Believing in something....

A week ago I heard that the Rogers County Youth Services emergency shelter may close. My heart immediately sank. As I fought back tears, I asked why? The reply was "money". Well, lack of, that is. Let me give you a bit of background...

I came to know RCYS about 5 years ago when I was manning a booth at our local fair. New Life Baptist Church had a booth and we gave out drinks, Bibles, a handshake, prayer, or whatever we could do. A young man walked up and I struck up a conversation. As we talked, I found out that he was a resident of a local youth shelter. He said that he was concerned about where he would go if he were to die, and I had the awesome privilege of leading him to the Lord. I asked if he would like me to visit, and that was the beginning of my work with the shelter. I asked to be able to come up weekly, and was welcomed. I met so many kids that really needed a helping hand, and needed a touch from the Lord. I have prayed with countless kids up there, and had the honor of delivering groceries, supplies, and even a freezer that was donated by a person in our church! It is such a delight to see the look in these kids' eyes when they get Christmas gifts from perfect strangers! Michelle and I even took a young man in for Christmas a few years ago that had no family to spend it with. Much to his delight, he even had presents under the tree Christmas morning! I could write all night about the stories of kids that have been residents at the shelter but I need to tell you how we can stop this tragedy from happening.

You see, the recession that we have been in the past few years has taken its toll on state funding. RCYS is one of the last few shelters left in this part of the state and they are in imminent danger of closing down permanently. Most others haven't survived the budget cuts. Well, my friends, I say that the buck stops here! What if all the shelters were to close? Where would the kids go then? To the streets to do whatever they can to get by. Some examples would be selling dope, prostitution, and human trafficking. They would go down paths that would lead to sure failure and utter destruction. Are we going to stand by and let this happen? I say NO!! We cannot. I know that there are many people that have money that they can donate to the cause. All donations are tax-deductible. I gave a donation yesterday. Will you consider giving to this very worthy cause??

You can give a donation online HERE

We will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 18th in Claremore. I will update with a location & time as I finalize plans. Come on out and support RCYS!!

I believe in RCYS. I believe in youth, they are tomorrow's city leaders, police chiefs, firemen, senators, mayors, business leaders, farmers, shelter workers, and even future Presidents. I believe in their future, will you?

Thoughts on Thanksgiving....

Well, it has came and went. Thanksgiving, that is. We had family over--two of my brothers and their families--about 15 people in all. We were supposed to have two guests from the local youth shelter, but one of the staff members took them instead. Yes, I over-stuffed myself on turkey, ham, and all the fixins. It was a great time of fellowship for our family But something keeps nagging at me, and it's a deep down nagging...

I can't help but think about the kids that don't have a family to share Thanksgiving with. Kids that have fallen in between the cracks of life and our little social world. Kids that need encouragement, love, compassion, kindness, security, hope, joy, kids that need to see a real God that really loves us and who works in our lives. They don't need to see the fake world that so many people live in, they need real love, real support, real dedication, and a real God.

I visit a local shelter for troubled youth every week. I share the love of the Lord with them, and offer them friendship. The kids here have seen it all. From drug addiction and criminal activities to victims of all forms of abuse, from abandoned kids to runaways, they often end up here.

Let me explain the type of shelter that this is. RCYS really cares for the kids. They have counselors on staff to help the kids, offering several programs aimed at getting and keeping these kids on track to become a positive part of our future. It's not a lock up facility, but it is a place where kids can feel welcome and loved. Yes, they have to abide by rules but it is not like a boot camp. I have seen several kids come to know Christ during their stay here.

I said all that to say this. I am trying to help raise awareness and publicity for Rogers County Youth Services. They have been facing budget cuts as well as many other agencies but you can help. They have a wish list and a needs list on the website. If you can help, please contact them--your help would be greatly appreciated.

The good, the bad, & the deadly.

The good:
Nice day today, eh? I think so. Beautiful sunrise this morning. It's a shame that some won't get to see it or don't care because of the growing problem in our society. That leads me to the next paragraph...(please read on...)

The Bad, and the deadly:
Here's a link that you need to check out. There is currently a campaign against crystal meth use and next Tuesday, this organization has bought air time on most local TV stations---please check this out--meth use is rising at an alarming rate, especially among our youth. It's easily acquired, very highly addictive, and made from poison. Problem is, the youth of today will try anything once....but with meth it could be instant addiction at the first tweak...