Update Tuesday 29/11/11

The conversation ranged from the story of having to put his dog down, to finding his new best friend, from trying to live on disability payments, to which instant loan places are the best, from specifics of the task at hand, to why the split level shopping carts don't work.  Over a hot cup of coffee, Rick, a local bottle collector, was quite friendly and open to conversation.  It was a stark difference from a few weeks ago.  I shared in a previous update about a group that gathers at the Beer Store that runs the province's alcohol can and bottle recycling program (read it here) and our hope to be able to serve them.    On the first morning I tried, however, I got up early, prepared some coffee, got it all packed up, headed over to the store and there was no one there.  I still don't really know why, although there are a number of practical considerations that may have all lined up on that day.  I truly believe, however, that it was spiritual opposition from the enemy.  (As an aside, this seems to be a pattern we experience in our new ministry thus far, we get an idea, we pray, God seems to confirm it and them something happens and it totally flops the first time around or the people involved have things happen to them).  Regardless of what the enemy throws, however, if we are persistent, we see God move.  This is what happened yesterday as I headed out to the Beer Store one more time.  This time I was greeted by Rick and Barry and we had a good 30 minutes to talk about life.  I learned a lot in those few minutes about what life is like when you live at that end of the economic spectrum.  All in all, I had the opportunity to serve about 6 different guys yesterday.  Interestingly, when the local newspaper showed up on my front porch this morning there was an article on these very guys, the bottle collectors, and Rick is even quoted in the article.  Again it seems that we are on to something, what I don't exactly know, but something.  I have included a link to the article below:

The Spec 

Along similar lines, I am excited to tell you that following from our last experience handing out meals to the homeless downtown we have begun planning for the next outing.  We are collecting blankets that we will be distributing December 18th.   A number individuals, both churched and unchurched, have heard and have gotten involved by hosting blanket drives. 

We would ask for your continued prayers for our outreaches and for God's leading and direction with regards to how He intends to use these opportunities for His sake and the sake of His kingdom.

Lastly, I would ask for you continued prayers as we finalize details on our budget for next year.  We sense that God has some amazing things planned for this first full year in our ministries life.  We are trying our best to prayerfully plan and budget accordingly.   We want to thank those of you who have committed to supporting this ministry financially.  The honest truth is that as we look at the budget, and more importantly, as we look at the opportunities and the needs around us that God has opened our eyes to, we recognize that we are going to need the financial support of friends, family, groups and churches to make it all happen.  If you have ever thought about supporting the ministry, or supporting an initiative that you have read about here we would love you to consider partnering financially.
Cheques can be made out to The Sanctuary Milton with Hamilton in the memo line and sent to:

136 Homewood Ave.
Hamilton, On.
Canada
L8P2M5

If you would like more info or to talk about support then don't hesitate to send me a note at:
jason@jasonmcgibbonproject.com
I would love to hear from you!