Sunny Blessings

It has been in the low 60's the past few days in Kansas City with a scent of Spring in the air. On the Shelterwood campus kids can be seen riding long boards, throwing the football and taking the ever-so-popular hackie sack outside too. I was curious as to the weather a year ago so I looked back through my blog archive and on Jan 29th, 2011 I wrote an article about another 60-something degree day. Strange coincidence. The difference; however, is that a year ago, when the temperature hit the low 60's, it created quite a mess with all the snow beginning to melt. This year winter has been rather mild. So why am I rambling on about the weather? Sunshine is a blessing and I don't want to overlook it. Life is always more enjoyable on campus when outside is an option. Many days of winter still lie ahead but today I am thankful.

Against All Odds

I am blessed to have a wonderful big sister (Sherrolyn) and a solid big brother (Kevin). Last Thursday in Shelterwood chapel, I took an opportunity to share a piece of my life story with the staff and students. The testimony involved the early years of my life with Kevin, Sherrolyn and mom; a young family with no father. As I look back, I can say with confidence that God is Faithful and True. He provides the tools we need to get through difficult seasons and the healing we so desperately need in the stillness and aftermath.

Several years ago, my mother wrote a book telling the story of a young pastors wife overcoming hardship and tragedy beyond imagination. Against All Odds is the story of Linda, Sherrolyn, Kevin and Brian Albright and I felt the timing was right to share with Shelterwood. As I retold the events of the book, you could hear a pin drop in the room when I would pause. The typical, easily distracted group of teenagers were fixed on my every word. It was a true honor to glorify the Lord and bless others by sharing God's Providence. In every circumstance, the Lord is in control. He sustains. He carries through.

I wish I had the space to share more of the story. However, I do offer a few suggestions if you desire to learn more. First of all, the book itself tells the story from my mothers viewpoint. You can hear her struggles and victories in Against All Odds by Linda Mason. Limited copies are still available and can be found on Amazon. Aside from Amazon, I may be able to track one down for you. Second, if you would like to hear from me personally, whether through public appearance or personal visit, please let me know and I would be willing to work through arrangements. If nothing else, be blessed by the knowledge that our God sees and knows all. There is a purpose behind your trial and hope for your healing future.

balbright5280@yahoo.com

Shelterwood 2012

The last six months at Doulos Ministries and Shelterwood has been interesting, to say the least. There were many unexpected twists and turns and as I sit here at the kitchen table contemplating this latest blog, it seems like a "State of Shelterwood" is in order. I have mentioned most of this in past blogs as it unfolded, but in the spirit of new year's, here is a review...

During the summer months, three of the five Shelterwood senior directors departed the ministry including the Shelterwood Director, the President and CEO and the Discipleship Director. A new Shelterwood Director was hired in August, only to leave a month later in September. During the short tenure of the Shelterwood director, it was decided to replace the Discipleship director position with a new role of Resident Director. The RD oversees residential life, the facilities and the cafeteria. I report to the Resident Director and I am happy to report that they are still with Doulos. Still with me?

In October, the board of directors hired a new president and CEO, Jim Subers. Over the Christmas holiday, Jim moved his wife and two teenage boys to Kansas City from Texas. Jim is a gifted leader and brings much needed vision and enthusiasm to Shelterwood.

In December, Jim hired a new Shelterwood Director. Rujon Morrison. Rujon and her husband Steve have operated Healing For the Nations for the past several years. Steve will office on the Doulos campus and continue to run HFN. Rujon is a dynamic leader and brings significant resources to our ministry. We will be utilizing the Healing For the Nations model with our Shelterwood big brothers and sisters as well as with some of our students. In addition, Rujon is connected with the cutting edge Brain Balance Center and it will be offered to select families. In short, the Brain Balance Center focuses on restoring the rhythm of the brain by stimulating the weaker hemisphere. The center is located in Overland Park.

As mentioned in earlier blogs, our new big brothers and sisters have arrived and are settling in. Training and orientation is moving along with the new class of bigs. This coming week we have a handful of new residents arriving. By weeks end, we will be at 50 students.

So what does all of this mean for me? Well, my current job title is House Director. The boys lodge is run by two Hall Directors who function similar to the old "house director" in Denver and Branson. The Hall Directors report to me. As mentioned above, I report directly to the Resident Director and my role involves leading the house staff including big brothers, hall directors and direct care staff. I recently attended a 3 day Healing For the Nations workshop and I will be learning and using the techniques in discipleship with my staff. So, in some ways, my role is similar to what is was before all of this crazy change. The most significant difference will be in discipleship. If you recall, the Discipleship Director position was replaced with the Resident Director leaving a void in the area of discipleship.

If you have been able to grasp all of this, then congrats!! I confused myself in the process of writing it all down. It is good to know that Doulos Ministries and Shelterwood is moving forward. The change has been difficult for many of us but has definitely created strength. As Jim Subers said recently, "God has smiled on Shelterwood."

Happy New Year

A Happy New Year to you and your families! I pray you had a wonderful holiday season ringing in the new year. Like most of you, the normal routine is back in place this week. The boys are in school and Jena and I are back to regular work schedules. The same can be said at Shelterwood. A new class of big brothers and sisters arrived yesterday. Of course a few residents departed over the holiday break and 5 or 6 new boys are already scheduled to arrive over the next week. I am thankful for the slow pace brought on by Christmas but now it's back to a sprint at Doulos.