Men's Home
• for the men in the home to come to a full understanding of who they are in the Lord and for them to be set free
Nursery/Friday Night Children's Church
• Christian coloring books
• Christian children's videos and music
• Toys for ages 1-4
Bible studies
• all of the vehicles that are used to pick up kids for Bible studies are in need of repair
• volunteers with a commercial driver's licence are needed to drive buses
Office/Other
• a copy machine is needed
• four new tires are needed for one of the buses
Thank you for your prayers!
"Winners are not those who never fail, but those who never quit." Ed Cole Writer and founder of Christian Men's Network
Failure . . . before I came into the S.O.S. men's home, I thought that failure was the worst possible thing that could happen to a person. Failure had followed me everywhere I went. I left Freeport, Texas (where I worked for a semester after graduating college) to go to seminary. I got into debt problems and not much encouragement. I went back to the college that I had graduated from. I added to my college loans and my disappointment. My friends encouraged and prayed for me as much as they could. What they didn't know was that I was on my way to an emotional wreck without a seatbelt or a car.
|
| Fundraiser car wash at Kroger/Firestone in Bryan |
Upon arriving at the men's home at 1:30 a.m. on the 27th of May, I was greeted by J. J. He later told my pastor that I was big and the fellas didn't know how to take me. To be honest, I didn't know how to take J. J. either. I've learned that J. J. is a lot less intimidating than I thought he was when I first met him. As I've been here, I've learned that overeating is a sin, not a bragging point. I've learned that I have to make a conscious decision to order my finances, my habits, my character, and most importantly, my relationship with Christ. I've lost at least 30 pounds since I've been here and met some people who deal with the same stuff I do. I've learned a lot about cutting grass and working with Travis, Andy, and Gorge as a team. I've learned that faith is always based in the promises of the Lord and not in my circumstances. I've also been able to expand on my God-given drawing ability by drawing portraits. I pray to use this talent to help me get my finances in order. In fact, if anyone would like a portrait of themselves or family members, please call the S.O.S. office or send your request to the P.O. box with my name on the letter. I usually charge 40 dollars for a single person 9 x 11 portrait. The price changes depending on different factors. These factors include size, time, and amount of people in the portrait.
God has begun to show me that I can use the abilities He has given me to glorify Him, but my character has to be such that it will glorify Him, too. J. J. always uses a quote that basically says that your gifting will always take you where your character can't keep you. I'm praying for and seeking godly character so that I can have what is needed to bring God glory in all areas of my life. I've learned that failure only occurs when you try new things. Giving up is worse than failing and trying again. I covet your prayers for the men's home because without its structure, the wisdom of those who run it, and God's hand on it, I don't know where I would be. It's been an honor to be a part of S.O.S.
Will Holland
Men's home resident
September 2
College Station Lions Club 12 noon
September 4
Covenant Family Church in College Station at 7:30 p.m.
September 6
KBTX-Channel 3 Brazos Valley This Morning at 6 a.m. and Midday Magazine at 12 noon
September 8
Lily of the Valley Church in Bryan
September 18
KBTX-Channel 3 at 12 noon
Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Bryan at 7 p.m.
September 20
KBTX-Channel 3 at 6 a.m.
September 21-26
J. J.'s 30 mile week-long Walk a Mile in His Steps fundraising and S.O.S. Awareness week
September 26
First Annual S.O.S. Fundraising Banquet
September 28
Walk A Mile In His Steps fundraiser
September 29
New Destiny Family Worship Center in Houston at 9 a.m.
My grandparents raised me from the day I was able to leave the hospital. My mom and dad were in prison when I was born. I lived with my brother, aunts, and uncles. I grew up with alcoholism in my family. I remember them coming home at night drunk, and I would wonder why my life was like this. Why couldn't I have a "normal" life? My grandparents were very strict with me. My grandmother expected me at a very early age to wash, dry, and fold clothes, and I would have to clean the house before heading out to school every morning. I now know that she was just trying to protect me, and I have been instilled with so many good values because of it.
As a teenager, I became very rebellious, putting my grandparents through so much. My grandmother passed away when I was 15, and I remember thinking not having the opportunity to tell her how much I loved her and how much she meant to me. I know that one day I will have the opportunity to let her know.
When I was 17 I met a guy. I was with him for a year, and I eventually became pregnant. It took this guy only 3 months to leave me when he found out. I had my daughter halfway through my senior year. By this time I really was alone and felt that there was no hope. After I graduated, I met Michael. Michael was different from the other guys. He was so sweet and kind. He had expectations and goals. We dated for several months, and I got pregnant with my second daughter, Meghan. Michael and I eventually moved in together. He was 19, and I was 18. Things were so tough. We were trying to live together as a couple and raise 2 kids at the same time. I remember having to scrap pennies just to buy milk for the girls.
Michael and I got married after about 5 years of being together. I think things got even harder once we got married. We were fighting all the time, always trying to change each other and always competing about who should be in control. Our marriage was put to tests all the time. It even came to the point of separating. We did get back together, but things still weren't good. We didn't have anywhere else to turn until one night we were invited to my nephew Isaiah's dedication at S.O.S. I had never been there before. I never even knew what it was about. That Friday night, I was so moved. I now know that it was the Holy Spirit moving in me. I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ that night. Michael dedicated his life the very next week. We realized that we have to keep God as the center of our lives.
Michael and I were on the verge of not making it, but S.O.S. has restored so much in our relationship. S.O.S. has taught us so much. We've learned that with communication with each other and believing what God's word tells us, nothing is impossible. We've learned that loving one another over everything else and having Christ as the center will get us through anything. The couple's class and women's Bible study has helped me in so many ways. I learned to become the submissive one in the relationship, to know that God is directing Michael and to trust him to lead our family. I am restored in my faith and in my relationships every time I go to S.O.S. I know that I don't have to be in control; God is in control.
When I see the kids at S.O.S., my heart goes out to them. I know that I was once there where they are. I know now by seeing these kids that I wasn't the only one that has been through hard times. I want to be an example to the kids, to let them know that God is good and that through Christ, all things are possible. We can get out of any situation in our life as long as we believe. There is still so much I need to change, to learn, to become better at, but with God, I can accomplish anything.
We have found an awesome church to be members of. I am a helper with teaching a class for 3-5 year old kids on Sundays and Wednesdays. My daughters themselves have grown in Christ. Their hearts have changed so much since attending our church and S.O.S. In just a few months, I've seen such a change in my family. I know that God is not done. He has a purpose for me, and with God leading, with ministers like J. J., with sincere kindness from Carmen, and with the friends here at S.O.S., I will fill the purpose that God has for me.
Cathy Carpio