2 things are at-war inside our souls—Compassion & Apathy. Please pray for Ben and Roberta Keenan as they battle cancer.
Ben was one of our original expansion leaders bringing the Breakfast Together Outreach to Costa Mesa over 5 years ago. He quickly used his wisdom and love to grow the small group participation into a self-sustaining outreach ministering to dozens of homeless every week. This was accomplished in half the time it took Me (Max McGhee) to fill the calendar in San Clemente. But the bigger picture was the relationships he established among the those without homes. Ben and his wife Roberta cared deeply for their neighbors with both faith and deed. This inspirational leadership carried over to the small groups and many books could be written about the life-change that has occurred in the lives of Costa Mesa's homeless. Watch this short YouTube clip to get an idea of what it was all about: http://www.youtube.com/breakfastoutreach#p/f/3/mOj2F73yU7w
Now Ben and Roberta are the ones suffering under the weight of difficult circumstances due to a long battle with cancer. Ben's health has dropped significantly and needs all of us to come to his side with prayer. Supporting him and his family while they hold on and celebrate everyday they get to spend with Ben. A caretakers life is not easy and I believe Roberta can truly use all the help we could give her, whether it be financial, prayer, visits, or signing the guestbook with encouraging entries via caring bridge. (here's the link http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/benkeenan )
Please choose compassion and give what you can and be blessed!
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 NIV
A Poor-life is defined by a lack of LOVE not MONEY. People need a healthy community more than finances!
We really enjoyed the 40 Days of Love! What a great study by Tom Holladay!! We had great discussions and continue to grow closer as a group as we study together.
We've had a person show up needing help with his alcoholism. Rich was quick to step in and be there for him. He returned the next week, knowing we cared and were praying for him. He's found a place in a halfway home now.
We're helping a disabled person look for Section Eight housing. It's great to give her a hand up and not just a hand out. We're helping her weigh the choices and options but having her be the driving force behind the decision. To see her take steps away from a victims roll to an independent person who is capable of making her own decisions.
One person in the group had a stroke and was hospitalized. She is now in a medical rehab home. As a group we've enjoyed sending her cards and some of us visiting her. We're her local Christian family since her sister is in WA and not in close relationship with her.
We have a new person from outside the Motel. She's from Anaheim Saddleback and was looking for a local small group. She adds a lot to our discussion and we're thrilled to have her join us and be getting to know her.
It's a great group of people to know and study with. We all share our praises and our hurts with each other. We care about each other, encourage each other and pray for each other.
We loved the study and are so thankful for the books that were so kindly given to us. Our small group at the motel has become a very important part of Rich and my life. God is awesome!
Tanya
Easter Celebration at the Breakfast Together Outreach in San Clemente!
We had 27 Easter Baskets donated that were filled to the top with household items, candy, spiritual references and bibles and prayers over each one. It was amazing to watch our new group of volunteers, join with our friends in need, to pray over each basket before they were delivered to the residence at the Algodon Motel. What was even more special was watching those that we serve, join in to help deliver the baskets and pray with the recipients-very powerful!
We served over 25 people on Easter and there were many hugs and joyful hearts surrounding each other this day! Brian delivered a powerful message about forgiveness and bringing it to the cross. We brought a wooden cross and nails for anyone that felt led to bring it to the cross and let God take control and become filled with forgiveness and peace. VERY POWERFUL!!!!
We were able to bring 8 of our friends from the streets and living at the motel to the 1pm service. God surrounded our friends with love and and their hearts were opened wide. Tim Hill spent a lot of time with Keith that day and they had a chance to connect about what is heavy on Tim's heart. During the service, Tim took detailed notes and has asked for heavy prayers over in lack of control with drinking.
It was a joyful day!
Blessings, Amie
Come help us reach out to those who live in a constant state of uncertainty. Our goal is to help encourage the thousands of homeless living in Orange County by sharing our time, food, and love. We have successfully help many of them get plugged into the social resources available by offering a hand-up instead of a hand-out.
Connecting Conversations
We reach out to people living in motels and in city parks every Sunday. The breakfast guests enjoy the presence of small groups and value simple and honest conversation about life, family, and spiritual matters. Your ministry of listening, laughing, and praying together brings God’s love in unexpected and unusual ways. Small talk can lead to God talk.
Food and Fellowship
Small groups meet an on-site leader from our ministry in morning and everyone usually remains until noon. Small groups purchase the breakfast then serve it with cooking equipment that’s already at the motel. After breakfast, the whole group enjoys a short worship service with a message and prayer.
Better Together
We also have an optional three-week training curriculum for your small group, which will help your group discover practical ways to use the gifts God has given to the group allowing your group to get the most out of your experience.
Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how…
*Children are more than welcome to participate. However, we offer no childcare and are not responsible for their safety. After 10 years we have had hundreds of children volunteer without any problems.
Connecting Conversations
We reach out to people living in motels and in city parks every Sunday. The breakfast guests enjoy the presence of small groups and value simple and honest conversation about life, family, and spiritual matters. Your ministry of listening, laughing, and praying together brings God’s love in unexpected and unusual ways. Small talk can lead to God talk.
Food and Fellowship
Small groups meet an on-site leader from our ministry in morning and everyone usually remains until noon. Small groups purchase the breakfast then serve it with cooking equipment that’s already at the motel. After breakfast, the whole group enjoys a short worship service with a message and prayer.
Better Together
We also have an optional three-week training curriculum for your small group, which will help your group discover practical ways to use the gifts God has given to the group allowing your group to get the most out of your experience.
Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how…
- You will need at a group of 8 adults* committed to show up. If you are short handed, see if you can get a few friends or family members to help you. Also we can blend your small group with another small group.
- Schedule a Sunday to serve with our Motel Coordinator by sending an email to: BreakfastOutreach@gmail.com Other groups may have submitted the same date as you so pick an alternate date as well.
- Request the optional three-week small group training curriculum and we will make arrangements for us to get it to you.
*Children are more than welcome to participate. However, we offer no childcare and are not responsible for their safety. After 10 years we have had hundreds of children volunteer without any problems.
Celebration of LIFE for Dan Southwick at our San Clemente Breakfast Together Outreach
Sunday was a day to remember our friend Dan who has gone home to be with the Father. He suffered greatly in his last days here on Earth from physical pain but he did not have a fear of dying because he found a new joy in the love of his friends who would sacrifice to take care of him in his last days. Dan simply just wanted to say goodbye to friends. He was a loving, compassionate man that never wanted to trouble anyone.
Blessings to all of you for that were a part of Dan's life and for creating a peaceful journey to be with his Maker. He died with dignity and the knowledge that his life had a purpose and he was loved. Many homeless people die on the streets and the community misses out on recognizing their value. Thankfully our ministry of coming together over a meal offers everyone a chance set aside our status and just be human beneath the love of our maker.
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