Do As You Are Told

We are taught many lessons in life by our parents.   One of the lessons I learned as a young child by my mother was "Do as you are told."   It was a tough lesson for me to learn and many times I questioned the wisdom of my parents as I was admonished to "do as you are told."  Many times I could not see the wisdom in the instruction of my father and I would rebel and sometimes refuse.     When I refused to follow instructions to "clean my room," "take out the trash," "get ready to go to church," usually there were consequences to be paid; sometimes a belt and pain were the result of disobeying my parents.    

   As we work with people in poverty it has become clear that many whom we work have never had the discipline of a parent.   Many who come to us for help have never learned through trial and error with instruction from parents how to make that decision.  Thus, they find themselves victims of poor decisions.   Unfortunately, the discipline is not there and now those who have not learned about discipline are themselves parenting.  And they come to us for assistance.    It is our job today to teach and help those who desire our help.   Help them to catch up to lessons that many of us learned as five-year olds.

In my study of the Holy Scriptures this week, the Lord spoke to me about our work together at Union Mission. Yesterday as I read three scriptures the following message came forth like a command from God:   "Do as you are told."

§  Joshua 2:1-21; Rahab was a prostitute who found her family in danger.   She realized that helping some spies escape would provide a better life for she and her family.  If she would follow their instruction their lives would be spared in the coming assault on her homeland.   If she would but follow simple instructions to hang a red colored rope out the window at a certain time giving a signal to her new found friends, secondly to keep her entire family inside the dwelling, they would not perish.   Simple instructions that took a bit of courage.   It worked and she and her family's lives were spared.

§  Luke 10:17-24; 70 people were sent out by Christ to heal, teach, and give witness to the power of God.   They were commanded in this scripture to do certain things, like "eat what you are served, "  "be polite to those you visit, " "don't waste your time where you are not welcomed" as they went about healing the sick and preaching God's message for the time they were assigned.    They did exactly as they were told and all went well for them and everything succeeded.

§  Ezekiel 37:1-14;  Ezekiel was commanded by the Lord to preach to bones out in the desert.   No skin on these carcasses; just bones.   Ezekiel did as the Lord commanded and these bones became alive beings again.    Ezekiel did as he was told.    

   I believe that God is giving me a message for our work together helping those who cannot help themselves. I also believe He is giving us a message concerning the challenges we are experiencing during these days as we work for Him in this ministry.    "Do As You Are Told."

   It is hard to move on faith, without any proof that what you are doing will be successful.    It is something I have spent the better part of my life exploring and have seen successful conclusions every time I have exercised that faith in God.   Someone has defined faith as "Stepping to the edge and then taking one more step."    It is never comfortable but once we have experienced it we are reminded of who is actually in charge.   God never fails; especially when we are about His business.    

   Only at Union Mission have I experienced this more often than any other place I have served.    There are reasons why I didn't experience it in the churches I served, as often. and that would be for another discussion at another time.   The reason I have experienced God's provision, basically everyday, is because I believe this is a God-called and God-centered ministry committed to serving the poor and needy of the region of the Roanoke Valley.    We are doing God's work here!  It is His work and we are His hands and feet to the hurting people who come through our doors.

   So what is God telling us?   And what should we do?

1.  Pray -  We cannot do what we are told unless we pray.    

2.  Listen -  Don't move ahead of God with our action.   

3.  Act - only when we are all in agreement as we pray and listen to what God wants us to do.

Example:   We all agree that meeting the needs of women and children in the Roanoke Valley is a calling of God upon our work at Union Mission.   We have been meeting together for prayer each week for several weeks now and that is being confirmed.  Soon we will approve the concept and continue to listen.     

Isn't it interesting, that since we have been praying, Faith House has resurfaced as a concern on our hearts and the leadership of Faith House has once again enlisted our help?    We agreed a year ago to help Faith House.   Now the timing is right and we are acting upon what God is telling us.     Praying, Listening, and Acting.   

   I am thinking we are on the verge of something outstanding in our 61 years of ministry.   Something that will take us to the next level.    I am thinking of the Brickell Family Life Center, and  I am thinking about our languishing finances.    The answer is simple to me:   "Do as you are told (by God),"     Act only when God instructs.  

   This has become my basic management style.   Is it easy?   A resounding NO I say to you.    I am learning to "wait upon the Lord....How Blessed are they who wait upon Him."    Most of the time I am secure and most of the time I believe what I have just written to you.   My goal is to move to total rest in what He commands me and us to do.   Only until I reach Heaven will I achieve perfection in waiting and resting in Him.    

   Like a child risking disobedience, I learn from my Heavenly Father.    I am growing in my faith in Him and life is much less stressful than before.

-LaCount Anderson

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Invisible Neighbor?

Some months ago I had the opportunity to attend a worship service in a large church located in a major southern city.    The minister was away and I enjoyed hearing from the president of the local university.  In the sermon, the president of this large university was talking about homeless people and the need for the Christian church to become more involved.    He gave an illustration from his own local church that is located in the downtown area across the street from the University.      I was inspired by his illustration relating to the fact that homeless people would come into the doors of his local church and worship on Sunday.   The illustration continued to state that the homeless visitors were comfortable on the back pew of the church.   

This story has haunted me for a long time now.   What haunts me is the fact that these people are recognized by this university president as “homeless.”    Apparently the individuals with whom he identifies as “homeless” are in shabby clothes, and appear to be the stereotypical picture of which we have all become accustomed.    This thought has occurred to me.   Why would a regular attender to a worship service continue to look “homeless?”   Is it that we tolerate the “look” and are happy to see a homeless person in our worship sanctuaries but are not willing to do anything about helping that person get some new clothes?   Further why would we allow a homeless person to sit on the back row of our sanctuary without reaching out to that human being?   Why wouldn’t we assist her in finding a place to live so she would not be homeless? 

Here is my struggle today.   Are our Christian antennas that dull to those around us?   Are we so accustomed to seeing that person and recognize them as just part of the landscape?    Have we lost the compassion for helping the human being who needs a place to stay and clothes to wear?   Why is it that there are visibly homeless people attending our churches?    Once we have identified a person in need, why is it we don’t take the next step and do something?    I reflect upon the story Jesus told about the Good Samaritan.   Before the Samaritan arrived on the scene of the beaten and naked man, there were two “church” people who came before him; people who were unable to see the need or were too busy to stop and help.   Maybe they just didn’t “see” the man.  He was a part of the landscape.   There is a great book by John Ashman entitled Invisible Neighbors.    I love the subtitle:  “If you don’t see them, you’re not looking.”

LaCount Anderson

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Blanket Bundles

On November 12, WRTP – His Radio,  will sponsor again this year Blanket Bundles.    You are asked to put 20 grocery items in a blanket, tie it up with cord or string, and bring to the Walmart Superstore located at 251 Premier Blvd.  Roanoke Rapids, NC.   The collection will take place at Walmart from noon until 4:00 PM.    Blanket Bundles has been a great help to the ministry of Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids over the past years.   They are in great need of food in that the demand upon food box distribution has never been greater.   Currently Union Mission is distributing over 1000 boxes per month to those who are in need.    The food is distributed Monday – Friday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at 1310 Roanoke Ave.  Roanoke Rapids, NC   

Future Events at Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids, Inc.:

·         Annual Thanksgiving Community Meal November 23, 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM  (volunteer workers needed.   Frozen Turkeys needed)

·         Spring Concert – March 10, 2011   6:00 PM at The Centre.  

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Shelter News

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you about our two homeless shelters in northeastern NC.

Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids -  Pray for Chad Reed as he works with the homeless men coming to the Mission for help.   Pray that God will use him daily as he teaches the men the Bible, works with them in counseling and goal setting.   Pray for the men that they will see the gift God has given each of them to use this time to know Him better.    

Union Mission is giving out an enormous amount of food these days.   In August the mission gave out over 1000 boxes of food to people coming by for assistance.   Our food supply is running low these days and donations of non-perishable food are needed.   The Mission will host their annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner again this year on November 23 from 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM.   They need donations of turkeys to provide enough food for 900 plates.  If you would like to volunteer or donate please call 252-537-3372.   

Faith House- Under the direction of Gloria Caudel seeks to help women and children who find themselves homeless.   Faith House is in need of facility repair and funds to help the women and children.   To find out how you can help please contact LaCount Anderson :  landerson@thefellowship.info  - 252 537-3372 ex. 28

We welcome Ms. Leah Anderson to the staff of the Eastern NC Poverty Network.  Leah serves as our Woman's Counselor working with the two shelters and our local churches.  She desires to assist women and children.  Her office is at All Saints Episcopal Church, Roanoke Rapids, NC.   Contact Leah at :  leahandreed@gmail.com   - 252-537-3610.

Pray and Act

Back in 1978 while I was a young seminary student I had the privilege of working with Rev. John Grant at Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church in Raleigh. John relayed a story to me while we were experiencing conflict within the congregation.
In the 1950’s John had a colleague in the Asheville area who was the pastor of a church. God was working in the church, change was occurring, and 5 or 6 deacons didn’t like the direction that was being taken. These deacons decided to take action to have the pastor removed from his position thus eliminating the problem they perceived in the direction of the church. They set about a systematic plan to discredit him in the church. Private discussions were had as well as public opposition to the direction of the church was made. Every attempt at moving forward was thwarted by these deacons.

The story goes on to state that one of those deacons became ill and died. Another and then another were tragically killed. Within one year all of the deacons of this mountain church, who had set a course to stop God’s work within the congregation had died; all but one. The pastor received a call that the last of the deacons was in the hospital gravely ill. He had requested the pastor to come to visit him in the hospital. Upon entry into the hospital room this man confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness from the pastor. The pastor forgave this man. Then the pastor witnessed the final deacon’s death right before his eyes.

I am reminded that God is in control and He will not let anything or anyone stop the work of His church. I am reminded that the most important thing we can do is actively pray for God’s wisdom. Then we must be courageous and follow God’s leadership no matter what He asks of us. If we are earnestly seeking wisdom from God, acting with courage in situations that come our way, all will be well. When we take action without His leadership, going our own way, we will surely fall into trouble.

-LaCount Anderson

Christian Woman's Job Corps and Prayer Items

Prayers Answered:
Her name came to us from different sources. WMU contacted us as did a church in Oak City, Raleigh, and Ahoskie. We interviewed Joyce to find out that she was being released from prison in just a few days. Would we help? After Leah talked with Joyce we realized that this lady really desired help for she and her teenaged son. Our answer was YES! Thus begins a story of Christian Woman's Job Corps here in northeastern NC. Today Joyce and her son are in temporary housing and she starts a new job tomorrow. We ask you to pray for our new ministry: Christian Woman's Job Corps. We are two weeks old and are already busy helping people who need help. We point people to God and encourage them to let Him be involved in their lives. If you would like to become involved as a mentor or to be a part of our financial team please contact Leah Anderson - 252-537-3610 or by email: leahandreed@gmail.com

Prayers For:

• Christian Woman's Job Corps - We have not met our start up goal financially. We are moving forward in faith that God will provide. Your help is needed. Please make your check to CBF and mail to LaCount Anderson P.O. Box 165 Scotland Neck, NC 27874 .
• Union Mission - Needs immediate funds for repair to the freezer and a second repair to their air conditioning.
• Faith House - Structure Repair on facility.
• Alton, CJ, Derrick, David, Orlando, Wilson, James, Raymond of Union Mission. Pray for the ladies at Faith House. Pray for Joyce and her son as they begin again.
• We received a gift of a mobile home to be used for someone in transition. Pray that God will show us where to place the home and for someone to live in the home who needs help.

Stepping Out on Faith

This past week a group of teenagers arrived at Union Mission to help us wherever we needed it. There were about 15 or so of these young missionaries. They stayed at the local hotel and came over every morning to work. They stepped out in faith that there was something to do in Roanoke Rapids, NC and traveled to Union Mission in faith.

Right after their arrival on Monday I received a call from a fellow missionary here in the area. He indicated that there was a farmer in Hobgood who was having difficulty in getting in his crop. It turns out he had, on faith, planted several acres of corn, squash, and okra not for the purpose of selling but for the purpose of giving to those in need. He had done this for a few years and for some reason this year he was having a difficult time in getting people to come to the farm and harvest.

I gave a resounding YES to this man and on Tuesday and Wednesday the teens, their chaperones and I drove over an hour to Hobgood, NC and worked in the 100 degree heat harvesting about 1000 pounds of corn. On Wednesday we looked at this huge pile of corn in our pantry at Union Mission and realized that we needed to bag it up and get it to people in need.

On Wednesday morning, I sent the teenagers to Enfield, to give out the corn to the neighbors of Faith House, our shelter in the area. To my surprise came a group of Children on Wednesday afternoon from Roanoke Rapids. They came in faith that there was something to do at Union Mission. They were coming to help wherever they could. I watched these children aged 6-9 years of age work like little busy bees bagging up corn. They bagged it all . Now it was ready for distribution. Over the next day we gave out corn to those who came to Union Mission for a food box, and we sent it out into the neighborhoods through our regular channel of food distribution. At the end of Thursday all 1000 pounds of corn we had received on Tuesday was in the hands of families who needed food.

Steppin out....