News Letter Working Men of Christ Ministry, inc. Working Men of Christ Ministry, inc. WMOC December 2014 7th Issue 1017 S. Market Wichita, KS 67211 PHONE/ FAX: 316-440-0141 [email protected] www.workingmenofchristministry.com A Word from Katie McWilliams Director of HoME Hello, my name is Katie McWilliams. I was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. I grew up in the Highland Park area, and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1996. I got pregnant at age 15 and by the time I was 19, I had three children. I had no idea then what great plans the Lord had in store for me. At the age of 31, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I had always questioned what my purpose for being on this earth was, and why all these things have happened to me. Our God is a trustworthy and faithful God. He not only told me why I was here, but he lit a fire in my soul. He gave mw a passion for teen mothers that is beyond understanding. I am currently a mentor for teen mothers at Highland Park High School. Along with several other passionate women, I serve these girls lunch twice a month. Once a month we get together outside of school, for worship, praise, and fun and games. Our mission is to show them the love of Christ. Through several God encounters I have learned that “Nothing is Impossible with God,” Luke 1:37. he has put people in my path to make dreams come true. To not only fan the flame he lit in me, but to burn eternally in the hearts of young mothers. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the House of Mary Elizabeth. HoME is a discipleship home for teen mothers. We are able to house 3 families, along with “house parents”. Our goal is to help young mothers become self-sufficient by providing them with a safe living environment, education, spiritual discipleship, biblical counseling, and support for long-term economic independence, child development, parenting and life skills. This is not only a program for our residents. Our plan is to carry this out into the community. We would like to invite all young mothers into our home for bible study, worship, and fellowship. Our number one need is financial. A WORD from President Arlen Flora Praise God it’s finally happening, construction is under way at the House of Ruth. This week all the exterior trim and siding was repaired and the entire structure painted. The mechanical contractors are scheduled to be finished before Christmas and during that time the interior trim and painting will be completed. We’re going to be close to operational by the first of the year. BOARD MEMBERS • Arlen Flora (President/ Exec. Director) • • • • • • Spencer Lindsay (Ministry/Housing Director) Wendy McFarland (Secretary) Harvey McFarland (Treasurer) Bob Christiansen (Legal Co.) Ray Dempsey (Pastor) Bob Smith (Dir. Inmate Correspondence) • Robin Longstreet (Dir. Women’s Ministry) • Victor Hercules (Dir. Spanish Ministry) • Billie Bridgers • Don Alley • Dr. Larry Anderson • Paul Posch • Pastor Byron Davis Meanwhile, plans are being prepared for the re-configuring of the two floor property so we can get started there soon. The goal is to have the House of Joshua operational by the first of April. Again, praise God for all the prayer and work of service that everyone has put into this work of the ministry, God speed to each of you! God Bless, Arlen Flora Foundational Scripture “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25 NKJV) Gary and Kristy McManness, winners of the WMOC quilt raffle. WMOC Prayer Line Call 316-440-0141, we would love to pray with you. Ministry News Cont. A WORD from Ormond Wimberly Jr. Jaycees Chairman of the Board By way of introduction my name is Ormond L. Wimberly, JR. it’s my privilege to contribute to the WMOC’s newsletter. My participation has been to complete the Key to Your • Expected End last year. It was a dynamic bible study course. I encourage anyone who hasn't taken it to do so. You won’t be disappointed. I am looking forward to coming the House of Jeremiah, prayerfully, next year, after seeing the Kansas Prisoner Review board. There’s nothing that God can’t do if you trust Him completely. You can’t waver in your faith or expectation. This brings to mind something James Allen wrote in his classic piece called “As a Man Thinketh”. Our circumstances in life may not change that moment but our perspective on the circumstances can change by the power of the Holy Spirit. In prison or on the streets, it doesn't matter. What’s important is that we develop a Christ like perspective on the issues of life. Proverbs 23:7 says, “for as he thinketh in his heart so he is…” What this is revealing to us is that whatever we think is what we become. Let me ask you a question: what takes up most of your • thinking? Whatever it is– is what you do. It’s what you become! There’s no way around this either. don't get discouraged because all is not lost. By renewing our minds, by the Word of God, we can overcome anything that interferes with us being victorious. Romans 12:2 says, “And be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Now we know that we can control what we think about. We no longer have to be in bondage to the worlds counterfeit offerings. Choose today to chart a new course and live a victorious life. A WORD from Director of Inmate Correspondence Bob Smith Happy Holidays to everyone close and far. I’m wanting to share something very special from God, to me and to you! On November 13th 2013 I was released from prison after serving a 32 month plea bargain on a 30 year sentence. God did Bless and fine tune me during that time with many things, but mostly on obeying, trusting and leaning on him with everything all the time! I was released from Work Release in Wich- • ita, KS, where I only had 4 and a half months, again blessed by God. I also had about $1300 and brother Melvin picked me up from Work Release and took me to Sabetha, KS. Another blessing from God. There I was blessed to be under the leadership of Spencer Lindsay and Sandy Sanders, and four other brothers living there. While being in prison God showed me a plan for my life, which was serving in the prison ministry, Amen, Thank You Lord! Now my second day in Sabetha, brother Spencer, said that God had shared with him that I was to work with him in the WMOC bible study. Off I went serving, as God led the way. Now as of Feb. 2014 I became the House Mentor of the House of Jeremiah, and Director of Inmate Correspondence on the board of • WMOC. As of Nov. 13th 2014 one year to the day I was released from Parole after completing one year of a two year post release sentence. Praise God Always!! Brothers and Sisters, this is not about Bob Smith, this is the work of God Almighty. When we will obey, trust and lean on God at all times, we can live in the blessings God has for us! When everything around us is negative or says no it can’t be done, let God have it all, and believe that our Father can and will allow our lives to be a light of Him to all!! The gift from God to us is we are His creation, Master piece, and His children for eternity if we will allow him to have his place in our lives. Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. God has a plan for you that is out of this world!! Your Brother in Christ, Bob Smith. Thank you Jesus for your Redemptive Power of the Cross!!! In Loving Memory Paul Robbins (1958-2014) “The Servant Heart” Paul Robbins was family member of the House of Jeremiah and Working Men of Christ Ministry. Paul was a brother in Christ, who would help and serve others no matter the task. If you look up the word servant or dependable in the dictionary you would find a picture of Paul Robbins. From chores, unloading groceries, and moving furniture. Paul was willing to help, others at all times. Paul was a fighter of the faith till the end. Paul had a smile and joy that would make others laugh and smile . One of his favorite thing was to get a slurpie to share with his brothers, along with a slice of pizza. Paul was a very observant and wise man. He would not broadcast his wisdom, but would share it with you when you asked. Paul a son of Father God, loved his family, his heart was to reconcile with friends and family, because he wanted to share of the change Jesus Christ had done is his life. Paul loved to gather with others at church services to worship the Lord. Paul was a living version of Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.-ESV WMOC PG. 2 Working Men of Christ Ministry To assist each person who is willing to relocate from the county they are familiar with to start to build a new relationship with Jesus Christ in a new environment. To assist each person into a discipleship housing program, House of Jeremiah, House of Joshua, House of Ruth that will help them with transportation, stability, identification, employment, as they reintegrate back into society with a mentor. To assist each person in connecting with a local body of believers so that they may maintain renewing the mind, strengthened and encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ. To encourage and help each person stay connected through support and accountability. Captivity Series by Katie Souza Incentives paid out to date: $5,760 Inmate Bibles paid for to date: $1,540.24 WMOC Outreaches PG. 3 Save Souls Thrift Store Discipleship Homes Save Souls Thrift store is an outreach of Working Men of Christ Ministry, Inc. Its’ goal is to not only fund the ministry, but it allows people who are living on a low or fixed income to buy things they need at a low price. The store is located on the grounds of Word of Life church’s North campus at 3811 North Meridian in Wichita, KS. All proceeds fund either WMOC or Word of Life Church’s Vision 2020. It works with a very low overhead by taking only donations. The directors of it are Bob Smith on the WMOC side and Stacy Foster on the Vision 2020 side. If you have any questions or would like to donate items such as clothing, dishes or other misc. items you can contact Bob Smith at 785-285-2425. We recently received a bunch of new clothes, hats and coats. Come on out and see what great deals you can find with us or to just have an awesome prayer time with two awesome people of God. House of Jeremiah 316-440-0141 House of Joshua 785-246-6493 House of Ruth 785-230-9763 House of Mary Coming Soon for Teen moms House of Jeremiah The House of Jeremiah is the flagship house of WMOC’s discipleship home program. It was opened in February of 2014. It is located at 1017 S. Market in Wichita, KS. It is a house for men. It is directed by Spencer Lindsay, with Bob Smith as house mentor. The House of Jeremiah currently has 2 beds open. The residents are Robert, Raymond, Zachery, Eric, Wesley, Charlie, Robert and Ronnie. Bob Smith Released off Parole after just a year, Praise God! Our new brother Wesley is here and jumping straight into the ministry. Royce and Gloria Montgomery invited the men over to there house for Thanksgiving to fellowship and have a delicious meal. The ministry was donated another car for transportation, Thank God!! House of Jeremiah at 1017 S. Market in Wichita, KS. House of Joshua The House of Joshua opened in Topeka, KS, just a couple months after the House of Jeremiah. The House of Joshua is also a house for men. It is located at 1220 NW VanBuren in Topeka, KS. It is directed by Spencer Lindsay and Allen Randol. The House of Joshua has 7 residents; Allen, Jacob, Matt, Derek, Michael, Aaron, Greg and Todd. We would like to thank our home church, Grace Community Church in Overbrook Kansas, for including us in all of their celebrations and services. We are in need of a 8-12 passenger van to transport guys to and from work, parole and house functions. If you can help contact Spencer Lindsay at “785-2852131”. New House of Joshua at 1175 SW Clay in Topeka, KS. Housing Updates WMOC Ministry has been approached by Victory Baptist Church to use their 20,000 square foot building, that has a restaurant, sanctuary, banquet hall, library, youth room and offices to start a discipleship center. This property could possibly hold 30 to 40 men and operate a restaurant and catering service, and hold church services and events all in one building. House of Ruth will be open in January of 2015, applications are being received. WMOC and Firm Foundations are working out a detailed partnership for the future. Donations We need your help and support to continue these works. Please send donations to WMOC, inc, P.O, box 47491 Wichita, Kansas 67201. New House of Ruth (For Women) at 1025 SW Western in Topeka, KS. “Now the Lord said to Abram Get out of your country from your family, from your fathers house to a land that I will show you.” (Mark 6:4) Events and Partners Upcoming Events WMOC PG. 4 Sponsors/Partners WMOC ministry team will be holding services at: • Dec. 2 WMOC Partnership with Harvesters Community Food Network • • Word of Life South, Wichita, KS • Dec. 3 WMOC providing Ice Cream at Brothers in Blue • • Impact Design, Lansing, KS Dec. 4 Happy Birthday Timothy Austin LCF • • • • Mentoring4Success Dec. 5 WMOC donating Ice Cream to Brothers in Blue Dec. 6 House of Joshua, breakfast with Pastor Hicks AMBC • • Dec. 8– Excel Jaycees award Banquet keynote speaker Spencer Lindsay EDCF • • Dec. 9 Spencer Attends WSC COC Lunch meeting for homeless • Dec. 10 WMOC Topeka Board Meeting 7pm • Dec. 13WMOC Wichita Board Meeting 3pm • • Dec. 16 Word of Life Christmas Banquet • • • Second Baptist Church, Winfield, KS The Urban Ministry Institute, Wichita, KS Brothers in Blue organization, Winfield, Ks Expected End Ministries, Maricopa, AZ • • First Baptist Church Burden, KS • • Topeka Bible Church, Topeka, KS Dec. 23 House of Jeremiah eating Christmas Dinner • First Baptist Church, Holton, KS Dec. 25 Jesus’ Birth Celebration “Merry Christmas” • Elvin/ Connie Dillard Dec. 28 House of Joshua Breakfast Cookout Grace Community Church • Debra Boss • • Dan/ Tami Lightfoot • Nu Heart Nu Start Wichita, KS • Jay “Big Dog” Grubb and family • Excel Jaycees EDCF • Roger and Kim Bair • • Larry Anderson, Olathe Kansas • Firm Foundations Ministry, Inc. • Royce and Gloria Montgomery Dec. 23 Spencer Visits Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, KS Special Shout Outs Thank you Katie and Cheryl for hosting a powerful dedication of the House of Mary Elizabeth (home for teen moms). We appreciate all who came out and prayed in this new housing episode, for the Kingdom of God! Thank you Bob Smith for a year of dedicated service to WMOC. We look forward to many more years serving the Kingdom of God with you. We love and appreciate you!! Thank you KDOC central office for adopting the House of Ruth and all your wonderful gifts . Zachery Tague fellowshipping with Billie Bridgers and Gloria Montgomery Grace Community Church, Overbrook, KS Topeka Baptist Church, Topeka, KS Zachery and Bob at the Katie Souza Conference in Phoenix, Arizona Church of The Lord Jesus Christ, Horton, KS Our beloved Maria, Katie Souza’s Personal Assistant, styling WMOC Jacket Harvesters Community Food Network, Topeka, KS Spencer Lindsay sitting at his desk Royce and Victor eating breakfast before Brothers in Blue Weekend House of Joshua serving at Harvesters Food Distribution in Topeka, KS Discipleship Scripture “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19,20) Created by: Director of Newsletter, Raymond Perret, Through the Holy Spirit. Zachery Tague, Web Director
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