Highways and Byways Ministries » Momma’s Houses

Momma’s Houses: Make a Pledge

SisterDebbie — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:37:00 +0000

We are still working to help end homelessness in our community, and surrounding area. In our last post, we talked with Kevin; a homeless man with a strong message for you.

Our fundraiser – to raise $80,000 for the first Momma’s Houses facility – is still going. We set the end date as January 27th. Of course, we’ve raised around $40 so far, so we will be re-launching the fundraiser once it ends – if we haven’t met our goal by that time.

$80,000 may seem like a giant chunk of money, but not if:

only…

16,000 people give just $5 each (16,000 x $5 = $80,000).

Or, if only 8,000 people gave $10 (8,000 x $10 = $80,000).

Eight to ten thousand people isn’t a huge number – especially considering how many people exist in our world.

If you want to make a one-time donation (no matter how small or large), feel free to use the following button.

And, in case anyone wants to continue supporting our efforts to help others, we have created a monthly pledge club.

Introducing…

Momma’s Houses Pledge Club

$5 – Widow’s Mite Club

The story of the widow’s mite fully represents that you don’t have to have a lot of money, in order to give….

The following scriptures are taken from Mark 12:41-44 (KJV).

⁴¹And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

⁴²And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

⁴³And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

⁴⁴For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

$10 – Meal Barrel Club

How miraculous is the meal barrel story? It’s one I’ve always loved, as it shows God’s ability to bless our willingness to give, by supplying our needs abundantly.

The following scriptures are found in 1 Kings 17:10-16 (KJV).

¹⁰So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

¹¹And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

¹²And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

¹³And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

¹⁴For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

¹⁵And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

¹⁶And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

$20 – Redeem the Homeless Club

This is the “Redeem the Homeless” Club because the number 20 represents redemption. What better gift, than to redeem the homeless from the gutters of poverty, despair, and hopelessness?! For years, my family and I have been intrigued by the Biblical value of numbers. A book we’ve enjoyed immensely, that explains the math, is Biblical Mathematics: Keys to Scripture Numerics by Ed F. Vallowe

“The number TWENTY is found 288 times in the Bible and it stands for REDEMPTION. The males of the children of Israel had to offer a ransom for their souls at the age of TWENTY. In connection with this ransom TWENTY gerahs are mentioned. (Read Exodus 30:12-14). The money that was given for their RANSOM was SILVER money. SILVER is a symbol of REDEMPTION.” – Ed F. Vallowe

If you sacrifice dining out once a month, you can help end homelessness!

$50 -Hope for the Homeless Club

Give hope to the homeless by listening to the Holy Spirit….

“FIFTY is the number connected with the Holy Spirit and His work. The Holy Spirit was poured ou on the day of Pentecost, which was FIFTY days after the resurrection of Christ. In Leviticus 23:9-16 there is a beautiful and enlightening passage on the resurrection of Christ and the coming of the Spirit FIFTY days after His resurrection.” – Ed F. Vallowe

The following scriptures are from Leviticus 23:9-11

⁹And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

¹⁰Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:

¹¹And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

$100 – Children of Grace and Promise Club

The number, 100, Biblically represents “God’s Election of Grace” and “Children of Promise.”

“ONE HUNDRED is the number that stands for GOD’S ELECTION OF GRACE, or THE CHILDREN OF PROMISE. Isaac, a child of promise, was born when his father was a HUNDRED years old.” – Ed F. Vallowe

Mr. Vallowe shares scriptures and further explains the numerical meaning of 100, in his book: Biblical Mathematics: Keys to Scripture Numerics by Ed F. Vallowe.

$200 – His Grace is Sufficient Club

The number 200 actually means insufficient – but as we know, God’s grace is sufficient!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

$1,000 – The Divine Completeness Club

“This number is connected with DIVINE COMPLETENESS AND THE GLORY OF GOD. It is usually used with angels especially in the book of Revelation. It reveals His Divine care and protection to those who are in Christ Jesus.

The Hebrews had no number for million so they used thousand thousand to represent a million. Always we see the GLORY OF GOD in the number THOUSAND.” – Ed F. Vallowe

$2,000 – The Promised Land Club

The number 2,000 represents the Promised Land. In the book of Numbers, we read about the boundary of the Promised Land.

The following scriptures are found in Numbers 35:1-5

¹And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

²Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

³And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.

⁴And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

⁵And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

One-Time Donation

If you would rather make a one-time donation (no matter how small or large), feel free to use the following button.

References:

Bible, KJV

Vallowe, Ed F., Biblical Mathematics: Keys to Scripture Numerics

Let’s work harder than ever in 2010 to help end homelessness – we’ve already started!

Putting a Face On Homelessness

SisterDebbie — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:35:23 +0000

As we mentioned before, we are still working relentlessly to find a solution to homelessness in our area. We have been making phone calls and sending emails non-stop to make Momma’s Houses a reality.

In the meantime, though, we’re also trying to help with the (smaller) necessities. On New Year’s Eve, we delivered some handmade scarves, hats, and prayer pillows to the homeless shelter. As we carried the supplies in and talked with some of the people, we ran into a man we’ve talked to a few times before.

He is homeless. And he’s allowed us the opportunity to give him a voice. (Thank you, Kevin!) He wants to share his story with you….

This is Kevin

My daughter talking to Kevin

Here is his story…

“I came from Oklahoma. I had lost my job. Me and my girlfriend moved to Arkansas. We split up and I ended up in Springfield looking for work. I haven’t found a job yet.”

Kevin is 50 years old.

He says: “I’m a diabetic, and I’m out of my medicine.”

When I asked him what his main goal for 2010 is, he replied (with hope): “I want to get a job, a home, and a vehicle. I want to rebuild my life.”

Kevin has mentioned to us (numerous times) that he has kept his driver’s license current. He even has a chauffer’s license!

He’s a multi-talented man. Some of his many skills include:

mechanic
grilling
construction
chauffer

And, of course, he has phenomenal survival skills as well.

He brought up the fact that a lot of people who are homeless die on the streets during the colder months because they don’t know how to survive.

“I know how to use cardboard,” he said, “to protect myself from the cold.” He is also a pro at finding a place to keep dry during storms.

Before we left, we asked him if there was anything else he wanted to share with you. There was….

Kevin’s message to the world is this:

“We (the homeless) are NOT all alcoholics, drug addicts, or mentally ill.

I am NOT a drug addict, alcoholic, or mentally ill – I just lost my job. ”

I asked Kevin as soon as we have a facility, a Momma’s House, to take him to, would he be willing to go?

He said, “yes.”

“I can drive for you, help you remodel, or whatever you need.”

I told him as soon as we get him on his feet, get him a job, a house, and a vehicle, he will have his life restored, but he’ll never be out on his own.

“We’ll always be your family. You’ll be on a foundation.”

And if he ever ended up in a bad situation again, he would never be homeless. He could always come home.

That’s how you end homelessness – you create a universal family.

No, I am not so naive to think that we can accomplish this with everyone. There are those who choose drugs, choose alcohol, and choose the shelters. They make a career out of being fed, clothed, and living out of missions. But then there are others, like Kevin, who we will be able to take and transform.

Please, please, won’t you help us change one life at a time….

You can also write to us at the following address:

Highways and Byways Ministries

P.O. Box 115

Diggins, MO 65636

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Solution to Homelessness: Won’t You Help?

SisterDebbie — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:01:19 +0000

Homelessness is not a never-ending problem. There is a solution in the majority of cases. Homelessness would decrease dramatically with this solution I speak of. Why? Because there is a root source of homelessness that is being overlooked. While passing out food and toiletry bags is a good thing to do, it doesn’t help the people get off the street. It’s like putting a teeny Band-Aid on a huge wound – it doesn’t cover it, or help it heal.

What is the solution? The solution is that these people simply need adequate time – while maintaining their dignity and integrity – for transitioning back into their own housing and employment.

They need living quarters where they can rest, take a shower, plan their future, and pull themselves together. It doesn’t have to be huge. It doesn’t have to be fancy – something clean and good will work.

Without having to “sleep” in a crowded, loud shelter or having to worry that their time is running out at that shelter, they need a transition house that they can call home until they are able to move into their own (permanent) housing. They need to know they can go to sleep at night and wake up the next morning in their own living space. They need to know that whether it takes them 6 weeks or 6 months to get a job and find their footing in the world again, that they are secure until then.

Yes, there are those who are too proud for assistance. Yes, there are those who choose the streets over alternatives. But homelessness has many faces: it is not just about drug addicts or alcoholics; these people are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, Veterans, plumbers, electricians, carpenters – people who just lost their jobs, were in debilitating accidents, or are from broken homes.

Family

We are the family of God; doers of the Word; the living Word in action. It’s time people (all of us in general) stop talking about the Bible and start putting the Word in to action.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. – James 1:22-23 (KJV)

The homeless are real people. They see and feel and hear and hurt. They feel the cold wind whipping and beating them. They feel the glares and judgments as people drive by in expensive vehicles, criticizing them. They also feel lost. They need family. And that’s what our family is to them. We are their family – someone they can hug, make eye contact with, share their dreams, goals, pasts, present.

Our daughter, Michele, shared her heart about the homeless on her health blog. (Click the following link to read more.)

Holidays and Homelessness

When I asked where they go if their limit is up on a shelter and no place will take them in, the shock on their faces was unbelievable.

“Nobody asks that question.” They said, in disbelief.

“They don’t want to hear the ugly answers.”

And isn’t that sad, that people turn their heads, close their eyes and ears, and ignore the growing problem of homelessness.

The truth is ugly. But that doesn’t mean we should wimp out and ignore it. We need to face the truth head-on and work toward the solution….

Fundraiser

We are trying our best to secure funding for our first Momma’s Houses facility. I’ve mentioned before how the dream for Momma’s Houses came about.

We’ve decided to end this fundraiser on January 27, 2010, because we’re rushed to purchase this building for a few reasons:

1) We want to secure the building before someone else does (because it’s perfect for our purpose).

2) Each day that goes by means another bitter cold day/night the homeless we’re trying to help are braving the elements.

3) The sooner we can get the building, and move people in, the sooner we can put a dent in ending homelessness.

Only the Beginning

The $80,000 we’re trying to raise is merely the beginning of this process. This amount will purchase the first building in our Momma’s Houses goal. But then the building has to be renovated. We are rolling up our sleeves and are willing to do the nitty-gritty work that has to be done.

Please help us end this vicious cycle of homelessness.

If you aren’t comfortable donating electronically, feel free to send your donation to:

Highways and Byways Ministries

P.O. Box 115

Diggins, MO 65636

Yes, $80,000 is a LOT of money to raise in 30 days – but not if a lot of people give a little.

Mission for Momma’s Houses

SisterDebbie — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:54:00 +0000

For over 20 years, we’ve been in the ministry, working with one person (or one family) at a time, to restore…

Broken Lives

So many people are broken and hurting. Their life – and future – seems hopeless; like there’s no way out; like no matter how hard they try to improve their situation, or how hard they work, there is no money or no real solution to the mountain of bills they can’t pay. We’re in an economic situation that’s a nightmare. Good, hard-working people have exhausted all their resources. Many of them are now homeless — or on the verge of it. Families who once had homes and jobs and vehicles, are now sleeping in boxes on the street, or are standing in lines at soup kitchens, and being turned away from homeless shelters which are filled to the brim. Some of them are having to move in with family or friends; others aren’t as lucky. In the morning, it could be me or you. In fact, it has been our family. You can read more about us here.

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? – James 2:15-16

We have fed numerous people and families — both in body, and in soul. Highways and Byways Ministries has been involved in the various stages of jail ministry. We’ve counseled, ministered to, and helped people financially before they’ve gone to jail or prison. We’ve also ministered to many who are already in jail. And we’ve been a support system once they’ve been released and are trying to rebuild their lives.

Highways and Byways Ministries has helped people who are:

homeless
domestic violence victims
the homebound/shut-ins
people with loved ones in the hospital
burnout victims
people who’ve lost their jobs
the depressed
the suicidal
prostitutes
nursing home residents
broken marriages
broken families
runaways
alcoholics
drug addicts
widows
divorced
single parents
those grieving from death of a loved one
and many more

We’re on a mission — a home mission

Many are called to foreign missions. God has called us to the endless needs that are right here in our country, in our own town (and surrounding area).

Momma’s Houses

People of all ages and walks of life call me momma – and always have. My daughter is a survivor of domestic violence. It took a lot of praying, fasting, and a merciful God to bring her out alive. As her dad and me helped her in every way possible, I wondered what do people do who get into bad situations like my daughter did, but don’t have a momma to fight for ‘em and bring them through.

The Lord spoke to me: YOU are their momma.

For years, I’ve dreamed of opening Momma’s houses, but due to being a caretaker to many, I wasn’t able to. Now, the time has come. Momma’s Houses will become more than a dream; they will become a reality.

We’re trying to secure funds for the first facility so we can help even more people than we already do, and have a place to feed and house those in need, provide clothes, and assist them however we can. This facility will be a true sanctuary for hurting, broken lives. Momma’s Houses be will more than just buildings, they’ll truly be HOME.

Momma’s Houses website coming soon!

Above all, not only do we need to pray for our Nation, for our children, and that God will equip more of us to effectively help hurting people, we need to dig deep and search our hearts and help them as much as we can — now. Helping people isn’t just about the holidays, or feeding the homeless one meal. There are simply too many people in desperate need of help. And the needs are more than what our small family ministry can accommodate. It’s time for us to work together. It breaks our hearts to see people without. Help us help them….

³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.—Matthew 25:34-40

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