Summer Wrap-Up

Eating crawfish last week of camp

Summer Missionaries never ate this before :)

Hard to believe that summer is almost over. We had a great summer with our girls. Two of them will be seniors in high school this school year. Please pray for them as they make decisions as to what college and career path. Pray also for all the girls as they get ready to start a new school year. Pray they would remember what they discovered this summer about themselves and the plan God has for each of them.

Girls  teaching how to eat Louisiana food

Community service project!

GoodShop

Serving up some food at our July Community event

We know that Christmas is still a few months away. We also know that some like to get a head start on their shopping. As you shop, consider using GoodShop and choose Baptist Friendship House as the "who do you shop for." At no extra cost to you, a percentage of what you purchase online will benefit us. Retailers partner to make this an automatic donation so all you do is go to www.goodshop.com and choose your charity, then shop from their list of partners. Amazon is on the list as well as many others, including car rentals, florists, etc. You can also visit our website: www.baptistfriendshiphouse.org under the "How You Can Help" tab for more information.

Mid-Summer Fun

Volunteers grilling it up for our June event

 One of our Up2HOPE girls enjoying crafts

 Just wanted to share with you a few pictures from our June event and how the the summer is going with our girls from Up2HOPE.

We had a great time with volunteers grilling hot dogs and hamburgers June 14 for our community day.

Chilling with our community during our June event

We also celebrated the life of Ike. He passed away late May. He was dearly loved by many in our community. Some of his friends shared fond memories during the memorial we had for him. Many have said thank you for providing a place to remember a dear friend and that it was a great service. Please pray for his friends and family.

 

Having fun with the parachute

Up2HOPE started week 6 of 7 today. The girls have learned about the different cities our summer missionaries are from and tasted food from their home states too! We have had blast helping the girls discover new things about themselves and the plan God has for each of them. Please continue to pray for our summer missionaries as they prepare to finish the last 2 weeks of camp and head home for school. Pray our girls will remember the lessons they have been taught as they too prepare to go back to school.

We also celebrated a milestone for one sweet lady. Ms. Ann started coming to us late last year. She first came in and sat quietly as others searched through clothing and took showers. We would ask if she needed anything. She would just quietly shake her head no. We learned that she was staying with her dad in house not too far from the center. A few weeks would pass and she would occasionally get up and look for a shirt that might fit her. She eventually asked if she could volunteer. We said sure, when she came in during clothing we could use her help to keep the clothing area straight. In the past several months, she has formed relationships with not only the staff, but also people that come in for clothing. She also helps us put together snack packs and hand them out on Wednesday mornings. When many speak of her, the only word that follows her name is "sweet." She started riding with another local volunteer so she doesn't have to walk or catch the bus as often. She also has been attending our Bible study on Thursday mornings. Recently, during Bible Study, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. All of the staff, volunteers, and ladies in the Bible Study with her rejoiced. She is eager to learn more. We have been able to give her some easy-to-read devotionals for her to continue to grow. Please pray for our sweet Ann as she begins her journey with Christ.

Spring-IN into Summer

Summer is upon us! Hard to believe that we have started a new summer of camp. We are focusing on Discovering the plan God has for each of us. Our main scripture this summer is Proverbs 2: 2-12. Please pray for our summer missionaries as they plan and prepare for what what God will do through them this summer. Pray for the girls that attend, they are 8 years and older. Pray they will seek the path God has prepared for them.

We celebrated great success with one of our own. Melanie was the recipient of the Sybil Bentley Dove Award in 2008. She used the scholarship to begin taking classes toward her social work degree. We are happy to celebrate with her that she received her bachelor's last year and in 9 months she received her masters! We are so proud of her. Please pray for her as she seeks the next steps God has for her and as she prepares to take the licensure exam. 


In Memory Of
"Ike"

 Our friend known to us as Ike, passed away May 29, 2014. He was a "one of a kind" friend to many. He affected the lives of everyone he met for the better. His untimely death leaves us all heavy hearted but joyful knowing that he is with Jesus. Ike had a unique point of view on life. He often left with a smile on his face and leaving us with a smile on ours.

A few months ago, he proposed to long-time companion Yvonne. He was always honest and spoke what was on his mind; his proposal was nothing different. He had planned on spending the rest of his life taking care of her. He told a case worker he couldn't imagine life without her. Now as we move forward with life without him, please remember us in your prayers. Pray for Yvonne as she adjusts to life without her "partner in crime." Pray for many in the community who knew him. Pray also for the staff of BFH, as we also look ahead to different life of not seeing him at every event and randomly throughout the week.

Ike you are loved and missed but never forgotten.

"so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."
                                                           1 Thessalonians 2:8

Month of Love

February 8

Though many think of February as the month of {romantic} love, we decided to take on the theme of 1 Corinthians 13, also known as the "The Love Chapter" of the Bible.

February 8 was a day for volunteers to serve our community. A group from Meridian served up some chicken spaghetti and all the sides. Along with other volunteers, we were able to give out clothing, including new pajamas for kids.The pajamas were donated by the Pajama Program,

Carters®, and a local school.

Getting new pajamas for kids

On February 13, we served our ladies a hearty meal. Of course what Valentine's party is complete without candy? We shared scripture with the ladies about God's love and plan for their lives. One of the ladies pointed out that in order to grasp the love of God, we must also love each other. Please pray our community as we build relationships and continue to share the message of Christ's redeeming love.

Feeding on February 8

As February comes to a close,we ask for your continued prayers as the city prepares for Mardi Gras. Pray for safety of tourists and mission groups. Also pray for girls that are trapped in sexual slavery - big events tend to spike the demand for adult entertainment. Pray girls will be rescued and the buyers prosecuted. 








1 Corinthians 13 (CEV) 

What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing,   unless I loved others. ³ What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would  gain nothing, unless I loved others. ⁴ Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or ⁵ rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. ⁶ Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. ⁷ Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. ⁸ Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. ⁹ We don’t know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. ¹⁰ But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn’t perfect will then disappear. ¹¹ When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. ¹² Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. ¹³ For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love. 

(emphasis added)

New Year Brings New Opportunities

As one year ends, another begins. We cannot express how thankful we are to everyone who has prayed, donated items, and supported us throughout the year. We look forward to continuing ministry together. As the year ended, we were able to give ladies that come for showers, clothing, and Bible study a set of gloves, a scarf, and a devotional all given through donations. As they opened their gifts, joy took over their faces. Many have expressed how nice the items were and how much they needed them. They listened intently as a staff member read the Christmas story. It was a great morning of ministry to our community. They all left with full bellies and spirit filled hearts.

Hannah reading the Christmas story from the Bible

One of the ladies opening her gifts

Many of you may also remember Quentin, the baby that was born several weeks pre-mature. He is doing well. He is still in the hospital getting stronger every day. We expect him to be able to go home very soon. Please remember him and his family in your prayers. Also, continue to pray for our community, especially through this very cold weather we are experiencing. Pray as our families in the transitional housing program begin to find daycare and steady employment.

Steps

This weekend we were able to transition one of our families in to her new home. As we began to unload her things into the home, we had to walk up steps. After unloading, the mom and her 2 kids stood at the top of the steps for a picture with the keys to her new home. It is a celebration. Her little girl was so excited she could hardly stand still. It is a major accomplishment for the whole family.

The steps remind us of what it takes to reach our goals. One of the first things we do when we accept a new family in to our program is set goals. Goals are a way that the individual can see progress in a tangible way. We celebrate each milestone of the process. As we set goals with the families, they are often in the form of stairs. It represents the steps it takes to reach the ultimate goal, in this case, housing.

Thank you for all you do for us and our community. Through your prayers, gifts, and support, it makes what we do possible. Thank you for providing needed supplies, appliances, and household items so that our families will have what they need in their new home.

Please continue to pray for our families. Pray for them as they settle in to their new homes. Pray they would continue to set goals and reach them.





If you would like to view more prayer requests, you can visit our website at www.baptistfriendshiphouse.org

Summer Recap

(t-shirt crafts always a favorite )

Summer is never boring here at Friendship House. We registered 42 girls for the summer program, Up2HOPE. The girls were on a 7-week Voyage that took them all over the world - all 7 continents to be exact. Of course this was done via the air conditioned building at Baptist Friendship House ;)   The girls learned about other cultures, and even tasted some of the food from the different countries discussed. They learned about what ministry was like in the different areas of the world. They enjoyed crafts, games, problem solving tasks, preventative educational groups and Bible study. We appreciate all the prayers and support to make the summer possible. Our summer missionaries were awesome. Our girls loved getting to know and learning from them. The summer missionaries also loved learning from our girls. It was a great summer and we look forward to what God is going to do through out the next year.

(Anything with paint is always a hit, too!)

Please pray for our girls as they begin school. Some school have already started. Pray also for our Back-to-School Bash that will be next week. Continue to pray for the summer missionaries that served with us and around the world. Many will be returning to college. They have all experienced something others in their classes did not. The transition may be challenging as they have learned a great deal about what it means to be totally dependent on Christ.

Graduation Celebrations

3 Graduates - PJ helped  :)

The last few weeks we have been honored to celebrate the graduations of Friendship House family members. Family for us include staff, ladies and their children in our transitional house program and former members of our program. We have celebrated graduations from college, high school, a job training program, and kindergarten. Both women who graduated with their undergraduate degrees are continuing on to graduate school. We are so proud of all of them and all they have accomplished. Please continue to pray for them as they seek their next steps. We wish them the best for the future.

Painting

Getting Passport Stamp

 Summer Camp is also in full swing. As of now we have completed our first full week of camp. This year we are on a Voyage. We will be visiting every continent. This week was Europe. They have learned about the ministry opportunities in Europe as well as obstacles that people may face. They worked on a t-shirt craft in which they transformed it in to a purse. Please pray for our summer staff as they lead the devotions and each group session. Pray for the girls as they learn new things about places and cultures.

Blessings

We have been blessed to be included in the Annie Armstrong Week of Prayer. Many have sent cards, donations, commented on social networks, and have called to say they have been praying. We appreciate the prayers, the support, and kind words from everyone.

We appreciate all the prayers and volunteers in regards to human trafficking during Super Bowl 2013 and Mardi Gras. Girls were rescued and traffickers arrested. This issue requires all of us working together to make a difference. Thank you for helping us change our world. 

Through your prayers and support the ministry at Friendship House continues to thrive. In March a group of volunteers from a local church hosted a "luau" with our Up2HOPE girls. They had a blast making necklaces and playing games. We also had volunteers help with Community Bible Study and prayer walks. We celebrated birthdays Friendship House style with good food and fun.

Now that April is here, we are getting ready for our annual Health Fair on Saturday, April 6. This event is important for our community. We are able to provide needed medical screenings and referrals. We believe that God cares about our spiritual health as well as our physical health, during the health fair we are able to minister to both.

Please continue to pray for our families as they seek employment and affordable housing. Pray for our summer missionaries as the begin to prepare to have a life changing experience in our community and leading our summer program, Up2HOPE. Summer missionaries arrive May 30 and Up2HOPE begins June 4.


Again, we cannot express how grateful we are for your prayers and you support. It is overwhelming (in a great way!) the number of emails, cards, and calls from people saying they are praying for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of the ministry of meeting needs in our community.

New Year - New Life Changing Opportunities

 The New Year is in full swing and ministries at Friendship House are as well. Since our last post, we have had our annual Fall Fest and Thanksgiving Meal.  Each were awesome opportunities to spend with our community. Great conversations were shared at both events. We were able to provide a safe environment to learn about the needs of  our community and also meet those needs.

Through churches and individuals, Christmas was made very special for several families that we have connected with. We appreciate those that gave presents and made Christmas special for families in our community.

Currently, we are focusing on praying with others for Superbowl and Mardi Gras events around our city. During major tourist events, like the Superbowl, the demand for the exploitation of people goes up. It affects women and children in a big way. Baptist Friendship House is committed to advocating on the victims' behalf through much prayer, training, and outreach. Please visit our Facebook page for daily prayer requests leading up to the Superbowl. You can also visit the FreeNOLA website for more information.

Please continue to pray with us and for us as we reach out to our community. Pray as women come for showers, clothing, and GED preparations, pray they would see hope and compassion in action. Pray for staff as we prepare for the activities surrounding Superbowl and Mardi Gras. Pray for our community as we continue to minister to them. Pray for families we connect with to find stability financially through employment and spiritually by coming face to face with Jesus.

Below are some recent pictures of events held at Friendship House:

Kay and some of the 'big' kids playing a game at Fall Fest

One of our Up2HOPE girls writing a Christmas Card

PJ giving (and getting) some love at Thanksgiving. (He also liked all the plates he licked)

The serving line for Thanksgiving

We want to express our thanks for all who have supported us. Thank you for being a part of the ministry here in New Orleans. We appreciate all the prayers and support you give.

Disaster Relief....and Other Things

 The week of August 27 was a very busy time for us here at Friendship House. It encompassed the seven-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005) and was also was met with Hurricane Isaac that directly impacted our area. Though our area did not suffer from street flooding our building did have some water damage from leaks. We are currently working on replacing floors in 2 bedrooms and the main gym floor.

Some areas were not as fortunate as us. Many, especially in city of LaPlace and in Plaquemines Parish, had flood damage. It was reported that as much as four feet of water were in homes. Feed the Children also wanted to help. They sent us a truck, sponsored by Office Depot, loaded with boxes of food for our community. Crocs also sponsored a truck to take to LaPlace and in to Plaquemines; it was filled with cleaning supplies and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). Crocs Cares donated shoes to distribute. We were able to take clothing, hygiene items, etc. to the neighborhoods affected. Through the Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) Foundation HEART Fund, we were able to rent a fork-lift and pallet jack to load the Southern Baptist (SBC) Disaster Relief truck to take the supplies. We were also able to take a listening ear and a love from Christ. We wanted those we met to know that they were not forgotten. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) teams are working to help gut out and repair homes as needed. We are very thankful to other churches and individuals who have given to help in the disaster relief effort and Baptist Friendship House. Your prayers and support are very much appreciated. Please be in prayer for those affected. Pray for the DR teams that will be working.

September 8 we were able to have our annual Back-to-School Bash. We had over 100 backpacks packed with school supplies to give out to our community. Susan, from a local church, also brought her snowball stand. It was a welcomed treat for us all! (Especially for those of us enjoyed 3 snowballs :) ) The weather was perfect for the day. It was a great day in general even though Isaac was still fresh on everyone's mind and heart.

Please continue to pray for us as we minister to our community. Pray for the women that come for GED. We have a few that may be taking the test during October. We celebrate one that did pass the test in August! Pray for her as she seeks to enter college.




In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

Never A Dull Moment

It has been a while since we last let you know what Friendship House is up to. Since the last blog we have experienced the Strawberry Festival, more Up2HOPE Fun Days, the start of our summer program for Up2HOPE, the Southern Baptist Convention, and of course......SUMMER! It has been extremely hot and humid this year. We ask for your prayers in a safe, fun and hurricane-free summer.

The fun never stops here - no matter the season. I mentioned to one of our Up2HOPE girls that I was trying to write a blog and she decided that she would write it for me. It was great to see how she views the summer program.  She basically said it was "awesome" and "cool." For those that may not be familiar with our summer program we call Up2HOPE, it is an intensive preventative program geared for girls ages 8 and up. We want to encourage girls in our community to dream and reach beyond their circumstances. We are able to offer this camp for free because of your generous contributions. The HOPE stands for Helping Others Prepare and Equip. We want the girls to be part of a community that assists them in preparing for adulthood in a positive way.

Please continue to pray for the girls that attend, we have registered 62 girls for the summer. Our theme is Fearless. The remaining 3 weeks will discuss the Fear of the Unknown and the Fear of Success and Failure. We want our girls to know that God has a plan for them even if the world tells them otherwise.
Pray also for our other ministries as we continue to serve over 200 people a week through snack packs, hygiene kits, showers, and clothing. Pray that we would be Jesus to everyone who we have an opportunity to come in contact with.
Pray for the families in our transitional housing program. Pray they would be encouraged during this time and would seek the plans God has for their lives.

We always appreciate your support through your prayers, giving, and service.

Special Gift

I've been holding on to this. Below is a brief essay one of our kids wrote in February for school. The question was: "Have you been given a gift before." His initial response was: "Homeless people around my house was." Read below to see his thoughts. It touched our hearts.

"I gave a gift to a homeless person that didn't have clothes to put on. I gave them some clothes and a hygiene kit to take a shower, be nice and clean. Then when when they get out of the shower, I gave them a snack pack to eat. We let them watch t.v. We played video games with them. They had so much fun. 
They felt special, loved, helped and cared for."

[A.T.-9years old]

Through the eyes of a child. We don't typically play video games or watch t.v. with everyone who comes in, but our families who call Friendship House home, do.

A.T. is a hardworking, sweet young man who loves to play with all the younger kids. He is like their big brother. This is home. He feels at home which is our hope and prayer for everyone who comes through the doors. We pray that they feel "special, loved and cared for."

The Family Room

The "family room" of any home should be a place of love, acceptance, and celebration. Ours in no different. We have a refrigerator in our cafe, which acts like a dinning/living room. One of our kids brought home her artwork from school. She went to every person showing them her master piece - much like any kid would do when they came home to a large family. She is five and so much fun. She was so proud of her artwork and so was her Friendship House family. She asked if she could put it on the refrigerator. Of course we said yes. It got me thinking about how much like a big family we come to be at Friendship House. The kids and their moms (and some staff members) call it home.

Like any home should, it is full of celebrations and laughter.  We celebrated birthdays of staff, kids, and a graduation for a GED student that got her diploma. One of the kids shared a birthday with a staff member. She was so excited when she walked in she found that staff member and helped her count down the days until the actual birthday. She enjoyed having someone to share it with.

We also welcomed our girls from the summer to enjoy a day of fun. We love this time with them. They get to experience a day that was designed just for them to relax and have fun with friends. We appreciated having a special guest, Kimberly, from the Louisiana State WMU office to come and share about Acteens with our girls. We, basically, already do Acteens with our girls with service projects, Bible Study, etc. Now we will be able introduce them to the opportunities that Acteens have to offer.

Below are a few pictures from the month of January. Thank you for taking the time to pray with and for our families.

Christmas Celebration

This past weekend, we celebrated Christmas with our families. Because of some very special "elves" our families were able to have a great Christmas. Each child was able to open gifts and found exactly what they wanted. They (and their moms) are very thankful for those that gave. I one of the kids said that it was the best Christmas ever! When asked why, he said because he was able to open gifts with all his friends and family and see their faces light up.
We thank everyone for their time, gifts, and especially the prayers that you send. Thank you for choosing to be a part of the ministry here. Each part you play in the ministry - prayer, giving, etc. - does not go unnoticed. We are thankful for each of you. We hope you and your family had a Very Merry Christmas.
Have a Happy New Year!

Relaxed Holiday??

During this time of year, relaxation is not a word that comes to mind; however, giving does. Volunteers from a local church gave of their time and talents to serve our girls from the summer. Our Up2HOPE December event was filled with laughter and relaxation for our girls as they enjoyed "spa treatment" from the ladies (some of our staff took advantage of it as well). They also had a time of devotion. It was a blessing for all involved. Please pray for our girls as they take a break from school to spend it with family. Pray for them to celebrate the reason for the season - Jesus' birth.