Messenger July '15

newsletter

JULY

201

5

Giving It a Try

“There was so much help here.”

— Cynthia

Hardworking. Dedicated. Constantly improving. These words perfectly describe Cynthia, a guest at the Mission who has many reasons to celebrate this summer.

Last April, Cynthia moved from New York to

Lancaster, staying with her twin sister. Her father’s side of the family lived in this area, and he had been asking her to come for years. Since she desired a

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better environment for her two children, she decided to make the move. However, when living with family didn’t prove to be a good environment either, she knew it was time to leave.

“My aunt warned me not to go to Water Street, saying there had to be a better option,” Cynthia remembers. “But, I was eight months pregnant and told her I can’t be living on the streets with my kids.” So, Cynthia told her she was going to “give it a try.”

“Water Street was exactly the opposite – I LOVED it! There was so much help here,” Cynthia said. She listed the many opportunities she was able to take advantage of at Water Street, including life skills classes, personal support and the children’s ministry.

She noted that the children’s ministry was the most helpful, adding, “I love Miss Ginger!”

Cynthia was grateful to take a parenting class at Cobys, which ends next week. She also got her home health aid license from Career Link, which landed her a job helping someone on a regular basis Monday-Friday. She began in May and was thrilled to receive her first paycheck! Career Link also blessed her with a Walmart gift card for having completed 80 hours of work. She smiled as she said, “I also got the award for ‘Most Improved’ there, along with another award.”

She’s not the only one in her household receiving awards. Her oldest son graduated from kindergarten and received the award of “Most Improved” as well – taking after his mother, no doubt, and working hard to receive this recognition.

Cynthia and her three children continue to live at the Mission, but she was excited to receive a call that she’s on a waiting list for affordable housing based on her income.

She said, “When I came to the Mission, I thought ‘whatever,’ but now I love it and hate to go even though I’m ready to go.”

This Sunday she is visiting a nearby church that she was invited to. She continues to work hard and improve her life and the life of her children. Celebrate God’s goodness to Cynthia with us! •

From Kicking to SeekingWhen Tanya* came to the Children’s Ministry at

Water Street, Miss Ginger prayed about how to handle her. She would kick and hit her mom, refusing to obey. She wouldn’t even receive compliments the staff would try to give her but hang her head low.

“I was feeling discouraged one day, and asked for prayer,” Miss Ginger shared. She knew the days were busy and chaotic and wanted to make sure that the spiritual time was also occurring.

That same day, Tanya came up to Miss Ginger and said, “Miss Gin-ser, will you read me a story about Jesus?” and pointed to the children’s Bible.

“This little girl has grown in leaps and bounds!” Miss Ginger proudly proclaimed. Obviously, the spiritually important items were still happening and sinking into the children.

Tanya’s mom was experiencing back pain, and Tanya suggested they pray and ask Jesus to heal it.

She told her mom she wasn’t sure how to pray, and her mom helped lead her in a prayer for healing, even though they didn’t have any Christian background. Tanya’s mom now reads to her from the children’s Bible every night.

“Tanya has the most hunger for learning about God that I’ve seen,” Miss Ginger said. “She has changed so much and is now one of my favorite students.” •

* Name has been changed to protect privacy.

Restoring What Was StolenAs a young boy, Howard walked with his

grandmother down Water Street, past the Conestoga Cotton Mill and into town to Watt & Shand. They'd enjoy an ice cream float together, and then head to the farmers' market.

Today Howard still walks along Water Street, but the mill-turned-mission has become his temporary home. In his 20’s, addiction crept in and quickly took over. Sweet family times became just a memory.

“My life was a road to disaster,” Howard said. “I

used so many people, even my parents. I destroyed relationships. I was in and out of jail. My family didn’t want to have anything to do with me.”

That’s why today is such a cause for celebration. God is restoring what addiction had stolen. Howard has two years clean and sober, his mental and physical health are more stable and he’s reconciling with his family.

“The Mission has done a lot for me,” Howard said. “It saved my life.” •

“The Mission has done a lot for me. It saved my life.”— Howard

Celebrating God’s Wisdom

Babies cry a lot, they’re loud, and they always need something. And that’s probably putting it nicely if you were to ask 3-year-old Tyrone* about his new baby brother. He was having a rough week when he showed up Thursday night in the Children’s Ministry Room at Water Street. He looked around confused, expecting to see lots of other kids already in the room. But there was no one.

“Hi Tyrone,” a volunteer said. “You want to play trucks?” Two women volunteer every Thursday night and have come to expect a bustling room of 13-20 children, but they didn’t seem phased by the change. The evening flew by as they spoiled Tyrone with lots of attention, and soon it was time to send him on his way with his mom.

A few days later Tyrone’s mom was raving to Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Ginger Lefever, about Tyrone’s experience that one Thursday night. “He can’t stop talking about it,” his mom said.

As mother, son and infant walked down the hallway, Tyrone yelled, “I love that room.”

Reflecting on Tyrone's experience, Ginger said, “This was a great reminder to me that ministry isn’t dependent on numbers, only open hearts and willing hands. I’m celebrating God’s wisdom in making a 3-year-old feel special.” •

Chino, 5, graduated from kindergarten in May and earned the ‘Most Improved’ award.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

Note from Jack

There is much to celebrate at Water Street. Yes, we are celebrating 110 years of ministry, but each day we find something new to celebrate, because God continues to work in amazing ways!

Some days we celebrate big accomplishments as when a guest lands a job or finds a new apartment. Some days it’s little things like a guest showing up for an appointment on time or completing all of their task assignments for the week. And some days we celebrate a renewed life when a guest surrenders their life to Jesus and begins a brand new journey of hope!

None of these celebrations would be possible without your help. Your support, prayers, volunteer hours and donations help us to minister the love of God and celebrate His work in the lives of our guests each day! •

You MatterYou matter to Cynthia and her family. Because of you, all of our guests, including 70-80 women and children, have a safe place to sleep, warm meals to eat and needed services to help them move forward and celebrate. Every day, people come to Water Street for help. And every day, thanks to your generosity, we can say, “Come on in.” Please prayerfully consider giving today.

•Use the enclosed envelope•Call Sharon at 358-2028•Visit wsm.org/donate

Lifetime IncomeA charitable gift annuity can provide you with fixed payments for life and a charitable deduction. The actual rates that determine your income are based upon your age and a portion of your payment could be tax free. Call me (Tim Farrell, Director of Stewardship) at (717) 358-2025 for a personal illustration and explanation.

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Jack CrowleyPresident of Water Street Mission

The morning sun reflecting on a misty golf course speaks of a hope for new beginnings. That’s just what our 22nd Annual Golf Tournament was all about: replacing hunger with hope. We extend a very special thank you to our 150 golfers and many sponsors who helped to raise over $20,000 to drive away hunger. •

You’re invited to the Inspired by Giving series at AMT! At the 7:30 p.m. performance on Friday, August 21, $5 from every ticket sold will benefit Water Street. For tickets, call (800) 648-4102 or visit AMTshows.com/Inspire. •

Thousands Raised to Drive Away Hunger

Enjoy a Show and Help the Homeless

GOLD SPONSOR: SILVER SPONSOR:

2015

Event CalendarAnnual DinnerCelebrating 110 YearsThursday, Sept 24, 2015Calvary Church Banquet Hall

For more details and to register,visit wsm.org/events.

Go White for Water StreetWednesday, August 12, 2015Hempfield Rec Center

Catered dinner under the tent following match play at the Koser Jewelers $25,000 Tennis Challenge

For more information visit wsm.org/tennis.210 South Prince Street • PO Box 7267 • Lancaster, PA 17604

(717) 393-7709 • wsm.org • facebook.com/waterstreetministries