Socks…Bibles…Lots of smiles…Day 18

Speechless on how today went! Enjoy!

See ya on the road,

Jason

Make a difference today!

Christ Has Risen!

Yesterday was a wonderful day! I rode 24.6 miles and we made it to Live Oak, Florida where we met a man who portrayed more of the compassionate, caring, and gentle attitude of Christ than I have ever seen in my life. His name is Don. He is the Director/Proprietor of the Mayo Manna House in Mayo, Florida. When my assistant called me and told us she had arranged a place for us to stay, we figured the usual. We would pull into their parking lot and camp out. Right? Wrong!

Upon meeting Don, I was very at ease with his presence. He is a very soft-spoken man in his late 50’s with a great sense of humor. He simply told us “follow me boys”. Upon walking in the front door of the Manna House, I was immediately in awe by the cast amount of books covering the shelves bolted to the walls. Thousands of books, I was in paradise. I love books! Don asked us “If we would like the grand tour?” Of course we responded with a “Yes Sir!” He showed us all of the clothing, housewares, and the food pantry of the Mayo Manna House. This place looks like a thrift store you would see many small Church organizations operating. The difference with this particular store is, this stuff is all free! Don and the volunteers give this stuff away to anyone in need, free of charge!

After sitting down for a meal made by a volunteer of the Mayo Manna House, Don says “Well, you are all set! See ya in the morning!” I was amazed! This man had set up everything for our showers, a comfortable queen size bed awaited me in a bedroom at the end of the house, and he even allowed me to use his office to allow me Internet access. Steve and I both looked at one another in amazement!

This man showed us a perfect example of “helping the stranger in the land”. He showed complete faith by allowing two complete strangers into his house to do as they pleased. He fed us, let us shower, and pretty much told us to take what we liked. We could have whatever we needed.

Upon awakening this morning, I was still in utter amazement by the hospitality this man had showed us. Don arrived back at the Mayo Manna House about 8:45. After talking for a bit, he started packing boxes with food and everything else you could imagine! He wanted us to be fully prepared for our journey! We prayed with Don and said our good byes. He is a person I will never forget. He showed me the value of Living In Christ, not just with words, but by ACTIONS. I will never forget him. Christ has truly risen and is alive and well!

See ya on the road!

Jason

Don, a man I will never forget!

I am really interested in asking Don to sit on my Board of Directors!

“Christ is Risen” Don Wilson/Proprietor,  Olde Tyme Barber Shop: Live Oak, Florida

Picture I snapped while biking yesterday.

To learn more about the Mayo Manna House please visit their website at:

http://mayomannahouseinc.org/

Saved Life “A Mile In Their Shoes”, Day 10, What a Blessing!

“He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.”

Proverbs 19:17

We have been in Lake City, Florida now for four days ministering to the homeless, distributing socks and toiletries, and getting to know the local area homeless service providers. We have had the opportunity to meet many people on “both sides of the tracks”, the homeless and those you provide the much needed services to “the least of these”. I would like to take a moment and introduce you to an organization who has truly been a blessing to Saved Life: Coast to Coast, The Christian Resource Center of Lake City.

“For over 20 years, the Christian Service Center has faithfully served Columbia County with care and compassion. A group of pastors formed this organization in 1982 to help those in need, and over the years with prayer, dedication, and people like yourself who care, we have become one of the most efficient non-profit organizations in North Florida. We are supported solely by non-government donations such as churches, individuals, and businesses, and we are governed by a devoted board of directors.”

For the past few days we have been checking in with Charlie and the staff of the Christian Resource Center to speak with them on exactly what they do and what services they provide. Everytime we have stopped by, they were always extremely busy. “We served 45 families today alone!” stated Charlie, the Assistant Director of CRCLC. Besides serving the homeless population, the CRCLC also provides food baskets, clothing, rent assistance, and many other services to those in the Columbia County community who may fell on bad times and need a helping hand up!

I am extrememly grateful for Charlie and the dedicated staff of individuals who make up the staff of the Christian Resource Center of Lake City. Remember, the other day when I hadn’t showered for 6 day? It was Charlie who graciously allowed us to get cleaned up! Thanks again Charlie!

For more information about the Christian Service Center of Lake City, please visit http://www.csclc.org and help them to help others.

See ya on the road,

Jason

Christian Resource Center, Lake City, Florida

Administrative Offices…this is where clients meet with case managers to receive services.

“Jesus IS Lord!”

Reception Area

Clothing Room

This fine lady made my day…she is 93 years old and still finds the time to volunteer on a regular basis! If she can find the time…shouldn’t the rest of us? She made my day!

Shirley McManus, Executive Director, CSCLC

Chester and Johnnie

Happy Sunday everyone! This is footage that we shot yesterday here in Lake City, Florida. I find it very sad that people can get used to living like this. We followed a trail of beer cans and garbage to Chesters encampment which consisted of a tent and firepit. Chester is a 67 year old Vietnam-era combat vet. He was a Marine who served 2 tours in Vietnam. After talking with him for several hours, I can understand his attitudes. he has never quite got over what he saw there and what he did there, even after all these years. I prayed with Chester, although he really didn’t care for it…I think, gave him some fresh socks, and wished him well.

Johnnie on the other hand has been homeless for most of his adult life. We really could not figure out the root causes, but after speaking with him for several minutes it was clear that he suffers from a mental disorder. My heart went out to both of these men. They are both very different from one another, but share a commom characteristic, they are both chronically homeless.

We ask that you keep Johnnie and Chester in your prayers. Pray that the light of Jesus will lift them up beyond their current situations. Pray that hope continues to reach them! thank you!

See ya on the road,

Jason

***WARNING…Video contains strong language and graphic content…not recommended for children under 16***

Ronnie’s Home Last Night

Unbelievable! This man is 60 something years old and this is where he sleeps. As soon as we get enough money put together, we are gonna get him a bus ticket back to Gainesville where he can spend his remaining days closer to his family. I asked Ronnie why he hasn’t went there already? He replied, “I don’t want to be a burden!” Given 90 days to live and he is still humble. That’s God working in his life folks! I am proud to have met Ronnie! He has surely affected my life!

Could you imagine living in a dumpster?