I have a few reflections about an amazing day at LFP. I actually have been rather quiet all day, not because there are not stories to tell, but because I am simply overwhelmed – in awe of God’s work.
Lawrence Family Promise initiated the first unit to be used as temporary, transitional housing today. This is a small 2 bedroom home that one of our sponsors has allowed us to use. He needs only enough rent to cover some of his mortgage and property taxes. In early spring, we initiated an investigation and evaluation of other affiliates Nationwide who run transitional housing programs. We gathered documents, have been speaking with potential landlords and tonight, our first unit is housing a graduate family. More to come about this program we are launching to further serve the families of Lawrence Family Promise…. But for now, I just wish to reflect on this day – one day to record the amazing provisions of God.
The day started early for me to get the utilities turned on in the temporary/ transitional housing unit. All the utilities told me it would take 1-3 business days, because this was a very busy time of the year with the return of the KU students. All utilities were on today by 12:30 PM.
Then I met with a woman named Phyllis at First Christian Church – who had organized a school supply drive at FCC for all the students in the program, and a few of the graduate students as well. She and some dear ladies of the church personally packed each backpack – with the students name / grade level on the backpacks which were packed with all the recommended supplies listed on the USD497 website. Then they also filled my trunk with a full load of extra supplies, which we are offering for our graduate families. Our homework table is filled with supplies!
Pretty good day thus far…
I had a couple wonderful meetings with families this morning, and then met with Dr. Peter Luckey, Senior Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church about further strengthening our partnership in ministry.
One of our steady volunteers, Camille stopped by the day center, and took all the students in the van to Famous Footwear to purchase a new pair of athletic shoes for each student, via funds from an anonymous donor. All school age kids came back with a pair of shoes that fit their personalities PERFECTLY!
Next, one of our graduate families and their youngest daughter came in, reviewed and signed the paperwork for the transitional / temporary home. I gave them the keys, then Becky and I drove over with them to the little home. They were so excited and are sleeping there tonight. They will fill it with furniture from the Family Promise furniture ministry storage unit, all of which will remain in the home when they move out. Through the blessing of the Helping Hands kitchen closet at FCC, we will also be able to supply the kitchen with necessary items, which will also remain in the home when this first family is able move on in about one month. Both of them said they will fill the house with love, and hard work to make it a special place for the next family. We all prayed together in the living room. God was very present. The family is very grateful.
And so – I will sit tonight quietly in awe, with a heart overflowing with thanksgiving.