What a year 2008 has been.
Along with the normal challenges of life and ministry this has been a year where we voted in a new president, banks have been bailed out, auto manufacturers are in trouble and to put the icing on the cake, according to a report released today, Toledo has the highest unemployment rate in all of the urban centers in Ohio at 10.9% - which means roughly one out of 10 people in Toledo who are able to work are without a job.
However, lately I've been warming myself with Jeremiah's writings in chapter 17, and the way David describes his own challenges and his responses to them, in Psalm 131. Can I tell you something you already know - God's view of us, our problems and our environment are so vastly different because His vantage point is different. I'm glad I can ask Him whenever I want, what He thinks based on His advantage of things.
And so, I thank God.
While I'm thanking Him I'm reminded of the outlandishly generous community we live in. I can tell you with a first hand account of the countless times when things have gotten tough around the many ministries of Cherry Street - the wonderful men, women and families, of whom you may be one, rise to offer assistance, love, support, or a shoulder.
Time and again thousands of families, churches, corporations and businesses stand in the gap and make the difference to someone else - THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dan
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
More than an adjective
As the leader of Cherry Street Mission Ministries, I have read with dismay the reports of negative reaction to the fact that the homeless can vote. I have also received calls from folks who have read these reports and believe Cherry Street participated in partisan practices or attempted to “get out the vote” for a specific candidate in this year's election.
I would like to set the record straight on both counts.
First, allegations that we attempt to get out the vote or influence homeless people’s votes are completely false and without merit. Cherry Street Mission Ministries believes that all citizens – no matter race, creed, color, gender, or religion – have fundamental rights as Americans, among them the right to vote. That is why Cherry Street provided transportation to a polling station when our guests requested it: so they can exercise their right to vote – period.
Second, to suggest that citizens be denied the right to vote because they are identified by the adjective “homeless” is as reprehensible as attempts in our nation’s past to disenfranchise those identified as “black” or “female.” Homeless men and women come from every walk of life and every educational level. Like you and me, they read newspapers, watch TV, and form their opinions of candidates and issues. Like you and me, they have the right to vote based on their opinions.
For 61 years, Cherry Street Mission Ministries has been a refuge for men and women who have nowhere else to go. We’ve been privileged to help thousands transform their lives through faith and return to their family and community to build new lives. Today, we’re working harder than ever to serve a record 650 meals each day and shelter a record 200 men and women each night.
There has never been room for political advocacy at Cherry Street, only people advocacy because every one matters.
Dan
I would like to set the record straight on both counts.
First, allegations that we attempt to get out the vote or influence homeless people’s votes are completely false and without merit. Cherry Street Mission Ministries believes that all citizens – no matter race, creed, color, gender, or religion – have fundamental rights as Americans, among them the right to vote. That is why Cherry Street provided transportation to a polling station when our guests requested it: so they can exercise their right to vote – period.
Second, to suggest that citizens be denied the right to vote because they are identified by the adjective “homeless” is as reprehensible as attempts in our nation’s past to disenfranchise those identified as “black” or “female.” Homeless men and women come from every walk of life and every educational level. Like you and me, they read newspapers, watch TV, and form their opinions of candidates and issues. Like you and me, they have the right to vote based on their opinions.
For 61 years, Cherry Street Mission Ministries has been a refuge for men and women who have nowhere else to go. We’ve been privileged to help thousands transform their lives through faith and return to their family and community to build new lives. Today, we’re working harder than ever to serve a record 650 meals each day and shelter a record 200 men and women each night.
There has never been room for political advocacy at Cherry Street, only people advocacy because every one matters.
Dan
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Biblical Rescue Intensives
Many of you have been asking when the next Biblical Rescue Intensive will be offered. Here is the fall schedule.
Biblical Rescue Overview
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
Three consecutive Thursday evenings:
September 25th from 7-9 p.m.
October 2nd from 7-9 p.m.
October 9th from 7-9 p.m.
The Biblical Rescue Overview will cover the Upstream Downstream Model of Think, the Biblical Formation and Foundation for Rescue, The Truths of Rescue and The Principles of Rescue. This overview is designed to empower the attendee toward the practicality of Rescue using the kitchen table.
You may register for the Biblical Rescue Overview at www.cedarcreek.tv (Toledo campus), or send an email to Ashley Hall at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Family Christian Center
October 16-18
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
The Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Family Christian Center Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.aroundthefamily.com or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
October 23-25
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
As a follow up from the Biblical Rescue Overview, the Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Cedar Creek Toledo Campus Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.cedarcreek.tv or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
If you are a follower of Christ and have tried to help someone get out of trouble and have not been as successful or not successful at all - I encourage you to attend the Overview or one of the Three Day Intensives.
You can be successful when helping others when you learn how to apply the Biblical alternatives - every time!
Dan
Biblical Rescue Overview
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
Three consecutive Thursday evenings:
September 25th from 7-9 p.m.
October 2nd from 7-9 p.m.
October 9th from 7-9 p.m.
The Biblical Rescue Overview will cover the Upstream Downstream Model of Think, the Biblical Formation and Foundation for Rescue, The Truths of Rescue and The Principles of Rescue. This overview is designed to empower the attendee toward the practicality of Rescue using the kitchen table.
You may register for the Biblical Rescue Overview at www.cedarcreek.tv (Toledo campus), or send an email to Ashley Hall at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Family Christian Center
October 16-18
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
The Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Family Christian Center Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.aroundthefamily.com or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
October 23-25
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
As a follow up from the Biblical Rescue Overview, the Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Cedar Creek Toledo Campus Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.cedarcreek.tv or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
If you are a follower of Christ and have tried to help someone get out of trouble and have not been as successful or not successful at all - I encourage you to attend the Overview or one of the Three Day Intensives.
You can be successful when helping others when you learn how to apply the Biblical alternatives - every time!
Dan
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Most, The First and The Found
A few day's ago I was challenged as to the validity of a common statement, particularly within the Rescue Mission community, regarding the homeless and impoverished. The statement is; 'The Least, Last and Lost. It's a statement intended to bring attention to the often overlooked of our society. I've used the statement many times over the years during talks, in our newsletters and in various publications - including this blog.
Interestingly enough however, at the same time I've contended for some time now that you and I have to stop thinking about people as adjectives. People are nouns. All nouns have something in common - a capital letter. That capital letter connects us to the importance of the word. When a person is thought of and treated as an adjective, it's demoralizing. None of us want that for ourselves and not for anyone else. No matter how easy it is to slip and refer to someone in the description of their life; homeless, drunk, gay, addict or poor, we have to diligently guard against it.
Words like least, last and lost are actually more than adjectives in this case because they, when used to describe the homeless and poor, are assumptive and negative - as I'm being challenged.
And so, allow me to change my thinking. Instead of the negative assumption, how about a positive hope - The Most, The First and The Found. Isaiah 61 says it best; "And these shall be the rebuilders ..."
Dan
Interestingly enough however, at the same time I've contended for some time now that you and I have to stop thinking about people as adjectives. People are nouns. All nouns have something in common - a capital letter. That capital letter connects us to the importance of the word. When a person is thought of and treated as an adjective, it's demoralizing. None of us want that for ourselves and not for anyone else. No matter how easy it is to slip and refer to someone in the description of their life; homeless, drunk, gay, addict or poor, we have to diligently guard against it.
Words like least, last and lost are actually more than adjectives in this case because they, when used to describe the homeless and poor, are assumptive and negative - as I'm being challenged.
And so, allow me to change my thinking. Instead of the negative assumption, how about a positive hope - The Most, The First and The Found. Isaiah 61 says it best; "And these shall be the rebuilders ..."
Dan
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
It's not complicated
.... It's just complex.
talking
walking
smiling
caring
sharing
giving
receiving
loving
challenging
listening
forgiving
being
Which one will you chose?
When you've chosen and when you're ready, please accept my invitation to have breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of our Food Service Centers with one or more of our guests - they'll be happy you did.
So will you.
See you soon,
Dan
talking
walking
smiling
caring
sharing
giving
receiving
loving
challenging
listening
forgiving
being
Which one will you chose?
When you've chosen and when you're ready, please accept my invitation to have breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of our Food Service Centers with one or more of our guests - they'll be happy you did.
So will you.
See you soon,
Dan
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Knowledge Age
It's been said we're no longer in the Industrial Age. The age many believe we're now in, is the Knowledge Age. In this age, it's knowledge that makes the difference. The knowledge you have and the knowledge you are proficient in, is the multiplier in today's market place.
Many have asked over the years; 'What causes homelessness?' The answer, like the question is complex but not complicated. In fact, there is really only one and actual cause of homelessness.
The lack of knowledge is the #1 cause of homelessness!
By the way, at the other end of the spectrum - knowledge is the #1 cause of success.
While there are several factors that 'assist' lack of knowledge, none of them actually cause homelessness - let's do a quick review of some of the predominant factors:
Alcoholism
Illegal or prescription drug use
Incarceration
Pornography
Gambling
Economics
Lack of affordable housing
Illiteracy
None of these predominant factors, actually cause homelessness.
The reason why the ministries of Cherry Street have been widely successful is because we know the obvious (the list above) is simply the product of something else.
You can prove this by thinking about all the times you've failed, or made a bad choice or decision. You can track the wrong done to the lack of knowledge; either you didn't know, or you did know and chose to ignore what you knew.
Either way, it was the lack of knowledge that brought about the negative outcome. Think for a moment on how you have corrected these decisions moving forward? Like me and others, you've increased your knowledge to ensure success, rather than failure.
When we introduce knowledge into the lives of the men and women we serve, their lives begin to change - from the inside out. Of course, the knowledge we unashamedly apply and that which is woven through the fabric of our recovery programs, education and training, is Biblically formed.
The knowledge men, women and families gain through services provided by Cherry Street Mission Ministries ensures a higher probability they will succeed in life after Cherry Street.
There's still room in this week's Rescue Intensive. Email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org, or call 419-242-5141 for more information or to register.
Dan Rogers
Many have asked over the years; 'What causes homelessness?' The answer, like the question is complex but not complicated. In fact, there is really only one and actual cause of homelessness.
The lack of knowledge is the #1 cause of homelessness!
By the way, at the other end of the spectrum - knowledge is the #1 cause of success.
While there are several factors that 'assist' lack of knowledge, none of them actually cause homelessness - let's do a quick review of some of the predominant factors:
Alcoholism
Illegal or prescription drug use
Incarceration
Pornography
Gambling
Economics
Lack of affordable housing
Illiteracy
None of these predominant factors, actually cause homelessness.
The reason why the ministries of Cherry Street have been widely successful is because we know the obvious (the list above) is simply the product of something else.
You can prove this by thinking about all the times you've failed, or made a bad choice or decision. You can track the wrong done to the lack of knowledge; either you didn't know, or you did know and chose to ignore what you knew.
Either way, it was the lack of knowledge that brought about the negative outcome. Think for a moment on how you have corrected these decisions moving forward? Like me and others, you've increased your knowledge to ensure success, rather than failure.
When we introduce knowledge into the lives of the men and women we serve, their lives begin to change - from the inside out. Of course, the knowledge we unashamedly apply and that which is woven through the fabric of our recovery programs, education and training, is Biblically formed.
The knowledge men, women and families gain through services provided by Cherry Street Mission Ministries ensures a higher probability they will succeed in life after Cherry Street.
There's still room in this week's Rescue Intensive. Email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org, or call 419-242-5141 for more information or to register.
Dan Rogers
Sunday, June 29, 2008
July Rescue
Our next Biblical Rescue Intensive is July 17-19th. The Intensive on Thursday and Friday is from 6-9 p.m. and on Saturday 8-4. The July Intensive will once again be held at the New Life Church of God in Christ's Education Center at 1215 Oakwood, near the corner of Detroit and Oakwood.
If you have taken the Intensive and desire to move into the Internship Program, you'll want to take the Intensive again before entering as an Intern. For those of you who have heard about the Intensive and are attending for the first time, here is a partial list of components covered:
If you have taken the Intensive and desire to move into the Internship Program, you'll want to take the Intensive again before entering as an Intern. For those of you who have heard about the Intensive and are attending for the first time, here is a partial list of components covered:
The Upstream / Downstream Model of Think
The critical difference between 'compassion' as is being defined today, and Biblical Rescue
The difference between the truth and the fact of people
How to get off and stay off, 'The Cycle of Failure' when working with and serving others
The difference between Adulthood and Autonomy
The Inertia and Momentum of cataclysmic moments
To register for the Biblical Rescue Intensive, contact Ashley Hall at 419-242-5141 or email Ashely at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org. If you have any questions concerning the Intensive you may email me at danrogers@cherrystreetmission.org or contact my assistant Liz Simon at lsimon@cherrystreetmission.org.
Hope to see you in July.
Dan
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
New Life
I know you'll join me in welcoming our newest Grandson into the world. Born yesterday afternoon at 6 lbs 8 ounces and 20.5 inches long - Noah William.
Here he is less than an hour old and peeking out from behind the covers. Mom, Dad and sister are all doing well.
New Life, New Birth.
What a wonderful example of His infinite promise, God unfolds right before our eyes each time a baby is born.
Have a great day - I will.
Dan
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Voice of Rescue
As you can see, we're now on the air at WPOS radio. I invite you to click the link and listen in on some of the topics we're talking about. The Voice of Rescue can be heard each Sunday at 5:00 p.m. As always I'm interested in your opinions and ideas about either the blog or the radio show in terms of content.
Biblical Rescue Intensive.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week (15-17) we'll once again be conducting a three day Rescue Intensive. These intensives are designed to equip you in your efforts to help others - and succeed in the process. This week's Intensive will be held in Oregon at New Harvest Church near the corner of Coy and Seamon Roads, 6-9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 8-4 on Saturday.
To register for the class and to receive additional information contact Ashley Hall at 419-242-5141 or ahall@cherrystreetmission.org.
The next scheduled Rescue Intensive will be at New Life Church of God in Christ in Toledo on Oakwood June 12-14. Again, contact Ashley for all the details and information.
Dan
Biblical Rescue Intensive.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week (15-17) we'll once again be conducting a three day Rescue Intensive. These intensives are designed to equip you in your efforts to help others - and succeed in the process. This week's Intensive will be held in Oregon at New Harvest Church near the corner of Coy and Seamon Roads, 6-9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 8-4 on Saturday.
To register for the class and to receive additional information contact Ashley Hall at 419-242-5141 or ahall@cherrystreetmission.org.
The next scheduled Rescue Intensive will be at New Life Church of God in Christ in Toledo on Oakwood June 12-14. Again, contact Ashley for all the details and information.
Dan
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
What's in an 'adjective'?
I'm in Cleveland this morning.
My 72 year old dad is undergoing a five hour surgery today to remove part of his liver where a cancer growth was recently detected. My dad is an amazing fellow. A retired truck driver he and my mom own a family restaurant in Lorain called Rosie's. Through the grace, mercy and healing power of God, he is a cancer survivor twice before in just the last three years. My amazement of him comes from his complete patient and peaceful attitude.
I know many of you who read this will take a quick moment and pray for his continued health - I appreciate that, thank you.
Having arrived at the hospital at around 5:30 this morning, I took the opportunity to read up on the local news in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. On the front page of the Metro section is this headline; "Ohio in top 5 for homeless attacks". It caught my attention as you can well imagine. The article has a sizable picture of Eugene Clemons in a hospital bed with his legs bandaged. Eugene is a homeless veteran who was recently attacked in an alley by unknown assailants who robbed him of his $10.00 and beat him with a board that had nails in it.
The article cites a report titled, "Hate, violence and death on Main Street USA 2007," by the National Coalition for the Homeless, ranks Ohio fourth among 26 states who report such information.
Interestingly enough there was another article on the next page of the Metro section entitled, "A dog doesn't die in that manner." It chronicles the death of Charles Gooden Jr., who was beaten, urinated on and stuffed in a trash can on 117th street by 15 youth sometime early Sunday morning.
Mr. Gooden wasn't homeless. He was however, a convicted felon on drug charges and spent at least six of the last several years in either state or federal prison. He was just released in July 2007.
While I'm grateful that more attention is being paid to crimes against the homeless population, it seems segments of our communities find crimes against some people are more sensational than crimes against others. In this case, homeless vs. addict.
Today, I'm wondering if we could just find that crimes against anyone is senseless. I'm not sure why we need an adjective like 'homeless' to get our attention - but we do. Perhaps one day we'll cease to define what we've become, and have allowed ourselves to become, as a community and focus on who we are.
What do you think?
Dan Rogers
My 72 year old dad is undergoing a five hour surgery today to remove part of his liver where a cancer growth was recently detected. My dad is an amazing fellow. A retired truck driver he and my mom own a family restaurant in Lorain called Rosie's. Through the grace, mercy and healing power of God, he is a cancer survivor twice before in just the last three years. My amazement of him comes from his complete patient and peaceful attitude.
I know many of you who read this will take a quick moment and pray for his continued health - I appreciate that, thank you.
Having arrived at the hospital at around 5:30 this morning, I took the opportunity to read up on the local news in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. On the front page of the Metro section is this headline; "Ohio in top 5 for homeless attacks". It caught my attention as you can well imagine. The article has a sizable picture of Eugene Clemons in a hospital bed with his legs bandaged. Eugene is a homeless veteran who was recently attacked in an alley by unknown assailants who robbed him of his $10.00 and beat him with a board that had nails in it.
The article cites a report titled, "Hate, violence and death on Main Street USA 2007," by the National Coalition for the Homeless, ranks Ohio fourth among 26 states who report such information.
Interestingly enough there was another article on the next page of the Metro section entitled, "A dog doesn't die in that manner." It chronicles the death of Charles Gooden Jr., who was beaten, urinated on and stuffed in a trash can on 117th street by 15 youth sometime early Sunday morning.
Mr. Gooden wasn't homeless. He was however, a convicted felon on drug charges and spent at least six of the last several years in either state or federal prison. He was just released in July 2007.
While I'm grateful that more attention is being paid to crimes against the homeless population, it seems segments of our communities find crimes against some people are more sensational than crimes against others. In this case, homeless vs. addict.
Today, I'm wondering if we could just find that crimes against anyone is senseless. I'm not sure why we need an adjective like 'homeless' to get our attention - but we do. Perhaps one day we'll cease to define what we've become, and have allowed ourselves to become, as a community and focus on who we are.
What do you think?
Dan Rogers
Friday, March 21, 2008
Rescue Class Schedule
Good Friday to you all!
Many of you have asked about the Rescue Class schedule for 2008. We have secured the April and May dates and locations. If this if your first time hearing about the Rescue Class, it is a Biblically formed curriculum designed to both instruct and train members of the faith community as well as those in the social services field, who work with and serve people in crisis, to become effective in rescuing others.
Here are the locations and dates for April and May:
(all classes are held in the evening unless otherwise noted)
New
1215 Oakwood
Monday April 7th
Wednesday April 9th
Monday April 14th
Wednesday April 16th
Monday April 21st
Wednesday April 23rd
New Harvest
3540 Seaman
3 Day Intensive
Thursday May 15th
Friday May 16th
Saturday May 17th
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
Dan
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Record Numbers being served!
The record number of men and women reaching the doors of one of our facilities of service, continue to increase. Monday evening, we set a new 61 year record of men and women staying overnight at 232. Last night (Tuesday evening) we broke that record again for a total overnight stay of 239. Our Food Service meal count remains at just over 750 meals each day.
This is wild when you consider that just six years ago the average overnight stay for men and women was 62 and the average daily meal count was 125.
We thank God for the supporting and generous communities of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan toward the least, last and lost. Your support is demonstrated in giving your time to volunteer, the donations of food, clothing and furniture, your prayers for those in need and of course your monetary support.
So - if you or your family, your place of business or church, your organization or club is one of the many stepping up to help out this winter - THANK YOU. Your love and outstanding care for those in need is both greatly appreciated and accepted.
Seriously - because we operate 100% through private donations, corporate, church and foundation support, we couldn't do it without you.
Can I encourage you to stop by for a tour some time? It would be great to see you.
Dan
This is wild when you consider that just six years ago the average overnight stay for men and women was 62 and the average daily meal count was 125.
We thank God for the supporting and generous communities of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan toward the least, last and lost. Your support is demonstrated in giving your time to volunteer, the donations of food, clothing and furniture, your prayers for those in need and of course your monetary support.
So - if you or your family, your place of business or church, your organization or club is one of the many stepping up to help out this winter - THANK YOU. Your love and outstanding care for those in need is both greatly appreciated and accepted.
Seriously - because we operate 100% through private donations, corporate, church and foundation support, we couldn't do it without you.
Can I encourage you to stop by for a tour some time? It would be great to see you.
Dan
Sunday, February 17, 2008
It's Time for Rescue
We will be presenting the Rescue Curriculum at New Life Church of God in Christ at 1215 Oakwood. New Life is near the Oakwood and Detroit intersection.
Here's the schedule:
February 21st. - 23rd.
Thursday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Friday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Rescue Class is being offered free of charge and open to anyone who desires a greater level of success in working with others through rescue. This three day intensive includes course instruction, a rescue assessment, material handouts and an opportunity to become a Rescue Intern upon completing the course.
To register or if you have any questions, email me at danrogers@cherrystreetmission.org or call my assistant Maren Kurtz at 419-242-5141. Registration is required to attend the class.
Hope to see you there,
Dan
Here's the schedule:
February 21st. - 23rd.
Thursday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Friday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Rescue Class is being offered free of charge and open to anyone who desires a greater level of success in working with others through rescue. This three day intensive includes course instruction, a rescue assessment, material handouts and an opportunity to become a Rescue Intern upon completing the course.
To register or if you have any questions, email me at danrogers@cherrystreetmission.org or call my assistant Maren Kurtz at 419-242-5141. Registration is required to attend the class.
Hope to see you there,
Dan
Monday, February 4, 2008
Graves without bodies
Arlington National Cemetery looking out over the Potomac and Washington DC I was honored recently to spend a few days in our nations capitol. While I've been there many times, I've never had a chance to visit Arlington Cemetery - this time I got my wish. There were a few things I wanted to see for sure;
- Tomb of the Unknowns and the changing of the guard
- President Kennedy's burial place, and
- Robert E. Lees estate
Definitely the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns is worth the trip all by itself - the obvious dedication of the 'Old Guard' along with the tradition of military precision leaves you with a sense of pride and honor.
Arlington is a quiet place as you can imagine. The white grave markers carefully placed in straight diagonal rows and the rolling hills along with the beautiful sunny day, really made my day.
Theres a large section of grave markers at Arlington, that are closely placed next to each other - noticeably too close for anyone to have been buried there. Curious, I looked around for an explanation and found a marker which stated these were the graves of men and women who died in combat but their bodies had never been recovered. You may remember big band legend Glen Miller whose plane went down during WWII - his grave marker is in this section.
Do you know what this section of the cemetery reminded me of?
The impoverished, incarcerated, homeless and addicted brothers and sisters of our communities - our neighbors.
They're very much like this section of graves without bodies. These men and women have experienced death. Death of hope, joy, a meaningful life - death of family or future. Now they are so forgotten and faceless, we seem to already have placed a marker in the ground and said to each other, and of them; 'you're dead'.
It doesn't have to be this way - there's still time and if there's time, there's hope. When you get involved in the systemic issues of the life a person, bring about real solution and offer your support in their recovery - you remove a marker from the ground of our community. You say by your actions and your behavior; 'The body has been found, they're not dead'.
To be involved, or to learn how you can be involved - contact us. We'll train you, support you and help you realize the joy of life transformation.
Dan
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Martin Luther King Jr.
Born in
King organized the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which gave him a base to pursue further civil-rights activities, first in the South and later nationwide. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance led to his arrest on numerous occasions in the 1950s and 60s. His campaigns had mixed success, but the protest he led in
King's leadership in the civil-rights movement was challenged in the mid-1960s as others grew more militant. His interests, however, widened from civil rights to include criticism of the Vietnam War and a deeper concern over poverty. His plans for a Poor People's March to
Here is an excerpt from his acceptance speech of the Nobel Peace Prize in
I accept this award today with an abiding faith in
I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe that even amid today's mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow. I believe that wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets of our nations, can be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men. I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up. I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive good will proclaim the rule of the land. "And the lion and the lamb shall lie down together and every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid." I still believe that We Shall overcome!
Enjoy the Holiday.
Dan Rogers
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Golden Rule
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Its fairly simple, isn't it? If you want it done to you - do it to someone else ... and if you don't want it to happen to you, don't 'happen' to someone else.
Steven R. Covey in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People asks this question; "How would life be different if everyone on the planet observed this simple rule?" My guess is the world we all live in (and complain about) can change and experience transformation, if not out right reform, when we all decide a different take on our actions.
This is Samuel 'Golden Rule' Jones.
Its fairly simple, isn't it? If you want it done to you - do it to someone else ... and if you don't want it to happen to you, don't 'happen' to someone else.
Steven R. Covey in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People asks this question; "How would life be different if everyone on the planet observed this simple rule?" My guess is the world we all live in (and complain about) can change and experience transformation, if not out right reform, when we all decide a different take on our actions.
This is Samuel 'Golden Rule' Jones.Samuel Milton "Golden Rule" Jones became Mayor of the great City of
As mayor Jones aligned himself with the progressive forces of
Helen Beach Jones, Samuel M. Jones's second wife, was born in
The Beach House continues to this day as a shelter for women and children to experience life transformation.
The Golden Rule people .... what do you think?
Dan
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