| Turning Left-Overs Into Do-Overs |
Deep In God's Mercy, Volume 1, Issue 1, May 15, 2008
Beyond Forgiveness... Into Freedom!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
By the sixth chapter of John, a large crowd of people
gathered around Jesus and continued to follow him
wherever he went. Having heard his message and having
seen his miracles, they sought him. In response, Jesus
tested his disciple, Philip, by asking him where they
would buy bread to feed the crowd.
Philip focused on the inability to feed the crowd.
However, Andrew found a boy with five barley loaves
and two fish and offered the food to Jesus.
Jesus took the bread, gave thanks for it, and distributed it
to the people and they ate as much as they wanted. Then
Jesus took the fish, gave thanks and distributed it to the
crowd, too.
gathered around Jesus and continued to follow him
wherever he went. Having heard his message and having
seen his miracles, they sought him. In response, Jesus
tested his disciple, Philip, by asking him where they
would buy bread to feed the crowd.
Philip focused on the inability to feed the crowd.
However, Andrew found a boy with five barley loaves
and two fish and offered the food to Jesus.
Jesus took the bread, gave thanks for it, and distributed it
to the people and they ate as much as they wanted. Then
Jesus took the fish, gave thanks and distributed it to the
crowd, too.
“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” -Jesus |
The people ate until they all had enough to eat. It was a miracle! Five loaves and two fish
more than satisfied 5000 people but the miracle worker did not stop there.
Once the crowd had its fill, Jesus told the disciples, “Gather the pieces, that are left over. Let
nothing be wasted.” (6.12) The left-overs were gathered and twelve baskets were filled with
the pieces left over from the barley loaves.
Philip gave up and said the task at hand was not possible while Andrew asked what could be
done with so little.
YSMF purposes to walk with people from the hopeless mindset of Philip to the hopeful
mindset of Andrew.
Jesus still works miracles today with whatever we bring to him. He takes our wounds and
sins, heals and forgives them, and turns them into healing balm for someone else.
With Christ, the pieces of every broken heart and every broken life matter. Once the pieces
are gathered and placed in his hands, they are multiplied and transformed into do-overs that
satisfy us and provide an abundance to minister to others.
This story can be read in a matter of minutes but it takes time to live out the concepts of
trusting God, following God, giving our sin and woundedness to God, and receiving His
blessing. That is why YSMF continues to minister through support group ministries and
personal time one on one with those who are hurting and broken.
Like the rest of this life, recovery is a journey that needs not be walked alone.
- Debbie
Top
more than satisfied 5000 people but the miracle worker did not stop there.
Once the crowd had its fill, Jesus told the disciples, “Gather the pieces, that are left over. Let
nothing be wasted.” (6.12) The left-overs were gathered and twelve baskets were filled with
the pieces left over from the barley loaves.
Philip gave up and said the task at hand was not possible while Andrew asked what could be
done with so little.
YSMF purposes to walk with people from the hopeless mindset of Philip to the hopeful
mindset of Andrew.
Jesus still works miracles today with whatever we bring to him. He takes our wounds and
sins, heals and forgives them, and turns them into healing balm for someone else.
With Christ, the pieces of every broken heart and every broken life matter. Once the pieces
are gathered and placed in his hands, they are multiplied and transformed into do-overs that
satisfy us and provide an abundance to minister to others.
This story can be read in a matter of minutes but it takes time to live out the concepts of
trusting God, following God, giving our sin and woundedness to God, and receiving His
blessing. That is why YSMF continues to minister through support group ministries and
personal time one on one with those who are hurting and broken.
Like the rest of this life, recovery is a journey that needs not be walked alone.
- Debbie
Top
| YSMF Gets “Booked” for Life Groups & Church Services |
You See Me Free (the book) arrived just two months ago and has
made an amazing impact already. Through this book, God is
providing various opportunities for Debbie to share her testimony
of God’s redemptive grace and life transformation with individuals,
families, Life Groups, Recovery Meetings, church congregations,
and in conference settings.
Debbie states, “The goal of the book is to get the message of
hope to hurting people. This book is not a stand against anyone,
but rather a stand for those who are struggling and want to find
hope and the way out.”
Debbie is a bit surprised at how many people have let her know
that the book spoke to the issues in their heart even though they
have never struggled with same gender attractions. At the same
time, it makes sense to her because much of the book addresses
common struggles such as fear and living independently from
God. The struggles may differ, but the solution is always found in
Jesus.
Top
made an amazing impact already. Through this book, God is
providing various opportunities for Debbie to share her testimony
of God’s redemptive grace and life transformation with individuals,
families, Life Groups, Recovery Meetings, church congregations,
and in conference settings.
Debbie states, “The goal of the book is to get the message of
hope to hurting people. This book is not a stand against anyone,
but rather a stand for those who are struggling and want to find
hope and the way out.”
Debbie is a bit surprised at how many people have let her know
that the book spoke to the issues in their heart even though they
have never struggled with same gender attractions. At the same
time, it makes sense to her because much of the book addresses
common struggles such as fear and living independently from
God. The struggles may differ, but the solution is always found in
Jesus.
Top
| Contact YSMF for Debbie to come share with your group. |
| Step Studies Conclude while Open Meetings Continue |
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12
Step recovery program comprised of a
variety of meetings that fit into two
categories: Open and Closed.
“Open” Meetings are just that, open to
everyone in the community who is dealing
with any recovery issue. Generally, open
meetings are comprised of worship,
teaching, testimonies, and time for sharing
and prayer. Open Meetings continue to meet
weekly throughout the year.
A “Closed” meeting, such as a Step Study,
is one that begins as an open meeting but
eventually closes (does not take any more
new members). This creates and maintains a
consistent group dynamic for the duration of
the study. During the Step Studies,
participants will take their recovery to a new
level as they learn to apply the recovery
principles they learn in group meetings to
their struggles and other areas of their lives.
Step Studies at CrossRoads Fellowship
Church and First Baptist Church, Woodway,
conclude in May and June respectively.
They have been meeting since last
September. Congratulations are due to the
brave participants who are finishing the
studies!
Open Meetings continue in three locations
in Waco: Monday Nights, 6:30 p.m.,
Calvary Baptist Church; Tuesday Nights, 6:
30 p.m., New Beginnings Church; and
Thursday Nights, 6:30 p.m., Highland
Baptist Church.
Top
Step recovery program comprised of a
variety of meetings that fit into two
categories: Open and Closed.
“Open” Meetings are just that, open to
everyone in the community who is dealing
with any recovery issue. Generally, open
meetings are comprised of worship,
teaching, testimonies, and time for sharing
and prayer. Open Meetings continue to meet
weekly throughout the year.
A “Closed” meeting, such as a Step Study,
is one that begins as an open meeting but
eventually closes (does not take any more
new members). This creates and maintains a
consistent group dynamic for the duration of
the study. During the Step Studies,
participants will take their recovery to a new
level as they learn to apply the recovery
principles they learn in group meetings to
their struggles and other areas of their lives.
Step Studies at CrossRoads Fellowship
Church and First Baptist Church, Woodway,
conclude in May and June respectively.
They have been meeting since last
September. Congratulations are due to the
brave participants who are finishing the
studies!
Open Meetings continue in three locations
in Waco: Monday Nights, 6:30 p.m.,
Calvary Baptist Church; Tuesday Nights, 6:
30 p.m., New Beginnings Church; and
Thursday Nights, 6:30 p.m., Highland
Baptist Church.
Top
| Living Hope Ministries Provide Exodus International Mentoring |
Picture Exodus International as an
umbrella ministry or ministry referral
system. Now, picture many ministries
(such as YSMF) being a part of that
ministry referral system. Last year, You
See Me Free Ministries, Inc. became an
Exodus International Member Ministry.
Currently, we are in Applicant Phase, a
two year period in which we have the
responsibility to learn and adapt to the
ministry standards of Exodus
International. In January, I attended the
Exodus Leaders Conference in Orlando,
Florida.
Since February of this year, I have been
traveling to Arlington, Texas, once a
month to mentor with Ricky Chelette,
Executive Director of Living Hope
Ministries. This is an incredible
opportunity for me since I am just
beginning to walk in this area of support
group ministry. LHM offers many
services including weekly support group
meetings for those who struggle with
same gender attractions, as well as for
friends and family of those who struggle.
This is an awesome and much needed
experience for me. Though I have been
involved in group ministries since 1997
with Life Groups and Celebrate Recovery,
I am now able to learn and experience
different support group strategies. For
more information on Exodus International
visit them on the web at exodus.to.
— Debbie
umbrella ministry or ministry referral
system. Now, picture many ministries
(such as YSMF) being a part of that
ministry referral system. Last year, You
See Me Free Ministries, Inc. became an
Exodus International Member Ministry.
Currently, we are in Applicant Phase, a
two year period in which we have the
responsibility to learn and adapt to the
ministry standards of Exodus
International. In January, I attended the
Exodus Leaders Conference in Orlando,
Florida.
Since February of this year, I have been
traveling to Arlington, Texas, once a
month to mentor with Ricky Chelette,
Executive Director of Living Hope
Ministries. This is an incredible
opportunity for me since I am just
beginning to walk in this area of support
group ministry. LHM offers many
services including weekly support group
meetings for those who struggle with
same gender attractions, as well as for
friends and family of those who struggle.
This is an awesome and much needed
experience for me. Though I have been
involved in group ministries since 1997
with Life Groups and Celebrate Recovery,
I am now able to learn and experience
different support group strategies. For
more information on Exodus International
visit them on the web at exodus.to.
— Debbie
| YSMF Represented at the BGCT Women In Ministry Conference |
Debbie presented breakout sessions on how to start a ministry (such as YSMF) at the
second semi-annual Baptist General Convention of Texas Women in Ministry Conference at
Truett Seminary at Baylor University on March 30-31.
The theme of the conference was “God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your
sons and daughters will prophesy…..’” (Acts 2:16-17). The conference was designed for
ministry students from Texas Baptist universities and seminaries and for men and women
who are interested in women answering their call to vocational ministry. Twenty nine percent
of the more than 200 people who attended were ministry students.
second semi-annual Baptist General Convention of Texas Women in Ministry Conference at
Truett Seminary at Baylor University on March 30-31.
The theme of the conference was “God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your
sons and daughters will prophesy…..’” (Acts 2:16-17). The conference was designed for
ministry students from Texas Baptist universities and seminaries and for men and women
who are interested in women answering their call to vocational ministry. Twenty nine percent
of the more than 200 people who attended were ministry students.
| Workshop Includes Mental Illness and Addictions |
On May 2-3, at the Meyer Center for Urban Ministries, Mission Waco presented this highly
informative conference to empower ministry and service to those with mental illness and/or
addictions.
Care for the entire individual was the focus of the main session and further discussion took
place in breakout meetings. Topics covered included mental, physiological, emotional and
spiritual health of the individual, housing, medical care, and the necessity of community support
in the care process.
Sessions were presented by: Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.; Professor, Dept. of Psychology and
Neuroscience, BU; Ellen Edens, M.D., Psychiatrist, St. Louis; Rev. Joel Pulis, Pastor, and
Worship Pastor, Joshua Pulis, of The Well Community (a church that seeks to minister to
those with mental illness), Dallas; and Don Arterburn, PhD, LMFT, Associate Professor, Texas
Tech University.
You See Me Free Ministries represented Celebrate Recovery in Waco, and handed out
literature and meeting schedules during a panel discussion, Addiction and Local Resources.
Other ministries and organizations that presented at the workshop include: Family Practice
and Counseling Network, Philadelphia; Waco MHMR, Waco Chapter of NAMI; Waco Veterans
Medical Center; DePaul Center; HOT Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Mission Waco
Manna House; Antioch Community Church Mercy House, and EOAC.
Top
informative conference to empower ministry and service to those with mental illness and/or
addictions.
Care for the entire individual was the focus of the main session and further discussion took
place in breakout meetings. Topics covered included mental, physiological, emotional and
spiritual health of the individual, housing, medical care, and the necessity of community support
in the care process.
Sessions were presented by: Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.; Professor, Dept. of Psychology and
Neuroscience, BU; Ellen Edens, M.D., Psychiatrist, St. Louis; Rev. Joel Pulis, Pastor, and
Worship Pastor, Joshua Pulis, of The Well Community (a church that seeks to minister to
those with mental illness), Dallas; and Don Arterburn, PhD, LMFT, Associate Professor, Texas
Tech University.
You See Me Free Ministries represented Celebrate Recovery in Waco, and handed out
literature and meeting schedules during a panel discussion, Addiction and Local Resources.
Other ministries and organizations that presented at the workshop include: Family Practice
and Counseling Network, Philadelphia; Waco MHMR, Waco Chapter of NAMI; Waco Veterans
Medical Center; DePaul Center; HOT Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Mission Waco
Manna House; Antioch Community Church Mercy House, and EOAC.
Top
| “Including the Excluded” A Workshop To Help Faith-Based Groups and Social Service Providers Understand and Engage Those Struggling with Mental Illness and Addictions |
| Leaders of Single Adults Retreat |
On April 18-19, the Baptist General Convention of Texas held a retreat for leaders who are
ministering to Single Adults at First Baptist Church, Sunnyvale, Texas.
The energetic and educational presentations by Kris Swiatocho, of TheSinglesNewtork.org,
kept the crowd on full alert as she taught on the importance of purpose, passion, and
affirmation in ministry.
Charlie Dodd, Minister to Single Adults at FBC, Woodway allowed me to share about
Celebrate Recovery and YSMF in his breakout sessions: How to heal a Broken Heart, and
Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health. – Debbie
ministering to Single Adults at First Baptist Church, Sunnyvale, Texas.
The energetic and educational presentations by Kris Swiatocho, of TheSinglesNewtork.org,
kept the crowd on full alert as she taught on the importance of purpose, passion, and
affirmation in ministry.
Charlie Dodd, Minister to Single Adults at FBC, Woodway allowed me to share about
Celebrate Recovery and YSMF in his breakout sessions: How to heal a Broken Heart, and
Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health. – Debbie
| May 22, Park Avenue Baptist Church, Titusville, FL -Celebrate Recovery Meeting June 1, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, TX -Sunday Morning Service June 1, First Christian Church, Wichita Falls, TX -Sunday Evening Service June 4, Freewill Baptist Church, Quapaw, OK -Wednesday Evening Service June 17, Waco Women For Revival First United Methodist Church Waco, TX June 20-28, Angle Fire, New Mexico -Mission Trip with the Single Adults of FBC Woodway July 15-20, Exodus International Freedom Conference -Ashville, NC August 5, Waco Women For Revival First United Methodist Church Waco, TX August 13-15, Celebrare Recovery Summit, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA |
| Prayer Emphasis |
| -Family of Darrell Harkrider as he went to be with Jesus in May. -Weekly CR Meetings. |
| Summer Prayer Calendar (watch for updates) |
