ministry

Nov 2011 19

Looking For Drugs, Weapons and Jesus: Missions in Rocky Point, Mexico

2011 Articles, Christopher Lewis, Helping Hands, Ministry Musings

by Christopher Lewis

I never imagined that doing Christian ministry in Mexico would result in helping somebody look for drugs and weapons, but that is exactly what happened last week. I was stopped at a military checkpoint just north of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico (also known as Rocky Point). The soldier said, “Open the door, please.” Then he proceeded to look my car over for signs of drugs or weapons as he asked me a few routine questions.

Oct 2011 8

Neighborhood Thrift & Cafe – Thrift Store, Concert Venue & Much More!

2011 Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Helping Hands, Lorie Lewis Ham, Music, Strolling The Town, Tom Sims

by Tom Sims & Lorie Lewis Ham

Anthony “Ap” Armour, Bryan Feil, and Garth Richards cannot tell you who “runs” Neighborhood Thrift. What runs the organization is a sense of mission and a vision for what the ministry can and does accomplish in people’s lives. They describe themselves as a “triumvirate,” formed around a common purpose to launch a bold venture in the heart of the Tower District of Fresno.

Sep 2011 10

J29 Eleven

2011 Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Helping Hands, Ministry Musings, Music, Tom Sims

by Tom Sims

When Cathy Lookabaugh and Tamera Williams met, synergy led to concrete action and sparks began to fly.
“We’re just a couple of crazy moms who love music and love kids,” says Cathy. “There are a million things to do in this area if you are over 21,” she continues, “but if you are young, there is nothing.” So they put their heads together and dreamed J29 Eleven into existence.

Jun 2011 18

For Those Whose Father’s Weren’t So Great

2011 Articles, Christopher Lewis, Ministry Musings

by Christopher Lewis

Father's Day is a hard day for many people. It's a day set aside to honor fathers, but the reality is that many of us don't feel like honoring our fathers. Why? Because many of us have not been given a very good image of fatherhood. For many, the term “father” refers to a man who abandoned us when we were small. For others, it brings to mind an angry man who beat us or a perverse one who abused us.

Jun 2011 11

Visalia Rescue Mission-Helping the Homeless Since 1981

2011 Articles, Helping Hands, Ministry Musings, Tom Sims

by Tom Sims

When someone spends the night at the Visalia Rescue Mission, that person is not a client or a consumer of services, but an overnight guest. Overnight guests are treated with dignity, respect, and love. That is the mood and attitude of this organization, founded in 1981, to represent the church to the homeless, formerly incarcerated, and people with addictions in Tulare and Kings Counties.

May 2011 28

H.O.P.E. Sanger

2011 Articles, Helping Hands, Ministry Musings

by Doris Knowlton

H.O.P.E. Sanger formed six months ago when a small group bonded together to give hot nourishing meals to those in need. Julie Mendoza is the leader of this successful organization and she loves every minute of the fast pace and heavy workload. H.O.P.E. Sanger is made up of about 25-people which includes pastors from 11-local churches.

Apr 2011 9

Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries

2011 Articles, Helping Hands, Ministry Musings, Tom Sims

by Tom Sims

If you ask the Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley to describe Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM), prepare to hear stories. For Stanley, it is the story that makes the ministry, the story of short term assignment that became a life time labor of love, stories of the aspirations of new Americans, stories of hopes and dreams, and stories of the struggle to adjust to a new culture, language, and land.

Mar 2011 19

FIRE!!!

2011 Articles, Christopher Lewis, Ministry Musings

by Christopher Lewis

How many times have we heard the tragic news of a terrible forest fire sweeping through a forest, taking homes and sometimes even lives with it? It is always such sad news, and many times the fire is started by a little spark: somebody dropped a cigarette without putting it out, or somebody didn't put out their campfire.

Feb 2011 19

Roadmarkers

2011 Articles, Christopher Lewis, Ministry Musings

by Christopher Lewis

As we approach Presidents' Day in America, we are reminded of the legacy left by important leaders who helped lay important foundations for the nation in which we live.
George Washington was a general who helped lead the colonists to independence and then later served as this nation's first president. He helped lay the foundation for us as a nation.

Jan 2011 8

Another Side of Missions

2011 Articles, Helping Hands, Ministry Musings

by Brandi Nuse-Villegas

Dinuba native Jason Naylor is setting off on a new adventure in missions.However, his adventure may be different than what many people imagine missions to be, reflecting a growing field that is embracing a multitude of talents and new skill to accomplish its goals.