We are the body

Standing Tall

2009-04-30T13:09:00.002-05:00

Ever feel like you're out of time? Too many tasks & not enough light in the day to get them done? Are we taking on too much? Spending too much time on the computer? Working too many hours? So why is that? In a day of cell phones, online bill pay, takeout & delivery, fast cars, maid service, etc. why are we not able to get enough done?

Now try to imagine how you day would change if you lost an arm...a leg or had to give up just one of those conveniences listed above. Well my friends...that is exactly what some people live with day in & day out.

I recently received an email about a very important mission opportunity. Standing With Hope is a Nashville based non-profit organization. In Scripture, Jesus healed the lame. Today, He works through Standing with Hope as one of the multitude of ways He accomplishes those same ends. Through this organization, the miracle of the lame walking happens through the provision of prosthetic limbs.

Standing With Hope is looking to find individuals or small groups that can help them meet commitments for their next shipment of prosthetic limbs to Ghana, West Africa. A prosthetic limb can be purchased for only $700. A pair is $1400.

Think about it...pray about it & consider helping someone stand tall & experience life change.

The weather is getting perfect for a yard-sale. Maybe your group could have a multi-family sale to cover this cost.

Free Washer & Dryer....Anyone?

2009-04-29T12:53:00.002-05:00

Do you know of someone who is in need of a washer & dryer? A LifePoint member just upgraded & would like to donate these for a family in need.

Give me a call or shoot me an email. krystal-brown@comcast.net

Mom Needs Some Help

2009-04-28T08:36:00.002-05:00

We have a very sweet & active member at LifePoint that has fallen on some pretty tough times. In addition to going through a divorce, she’s also been laid off from her job. She is paying bills & getting by but she has 3 beautiful children that are in need of spring/summer clothes & shoes and she said there’s just no money left to buy them. If you would like to help this family out you can check out their sizes below. New or gently used are fine. I can arrange for pickup of these items or you can bring them to LifePoint & leave them in the office with a note on them saying “Krystal to pickup” and I’ll get them to her.

15 Year old girl:
Size 5 shorts, size small in t-shirts, medium in all other tops, and size 9 shoe

7 Year old girl:
Size 10 in skirts/shorts/dresses/tops and shoe size 2

24 Month old boy: Size 24m clothing and size 7 shoes.

Food for Thought

2009-04-28T08:33:00.002-05:00

This summer, many children from the Wherry Housing Community will be left alone and unsupervised for the majority of the day due to the cost of childcare. We know this can lead to poor decision-making and children getting into trouble and dangerous situations.

A teacher from Rock Springs Elementary will be hosting a program there that will provide a safe and structured environment for the neighborhood children to play, learn, and grow this summer. This is a FREE program offered to children who have completed Kindergarten through the fifth grade. Enrollment will be limited to fifteen participants to maintain proper staff to participant ratio.

Where she needs help is with lunch. She needs sack lunches for 15 kids each weekday. These lunches do not need to be elaborate. A sandwich, chips, fruit/cookie, and a drink will work well. This is a big commitment but I was thinking maybe we could get several small groups to pick 1 week to take lunches. Maybe each person in your group could take 1 day to provide the lunches.

Lunch time will be from 12:00 PM until 12:45 PM. Let me know if you’re interested in helping & I’ll put you in touch with the lady directing this program. You can email me at krystal-brown@comcast.net

Can you Provide Job Training Skills for Someone In Need?

2009-03-05T09:05:00.002-06:00

Sorry for bombarding you with so many posts today. I am heading out of town & want to get them all communicated.

On Saturday March 14th, Rutherford County Christian Mens/Womens Job Corp will be doing some mentor training at Wherry Housing. It will be from 8am til Noon.

Please let me know if you might be interested in helping out. They have a need for an individual(s) to teach Computer. More details are available if you feel this is something you can help with.

Please email Chris Berkey at chris_berkey@cumberlandheights.org

Arms Around Smyrna is Right Around the Corner

2009-03-05T08:42:00.002-06:00

We are looking for a few families that our youth can serve this year during the Arms Around Smyrna weekend in early May.

If you are aware of someone in need please let me know ASAP. Perhaps it's someone you work with. A single mom, parents of a special needs child or someone who recently lost thier job. Another idea it to ask your kids if there is someone they go to school with that is going through a tough time. Maybe they might feel like reaching out to them and showing them God's love.

Things like:
Painting
Minor build projects (wheelchair ramp or fence repair)
Yard work
Moving furniture
Cleaning out a storage shed

Send me an email with your ideas: krystal-brown@comcast.net

Have a wonderful weekend. It's going to be beautiful.
God bless~

Lets Love on the Children in East Asia

2009-03-05T08:39:00.004-06:00

Leslie Overby at LifePoint Church, along with her team, are heading out for East Asia in just a few weeks. They will be spending time with a group of special needs children in a foster home there. They have also been invited by a couple of schools to provide a children's program and spend time in classrooms practicing English with students. Let’s help them be the arms of Jesus by contributing some small things that we probably have at home or can pick up at Wal-Mart for under $5.00.

Ask your small group members, friends, family & co-workers if they have anything they want to contribute. Serving others as a group will unite your members. It creates great memories & is a great opportunity to grow together.

Here are the basics of what they need:

plastic Easter Eggs
prewrapped candy (for Eggs)
dumdum suckers
chocolate eggs
McDonald's type toys (NEW & small, please)
glitter glue
googly eyes
pipe cleaners
crayons
foam shapes
coloring books
misc. craft supplies or kits
stickers
suckers
beef Jerky
Lowery's seasoning salt
kipper snacks (herring in a can)
over-the-counter Children's meds

Items need to be dropped off at LifePoint ASAP. You can take them directly to Leslie Overby in the administrative offices. They are taking pediatric wheel chairs & a few other large items, so they’ll need to pack up supply cases SOON in order maximize space.

Email me with any questions at krystal-brown@comcast.net

Thank you for ALL you do!

Your Genorousity IS Changing Lives

2009-03-05T08:37:00.001-06:00

THANK YOU....ALL of you...for responding to the last need so quickly. I sent out the message about the lady leaving Victory House that needed some things. Within 24 hours we had everything on the list except the washing machine. What a blessing. I got a call from a member of this family who was crying her eyes out over the love she saw being poured out from this community.

Thank you for your ongoing love & generosity. It IS changing lives.

Help for Transitional Living

2009-03-05T08:36:00.001-06:00

There is a lady leaving Victory House and beginning her new life on her own. She has made many positive changes in her life and has hopes for a much brighter future. She has a job and just found an apartment to rent but has nothing for her new place.

I heard about this need from her daughter who is not just a member at LifePoint but she is also one who serves this community and our church with her whole heart. I asked her to get me a list of some things her mother needed and told her I would share that with small groups to see if we could offer her some help.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got one of these things in the attic or the garage…..promising you’ll get it to Goodwill or sell it in a yard sale this spring.

Needs

Bed (mattress, box springs, etc...the whole kit & caboodle)
Dresser
Lamps
Night stand
Washer/dryer
Coffee maker
Vacuum cleaner
Sheets, blankets
Silverware
Dishes
Pots/pans
Utensils
Microwave
Towels

Guys….transitional living is tough. This lady needs to know God loves her and is with her completely. If a few of our small groups could find an items on this list & deliver it as a “group service project” and remind her how much God is doing in her life through others….I am certain it could change her life forever.

She is moving in March 1st. Email your group members and see if they have any of these items that they are getting rid of or even want to chip-in & purchase. If so….let me know. You can deliver it as part of a group outreach or just remain anonymous and we can get it delivered to her. Either way….she will be blessed.

Email me for pickup/drop-off info at krystal-brown@comcast.net

Community Resources are Everywhere....Just Need to be Shared

2009-02-19T06:31:00.003-06:00

One of the coolest things about my role as Service Director for Group Life has been discovering how many organizations are out there to help people that are in need. They're everywhere! Offering things like help with rent, electric, food, job training skills for teens, clothing & shoes for city & county students in need, free glasses to the uninsured, free or reduced childcare for teen mothers, independence programs for the elderly....I could go on & on.

Check this one out:

TSU has a Dental Hygiene Clinic that offers many services including Basic Cleaning for children ages 3 and up and any age adults. The general cleaning cost is only $10. If x-rays are needed there is an additional cost of $12.
Their goal is to provide access to quality oral health care services and to assist individuals in eliminating and preventing oral diseases. The students provide the oral health care services under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists.

They do not fill cavities or perform any extensive dental procedures but they can refer patients to Dentists who require additional care beyond their expertise.

Other services include:
Oral Cancer Screenings; Treatment Plans, Oral Health Education, Denture/Partial Cleaning, Dietary Assessment and Nutritional Counseling, Crown Polishing, Fluoride Therapy, Dental Pit and Fissure Sealants & Bleaching

To schedule an appointment, call Misty Merritt at 615-578-9160. The address to the Dental Clinic is TSU, Clement Hall, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN. You must make an appointment because hours vary.

I am so thankful for all of the wonderful organizations we have access to here in Rutherford County. Please share this opportunity with anyone you may know that could benefit from a service like this.

Also...please let me know if you hear of an organization that offers great services for our community members.

One Small Group Shares A Need....Another Group Influences An Entire Office

2009-02-04T07:46:00.007-06:00

This is a story that I've been meaning to share with you all.

Chris & Aundrea Berkey's group shared a need with me in December about a family with five kids, whose home was lost in a fire. Upon communicating that need, Pete & Susan Cobb along with their small group decided to get involved. They wanted to do everything possible to assure this family would have a wonderful Christmas despite their recent tragedy.

Dr. Pete distributed a flyer hospital-wide. In addition to the gifts brought in by his office staff, there were other physician offices that sent money to help. "The staff at Stone Crest Family Practice did everything" said Susan, "I should have counted the number of gifts but it loaded the back of my mini-van (that has a very deep well) to the ceiling. This family had been living with a relative. When I delivered the gifts I saw the tiny room the entire family shared. The wide-eyes of their children when they saw the gifts was such a blessing. The office manager at Pete's practice also commented on the positive impact the project had on their employees. Everyone loved working together to support this family and felt a strong sense of community by doing so. It was great and I know they will be looking to do something similar next year."

WOW....isn't it amazing how many lives were touched & how God was at work via both of these small groups. Thank you Berkey group for sharing, thank you Cobb group for facilitating & thank you Stone Crest Family Practice for being so generous & loving on this family during such a tragic time in their lives. This is true community….working together to bring life-change to those who are in need around us.

Soup-erbowl Sunday

2009-01-29T14:23:00.003-06:00

In December I shared a need with everyone for the Smyrna/LaVergne Food Bank & it was a huge success. We had individuals, neighborhoods & business collecting goods & it made a huge impacted on their organization.

Many of you may not be aware that LifePoint has a food bank. Not only do they put together food boxes for families in need, they also pray with these families & love on them during this difficult time.

This ministry is currently experiencing increased amounts of families needing assistance due to job loss and reduced wages.

So this Sunday...before heading to the church, go through your cabinets & grab some non-perishable items to donate to this very needed cause. There will be large bins at the church entrances for drop-off.

This is a great way to make an impact on your community without a lot of effort. It's also a neat way to teach young children how to bless others. Give your child a box & let them pick out foods that they want to offer to someone in need.

A New Life For Burmese Refugees

2009-01-22T13:56:00.004-06:00

The folks at Community Servants are in need of some handyman work at Wherry Housing this Saturday. They are renovating an apartment for a lady named Karen (pronounced Ka’rin) and her family. They are refugees from Burmese who are starting a new life here.

If you or your small gorup have time & would like to be a huge help for this family, please contact John Key at 615-223-1391 or by email john@communityservants.org

Shoot me an email me if you have any questions.

Overdue relief

2009-01-20T21:24:00.002-06:00

Wow...have I got a story for you.

RaeLeigh Smith is a member of God's Girls and has been for almost 4 years. RaeLeigh's story is one that needs to be shared & she has given us permission to do so.

Years ago she worked at a convenience store & it was robbed. She was shot in the face/neck & she ended up in the hospital for months. During the recovery of this tragic even she lost custody of her children to her ex & she had to move in with her mother. When she came to God's Girls she was living with her mother but has since gotten her own place in M'boro, (GGs helped her furnish) She was able to get visitation with her children and she even got her teeth replaced. (She loss them when she got shot) About a year ago she came to class and told the group she had received a call saying authorities caught the guy and they wanted her to come to court to testify. She was really upset that she had to live thru the whole ordeal again. The girls prayed over her and had to convince her to forgive the guy. She came back a few weeks later and said that she had testified & she had also forgiven him.

I'm not sure when or where in all this that she became a believer, I think she already was. Her whole family attends FBC. I know her Mom & step-dad and sister attend. Every weekend Rae has her children, she brings them to Church as well. I'm sure I'm missing a few pieces of the story....but I do know that she has been a faithful daughter of our King and now she is receiving a wonderful opportunity. She is getting a new house built by Habitat For Humanity.

Here is where we need help..........She has to put in 300-400 sweat hours before she can move into her house. This work doesn’t have to be done by her alone. Those hours can be worked by ANYONE and she gets credit for that.

If your small group or anyone you know might want to help out, please let me know. Dates for the work are listed below. A waiver must be signed by each worker prior to volunteering. If you'll email me I can forward that to you. krystal-brown@comcast.net

ADDRESS: 400 South University

DATES:
January: 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st
February: 4th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 25th, 27th, and 28th
March: 4th, 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th

God bless you for considering this opportunity. Please let me know if you can help.

Get a upgrade this Christmas?

2009-01-15T10:01:00.000-06:00

The Exchange Club family Center is the only non-profit organization in all of Rutherford County that offers a child abuse "prevention" program for residents of the community. While there are fabulous organizations that serve children of abuse, prevention is vital. Not only does it protect a child at risk, but in many cases it breaks the cycle of years of family abuse.

The center also provides a safe exchange between parents who are not able to get along. During these exchanges one parent drops the child off and they have a playroom/waiting room to remain in until the other parent arrives to pick them up. This way the parents don't see one another & the child isn't at risk for witnessing a hostile encounter.

I was visiting the center Tuesday and their Director mentioned she'd love to have a TV/DVD player in the waiting for the children. My mind immediately began to imagine how nervous & uncomfortable these children probably are during this process. All the "what if's" that cross their mind as a result of things they might have witnessed in the past. Having something like the TV/DVD to take their mind off that would be fantastic.

So...that being said, if anyone got a nice HD or Plasma upgrade this Christmas and have an older TV/DVD player that you no longer need please let me know. This may even be something you could check with friends & neighbors about or post at your office.

Send me an email or give me a call with any questions.
krystal-brown@comcast.net

A Clear Vision

2009-01-07T11:06:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I got a call today from guidance at a local middle school. A young boy was in desperate need of sport goggles but his family was unable to pay for them.

I began typing an email to some of our small group leaders to see if we could find this young man some help. He is a great student, athlete & all around good person and currently plays sports but it is against school policy to wear glasses so he's been playing without them. (Can you imagine?)

Prior to sending an email I wanted to check with Wal-Mart to see if their vision center carried & could equip this child should we be find someone who was willing to help pay for them. I spoke with their store manager Mike. Some of you may know who Mike is. If you went to Wal-Mart during the Christmas season......he was the guy belting-out beautiful Christmas hymns and collecting money for the Salvation Army….always giving a "God bless" when you walked by. What a great person.

Anyway, he informed me about something called Project Insight. A program that provides kids under the age of 18 with a free eye exam & glasses. I told him the story & he said if we'd send him in he'd get him all taken care of. What a blessing!

The family is thrilled. I can't wait to see how amazing this kid is going to play now that he can finally see things clearly.

I keep thinking.....how cool is this.....a need filled before I ever had to communicate it! There are so many great things happening in our community.

Have A Knack For Wrapping?

2008-12-18T14:05:00.000-06:00

If wrapping gifts is something you're good at....put your talent to good use this coming Monday December 22nd.

Shop With a Cop is a phenomenal program put on by Smyrna's Fraternal Order of Police.

Children in need are given $100 each and are required to purchase a coat and shoes for themselves but can spend the remaining money any way they wish. On themselves or to buy gifts for thier family members.

Kids will be shopping this coming Monday at 7am at the Smyrna Walmart in the layaway department.

They will need gift wrappers that night at 6pm at Rocking Chair Cafe located at 208 Jefferson Pike in the Gilsville Shopping Center.

You don't have to do anything but show up.

Take your family, or invite your small group and friends.

Thank you for all you do here in our community!

Share The Joy Of Serving With Your Entire Family

2008-12-18T12:46:00.000-06:00

This Sunday is the day all of our church Angel Tree gifts will get delivered.

This wonderful program is led by Ray King. Over 200 kids were adopted by our church members & this Sunday, December 21st, all the gifts will need to be delivered to the home of these kids.

Here's how it will work. In appreciation for everyone's efforts there will be lunch provided at the church around 12:45. From there, you and your family will grab a big bag of gifts and deliver them directly to the home of the child in need.

Depending on the number of volunteers, there may be an opportunity for you to go to 2 or 3 homes but that is only if you choose to.

This is a wonderful way to show your kids what serving is all about. So bring them along & let them be apart of the experience. Let them see first hand how amazing it is to see a child's eyes light up this Christmas season.

COMMUNITY NEED

2008-12-17T13:44:00.001-06:00

I received an email from a lady who lives in Jameson Downs telling me that her sister & 2 young girls lost all their belongings Saturday night in a house fire. Fortunately, no one was injured and they are staying with family but they are without all material possessions. Please let me know if you have any hand-me-down clothes in a donation pile or tucked away in a closet that would fit a tall 4 year old girl who is a bit of a tomboy (nothing too frilly..lol) or for an 11 year old wearing a size 14/16. I wouold be happy to pick items up or for those of you who attend FBC Smyrna, I could meet up with you at church on Sunday & deliver them to this family. I’m sure any other items would also be greatly appreciated. (toiletries, toys, food/gift cards, etc)

Email me if you can help. krystal-brown@comcast.net

Thanks so much

A Doctor In The Making

2008-12-17T13:05:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine who works for the city of Smyrna told me a story about an extraordinary young lady who has had a very difficult life. This young lady has experienced things in her life that many of us couldn't even bear to hear much less experience ourselves. Thankfully, her injustices were finally brought to justice in the court of law as the man who stole her childhood was found guilty. She was able to come forward and finally escape her nightmare.

She is now ranked #9 in her senior class of high school after missing several years of school. She was accepted to college and is planning on studying to become a doctor.

During the investigation this young lady's laptop computer was confiscated and is now evidence in the case and due to the material on it she will never be able to get it back. This is a computer that she saved her money from several holidays and birthdays to purchase and now she is faced with the opportunity to go to college but has no way to purchase a new one.

Within hours of emailing this need I had someone from FBC offering to donate their laptop to this sweet child. She will get it next week just in time for Christmas.

Again....changing lives & this community one need at a time.

Thank you Jesus for the amazing blessings you allow through so many at FBC!

A Splish-Splash Birthday Bash

2008-12-17T12:54:00.000-06:00

A police officer driving through a local park noticed a family of 6 sitting under a tree snacking on crackers. Turns out the father had been laid off at work, bills got behind & they were ultimately evicted from their home. The father found a new job but had not received his first paycheck so they were living in their car until that paycheck came in. From there they would find a hotel or temporary housing until they could locate a permanent home for the family.

I shared their situation with our small groups and within hours I had a knock on my door and an envelope in my hand with $300 cash so that this family could get shelter immediately.

When I met with the family I discovered their day in the park was the oldest child's birthday celebration. Thanks to the generosity of this individual & his small group members, this family spent the night in a warm hotel, had a hot meal & the kids got to celebrate the birthday with a night of swimming in the hotel pool.

I wish I could share with you the tears of joy these parents shed and the enormous smiles on the faces of their children.

FBC is making a huge difference in the lives of so many here in our community.

One man's trash is another man's treasure

2008-12-17T12:48:00.000-06:00

I received an email from a city official indicating a young boy had been struck by a car while riding his bike. Luckily he was not hurt badly but they spoke with the parents about the importance of wearing a helmet at all times. The mother indicated that they just didn't have the money to purchase helmets for the children.

I sent out a quick email to our small group leaders & within 30 minutes I had 2 helmets for both boys in this family. They were helmets that their children had grown out of.

Thank you for your quick response. We all have small simple things in our homes that we don't need or use that can make a huge difference in someone else's life.

Restoring hope to a mother of 4

2008-12-17T10:36:00.001-06:00

Another FBC small group recently made a big difference in the life of one Rutherford County family. Through a contact & friend, they heard about a story of a mother who had to file for an order of protection against her husband and is now going through a divorce. This mother of 4 has always been a stay at home mom and has been struggling financially due to the nature of the situation.

This group put together a collection of goods for the family including outfits for the children, toiletries & groceries. The mother began to cry when she saw the amount of offerings left for her from this group of strangers.

A neat part of this story is that this act of kindness was all done through a third party so the family and small group never met. Sometimes the love of Christ is demonstrated anonymously but nevertheless can restore hope to someone in crisis.

Are You Taking Your Deodorant For Granted?

2008-12-17T10:33:00.000-06:00

Chris & Aundrea Berkey's small group recently reached out to serve their friends, Shanna & Brandon, that are new missionaries in Guatemala. This couple was living the American dream in Atlanta and a couple of years ago felt the Lord calling them to serve full-time. They sold everything and moved in 2007. They are part of a ministry called Hope for Guatemala. They serve under-privileged children in Guatemala City. http://www.hope4guatemala.org/ Shanna is in charge of child sponsorship and Brandon serves several roles, including coaching two organized soccer teams. They managed to get uniforms donated, but they only have enough shin guards for 1 team to play at the time. They serve 25 kids through that alone. Brandon gives them breakfast every Saturday morning and then they start practice or have a soccer match.

Realizing what a blessing this family is to the children of Guatemala, The Berkeys and their small group decided to pamper them a bit with a box of "homesick" supplies. Things like their “brand” of deodorant, contact solution (it’s $13 a bottle in G.C.) American candy, “anything” written in English (old magazines, children’s books), safety pins. Just little stuff that we take for granted here.

This is a wonderful example of how small group here at FBC are serving the needs of others. What a great display of love through works as Christ has called us all to do.

No Weariness at Wherry Housing

2008-12-17T10:31:00.000-06:00

Amanda & Jansen Lee and their small group spent a Saturday working at the home of a single mother who had a water pipe burst inside her home. They all pitched in to get her furniture moved outside so that she could have her new carpet put in. From there, several of them began doing some touch-up painting inside the house while others worked in her yard.

They were made aware of a house down the road that was being renovated for a retired missionary couple so they spent the rest of their afternoon pitching in there. "We scraped drywall putty off of the floors, put down baseboards, and did some calking work", said Amanda.

What a blessing you all have been to these families. Way to go guys!