Forest Park Ministry Center Directors Blog

2012-01-26T05:03:00.001-08:00

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Christmas Blessings from Forest Park Ministry Center

2011-12-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

        Christmas greetings from all who minister and all who are ministered to through Forest Park Ministry Center! We are eternally grateful for all of the supporters, donors, and prayer warriors whose gifts keep the ministry going. No gift goes unnoticed, and God is using your prayers and your gifts in many ways to bring about life change in the hearts and minds of the guests who visit the center, and in our own lives as well. We will be sharing some of those stories in this posting; read and rejoice in
God’s work!
        Recently, Fred had the opportunity to help a man of another faith. He had not received help from his own and was ashamed to come to a Christian to ask for help. The beauty of God’s grace flowing when he saw a Christian reaching out to him in his need will make an impact on him and could even lead him to see the truth in His Story.
        Jackie learned of a need that a grandmother had for her grandchildren. Having temporary custody of the children, she struggled just to feed them. As Christmas approached, they anticipated the release of the children’s parent from prison and had not signed up for Angel Tree assistance. Having just learned that the release would be in January, this precious lady was distraught and thought there would be no gifts for the children. Jackie motivated her church and prayer group to assist, and she, her husband, and her grandson had the joy of purchasing gifts for this family.
        What a grand way to show our own children the real meaning of Christmas! Whether it’s adopting a family in need, filling a shoebox for children in need around the world, or providing Christmas dinner for someone who is lonely, reach out this year, and your family reap the joy!
        It is truly a joy to work alongside each of you as we seek to reach our community with the true message of Christ’s love. May each one of you experience Christ’s Love,
Peace, Joy, and Hope this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
Joyfully Serving,
Donna

SPECIAL DROP OFF DAY for TOY SALE!!

2011-11-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

We will have a special drop off day at Heritage Baptist Church FRONT parking lot, ALL DAY -Monday December 5th from 6:30a.m.-7p.m. AND Tuesday, December 6th from 6:30-8a.m.( MORNING only) Thank you Faith Radio for partnering with us on this! Toys will be loaded onto a truck to take to storage unit that day! Save some time and come that day to bring your toys!

Call for more information:
Donna McCullough 269-5726
Lisa Rose 271-6794

“Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

2011-11-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

          That’s a tall order, and speaking for myself, I cannot do it alone. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of like-minded believers, we can persevere even when it seems like we are running an endless race. That was never so evident than last week when myriads of issues surrounding multiple guests mounted, compounded by deadlines for papers and presentations with my own graduate work. Last Sunday, my mounting frustrations were confronted with the words of Jeff Iorg who spoke at the MBA Annual Meeting. His exhortation to be the church empowered by the Holy Spirit was right on time and right on target for me personally, reminding me that God provides what is needed to both discern and to minister when and where He leads.
          In October, 36% of the guests who came to Forest Park Ministry Center had not visited before for assistance, and in addition to over 3,200 pounds of food, Goodwill gift certificates, layettes and other infant needs, utility assistance, and referrals to other ministries, they received care and prayer. That says a lot about the continuing state of our economy and the physical and spiritual needs of our fellow Montgomerians. We are thrilled to report that two guests of the center prayed to receive Christ. It has been a real blessing to have Jennifer Foster, Minister to Children at Heritage, each Wednesday afternoon to serve as a volunteer chaplain for guests with special needs. We look forward to future months when we will be able to offer Christian based counseling and chaplaincy to guests who have such deeper needs.
           As the first M&M Bible Study Café comes to a close in 2011, we look forward to resuming in January with a new study. So far, J. and L., along with three mentors, have explored and studied how young women today – and in the Bible – are able to reach into God’s resources for discernment and good judgment to be the godly women that He designed them to be. We discuss general life style, the influence of mothers and grandmothers, the absence of fathers, and even specifics like the 1,2,3’s of getting ready for church on Sunday morning with a baby! Please pray for J. and L. and for A. who is finishing the New Mom’s class and hopes to join us for M&M’s in January.   We also are saying a big thank you to Madeline, one of the mentors and a faithful volunteer missionary, who is moving to Texas to be near her son and his family. We will miss her!
           The holidays are approaching, and we are so excited about the 3rd Annual Ministry Center Toy Sale! Please be in prayer for the 300 families who are invited to participate, and for the many volunteers who will be giving of their time and energies on December 10 and in the days leading up to it. We are anticipating God’s Grace and Blessings to flow through this ministry on that day!!
Joyfully serving,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

Seasons of Ministry

2011-10-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

         As fall is upon us and I feel the bright fall sun and the cool air, I can't help but feel God's goodness in how he sustains us through seasons of life. In our case at the ministry center, it is as if there are also seasons of ministry. Times when one area blossoms and grows, needing nurture and care, then as that ministry is in place, another area requires more attention and nurture. We continue to ask for your prayerful support as our ministry to young moms and young families in the neighborhood deepens, relationships are forming, and mentoring is happening. Pray for open hearts and minds for all involved.
        For over a year, "Juanita" has been coming with her children to the center on Thursday mornings to learn English. Oddly, one of the first things she learned was to identify and say names of fast foods, and before too long, she had a job at one of the fast food restaurants! This quiet, unassuming, precious mom had a challenge, though. Because she did not know English and was furthermore illiterate even in her own native tongue, she could not prepare her preschooler for Kindergarten. "Oliver" was 5, and still did not know his alphabet, sounds, or anything basic that is needed for today's kindergarteners. So while Carol was teaching his mom and the other ladies on Thursdays, Sherry began working intensively with him, and then with his younger siblings to prep him for school. At first, Oliver resisted. He did not want to go to school. But they persevered, and when school began in August, Oliver was ready. On the first day of school, he walked into his classroom, found his cubby already labeled with his name, then sat at his own space at the table to commence working. Recently, he shared his progress report with me - all E'S (EXCELLENT)! Thanks to volunteer missionaries who took an interest in this one boy's life.
        Today, my heart is a little heavy. Oliver and his family have left Montgomery, and he, his young siblings, and their mom are traveling alone all the way to Mexico to join his dad who lives there. Personally, I am concerned for safety in their travel, and for the extreme adjustments that these children will need to make. Please pray for such families in our city who are leaving and do not really know what awaits them.
         September has been another busy month - at least 357 family members represented by 131 guests, 1.5 tons of food distributed, the M&M's Bible Cafe is meeting on Tuesdays, and the new MOMs class is meeting on Thursday afternoons. We appreciate your prayers and your faithful support! God bless your journey.
In Him,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

Sharing Hope In the Midst of Despair

2011-09-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

       Praise the Lord for ministries in our city who have common goals - enlarging Christ's kingdom! This month, we learned that a young woman who accepted Christ when His love and plan of salvation was shared with her at the center proclaimed it publicly and was baptized at Church at the Barrel, the church started in West Montgomery by the McFarlands and UrbanTREC Ministry. God is so good!
       161 families served, for a total of 376 family members. That's a whole lot of people coming through the doors at the little blue house. A lot of food distributed - nearly 2 tons. But most of all - a lot of opportunities to share the love and hope that comes only from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
       August was one of the busiest months this year. As families prepared to send their children back to school, they were inundated with expenses - school supplies, uniforms, high utility bills from an oppressively hot summer - and more need for food, since local schools started later in August than usual, meaning those free or reduced healthy lunches available at school were NOT available, meaning that the family food budget was taxed even more. Thanks to all of the churches and friends who donated food, school supplies, finances for assistance, clothes, and so much more! At a time when our food supply has been as low as ever, many stepped up to the plate and helped with an extra gift. We enter the fall months with people returning to
their work and school routines, and pray with confidence, knowing that God will continue to provide through His people!
       "Callie" called the center in distress recently. As we spoke on the phone, she expressed her despair and asked if she could just come in to the center to talk. When she came in, she proceeded to describe what was going on in her life - events that, each one desperate in its own right, but accumulated, would drive many people to the brink of desperation and perhaps even suicide.  Gratefully, we were able to refer her to a licensed counselor. In addition, she was assisted with food, eventually was helped with utility assistance, and encouraged to put together a resume to give to a prospective employer. Likewise, "Lem" was in a desperate situation, had been unemployed for nearly a year. Timely assistance, encouraging words, prayerful support, and Lem saw things in a whole new light. Today, he is employed, catching up, and praising God for bringing him through the storm.
       Each one of these, and so many more, are examples of how sharing Christ's hope and love help people in crisis to reframe their experience. Hopelessness becomes hope, helplessness becomes strength, because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Please pray for the guests who visit Forest Park Ministry Center, that in the midst of life's storms, they will experience, above all, the presence of Almighty God at work in their lives. Pray for the new moms who are beginning the New Moms' class this month on Thursday afternoons, and pray for the moms who graduated from the previous class as they and other mentoring women study the Bible together during M&M's Bible Cafe each Tuesday. Pray too, for the Mixtec families in our neighborhood and throughout our city, as we continue to reach out to them in the midst of a time of uncertainty and fear for many of them. As always, we thank you for your faithful support and pray God's blessings on your journey with Him.

Looking Ahead: M&M's Bible Cafe

2011-08-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

     Wow - even though we were closed for construction and maintenance for nearly half of July, we still saw almost as many guests at the center as we do in normal months. It just shows you how much need there is, and especially during the summer when children (who are often fed their only healthy meals through the free or reduced cost breakfasts and lunches at school) are home all the time. In addition to the food assistance, our summer missionaries, Allison and Victoria, did a great job planning, recruiting volunteers, and implementing all kinds of activities from Bible studies and corresponding movie times for children, assisting with reading programs, sports and devotionals at targeted at-risk apartment complexes, and forging friendships with moms and their children.
     One of the most exciting things to happen this summer is the extension of the original Layette Ministry. A booklet has been written and is being used during the Layette visit that encourages the moms to think deeply about life goals and life style choices. As a result, the first Moms class met beginning in May, and concluded at the end of July. The next class begins in September.
     Those moms who have completed the initial class are wanting more - thus the inaugural session of M&M's Bible Study Cafe. Each Tuesday, beginning in September, these moms will meet at Forest Park Ministry Center with Christian women who have a desire to be an example and a friend - a mentor - to them. We will begin with "Life After Birth", a Bible study written expressly for teen moms and those who are mentoring them. In this study, Biblical truth is taught in a way that is relevant and lovingly forthright for the new moms. We ask for your prayers for both the mentors and for the moms as they seek to know Christ in a more intimate way, and in doing so, become the young women, mothers, and role models that God intends them to be.

Summer Missions, Summer Fun, Summer's Busy!

2011-07-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

For those who are in community ministries, you know that summer is not a time for being laid back! It is a time to plant lots of spiritual seed, to reach into neighborhoods through Backyard Bible Studies, to find new and creative ways to foster healthy entertainment and fun for children when out of school, and to reach their families with Christ's hope. This summer, our two summer missionaries, Allison Poole and Victoria Bye, have done just that. In addition to assisting on food and clothing distribution days (which during June saw 120 families, distributed over 3,200 pounds of food, and even saw a family finally able to be cooled by an air conditioner graciously donated by an MBA church member), these young women have planned and implemented both Bible studies for children and supplemental Bible activies for the Reading on Wheels sessions at the center and have recruited coaches and formed Flag Football teams at a West Montgomery apartment complex, during which a motivational and inspirational time is held while taking their water break (last week, Philippians 4:13 was the theme, and appropriate it was, as many of these 9 - 13 year old boys had just faced a big hurdle when one of their "older friends" had been shot and killed just the day before.) I felt it appropriate that each one of our summer missionaries speak to you specifically about how God has moved in them and through their work at Forest Park Ministry Center.

Allison's thoughts:
            "Every Thursday morning Victoria and I teach Mixtec children a Bible lesson and we do a craft with them. Jessica also helps us with the children. We have ten children that come, and their ages range from two to ten years old. At first, I was a little nervous about teaching these children, because I was not sure how well they understood English. However, the older kids can actually speak English really well. Our lessons started with the Creation story in Genesis and we went through some Old Testament stories. The day we learned about Jonah, they made fish and we went fishing. The kids really enjoyed doing that. Last week we learned about Jesus, that He came to earth to be our Savior.
            At the beginning of the summer I was asked what was one thing I wanted to see happen this summer. I said I wanted the children to remember the Bible lessons we are teaching them. I want them to know they can always rely on God and that Jesus is our Savior. When I leave Montgomery I’m not sure if I will ever see these children again, but I hope we are planting seeds that will continue to grow in their lives.
            I encourage everyone to pray for these Mixtec children and families. The children have to grow up really fast. Once they learn English, they become translators for their parents. Many of the parents only speak the    Mixtec language. Sometimes it is hard to work with people who don’t speak our same language, but I have learned that we are called to be kind to everyone and God will take care of the rest."

Victoria's thoughts: (In addition to Montgomery community ministries, Victoria just returned from a week's mission trip with her church to Nicaragua.)
            "Hopelessness. Although they are thousands of miles apart, their eyes tell the same story. They live everyday wondering what they will eat, where they will sleep, and why no one seems to care. The sweet little children in La Chureca (the city dump in Managua, Nicaragua) and those in the projects of west Montgomery live the life of “the least of these.” Whether it’s the seven year old girl in the dump whose mother will prostitute her to a truck driver tonight in order to receive the best trash off of his garbage truck or the nine year old boy in the projects who is forced to care for his younger siblings because his mom is an alcoholic and his dad has abandoned the family, they need to feel the love of Jesus. They need to know that there is a better life than the cycle of desolation that they are stuck in. They need to know that there is a God who is bigger than all of their pain and suffering. Will you show them? Will you step outside of your home and venture to the other side of town? Will you give up a week of work to go overseas? Will you set aside your pride and step out of your comfort zone? Will you take love to the ends of the earth? Will you go?"
And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:40

How gracious is our Heavenly Father to move these two faithful young women to reach those in need in the city of Montgomery this summer through Forest Park Ministry Center. Other volunteer missionaries including Mission Serve and several church youth ministries have also plugged into the missions opportunities at the center. To God be the glory!

Summer's Here!

2011-05-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

“When my child looks at me, who does he see? What kind of person do I want him to see?” These are the kinds of questions that the new moms are pondering as we meet on Thursday afternoons for our MOMS group. These mothers of newborns have one thing in common – they want their children to have a more productive and joyful childhood than they have had, but they are stumped as to how to accomplish it. On May 19, 2011, we began meeting, babies in tow, to discuss and work through a new tool being used called “My Baby’s Milestones: Goals for Life”. The first milestone, the baby recognizing his or her parent, is the basis for this first discussion, and it has been fodder for very fruitful and insightful revelations. Learning to model respect so that the child himself learns through experience, realizing that the teaching the value of education begins with valuing it oneself, and most of all, realizing that the bond between parent and child is the first example of our “Heavenly Father” their child will experience – some of these concepts are new to these moms, so they are thinking more deeply and planning accordingly, one step at a time, to accomplish goals that had before seemed “out there somewhere”. Would you please pray for these young families? After all, they are an important part of the future of our community and precious daughters and sons of our Creator.

Summer is upon us! As I write this, the Memorial Day holiday is just before us, bringing a promise of sunny days, lots of children in the Forest Park neighborhood, summer missionaries to help with ministry, and construction projects down the pike. Here are some tangible ways that you can plug into the ministries this summer at Forest Park Ministry Center:

Pray:

for Allison and Victoria (summer missionaries), and for Donna and the volunteer missionaries at the center during a wonderfully hectic summer!
for the children who will attend functions, and for the Reading on Wheels staff as they visit the center every Thursday for the benefit of the Forest Park neighborhood.
for classes both for Mixtecan families and for the moms of newborns.
for the mission teams coming to assist with construction and ministry.

Give:

fans for families who do not have sufficient air conditioning this hot summer.
lumber – need 10 ▪ 2x4x8 to construct the closet for audiovisual equipment and storage in the new classroom.
sheetrock – need 4 – 6 sheets for the closet wall being constructed.
trim – need shoe moulding and 2 thresholds.
doors for the closet – double doors or bifold, preferred. Size of doors donated will determine size of opening when constructing the closet wall!
a new shredder for the center– the old one has bit the dust, literally!!!!!

In May, we saw a 20% increase in guest traffic over April, and saw many more large families, so the number of pounds of food nearly doubled. We are so grateful for partnering churches and their members who faithfully donate food for the food pantry, and we are excited about receiving fresh produce from Heritage’s container garden this summer! Thanks to all; may God bless your walk with Him.

Increased Opportunities for Ministry!

2011-05-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Faithful Friends:
     In Matthew, the 18th chapter, Jesus called a child to His side as an example and told His disciples, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.”   Childlike faith seems simple; yet for adults who are busy going about the complexities of life, how do we do it? Recently, a friend related a true story to me that illustrates this beautifully.
     My friend described to me that she had had a very “down” day. Ever have one of those? The checkbook looks bleak. An unexpected phone call with bad news. A bill that is unusually high. Or maybe just no energy – can’t really put your finger on it – but no matter, your “joy meter” is not registering very high on that day. My friend was having one of those days. So after dragging herself through another work day, she needed to stop at WalMart for some things that she needed at home. Not exactly your “pick me up” place to go – especially if there are long lines and little assistance, but go she must; so she battled the parking lot, parked, made her way into the store and exhaustedly plopped into one of the battery operated cars. She
could not take another step on her own.
     As she found her needed items and made her way to the cash register, she must have looked tired, weary, and worn. Nearby, a young boy was helping his mom with her shopping. Without warning, he approached my friend from behind, wrapped his arms around her, gave her a huge hug, and walked away. She describes the next moments as if the Holy Spirit moved her in a most palpable way. This child, who she had never seen before, and who could not even see her face at the time, was moved to express such care for her. Almost immediately, she felt awash with God’s spirit of encouragement, knowing full well that He had brought the touch of a child with a willing spirit to show her His love.
    We talked about her experience a few days later, and we marveled at God’s way of using children. Reminded of Christ’s words to His disciples in Matthew 18, it seems poignant to note that when a person’s childlike faith is totally dependent on the Lord, he or she does not even see evidence of a need; the Lord’s eyes are more than adequate. We just need to allow Him to do the leading.
    We have been praying collectively at the center and privately as well for God’s leading to “expand the territory” and show us in what manner He would desire it done. He has answered our prayers in some unexpected ways. The recent storm events in our state and needed disaster relief, a young man in the neighborhood who has come to ask for help to overcome his drug addiction, the young mothers in the neighborhood who are eager to begin a “group” to talk about ways to become the family and home that will be healthy for their children, the increased number of guests just in this first week of May, all point to a direct answer from God to the question, “Where, when, and how, Lord?” Already in May, we have seen a third of
the number of families seen the entire month of April.
    The territory is indeed expanding. As of May 1, Forest Park Ministry Center is serving zip codes 36104, 36105, 36106, 36107, 36108, and 36109, and guests are eligible for services if needed every three months instead of four. We look forward to what God has in store for ministry as we approach the summer months. Please pray for Victoria Bye, our summer missionary who will be joining us in the coming weeks. (By the way, a huge congratulations to her – she is the 2011 Jimmy Hitchcock Award recipient – and we are so excited to see what God is doing in her life!) Children’s activities, reading programs, gardening (a huge thank you to Heritage – their herb and vegetable garden is going to be a fantastic learning tool
for the Child Development Center and a harvest of blessing in fresh produce for the center’s guests!), another Mission Serve project at the center in July, and so much more! We praise the Lord for His provision, for your faithful prayers and support, and for His leading. May we put our own agenda
aside and allow Him to lead us in ministering in the neighborhood. May you experience the Lord’s leading and blessings as you walk in fellowship with Him.
Joyfully serving,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center
http://www.forestparkministry.blogspot.com/
forestparkministry@yahoo.com
2026 East 4th Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36106
(334)269-5726

Living an Investment Lifestyle

2011-04-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Investment into the lives of others is the method that we desire to use through the ministries at Forest Park Ministry Center. Ultimately, that kind of investment will allow us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Hope that faith in Him will bring to this lost world. Fifteen years ago, “Bill and Brenda” befriended a family that needed assistance in their church. Although a loving family, there were challenges that both parents faced that prevented their being able to provide for their children some of the basic needs that most of us take for granted. Bill and Brenda befriended the family, and through the years, they have provided transportation, advocated when needed, and mentored both parents and children. Several years ago, when Bill and Brenda found it necessary to move their membership to a sister church, they assured the family that they would not leave them and the friendship that they had developed. And they kept their promise. Today, Bill and Brenda continue to invest in the lives of these family members and have received the blessing of seeing children grow and develop, take on responsibility, and being considered “adopted grandparents”.
Through the ministry center, we continue to visit new mothers through the layette ministry. Please be in prayer for us as we implement a new way to encourage moms to reflect on and actively pursue direction in their own lives and the lives of their children.
In the past month we have rejoiced over answered prayers and over a new believer, and we pray fervently for those who have
thoughtlessly stolen manhole covers near the center, creating a danger for the children who play in the neighborhood. We have wept over illnesses and job losses among our guests, and we have sought to show en-
couragement and hope to those who are discouraged. One hundred & five families received food assistance, clothing, and a touch of Christ’s love.
Spring break has brought exciting participation from youth both here in the Montgomery area and, just this past week, from Newnan, Georgia, to help with much needed work at the center. We are thrilled with the fresh paint and the beautiful flowers at the center, and hope that all who visit will not only feel the warmth of Christ’s love, but also the evidence of His beautiful creation. We look forward to other students who will be investing time and talents through community ministries.
Thanks for your prayerful support for the ministry through Forest Park. May God enrich your walk with Him during this season of remembrance of His powerful and loving sacrifice on the cross; and may we all glory in the Hope of His Resurrection!

Observations on a Lifestyle Apart from God's Will

2011-03-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

In recent days, my heart and mind have been drawn repeatedly to homes being torn apart, families in crisis because of decisions made with ramifications that resonate to all members of the family. I know that this is nothing new, and I have no claim to righteousness of my own, for sure – cleansing because of Christ’s blood is our only Hope! But increasingly, the attitude of going about life in ways that honor only personal satisfaction seems to be the norm. I was struck in the face with this very thing during a recent home visit to a new mom.
“Lora”, an attractive and seemingly mature 30 year old, had just given birth to a new baby. The mother of a grade-school-aged child already, Lora was explaining to me that she was not certain of her wisdom in having another child “at her age”. (Already, my mind’s wheels are turning – I think 30 is still very young!) Never in her conversation was there a sign of regret for not having a father in the home for her children. In fact, she told me that this child was really for her mom who wanted another grandchild to help raise. Furthermore, the family seemed grounded in their church and extended family, so family values did appear to be important to them in many regards. Needless to say, I was confused by the dichotomy of views and values that this young woman lived by.
I visit single moms often. Many times, there are fathers who are in the picture, but not married to the mother of their children; sometimes there are fathers who have been unhealthy or dangerous influences, so they are no longer in the picture. Often, women are just not concerned about the need to be married to the father of their children. So why are so many young women purposely choosing to have families with no father in the home for their children? I turned to mentors who have worked with people in poverty for many years for some insight, and learned several things:
1. When a woman has children in her teens, she is generally not mature enough to raise them on her own. That is where grandmothers step in to help raise the children. By the time the mother herself is more mature and responsible, her own children are becoming mothers themselves, and the cycle continues – grandmothers raising grandchildren. I remember stories of my own grandmothers marrying in their teens and beginning their families early in life, but there is a different element – the planning of a family in God’s way, with a mother and father committed to one another in marriage prior to having children. This demonstrates a responsible maturity that we are not seeing among many of today’s families.
2. Girls today are being encouraged to pursue education. One statistic shows that for every one minority male in college, there are five females. It does not appear that education is being stressed as diligently for males, perhaps because the emphasis is placed upon working as soon as possible. This often means that males will pursue jobs that require physical labor suitable more for the young than for older men – jobs that do not have long term promise for income suitable to support families. Young educated women want committed relationships with young men who have their same goals and values.
3. Therefore, many homes in today’s society are matriarchal. In many cases, the young men growing up in such homes have never had a male role model at all in their home. They are learning by example that the norm is for the woman to be the leader in the home – negating the need for a strong father leader.
4. Finally, our current system of governmental assistance perpetuates this issue. I don’t need to get into a tirade over social justice issues or politics, but it is a fact that a man and a woman living together unmarried will draw more income and benefits individually that can be pooled together than will be the case should they marry. That is why we sometimes find couples who do want to marry, but feel that they cannot because their benefits will be cut.

Would you join me to commit to pray for these families and for our own families, that we will be faithful to apply God’s principles to our homes? Would you join me in praying for God to open our eyes to discover His way to reach people in this day and time, to promote Godly principles, to raise men and women of Godly integrity? Would you pray for us at Forest Park Ministry Center as we seek to reach out to people in need, meeting physical needs in order to earn the right to talk to them about these deep spiritual needs?
In February, we saw a slightly smaller number of families due to the shorter month and also due to tax credits and instant refunds that provided resources not available in other months. Nearly one ton of food was distributed to the families that were seen, and among the 72 families that we worked with, there was a middle aged mother who, with the generous assistance of a sponsoring church, was reunited with her adult children who could help her both with medical needs and reestablishing her life after a tumultuous relationship. Another older woman is battling cancer and having a very difficult time making ends meet, so the members of a supporting church and its Ladies’ Prayer group assisted her to catch up on her utility payments. One family is frightened and worried because the father is not able to be with them or to work for many weeks, leaving a mom who has no job and several children wondering what the future holds, so volunteers have reached out to assist this mom and her children. Please continue to lift all of the guests of our center who struggle with daily life and who desperately need the Hope of Jesus.
A huge shout out to the men of Thorington Road Baptist Church! Thanks for cleaning the grounds this week – what a blessing to have all of the debris removed, making way for a safe environment for Backyard Bible Clubs this spring and summer! Also, welcome to our newest volunteers at the center – Carol Sorrells and Sherry White, who are teaching Conversational English to a Mixtecan mom and tutoring her children, respectively, each Thursday; and to Martha Dempsey, who is our newest intake volunteer on Wednesday afternoons. Each of these women is a valuable asset to the ministry, along with all of the other volunteer missionaries who give of their time and talents to God’s kingdom work. We look forward to other individuals and groups who will be joining us in ministry and missions projects in the coming weeks and months.
I am praying that each of you experiences the beauty of God’s creation, His blessings, and His power in your lives.
Joyfully serving,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

Praises to Our Jehovah-jireh; God Is Our Provision

2011-02-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

God never fails to amaze me; frankly, I pray that I never become so blasé that I am not amazed and overwhelmed at His grace and goodness. It’s times of panic and uncertainty that He reminds me of His provision. Just recently, I was about to release an “all points bulletin” to everyone concerning our layette ministry. During the latter part of 2010 and in early 2011, we were depleting our layette supplies. We were running out of many basics! In the process of making an assessment of the specific needs, I received a phone call from one of our supporting churches; the women in the church had hosted a baby shower the previous Sunday after church, and the gifts were bountiful! They did not know of our dire need – I had not yet communicated it to anyone, but God did. Now the shelves are well-stocked, and new moms and their babies will be blessed by these gifts.
“Tiara”, one of the most recent new moms, invited me to her home recently to visit. Armed with a beautiful layette, I arrived to meet her, her precious two week old infant, her foster mom and foster sister who she considered her only close family. We had a lovely visit, took pictures, talked about the future and about her plans; it was encouraging to hear of her desire to make a better life and provide a better example for her children, and especially that she was planning to reconnect with the church and strengthen her relationship with Christ. When she and I were alone, we were praying together, and as we completed our prayer, she began weeping. Through her tears, she asked if I could give her some advice.
In the month previous to the birth of her child, she had not been able to work very many hours because of complications with the pregnancy, and now her power bill payments had fallen behind. With a two week old baby and in the midst of brutally cold weather, she was in danger of losing electrical service. Her family had just paid some on the bill for her, but it was not enough to keep the service on. I felt so helpless; we had already depleted the utility assistance funds through the center for that month.
So we called the power company, and I talked with the customer service representative. We learned that the payment made by the family member had not gone through and what would be further necessary to maintain service. Then we prayed again like never before, claiming God’s promise that He already knows the needs and He has an answer. I left Tiara with hope but no concrete answer as to how this was to be reconciled.
The next day, an unexpected benevolence resource surfaced, so with Tiara’s plight still on my heart, I called the power company again to see if we could settle enough to maintain service. To my delight, the family’s payment had not only finally gone through, but it was a much larger amount than we had previously thought; no longer was there a danger of discontinuing electrical service for Tiara and her baby. Praise the Lord! Later that day, we discovered a phenomenal buy on corn flour needed for our Mixtecan families to make tortillas, and the new resource was put to great use. God already new exactly how that would happen!
Over the course of just a few weeks, layette needs, financial needs, food needs specific to other cultures and diets, and spiritual needs – all are being met in God’s timing and in His ways. I ask especially for your prayers for all of our volunteer missionaries at the center. Many are stepping out of their comfort zones to invest themselves in the lives of those they meet at the center. Invitations to church, offering transportation, witnessing and answering questions, and praying with people are all ways that they show Christ’s love to these new friends. Watching God reveal Himself through their words and actions touches my heart and humbles me to follow such examples, too! Many of our missionary volunteers are older and wiser and have followed Christ’s leading for their entire lives; I am humbled to work alongside such godly examples. “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Thank you, friends, for your partnership in Kingdom work.

2010 Ends With Praises for What God Has Done!

2010-12-23T18:03:00.001-08:00

In the process of preparation for this blog post, I found and reviewed the goals set in January 2010 for Forest Park Ministry Center. The following goals were met and accomplished. To God be the glory! These include:
• Enrichment for Volunteer Missionaries:
• Sharing Christ – encountering people at various stages in their spiritual walk.
• Working with guests with mental illness – rep from NAMI to speak at an in-service. This was realized this December – a true blessing to all who attended!
• More volunteer missionaries for specific areas:
• Substitutes for when others are out
• Younger ones to step in when necessary
 Begin to mentor / coach using KALEO tool
• Readers for schools
• Southlawn Commons - cooking classes during the summer.
• Funds raised for the renovation, and then the completion of it.
• Finish work in the food pantry
• Carport enclosure
 Set up classroom setting for classes and support groups; room is complete and in use!
• Summer Stories from the Porch
• ESL Classes for Mixtecan parents (concurrently with SSFTP)
• Backyard Bible Clubs
• Both ESL and Backyard Bible Clubs were conducted with the help of supporting churches and with the assistance of team members from Reye de Reyes Baptist Church.
It is nothing short of God’s intervention and grace that, in these tough economic times, His people have seen fit to contribute toward these ministries and enable us to achieve so many of our goals. As we look forward to 2011 and establishing more Kingdom goals, please pray with us to be not only open to whatever God desires, but to be resourceful and creative with the gifts that He provides for missions and ministry. Thank you for your participation in the ministry!

Recently, “Angela” walked in with a somber expression and head hanging low. She was in need of food assistance, but something much heavier weighed on her heart. Just ten days prior, her youngest daughter, once a vibrant 28 year old, had succumbed to a severe illness that took her life, and the family had no financial means to memorialize her or bury her. Prayer, kind words, and a promise to at least ask if anyone could help, lifted her spirits somewhat, and when a few days later, friends and family and two FPMC donors contributed enough for a modest funeral, this family was able to bury their loved one. Thanks to the kindness of God’s people, one monumental burden was relieved from this family.

Time and time again, we see God’s hand move in such incredible ways. In December, the 2nd Annual Ministry Centers Toy Sale hosted nearly 200 parents who were able to select and “purchase” toys for 1,000 children who would not have had gifts from their parents otherwise. What a God-thing!

2010 Statistics That You May Want To Know:
>1,374 guest visits to Forest Park Ministry Center, representing 3,198 family members;
>9 professions of faith and one rededication of his life to Christ;
>MANY new moms reached in home visits through the layette ministry;
>Character reading to K, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders in two MPS schools;
>32,042 pounds of food distributed to families in need;
>75+ families helped with utility assistance;
>1200+ Goodwill gift certificates distributed so that guests may shop for needed clothing;
>70 full turkey dinners distributed to families during the holidays.

Seed Planting Requires Patience!

2010-11-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” 1Timothy 1:15-16.

Remember last month when I shared with you about a young man who wanted nothing to do with “the Jesus thing”? Heartbreaking – and this month, we experienced it again – only this time, one of our volunteers received this response from a young mother that she was witnessing to. Times like these, and other times when we cannot understand people and their motives (or their hurts!) should draw us closer to the Lord to seek His wisdom and guidance. That’s what we’re doing at FPMC, and that’s what we ask you to do as you pray for the Kingdom work through the center. Last night, Dr. Kevin Ezell, newly appointed President of the North American Mission Board, spoke at the MBA Annual Celebration, and this statement spoke volumes to me: “Helping hurting people will hurt.” When upon reaching out to someone in Christ’s name, if you receive barbs instead of warm fuzzies, it isn’t a personal jab at you – it is an outward expression of someone’s hurt. A powerful reminder of scriptural truth – “pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” Matthew 5:44b-45. We simply do not know God’s timing, and we may just be planting a seed that He will provide water and light for. So have faith, and don’t give up!

Our new classroom is almost complete – painting going on as I write this today. And thanks to generous donors, we have both vinyl tile for the entry area and beautiful high traffic carpet for the remainder of the room. Even the bulletin boards and the white board are being furnished. God is good! NOW, DOES ANYONE FEEL A CALLING TO HELP INSTALL FLOOR COVERING? (about 100 SF of vinyl tile, and a 12x 20 piece of carpet!) Once complete, we will immediately begin to use the room for classroom space on some days, receiving and sorting donations on other days, and use it also for volunteer training space.

In the month of October, we received 121 guests of the center, helping a total of 266 family members, and one accepted Christ. HALLELUJAH! Again, we distributed over 1 ½ tons of food and over $600.00 in gift certificates to shop for clothing at the local Goodwill Retail Stores. In November, we anticipate those numbers rising, and we also anticipate the distribution of several dozen Thanksgiving meals and turkeys in addition to the regular food assistance. If you, your church, or your Bible study class would like to assist with this, please contact Donna at 269-5726 or at forestparkministry@yahoo.com.

Finally, don’t forget to place Saturday, December 11 on your calendar, and to pray for the families who will be invited to come and shop. It is our 2nd Annual Ministry Center Toy Sale, to be held at Heritage Baptist Church. Already, preparations are in full swing, and we are receiving donations of new toys. This is a tremendous blessing to all who are involved – be blessed by participating this year!

As we approach the time of year for our traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, I am reminded once again, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Thank you for your prayers and support as we all desire to be the hands and feet of Christ and His salt and light to a dark world.

Joys and Heartbreaks - God Knows Them ALL

2010-10-05T13:31:00.001-07:00

“For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God” (Ecclesiastes 5:7). How do you impart this truth to someone? Recently, “B” came to the center and as we sought to assist him with physical needs, we also inquired about his spiritual needs. His answer to us was so heartbreaking. See, he had said all the right things – three times, in fact – to no avail. He said nothing had changed, even though he had tried the “Jesus thing” three times. Good words, good dreams, but no heart transformation. Would you join the volunteers and me as we pray for B to be open once again to hearing about – and this time really comprehending and understanding – the limitless width, depth, and height of Christ’s love for him? He so desperately needs to be pulled from the pit of despair!

In September, over 130 families visited the center, for a total of over 300 family members and over 1 ½ tons of food distributed. There is one more addition to God’s Kingdom through her profession of faith, and one other gentleman prayed to rededicate his life to Christ. Even though there is heartbreak seen every day, these are joys to celebrate!

Also in September, ministries to school children have resumed. A big thank you to those who are again entering the classrooms at several Title I MPS elementary schools, reading not only to elevate the children’s interest in the written word, but to impart to them and reinforce the character traits that will help them to become good citizens and hopefully to one day realize and claim faith in Christ. An addition this year has been spearheaded by Eastern Hills Baptist Church – in home tutoring for the children of the Mixtec families in the Forest Park neighborhood. Currently, three teams from Eastern Hills and one team from Heritage are each going to a home each week to work with children on homework and reading. Doors are opening as a result. Just this week, Greg from Eastern Hills was asked by the father in the home where he and his team tutor to teach him English. This man’s wife is attending the Conversational English class at the center on Thursday mornings, and he is interested in learning, too. Congratulations, Greg and team members – we are praying for all of you!

As Fall is in full swing, we are busily preparing for the 2nd Annual Ministry Centers Toy Sale. It was a tremendous blessing last year for the guests and the workers both last year, and this year will be even better. If you desire to help, please let us know – you may call 271-6794 to sign up – see the flyer, too, on Facebook. Thanks to all for your prayerful support. May God bless your walk with Him.

Joyfully serving,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

Thanks, Thorington Road Baptist Church

2010-09-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

A big shout out to members of Thorington Road Baptist Church and also to Brad Sinclair from Heritage!! Brad gave hours and hours to prepare the sheetrock for painting. Then today, TRBC members came to the center, painted, repaired, hung fixtures, cleaned, and promised to come again and do more - and then a large group prayerwalked the neighborhood, meeting people and sharing Christ. Many thanks to all who gave sacrificially of their time and talents.

Wake-Up Calls and Other Needs

2010-09-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced a "wake-up" call? Most of us have. And Jonah did. "..You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to You.." (Jonah 2:6b-7a). "Malcolm" did, too. Malcolm is a young man who lives in the neighborhood near Forest Park Ministry Center. We met him nearly a year ago, shortly after being laid off from his job with Hyundai. He was trying to work wherever he could find a job, but finding one was difficult, and doubly so because he had also lost his car.

"Malcolm" accepted Christ one day last Spring during a visit to the center. He promised to follow through his confession of faith with making it public at a church and plugging into a body of believers for growth and accountability. But the unhealthy influences of friends and even some family tugged at him and pulled him back into harmful habits and away from his new found faith.

Two weeks ago, as we were closing the center at the end of a service day, Malcolm came running down the street with tears streaming down his face. He was crying for help. You see, a neighbor had stolen something of value to Malcolm. When he confronted the neighbor in order to get it back, the man pulled a gun on him and shot at him. He was running for his life! The police had come, but of course, the shooter was nowhere to be found, and Malcolm's fears were mounting. As we sat there, encouraging him to "breathe deep" in order to calm himself, we began to pray with him. And you could sense his spirit calm. After talking to God, we talked to Malcolm. A wake-up call - he acknowledged it. And grace that his life had been spared.

Would you pray for Malcolm? For him to have the steadfast courage to step away from bad influences and into God's grace; for protection and guidance and the realization that a life invested in Christ is the only "good life" that there is!

There are always so many needs. Your prayers are necessary and we thank you. Here is another opportunity to invest in the work of the center: With such a brutally hot summer, the utility bills have mounted. Can you imagine going without air or water in the heat that we have experienced? Just this week, two families have needed assistance because their water has been turned off - no water at a time like this?!? To make matters worse, one family has a newborn and the other a special needs child. Funds for utility assistance are precariously low. Would you consider a designated offering of $25, $50, or whatever God lays on your heart, specifically to help families in such dire need? These are not lazy people. They do not want to be in these situations. But job losses, illnesses, and other life circumstances are draining their finances, their strength, and their hope. Will you be a help? Just note on the
bottom left corner of your check "utility assistance" and mail it to Forest Park Ministry Center, 2026 East 4th Street, Montgomery, AL 36106. If God has moved you to do this, I thank you in advance. May He richly bless you!

Sharing an update from the center - in August, 116 guests were served at the center, for a total of 290 family members. Of those that visited, one gentleman was led to Christ by our missionary volunteer, Fred Fulton. Praise the Lord! Over 3,000 pounds of food were distributed to these families, and $800 worth of clothing gift certificates were given. We partnered with one of our churches to assist a family that lost everything in a house fire, and several families received direly needed baby supplies. The construction is moving along; the sheetrock is nearly finished, and the painting and other finsh work will be completed by mid September. God is so good.

I would be remiss if I did not thank all of the churches, the individuals, and even the businesses who contributed to the Tools for Schools effort this year. For the first time, we were committed to supply five junior high and high schools - a massive undertaking! But God was faithful through His people to supply at least three large cases full of paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, folders, binders, and so much more, to every school. And in addition, each school is receiving uniform shirts to keep in the office for students who are in need of them. Thank you to all who had a hand in this endeavor.

Volunteer readers and tutors are now beginning a new school year of ministry. Reading4Character has proven to be an effective investment in the lives of schoolchildren. Soon, after school tutoring will be available for the Mixtec children in the neighborhood who need an English speaking "listener" as they read. Eastern Hills is taking this on, but we welcome volunteers from all of our churches. Already, several from other churches have stepped forward. We need more! Would you pray about being a part of this opportunity to share God's love?

Your prayers, your gifts, your support are all so appreciated and so necessary to carry on Christ's Kingdom work. May you be blessed with God's grace.

Summer Harvest!!

2010-08-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

“O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; for You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness…You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat..” (Isaiah 25:1,4).

The Mission Serve team found it both amusing and awesome that over two years ago, we had purchased a building permit for the addition to Forest Park Ministry Center. A little presumptuous on my part, some would say, but really, believing that God would provide – and in His good timing, He did! How like God to have the room so near completion – just a little more interior work and we will be able to move our Conversational English classes in there, as well as use it for donation intake. This will make the flow of traffic and the privacy needed when interviewing and sharing Christ with guests work so much more favorably! A huge thank you to Mission Serve, to Heritage Mission Montgomery, and to all the donors and helpers who gave selflessly to see the project through! There is still a little more interior work to do; if you or your group feels led, please contact me ASAP; it would be an awesome thing to have the sheetrock completed and ready for paint when the next group is slated to come in September!
Just the other day, we received a call from a former guest of the center. She wanted prayer for her and her family, and she was serious about it! Earlier in the year, she had visited the center for food assistance and shared her frustration over so many years of seeking Section 8 assistance (it is an arduous process). We prayed with her about this, about God’s provision for her and her family in His timing. That very day as she returned home, she found a letter in her mailbox announcing that she had been approved! Now, several months later, she was facing some new challenges and wanted prayer again.
Don’t get me wrong – it was and still is a privilege to pray with our guests. And when God chooses to reveal His hand at that time, it is an awesome experience, and one to celebrate. We did just that! But I could not let the opportunity to pass in this teachable moment. This precious woman needed the comfort of corporate prayer, but she also needed the reassurance that God hears her prayer; she, as a child of God, has a direct path in prayer to Almighty God, a path made clear because of the blood of Christ that cleanses her sins and makes it possible to enter God’s presence in prayer. As I prayed with her and encouraged her to pray to God herself, just like she was talking to a dear friend – because He is her dearest friend, I was reminded of the responsibility that we have to disciple those that He puts in our path for encouragement.
Then just the other day, another guest came for financial assistance. As we discussed together her situation, made arrangements to resolve her current dilemma, and prayed, again thanking God for His provision, she blessed me! It was a joy to receive the blessing from this dear sister in Christ who even through her own struggles, sees God’s hand, receives the grace of God’s provision and blessing, and chooses to bless others through prayer, too.
The ministry to Mixtec families is growing as well. Eastern Hills youth did a phenomenal job in July to reach the children in our neighborhood; the transformation from unruly and uncooperative to listening, participating, cooperating, and enjoying each other was truly magical ---- no, it was all God! Now, Eastern Hills volunteers, along with volunteers from other churches, are in the process of planning after – school reading and tutoring for Mixtec children, and Mixtec parents are still learning English in the ongoing Conversational English classes designed specifically for them. A tremendous thank you to the team led by Oscar Gonzales from Cuernavaca, MX, who made such inroads into building relationships with these families!
All of this, and we saw families for food and clothing assistance, too. In spite of being closed for half of the month for construction, eighty-two families were provided much needed food supplies, with over a ton of food distributed in just two weeks. Throughout the entire month, the Backyard Bible Club (Summer Stories continued from June) and the English classes continued, and though it was very chaotic, everyone was so accommodating and patient to work together!
I think that everyone that works at the center and the guests alike would agree that this summer has been full of evidence of God’s goodness and grace. May He continue to work in and through each of us, reaching others in His name, sharing His Hope, literally being His hands and feet reaching out to a lost world.
Check out the photos to the right of the work at the center!

Busy and Fulfilling - What a Summer!

2010-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

“Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” Ephesians 3:20

Summer is here – and busier than ever! I’ll describe in a moment the incredible things happening already, but first please allow me to once again share with you an enormous need coming in the next few weeks. A small group of volunteer missionaries is coming from Reye de Reyes Iglesia de Baptista (King of Kings Baptist Church), Cuernavaca, Moreles, Mexico, led by Oscar Gonzales, a Campus Crusade for Christ missionary in Mexico. They will be in Montgomery to assist four MBA churches and two MBA community ministries, including Forest Park Ministry Center and Community of Hope, as we seek to discover ways to reach the Hispanics in our community, and specifically the Mixtecan population. Through the gracious provision of Ridgecrest, Heritage, and other churches, housing and transportation are being provided while here. These team members have worked hard in their own country to raise funds to travel here. We need to provide food for them while they are here. We are planning to provide initial groceries for them in the house where they are staying, and then allow them to purchase food, gasoline, or essentials as they need them. In order to do so, we need either GIFT CARDS (Walmart, Target, Winn Dixie, or Visa Gift cards) or CASH. Connie Pouncey has offered to help coordinate the initial grocery purchase, so you can forward gifts to her, or you can bring them to Donna at Forest Park Ministry Center or to the MBA office on Perry Hill Road. PLEASE help us with this incredible opportunity to bless missionaries coming here to assist us!

Have you ever felt like your head was spinning? After months, even years, of praying, hoping, and planning, God in His perfect timing has brought forth some incredible volunteer missionaries to share HIM through highly anticipated opportunities now in full swing! It’s so incredible, yet why am I surprised? The Word tells me exactly what He is capable of, and my mind will not be able to wrap around it all!

MissionServe arrives next week, and the construction will be underway. Please pray for each of these precious souls who offer their time, talents, energy, and even their hard earned finances and off-time to help us improve the facility here at Forest Park Ministry Center!

Cooking and nutrition classes are going great, and we are receiving glowing reports from Southlawn Commons. Each week at the Molina Center in the middle of Southlawn Commons Apartment Homes, Ashley Loomis and her volunteers are meeting with 11 – 15 children (and even had a mom join them last week), and learning together about healthy food choices, economical ways to shop for and prepare food, and safe and easy ways for children to prepare food. Thank you, Ashley, for stepping out into the community with your love for sharing Christ in such a practical and loving way!

Summer Stories from the Porch also has many participants among the children in the neighborhood surrounding Forest Park. Each week, children hear stories that illustrate strong Biblical truths, and have fun activities that support the truths illustrated. Thank you, Victoria, Andrea, Nathaniel, Norma Jo, Hope, Jennifer, and David, for your excellent leadership in June. We look forward to sharing with everyone about July’s activities, as Eastern Hills youth lead. We are also sad to say “Aloha” to the Roberts family who helped so much each summer, including this summer. They are moving to Hawaii where their dad will be stationed, so we had an “Aloha” party for them as a part of our last June Summer Stories. We pray God’s blessings on them wherever they are serving!

In June, we saw 115 families representing nearly 300 people in need of food, clothing, and / or financial assistance, gave nearly 1 1/2 tons of food, $800.00 in clothing gift certificates, and numerous referrals for everything from specialized clothing needs, other financial needs, to medical and prescription needs. “Vera” was such a mom in need; her son is disabled and had just been released from the hospital into her care. However, his disability income had not begun, and he had no insurance for prescriptions. She was desperate to get a prescription from his doctor filled because of his intense pain. Recently, we were given a new resource for discount prescription meds (God’s perfect timing), and what was going to cost her over $100 (that she did not have) only cost $15.00. What a blessing, and what praises she voiced to the Lord!

When we reopen on July 19, we will be seeing more and more people who need encouragement, clothing, food and finances, and most importantly, the Hope of Christ! Join us in praying diligently that the love of Christ is what each person sees and experiences as he or she visits this center.

Joyfully serving,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

God's Timing - always On Time!

2010-06-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

"Make me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. For You I wait all the day."

His ways are so worth waiting for. We've seen evidence of this truth in recent days. But waiting - that is a real challenge for me. Just yesterday, as the classes for Conversational English were to begin, and the Summer Stories from the Porch began, we were challenged with the need for perseverance and patience. Please pray for the women who are in fear of stepping out in faith to learn how to negotiate life challenges in the U.S. Language barriers are so overwhelming, and cultural norms that keep women from pursuing education are so strong. We are learning - and I have so much yet to learn - to allow God to use our hearts, hands,and voices, to demonstrate His hope and lovingkindness to a people group whose ways we just do not yet totally understand.

To help understand, and to assist us and other ministries reaching the
Mixtecans, Oscar Gonzales and a team of 8 will be traveling to Montgomery, Alabama, from Cuarenevaca, Moreles, Mexico, in July, for outreach evangelism specifically to help build bridges with the parents of the Mixtec children that are so active in ministries in several of our churches! (Two of the girls who attended Summer Stories from the Porch yesterday are going to GA camp at WorldSong this summer, thanks to the generosity of the church that they are attending - what a praise!)

The Mexico Mission Team coming in July has been provided a home in which to stay, thanks to Ridgecrest Baptist Church. What we wish to do is to provide them with the ability to shop for food and necessities and also to dine out as their schedule allows. They will be working with at least five different churches and ministries that are making inroads to ministry to the Mixtec people group, so trying to schedule meals at a central location would not only be difficult for the providers, but also hard for the team who will be traveling neighborhood to neighborhood.

Therefore, Connie Pouncey has agreed to be the "point person" to receive donations of gift cards or cash in order to provide for these needs during their stay. Gift cards to WalMart, Winn-Dixie, or Target, or restaurant gift cards would be most helpful in making their stay enjoyable and their work here productive, alleviating the financial stress and the time stress of when to eat where and how to pay for it! You may call Connie at (334)301-1475 if you have questions, and you may send your gifts to her at 9339 Preston Place, Montgomery, Alabama 36117. You may also drop them by Forest Park Ministry Center on Mondays or Wednesdays or mail them to the center at 2026 East Fourth Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36106. Thanks for your assistance in furthering His kingdom work!

Construction is about to begin at the center! Later today, we will be meeting with a contractor who is offering to do the demolition of the existing carport, and in July, the MissionServe team will be here to frame in the new multipurpose receiving/ storage/classroom! Thanks to all who have generously given for this project; we still are in need of funds to complete the interior - please prayerfully consider how you might be able to assist!

A praise about how Christ's hope has changed lives! We have new believers among the May visitors to the center, and a recent guest who has been so moved that he is now volunteering and such a huge help! Cooking classes at Southlawn Commons apartment complex are underway for the children who live there, and volunteers report eleven excited children who came, participated, and went home the first day armed with information, motivation, and encouragement to make healthy food choices. Pray for Ashley and her volunteers who are giving their Wednesdays this summer to help these precious children.

Finally, continue to pray for the guests who come to the center for food, for clothing assistance, and for financial assistance, and for the volunteer missionaries who offer not just the physical sustenance, but hope in Christ to each person that crosses the threshold of the center.

God's blessings to each of you.

Showers of God's Grace

2010-05-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

"The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him."
Psalm 145:14-16, 18.

I wish all of you could have been there. The moment was so sweet; we stood together, holding hands, and I prayed for the new mom and her baby, for her example to be godly, and for a hedge of protection around her family. As I said "Amen" the tiny voice of her four-year-old son continued, "Thank you Jesus, for my new little sister, and for my mom. AMEN." Out of the mouths of babes....may he grow to be a man after God's own heart.
There are so many opportunities to see God's hand work in the lives of guests and volunteer missionaries alike at Forest Park Ministry Center. The work is not easy; stories that we hear are heartwrenching. But through it all, God's hand covers all, meets the need, and provides His Hope for hurting and lost people.

This month, the numbers of families seeking assistance rose dramatically. It is a sobering reminder that "the poor are always with us." The work will never cease, until Christ returns! So here are some current stats, and then following, read about the ways that new ministry will be accomplished this summer!

Number of families assisted in April: 139 - 32% were new guests of the center.
This represented 335 family members helped.

There were THREE professions of faith - Praise the Lord! - Please pray for them as they begin their new life in Christ, to follow through with public profession and plugging into a church for discipleship and spiritual growth.

3,536 pounds of food distributed to the families.

Please pray for "Danielle" who so sincerely shared with me (during a home visit to see her and her newborn baby) about her desire for her child to attend finish school. She only finished 9th grade, and truly regrets it. But she is working, and is trying to juggle motherhood, work, and GED classes. Pray for her to look to the Only Source, Jesus Christ, as Her Lord and guide in life.

"Danielle's" story is all too familiar. Choices made early that you regret, but you live with the consequences, sometimes for the rest of your life. Pray for cycle of generational poverty to stop with this generation.

This summer, there are at least four new ministry opportunities:
1. Ashley Loomis, a busy home-school Mom from Heritage, has a heart for teaching children healthy and safe ways to prepare food. Many children in the Southlawn Commons and Sherwood Apartment complexes have to prepare their own dinner, because Mom is out of the home in the evening, often working late shifts. Ashley is teaching cooking classes on Wednesdays for kids at the Molina Center (located inside Southlawn Commons), beginning in June. Pray for her and her volunteers as they reach children in this creative way. If you feel led to help with this ministry, email or call and let us know, so we can plug you in!

2. Ann Bush, Mom and career woman, and passionate about teaching Conversational English to Mixtec Moms in the Forest Park neighborhood, will begin classes for these Moms in June at the center on Thursdays. Please pray for Ann and her assistant Evelyn in this incredible opportunity to reach those marginalized in our society because of language barriers.

3. Stories from the Porch is a weekly story hour with related activites for Forest Park neighborhood children. Each Thursday afternoon this summer, children will gather in the front yard of Forest Park Ministry Center to hear a story that shares the truth of Christ's love, and to have activities that reinforce His truth. Pray for the youth from Eastern Hills and Heritage and other churches who will participate in reaching these children each week.

4. In July, MissionServe will send a construction team to the ministry center to construct the multipurpose room (the enclosure of the carport area). We are so excited about having this addition to our facility in the future for classes and groups at the center, as well as for receiving donations during service days.

Speaking of MissionServe, PLEASE consider participating in the MissionServe Banquet in November. You will be treated to a wonderful meal, testimonies and information about MissionServe, and you will be supporting a ministry that is already reaching out to this ministry!!!!! More details to follow.....

Have a blessed May. Mother's Day is this weekend, and I'm reminded of what a blessing it is to have a godly mom who has been an example of being God's vessel. Thanks, Mom, and thank you, God, for my mom. Blessings to all of you.

Generation to Generation

2010-04-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

What a wonder to see my son holding his newborn son! It stirs an emotion in me that reminds me of God's goodness and the miracle of His creation. A new grandchild, two weeks old yesterday, and he is just adorable! He is a reminder of how God has such a perfect design for His grace and goodness to extend from generation to generation.

God's grace and goodness from generation to generation - a passionate desire of those who minister through Forest Park to see in the lives of guests of the center and their families. Please allow me to share some hopeful stories with you.

"Amy" is a young student at a local school where our volunteers tutor. Her family has recently experienced a tragedy in the near death of her father. Thankfully, he will recover; but for weeks, we could not put our finger on what was causing such a gloomy disposition in this ordinarily happy and jubilant child. Prayer for her and her family prior to entering the school and showing her specific concern about what she needed to concentrate on and learn - in other words, just knowing someone cares about her - is showing results. Today, she smiled and even asked to work on a new area that needs improvement!

C. is just one of many mothers who are desperately praying for their children to resist the temptation of the streets. Even for Christian families, the pressures that are present in the everyday lives of children and adults alike are intense, and for children in poverty, the presence of criminal activity in stressed neighborhoods is a constant concern for their parents. Pray for parents like C who are striving to show their children Christ's way, and to break the cycle of unhealthy and sinful choices.

Here's more hope: a local group of concerned Christians is cooperatively working on a community garden in Montgomery - on the corner of Holt and Emerson Streets. This will be a valuable tool to both demonstrate and encourage growing and eating healthy foods, and also to foster cooperation among people in a constructive project. And when they ask, "Why would you do this for us?", the answer is, "Because Christ's love compels us to."

And COMPLETE - an awesome experience that I was so blessed to be a part of, showed me that there are young women in the youth generation that have a passion for Christ and sharing His love with others. Thank you, girls, for allowing me to be blessed by you during COMPLETE.

This summer, Forest Park Ministry Center will be abuzz with activity in addition to the twice weekly food and clothing assistance. Each week, "Summer Stories from the Porch" will feature a great story told and fun related activities for the children in the neighborhood. Also each week, Mixtec Moms who want to learn Conversational English will have classes being taught by church members who have been trained specifically for that purpose. In addition, a Mission Serve team is coming to the center in July to construct the addition to the center so direly needed! God is so good, and we are relying on Him to provide the materials needed - we have enough for phase I, and are looking now to raise funds for the interior phase.

A summary of the work in March 2010: 109 guests of the center, representing 252 family members, but only 17% new guests. One guest had a very dire need, and thanks to two of our MBA churches, her family was able to have a funeral for their infant that passed away unexpectedly. Nearly 1.5 tons of food was distributed, and even more importantly, prayers were lifted on behalf of those who visited. It was a great time in the Lord, and April is looking great, too! Keep praying for these families, and for Christ's hope of Abundant Life to be realized in the hearts and minds of families everywhere.

Finally, please put on your calendars a fundraiser for MissionServe. The date is November 9, and you will receive a wonderful dinner, information and testimony about this incredible organization. MissionServe is the group coming to Forest Park Ministry Center to construct the addition to the center, along with members of MBA churches. The event on November 9 will be at Mt. Hebron West Baptist Church in Elmore County. Hope to see you there!

God Moments

2010-02-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

I have a dear friend who is in community ministry that is so sensitive to those times when God is working. She calls these God moments, and she has pointed me to an awareness of those times when you can only say, Ah, God; He's sooooo gooooood. This month we experienced some of those times - like the day when I arrived at the center after a long day of being alongside my husband having an outpatient medical test - I mean, you know how long you wait for those things, right? But just as I arrived, two expectant mothers - one who came to the center and another who called to talk - were needing that someone to talk to, to encourage them, to pray with them. God just takes my weariness and shows me His grace. I am humbled to be witness to His work.
Earlier this month, students from Lee High School collected food and youth from Eastmont delivered it to the center. What a joy to see youth reaching beyond themselves! ACA did the same - and a teen from ACA and Heritage is volunteering at the center, too, along with other teens that will be coming this summer.
Just this week, the G.A.s from Snowden Baptist came to the center to help sort and label cans with Bible verses. Earlier, they had made Valentine boxes for a young family whose children would not have had Valentines for school otherwise, and before that, had purchased and assembled items for a layette for a newborn baby. How sweet that these young ladies have caught a missions vision; and a huge thank you to their leader, Tammy Rolling, who has such a heart for missions.

JANUARY 2010 UPDATE OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

2010-02-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

After a phenomenal December of ministry, partnering with other ministry centers in town, January 2010 has already proven that God is in the life changing business. We need to all get on board with what He is doing!

Doors have opened in several churches, giving me the awesome opportunity to share about the way God is moving in Montgomery. On the very first Sunday in January, a Sunday School class at Heritage invited me to share with them how they could "plug into" the ministry on an ongoing basis. Armed with my "laundry list of opportunities", I listened to their chatter prior to the beginning of our time together. And as the time came for me to share, I was struck with this Truth - relationship, with the Lord, and through Him, with others, is what it is all about. You see, they had "adopted a family for Christmas", a generous and lovely gesture for any one, but in the process, found that they want to do more. They asked me if it would be "Okay" to provide for the family a food box each month, and to make at least one monthly visit to the family. What a phenomenal way to capture the spirit of the great commission - to foster a relationship with a family in need! My laundry list was totally unnecessary - this group of people had been sensitive to the Lord's moving, and they were ready to join Him in what He is doing. That, you see, is what community ministry, is all about.
Here's a vision for us all to pray about: what if, in every Christian church in Montgomery, multiple people or groups of people caught this same vision - Christians mentoring others, developing relationships in order to share Christ's love and hope with people who are living in such dire need? What an impact for Christ's Kingdom would be made!

Thank you: Heritage SS, Youth, and Heritage CDC; Eastern Hills Mentors;
Thorington Road Senior Adults; Prattville FBC Youth, for your interest in the work at Forest Park Ministry Center, for your hard work and generous spirits, and for the joy of working alongside you and other MBA churches who share the vision of leading Montgomerians to a life change through Christ.

Here are some of the statistics for January 2010:

127 guests visited the center; over 40% were new guests who had not sought help before.

2 families who experienced the loss of everything when their homes burned were helped with food, clothing, household supplies, and partnering with other ministries and church members, furniture and so much more!!

Over 3,000 pounds of food were distributed to hungry families.

Best of all, one more child of God added to His Kingdom - praise the Lord!!

Finally, do you love to go to yard sales? Would you like to be a "Yard Sale Ambassador" for the center? You would be equipped with receipts to give to those who will donate their left over clothing to the center. Just ask them if they will do so, return to their home at the end of the sale, give them the receipt for their tax records, and bring their clothing to the center on Monday. What an asset this would be to both the emergency clothing and to the Good Samaritan Clothing Ministry at the center!

God bless you all. Have a great 2010; I am excited to see what the Lord has in store!

Serving joyfully,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

Thank you, MBA Churches and ALL Others!!!

2009-12-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Wow, did God orchestrate a beautiful "symphony" of cooperation, enabling His Spirit to work through volunteers and guests at the first annual Ministry Centers Toy Sale this month! With the guests who shopped the sale and the families who were served afterward, at least 150 families were helped with Christmas gifts for their children. Thank you, everyone, for your enthusiastic support and generous hearts! Here are some great things that happened:

Parents who came to the sale were moved to tears to be able to shop themselves for their children's gifts at prices that were so nominal. All expressed appreciation for the opportunity. Many also were determined to give back to the ministry, so when their total purchase was, say $6.00, but they had budgeted $10, they gave the ten, asking that it be used to bless someone else. Now that is a special bonus - to give others the dignity of giving back. I personally was moved to tears myself over that. And rest assured, the money that was given goes directly back into the benevolence fund for the ministry to assist families.

One mother had been struggling with a job and school, having lost her more stable job due to the economy. She had returned to school with financial aid in order to learn a new skill for a better job. But then she lost her job again, this time due to scheduling conflicts between school, work, and children. So a volunteer prayed with her on Saturday that God, who sees her need already, would show her an opportunity for a job - she was needing one so badly! And the very next day, a job offer came literally to her door, not only a better job than she had before, but working around her school hours and in the field that she is training. What a tangible evidence of God's providence!

Back at the center, one of our volunteers was talking with and praying with a young man about his unemployment. They prayed for God to open a door of opportunity - he wanted to work so badly - and before he left the center, he made a phone call to a business where he had applied; he was told to report the next morning to the job site! Talk about immediate answers to prayer!

It is sheer joy to be able to participate in God's work through Forest Park Ministry Center. Yes, there are days when we weep, and there are days when we rejoice, but always God is sovereign and in control. Here are statistics that may interest you for the year 2009: over 1,500 guests visited the center(representing over 6,180 familiy members), nearly 36% of whom had not visited before. This points to the severity of the economy this past year and how it has touched the lives of those who had not experienced poverty before. During 2009, 36 people were led to Christ during their visit to the ministry center; food for life, not just for the tummy! And over 38,870 pounds of food were distributed in addition to fifty complete Thanksgiving meals and over 200 sack lunches during the summer. In addition, Reading4Character is ongoing in three Montgomery Title I schools, the apartment ministry is on board to begin in 2010 (we still need volunteers!!!!), and ministry to the Mixteco population in Montgomery is growing both at Forest Park Ministry Center and in several MBA churches and other ministries. God is soooo good.

I pray that each one who reads this will experience God's presence, His peace, and His power this Christmas and always.

Love in Him who is able to do exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

EXCITED ABOUT GOD MOVING IN MTGY!!!

2009-11-10T07:33:00.000-08:00

As the autumn months progress with such a tapestry of color and beauty, I am reminded of how God continues to move through our lives. There is so much to be done - but our God is so BIG He can do all this and more than we can ever imagine or comprehend! So it is with great excitement and anticipation that I await His direction for ministry and join His movement -won't you join us? At Forest Park Ministry Center, we are continuing to share His love and grace to those in need - this past month, we distributed over a ton and a half of food, lot of baby supplies, two hundred gift certificates to shop for clothing, and most of all, ministered to over 130 families with the love of Christ, sharing His good news with them and praying with them! That is always a fulfilling privilege - to sit knee to knee with others in prayer together; I am always reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus that enables us to come into His presence in prayer.

As December approaches we are anticipating a very special opportunity to reach others in Christ's name. We still need volunteers for assisting parents who will be coming to shop for their children's Christmas. We have identified 120 families from the four ministries involved who will be coming to shop. This will be an incredible time to give them the dignity of shopping for their own children's gifts, for sharing Christ with them, and for experiencing the true spirit of Christmas - giving Christ's love. See the posting below for details of how you can be a part. God Bless you all!

Ministry Centers First Annual Toy Sale

2009-10-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, December 12, 2009 in Heritage FLC

We are embarking on a new endeavor in our ministry centers. Our first annual Ministry Center Toy Sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th. A minimal fee will be charged so that parents from our centers will have the dignity of buying their kids Christmas gifts. The prices will range from 10 cents to 5 dollars for the bigger items. Families who come to our centers will be invited to participate.

We need YOUR HELP in providing NEW (and USED toys IN VERY GOOD CONDITION )for ages infant to 16 years. ALL MONIES RECEIVED FROM THE TOY SALE WILL GO BACK INTO THE MINISTRY CENTERS’ BENEVOLENCE FUNDS FOR FOOD AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE given to families served.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE TOY SALE!

1.Monetary donations will be accepted, as well as gifts. Make checks payable to: MBA Church and Community
Ministries Toy Sale, 20 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109.
2. We will need volunteers the day before the sale to help sort and organize toys.
3. Volunteers will be needed on Saturday to assist our guests as they shop.
4. Baked goods will be served at a “café” for parents who come and shop. Homemade goods would be greatly
appreciated.
5. We need Christmas wrappers. If you are good at wrapping gifts, come and bring some Christmas wrap, bows
and tape to wrap presents for parents.
6. Be a “pray-er” or “sharer” at the Toy Sale with parents.

Call Lisa Rose for more details at 334-271-6794 or email her at
lrose@mgmbaptist.org.

A joint effort of Forest Park Ministry Center, Valley Park Ministry Center, Community of Hope and Shepherd’s Staff Ministry
We will need to receive donations no later than Wednesday, December 9th. Call for instructions on where they will be gathered.

Ministry Centers

Babies(0-12 mo)
Blankets//Crib Sheets
Sleepers/clothes/bibs
Diapers (all sizes)
Bottles
Rattles/key rings
Activity Centers
Mobiles
Car Seat Toys
Crib toys

Toddlers(1-3 yrs)
Large trucks
Stuffed animals
Books
Baby dolls (all cultures)
Fisher Price toys
Building blocks
Riding toys
See-N-Say
Educational games
Musical Instruments
Kid Christian CD’s
CD Players

Preschoolers(4-5 yrs)
Board games
Books
Educational toys
Barbie
Lincoln Logs
K-nex
Legos
Stuffed animals
Plastic tool sets
Balls
Art Supplies
Musical instruments
Bikes/Tri Cycles
Kid Christian CD’s
CD Players
TOY SALE

Grades 1-3
Barbie Dolls (all cultures)
Action Figures
Star Wars Figures
Board Games
Educational Games
Books
K-Nex
Legos
Crayons/Coloring books

Grades 4-6
Remote Control Vehicles
Sports Equipment/balls
Frisbees
K-Nex
Legos
Sports Jerseys/T-shirts
(AL, AU, Troy, ASU, Biscuits)
Jewelry
CD Boom Box
Christian CD’s
I-pods
Cameras
Chapter Books
Board Games
Gift Cards

Teenagers
CD players/I-pods
Christian CD’s
Sports Equipment/Balls
Sports T-shirts/Jerseys
(Pro teams, AL, AU, ASU, Troy)
Squishy Pillows
Bedding for teens
Purses/Belts
Jewelry
Purses
Gift Baskets (lotion etc)
Books/ Bibles for teens
Gift Cards
Posters
Suggestions
Personal Items That Are Always Needed
Winter Caps/gloves/scarves
Socks
Underwear (new only)
Blankets and bedding
Shampoo
Soap/Bubble Bath/Body Wash
Toothbrushes/toothpaste
Deodorant
Hairspray

Miscellaneous Items
Batteries of all sizes
Wrapping Paper/Gift bags
Ribbon/Tape/Tags
Ornaments
Baked goods/Parent Gift bags
Small teas/coffees/Parent Gifts
**********************
NOTES:
1. PLEASE make sure to get as much NEW as possible. IF you have used toys with all the parts, we will sell them on a hodge-podge table away from the new items.
2. Please take into consideration that we will have families of ALL cultures participating. Dolls and action figures need to be multi- cultural.

Thank you so much for helping with this project! God is going to bless the families this year because of your generosity. Pray that each toy you buy will be an opportunity to share God’s love with others.

FALL MINISTRY IS IN FULL SWING

2009-10-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today I received a call from a potential donor who wanted clarification of how resources given to this ministry are used. After explaining to him the areas of Montgomery where we concentrate ministry and the guidelines that we use to distribute food, clothing, and financial help, he seemed satisfied and even relieved. He wanted assurance that we are being wise stewards of the resources that God provides through donors like himself. I am reminded how important it is to be accountable to the MBA Church and Community Ministries Board, to the MBA itself, and to our sponsoring churches. And I am so grateful for the support that we receive as we carry out Christ's commandment to share His truth in our Judea and Samaria, in our neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods in Montgomery.

The birth of some very exciting ministries make "headlines" this month!

1. Planning for the first annual Ministry Centers Christmas Toy Sale is in full swing!! (See the above flier and suggested donation list.) Please prayerfully consider how you, your church, or your group can plug into this incredible opportunity to give a "hand up" instead of a hand out!!!

2. Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade classes in three
Montgomery Title I schools now have readers and / or tutors from Forest Park Ministry Center assisting in their classrooms!

3. Rosa Parks Place, an apartment complex for senior adults in Montgomery, has welcomed volunteers from Forest Park and Valley Park Ministry Centers to host interest groups for the residents, including quilting and board games. What a great way to build relationships!

4. Southlawn Commons, another apartment complex, invited representatives from Forest Park Ministry Center to their "Resident Appreciation Day" on a recent Saturday in September. There, we conducted surveys among the residents to determine what groups and activities they might want to have provided in their community. We look forward to building relationships there, too!

At the center, food assistance continues as strong as ever; the needs are so very great. Here are highlights of the services provided in September:
****4 brand new members of Christ's family!!!!!
****138 families served, for a total of 338 family members, 26% are new guests with first time needs.
****3,220 pounds of food distributed to hungry families
****Praise - we have moved into the newly expanded food pantry area of the
center!!!

Your prayer support is so direly needed. Thank you for loving Christ and His work through Forest Park Ministry Center.

End of Summer Update - Looking to Fall Opportunities!

2009-09-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Summer 2009 has brought both great blessings and new challenges to the ministry participants and recipients at Forest Park Ministry Center. In August alone, we saw over 170 families, well over 1/3 for the first time. We distributed over two tons of food during the month, but best of all, as we fed them physically, there were many who for the first time learned of the Living Water of Jesus Christ and gave their lives to him. Praise to our Lord! There are some very specific things that I want to make you aware of. These opportunities are here now, and we need your support to see them through! You can support first with your fervent prayer, then with your time, talent, and or resources. Here are the exciting doors of ministry opportunity that God has opened:

1. On December 12, 2009, the MBA Church and Community Ministries (including Forest Park Ministry Center) will host a Christmas Toy Sale specifically for the guests of our centers who demonstrate need for assistance in providing Christmas gifts for their children. This event is important not only because it will make children happy, but even more important, it will reinforce the dignity and desire for responsibility that parents so crave in providing for their children. The toys, donated by churches and their members and by corporate donors, will be sold for extremely small amounts in order to be completely affordable by anyone; what few funds are received will be rolled directly back into the benevolence budget of the centers. You can participate by:
*****Donate toys or funds to purchase toys.
*****Help with set up during the week prior to the event.
*****Be one of the many needed helpers on the 12th - everything from shopping buddies to "cafe bakers and servers" to gift wrap!
*****PRAY for the families involved and for the workers, for prepared hearts and joyful spirits!

2. Summit Properties has requested representatives from Forest Park to come on site at two of their properties to facilitate groups that will enrich the lives of the residents at Rosa Parks Place and at Southlawn Commons. We are currently in the process of administering Needs Assessment Surveys to determine what types of groups are most needed. Become plugged into a brave new branch of ministry through Forest Park Ministry Center!

3. Be a crucial part of the renovation needed at the center in order to more effectively operate. The existing carport is in disrepair and is a safety hazard. Compound that with the dire need for more space for multipurpose use including receiving, sorting, instruction, and storage, and you see why enclosing the carport is a real need. The list at the right enumerates not only the materials needed but also the priority of the needs. Please prayerfully consider your ability to assist in this project by pledging the donation of materials or by refering this list on to those that you know who could assist in this way. God bless you all for your love for Christ and for your faithful support of His work!

2009-08-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

BACKYARD BIBLE CLUB JULY 27 - 31 - ENJOY THE SLIDESHOW!!

2009-08-04T12:54:00.001-07:00

JUNE 2009 UPDATE OF MINISTRIES

2009-07-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

June has been another eye-opening month seeing what incredible needs exist among the citizens of Montgomery. We have had the opportunity to minister to those who have experienced loss of employment, food and belongings due to floods, fire, and theft, and continue to see God working in the hearts and minds of His people. This month, Heritage Baptist Church and Temple Mount Christian Center joined together to sponsor a “Ready to Read” event for families in the Forest Park neighborhood. In spite of inclement weather prior to and following the event, God cleared the skies for a great afternoon of sharing Christ through reading, drama, crafts, and just plain fun. An additional thanks to the youth of Thorington Road Baptist Church who prayerwalked, passed out flyers, and assisted during the event. We look forward to their sponsoring Forest Park’s Backyard Bible Club in July. Here are the June ministry statistics: 140 guests served at the center 338 family members represented 40 new families assisted who had not received assistance before 3,750 pounds of food distributed to families in need Best of all – 8 new sisters and brothers in Christ!!! Plan to join us at McGehee Road Baptist Church on Saturday, July 11, for “Transforming Your Community”. Let’s learn how to more effectively reach into the neighborhoods around Montgomery as Christ’s hands and feet!

Ready to Read - June 28, 2009

2009-06-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

The first Ready to Read was presented to the neighborhood at Forest Park Ministry Center on Sunday afternoon, June 28, 2009, thanks to the immense efforts of Heritage Baptist Church, Temple Mount Christian Center, and all of the volunteers from both churches and from Thorington Road Baptist Church, too. The skies cleared just in time for it to begin, and the rain began to pour just after it was completed. Now, does God have perfect timing or what? Children and their parents were treated to various readings, fun crafts, many resource materials, and a phenomenal dramatization of "The Tale of Three Trees". What a great way to share Jesus! A very special thank you to Jennifer Foster, children's minister at Heritage; Bruce and Edith McDonald, pastor and evangelist at Temple Mount, Carol Heier, drama director at Heritage; and all of you hard working volunteers. It was a great day, and God is so good. The slide show here shows you just a glimpse of the afternoon.

New Opportunities for Ministry at Forest Park

2009-05-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

It's incredible that summer is almost here - can you believe it? It seems just yesterday that I began this marvelous journey of ministry to the precious souls who have such dire needs and seek help through Forest Park Ministry Center. I am so thankful to those prayer warriors and faithful Christians who had the heart and the foresight to establish this ministry center, and to all of you who continually support the ministry in so many ways including prayer support. Listed below you will see how God continues to work as we reach out to Montgomerians in need. I have also listed new opportunities for ministry this summer. Your prayers and your support will be much appreciated; we are leaning on God's provision for resources for these ministries. Update from Forest Park Ministry Center – May 2009 >96 families served, for a total of 251 family members served (a great number, considering that one holiday and one other closing due to family emergency occurred on days which would be service days otherwise). >3 new Christians – it is always such a glorious day when we have new sisters and brothers in Christ! >2,621+ pounds of food distributed to families in need. >We have had the opportunity to assist a precious woman who lost her home and her belongings in the May 7 flash flood. She had several feet of water in her home, and it ruined essentially everything. With the aftermath of the flood and the ongoing economic crisis, I feel that we will see more and more dire needs. This month alone, over 35% of the guests who visited Forest Park Ministry Center for assistance were seeking help for the very first time because of their economic woes. Please pray for all of those who have lost jobs, homes, and their way of life, and for the volunteers at Forest Park as we seek to reach out to these with God’s love and His provision. >Welcome to Jenna Brendle, ministry intern for Forest Park Ministry Center, Valley Park Ministry Center, and Community of Hope! >We look forward to “We Love Montgomery: Ready to Read”, an event cosponsored by Heritage Baptist Church, Temple Mount at Forest Park, and Forest Park Ministry Center, coming Sunday, June 28, at 3:00 in the afternoon; >And – Backyard Bible Club at Forest Park Ministry Center, July 24 – 31; >And – Transforming Your Community Conference, July 11, 2009. Make plans to attend; call the MBA for details.

Welcome, Jenna!

2009-05-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have Jenna Brendle as an intern / summer missionary at Forest Park Ministry Center this summer! Jenna is a senior at Auburn University, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, and is serving her internship through MBA Church and Community Ministries. She will assist Forest Park Ministry Center, Valley Park Ministry Center, and Community of Hope during service hours and also the many special events planned for the summer. Jenna is a member of Heritage Baptist Church and most recently completed a semester at the Focus Institute of Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, CO. We welcome Jenna and are excited to see what God has in store for her, for the CCM ministries, and for the city of Montgomery this summer!

Celebrating New Life in April

2009-05-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

Have you been observing the new growth on trees and plants? It is a tender, pale green, and it reminds me of how precious and tender each new life in Christ is to Him. This month, another sister prayed to receive Christ and has been connected with a church for discipleship. Two others prayed to recommit their lives to Christ and were referred to churches as well. Please pray for the ministry at Forest Park, that we will always be faithful to share the gospel with the lost and hurting as we minister to their dire physical needs. Here are April statistics: 119 families served, for a 2009 YTD total of 489 families. This represents 299 people in these families, for a 2009 YTD total of 1,127. 3,254 pounds of food distributed, for a 2009 YTD total of nearly 6 tons of food. Don't forget that if you plant a garden, you have a unique way to minister by tithing the produce from your garden to the ministry centers. Monday is the day at Forest Park Ministry Center when we will receive fresh produce. A very special and powerful day on April 25: over 20 summer missionaries, all college students who have committed themselves and their summers to serve the Lord all over the world, converged upon Forest Park Ministry Center during their time of training and orientation held here in Montgomery. They canvassed neighborhoods, they prayerwalked, and they prayed specifically for the ministry events that will be happening this summer at the center. Would you pray, too, that these new areas of ministry will bear fruit for the Kingdom?

Produce for People in Poverty

2009-04-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

As we reflect on the abundant life that Jesus's death and resurrection has made possible for His children, the passion to reach the lost with His message of hope is kindled and rekindled. If you have not yet seen the YouTube video that is posted on the MBA Church and Community Ministries blog, please do it now! The God of this City, the one and only true God, is as alive and relevant today as ever, and He can enable us to accomplish His work, no matter how daunting the task!

Here's a novel way that you gardeners may want to contribute: have you ever considered tithing your produce? Everyone loves fresh from the garden fruits and vegetables, and we try to offer this as much as possible by purchasing fresh produce from the Food Bank. But it is not always available, and the selection is very limited. Would you consider, as you plant your spring and summer garden, planting an extra row or a couple of extra plants, and tithe it to the Ministry Center? Monday mornings are the best time to bring fresh produce, as that is the first day of the week that we begin distributing food to our guests. Thanks, and may God bless your efforts!

I am posting the March summary of ministry services below. As I have been researching the history of services through Forest Park Ministry Center, the startling reality of how much increased need there is has come to light. In the first 3 1/2 months of 2009, over 430 families received either food and clothing or financial assistance from the center. That is almost as many families as were served in an entire year in 2003. Can you see the dire need? And so many of these are people who have never received services before; they are in deep crisis because of job losses. The Hope of Christ has never been so needed by so many as today! Summary of Ministry at Forest Park for March 2009: > 132 families served, for a total of 302 family members > 4 people prayed to receive Christ and 2 more prayed to recommit their lives to Christ > 3,218 pounds of food were distributed to people in need. > 6 households were assisted with their heating bills. >3 new moms were supplied with layettes and counseled about the importance of a home centered on God’s principles. A praise is that in two cases, the father was present, listened, and prayed with us! >>>Praise the Lord for Missions Mobilizers! Jim and Marilyn Oliver, MSC Missions Mobilizers, have assisted me in visiting two Hispanic families who have moved into the neighborhood near the center. Marilyn and I made the initial visits, and Marilyn’s fluency in Spanish was so helpful as we discovered the families’ needs and shared with them about the ministry center. Later, Jim and Marilyn returned and led two of the men to Christ!

2009-03-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

As spring approaches and I see the beauty of God's creation reawakening, it is a powerful reminder of how He moves and reawakens our own spirits, showing us opportunities every day to reach out and share His Hope with those who hurt all around us. The visits that we make in the homes of our guests are some of the most joyous experiences that I have ever had. The new moms, their hope, their willingness to talk about God and about raising their children in the admonition of the Lord is so sweet and special. Thanks to one of our dear sponsoring churches, we are able to include a book about "Steps to Godly Parenting" which is a great way to introduce the subject matter of a wholesome and Christian home environment. Last week, as I visited in the home of a new mom and her infant, the father of the baby slipped the book out and began perusing through it. As I saw his interest peaked, I thanked God that seeds are being planted and that His Word never returns void. Pray for these families, that they will seek daily to live a life that demonstrates godly character to their children! Yesterday, a precious friend and fellow missionary, Marilyn Oliver, assisted me as we visited two Hispanic families that have moved into the neighborhood near the center. Marilyn and her husband Jim served as IMB missionaries for many years, 29 years in Colombia, so her "Espanol" is fluent. She was so helpful as we talked of the needs of these families, told them about the center, and prayed with them for strength, guidance, and grace from the only Source, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Marilyn, and thank you, Jesus, for such a powerful experience. I pray for all of the internationals in our city who may not have the language skills to learn of the resources that are available to them.

Here's What's Happening in February!

2009-02-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

God continues to work in ways beyond our expectations and comprehension. Just when we are tempted to fret over low food supplies, He provides through churches and this month, a local day care center! Thank you, Jehovah Jirah, for your provision! And thank you to Mt. Zion Baptist, Lakeview Baptist, and Heritage CDC for the bountiful donations. This month, we have had at least three extraordinary experiences: more salvations, new sisters and brothers in Christ; four more young families visited who have newborns – the layette ministry is bearing fruit in that homes are being opened for us to visit, talk with the new moms, pray with them, and present them with layettes. We are taking pictures of the new babies, too, and sending them to the moms. In many cases, this is the only photo of their little one that they have. This month, two of the new moms to whom we have ministered in recent months came to the center to say hello and to let us see their babies. They are growing and so beautiful, and both of these moms have such hope for the future for their children. And finally, the North American Mission Board formally commissioned my husband and me on February 22 as Mission Service Corps Missionaries, serving right here at Forest Park and humbled to be able to serve the Lord by pointing people in need to eternal hope in Christ. Our trip to Savannah for the commissioning was so meaningful; we were able to visit two powerful ministries, The Living Vine, and Savannah Baptist Ministry Center. Both are being used in a mighty way to reach hurting and lost people for the Kingdom. Here are some updated statistics for February: · 100 guests in center, representing 200 family members (526 family members so far this year) · 2 guests prayed to receive Christ in February (7 salvations YTD) · 9 assisted financially with utilities and emergency assistance in Feb. · 2,139 pounds of food distributed in February (over 5200# YTD) · All classes in grades K – 3 now have volunteer readers at one Title I school, and more classes at another school now have readers!

Brand New Praise in 2009!

2009-02-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

As of January 2009, Forest Park Ministry Center now has volunteers reading to all Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade classes at Dozier Elementary, one of the Title I schools in our city, and we are also reading and tutoring at ED Nixon Elementary, Temple Mount Christian Center, and have volunteers who, through their churches, tutor at Vaughn Road Elementary and Southlawn Elementary. God is moving among His people to get involved in the community, and to show the children of our city a "future and a hope".

JANUARY 2009 UPDATE OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

2009-01-29T13:52:00.001-08:00

138 families served, for a total of 326 family members 5 people prayed to receive Christ and have been referred to a church for discipleship 3, 084 pounds of food were distributed to people in need. 9 households were assisted with their heating bills 1 family and 1 single person were assisted with emergency food, coats, clothing, and household goods after losing all they had in house fires 2 new moms were visited in their homes and given layettes with infant necessities Thank your for your prayer and support for the ministry at Forest Park!

Pressing On In 2009

2009-01-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

January ushered in a brand new year, and we are all the more blessed to serve and compelled to reach Montgomerians in need with the love of Christ. I want to give a huge shout out to some incredible volunteers who give of their time and talents each week to make the Forest Park Ministry Center run so effectively. During the months of December and January, my father has been gravely ill (praise God, he is on the road to recovery!) and in the midst of several crises when I had to be with him and my family, the faithful volunteers carried on, ministering to those guests who were in need and came to FPMC for assistance. I cannot thank them enough for their faithfulness. I am posting a picture of some of the volunteers that were able to gather for a Christmas celebration so that you can put a face with your prayers for the center and all who work and visit there. During the last half of 2008, we saw record numbers of guests visiting Forest Park. Here is a recap of August through December of 2008: Since Forest Park Ministry Center reopened its doors for service on August 1, 2008: Ø over 800 households have been served, for a total of 1,931 people. Ø 15,473 pounds of food have been distributed. Ø there have been 16 professions of faith, one rededication, and 63 followups by pastors or the center director. Ø 8 home visits to mothers of newborns to deliver layettes and pray with these moms. Ø 38 families were assisted with utility bill payments. Ø 30 families were registered with Christmas Clearinghouse to receive Christmas gifts for their children. Ø and sponsoring churches enabled the center to distribute 65 full Thanksgiving baskets to families in need, along with assisting at least 3 families with emergency needs arising from medical emergencies. Thank you for helping to reach those in need in Montgomery by supporting Forest Park Ministry Center. In this way, you are the hands of Jesus to a lost and needy world! Isn't God incredible? Even in a time of economic crisis, He enables His people to reach out to those in need with generous hearts. Thank you to all who love and support His work through Forest Park Ministry Center. During the month of January, some groups have visited the center to offer their special assistance. Children and their leaders from Southlawn Baptist Church came to see what we do at the center and to lend their assistance in the food pantry. Youth from Prattville First Baptist came and worked to clean up the yard and prepare our sign in front for new lettering. On Sunday, January 18, leaders from WMU and Women's Ministries of our sponsoring churches met at the center, and several commitments for Layette Baby Showers and CWJC Mentors were made. Thank you to all for your service and for your support. We are looking forward to an even more powerful impact for Christ's Kingdom in 2009.

Community Outreach Is Bearing Fruit

2008-11-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

It has been both sweet and awe inspiring to watch how God connects guests at our center, those of us who work there, and other center sponsored activities in the community. Just in recent weeks, there are three families who have been impacted in multiple ways throught the ministries of the center. One such circumstance was when I made a home visit as a followup of the mom visiting our center for assistance. When she gave birth to her newborn, my husband and I visited her home to deliver to her a layette of newborn necessities and to pray with her for her family and the new addition. While there, her 6 year old son came into the room and exclaimed, "I know you!" As it turns out, he is in the classroom at one of the Title I schools where we are reading and tutoring. And the layette ministry is having such a meaningful impact. It is an opportunity to meet guests in their homes, to provide extra encouragement, and to pray with them. Connections are being made, relationships established, and guests are seeing us outside of the center, plugging into the community. There are other "divine appointments", instances where children of families served by the center are being taught character development through reading books by volunteers from the center. It is important to note that the consistency, the persistence of our presence in their lives, the role model that I pray we can be for these families, could have a lasting effect on the path that these children will take as they grow. I pray that it will be a positive step toward breaking the cycle of discouragement and poverty that prevails in many families which we serve. Last Saturday, several youth from Heritage Baptist Church joined us at the center to prepare for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. They did much needed clean up around the building, they retrieved a lost shopping card, they wrapped gifts for children, and they packed over fifty Thanksgiving baskets, all of which have been distributed as of 3:00 this afternoon. We could have never accomplished all of this without their great help! The help that they gave was the culmination of their "Cardboard City" project in which they learned firsthand what the homeless and less fortunate experience on a daily basis. Thank you, Adam Bishop, for teaching the youth to give beyond themselves and to learn to be Jesus' hands to those in need.

2008-10-11T14:58:00.001-07:00

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! After experiencing and expressing such a dire need for food to give to our guests, supporting churches have stepped up to the plate. It is an awesome thing to witness God's people reaching out to those in need purely in the name of our Lord Jesus. A special shout out to Eastmont Baptist RA's who collected and delivered 225 large bags of food to Forest Park on October 8 and to Heritage Baptist Women who hosted the first ever Layette Baby Shower, supplying ample infant basics and fun things, too, for the babies being born to the moms who visit our center. They also expanded their month of food collection for the center into six weeks as an answer to the call for additional food. Other churches such as Highland Ave Baptist, Lakeview Baptist, Cloverdale, Memorial Heights, Ridgecrest and Thorington Road have contributed this month - Thank you! There have been over 400 families assisted so far since August 1 of this year through Forest Park Ministry Center, representing 1,000 family members fed and ministered to. As the ministries of Forest Park expand beyond the walls of the center into the neighborhood, I am encouraged and impassioned to believe more than ever that God is in the midst of all the details of this ministry and of our lives. To Him alone be all the glory!

Rolling into the fall.....

2008-09-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

August and September so far have been record months, seeing extraordinary numbers of people with dire needs. While each need is met, we at the center are keenly aware of the dire need for more food supply so that we can continue to meet the needs adequately. I urge you as you read this to pray about how you can help meet the food needs through food donations. Our sponsor churches do a great job, but the need is so very great now; perhaps you could sponsor a special drive within your class at church, to help offset the current shortage. Or perhaps your family would like to make a missions grocery shopping trip, shopping as a family for the food pantry. What a great life lesson to teach your children, and a fun family missions project, too! The food bank has been slim lately, too, but we are hoping and praying for that to improve as we move into the season when more people think about their blessings and as they desire to give to others as a thank you to God for those blessings. Another exciting thing is that the city of Montgomery has given us a permit to enclose the carport area at the center. This will create much needed storage and multi purpose space. We have a list of needed building supplies; will your church or organization step up to pledge to fund the purchase of some of these supplies? Call me at the center, 269-5726, or email me at forestparkministry@yahoo.com, if you will be a part of this great project. As always, we covet your prayers for the guests who come to Forest Park to have basic needs met, and for the volunteers who give their time and talents to be the hands of Jesus in our community.

Open House at Forest Park Ministry Center

2008-08-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Wow - I am awed daily by what our God does through His servants and blessed immensely by the people with whom we work daily. Thank you to all who made the open house a great success, and to the volunteers who so faithfully carry out the purpose and commission of the center. As we reopened the center in August, it has been with a renewed sense of purpose to greet and treat each guest in the center with the dignity and love due each and every one created by God. The first week we saw 92 guests, twice as many as we had been seeing on average. This may have been partly due to our being closed during July, but each person was treated with dignity and respect, and several of our guests remarked on the friendly atmosphere. All credit to God, who enables His servants, our volunteers, to be His hands to our neighbors! We had lots of fun at the open house, saw old friends, and met new ones. Thanks to all for coming. Hope you enjoy some of the pictures.

NEW DIRECTOR at Forest Park Ministry

2008-07-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Born in Opelika and raised in Roanoke, Donna comes to us from Heritage Baptist Church. She and her husband Ron serve in missions in a variety of ways. From mission trips to Mexico to teaching Sunday School, Donna and her husband are on mission here in Montgomery and abroad! Their family consists of 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren. They lead a full life. Donna looks forward to ministering through the Forest Park Ministry Center and seeing what the Lord does to minister "inthe neighborhood"....

Call Donna if you are interested in volunteering in some way at Forest Park Baptist Ministry Center. You can reach her by phone at 334-269-5726 or email her at forestparkministry@yahoo.com