Presidents and Beyond

The President's Day holiday is today which means no school for the Shelterwood residents. I believe the boys were sledding on the hill last year at this time, but no such opportunity exists today. Our semi-annual Beyond Week starts tomorrow. The guys will be dividing into three groups and alternating to three locations. Each group will spend one day serving at each of the following venues:

Spotford Childrens Home. Spotford is a residential treatment center for children ages 4-12. The children often suffer the mental effects of physical and sexual abuse. Our boys will be helping with overall property maintenance (i.e. cleaning and grounds).

Hope City. Hope is a prayer based soup kitchen. The boys will be assisting with the lunch rush including preparation, serving food and clean up. Throughout the experience, the prayer room will be open for those who wish to listen in to the live worship.

Hillcrest Transitional Housing. Hillcrest is a transitional housing program for the homeless. The boys will be working in the Thrift Store organizing the inventory.

Regular scheduled activities for the week will be suspended and the population of staff and residents will work together beyond Shelterwood.

Heart and Soul

The heart and soul of Shelterwood will always be the big brothers and big sisters. It was that way in Denver and it's that way in Kansas City. A big part of my job is coaching, encouraging and leading the "bigs" and it's what I enjoy the most. Each time I have the opportunity to welcome new families into our program (through the Intake process) the first thing I mention to the parents is the heart of the bigs. "It's what separates our program from every other residential facility." Without a doubt, every teenager that passes through Shelterwood can point to a big brother that impacted their life. Let me tell you about three in particular...

Pictured from left to right is Adam, Blake and Brian. Three amazing men. True servants and guys who go above and beyond with the residents.

Adam arrived in August from New Orleans. He has a soft approach, yet is consistent and steady. Adam often takes the initiative to lead prayer at night with his fellow bigs following bed time for the residents. Adam is full of compassion and sees the kids through the eyes of Jesus.

Blake is a seminary graduate from Nashville, TN. Blake arrived last June and is one of our veteran big brothers. Blake has shared in chapel on two different occasions and is a gifted preacher (I have a copy of his last message. Email me if you'd like a copy). Good stuff. Blake is a man of passion and strives every day to emulate Christ. He has a unique ability to relate to the Shelterwood teens and disarm them when escalated.

Brian graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Brian is a natural leader and thrives in crisis situations. He arrived last August with Adam and although Brian is young he is mature for his age, catching on quickly to new concepts and learning from experience. A true servant, Brian shows excellence and professionalism in all that is asked of him.

I am truly blessed to have these three fine young men on my staff and part of Shelterwood. God has smiled on the Guys Lodge. Please remember to pray for Adam, Blake and Brian. Like all the bigs that have come before them, they work long hours under (sometimes) difficult circumstances and need the strength of the Lord on a regular basis. Adam, Blake and Brian...the heart and soul of Doulos Ministries!