hall of the FDIC and his wife Peggy blessed 40 children and five chaperones of the Village Oaks community with at trip to see the inspirational movie Red Tails. The movie is about the United States African American Air Force (USAAAF) servicemen during World War II.  After the children were loaded on the bus and ready to go, Mr. Emerson gave a short speech of encouragement to the children sharing the theme of the movie: "You can be anything you want in this life with hard work and determination."

I was moved to tears as the Executive Coach charter bus pulled away from Village Oaks, full of children that were not only on a charter bus for the first time, but were on their way to a movie theater for the first time in their lives.  Mr. Emerson and his wife served the children an early lunch at the community center, and a popcorn/candy/drink snack box while at the movies.

For some, this outing was one of the best times of their lives.  And, I made sure that the children knew why they were allowed to go...it was simply because they are loved!

-- Jayda Ekundayo

Helping Those in Need

In the most recent Willow Pond newsletter, one of the residents wrote about a conviction she has: to help those in need.  Below is her article from the newsletter:

Can you imagine being in this world alone?  Can you imagine having no one to call on when you need help? Well, the Willow Pond Community is going to change that.  We are striving to help our residents who are elderly or have physical disabilities.  We may do such things as take out trash, run an errand, vacuum a carpet, or bring a meal.  A fellow resident, Roxanna, has dubbed the help with meals “Meals on Heels, ” and we already have several people who are interested!  If you would like more information and might like to join us, contact Tasha.

Let’s take a stand together for those in need!

"If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything."

-- Tasha Marshall, Resident at Willow Pond

A Break-In & a Break-Through!

Rickey Fanning, our Assistant Community Director at Willow Pond, walked into the Community Center Monday morning to find it "in shambles" after a weekend break-in.  A list of items were stolen, including several computers, guitars, and so forth.

A couple of days later, Rickey was at the basketball court when he was approached by two young men...one of whom we'll call "Mike."  "Mr. Rick, can we talk to you?" Rickey could see tears filling Mike's eyes. He then went on to tell the story of what happened and how he was involved.  He told Rickey that he sat in school all day and just couldn't go on without confessing.

Mike's story is a difficult one. He doesn't live at Willow Pond. He jumps from couch to couch. He's been at shelters with his mother at different times. Or he'll sleep outside.  But, in Rickey's words, he is "respectful and a joy to be around."

Mike shared with Rickey that the weekend of the break-in he was sleeping outside.  Rickey told him he doesn't need to sleep outside...we have places to go.  He doesn't need to steal for food...we have food to share.

Long story short.  In cooperation with the police, no charges are being filed against Mike for his part in the break-in.  Mike was able to lead police to the man who stole everything and earlier today we recovered almost everything.

Another thing. At the moment Mike approached Rickey on the basketball court to confess, Suzanne Wallace was upstairs in the Community Center praying with our young "W.O.W. Girls" (Women of Wisdom)...praying that the person who stole everything would come forward!

As for Mike? He made a courageous decision to do the right thing.  And he has been forgiven.  And as a side note...he also received a job offer today.

A break-in and a break-through!

-- Dean Wilson and Rickey Fanning

Soul Train

The Village Oaks Kids Club getting crazy on a Friday afternoon!



-- Behind Every Door Ministries

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