November Harvest

Just like that November is almost half over. Hard to believe. When I sit down and process it, this month is much busier than I realized. On Friday, I took Corey and 3 of his friends to watch the Missouri Mavericks hockey game. The occasion was to celebrate Corey's 15th birthday, which was Tuesday. The game was full of excitement. 9 goals were scored, 6 by the Mavs in a winning effort and even a few fights broke out on the ice (much to the liking of the boys). Later this month we still have the Thanksgiving holiday, Kaiden's birthday and our wedding anniversary.

Last weekend was Family Weekend for the Shelterwood boys. Although I have experienced too many such weekends to count, this one was equally rewarding. Excellent seminars and support groups administered by our counseling staff along with many, many shared conversations and stories with the moms and dads in attendance. At first it may seem hard to get enthusiastic over a repetitive event like this, but each time there are new parents, new residents, new big brothers, new staff, and this year new leadership. I enjoy my role of organizing the details and then watching the staff and families be blessed. Last weekend did not disappoint.

Early last week, we had a few guest from Healing for the Nations Ministry pass through Shelterwood. This has been a new trend set by our CEO and president, Jim Subers. With his many years of ministry leadership and connection, he brings in folks to speak into the lives of our staff. It has been refreshing.

The ministry is still searching for a Shelterwood director. I have heard the process is coming along well but I am unaware of the details. As you remember, Shelterwood, please keep this hiring in your prayers.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Tonight Jena and I will be taking Thor to a party sponsored by our local church. Afterwards we may stop by a few homes in the neighborhood. Of course, the fun part is dumping all the candy on the floor and sorting it out. There are just some items, my kids never eat; they include Dots, Almond Joy, Heath bar, black jelly beans and others. More for me, I guess? I will feel much safer having one of the Avengers with me, complete with super power hammer!

Enjoy your evening, whether it be trick-or-treating with your kid, handing out candy or turning off the lights and hiding (and hoping you are not egged) !!!

Fall 2011 Beyond

This week was our semi-annual Beyond Shelterwood event. The school week was cut short following Tuesday to focus on building community; together and beyond campus. On Wednesday and Thursday we divided into groups and ventured out for various service projects. On Wednesday, I worked with 4 kids and 1 other staff raking leaves. We stopped by the homes of two different Doulos staff and bagged about 30 trash bags full of leaves, making multiple trips back to property to empty the leaf bags.

On Wednesday, I worked with a different group of folks going downtown Kansas City to Hope City. Hope City is Christ-centered soup kitchen with a prayer room. Hope is an extension of the International House of Prayer which provides continuous worship during the hours the mission is open. Our task at Hope was simple but rewarding. We cleaned up the kitchen for the staff following the community lunch serving.

We concluded the week on Friday by dividing into teams for some fun competition. Relay races, hot dog eating competition, and even a food fight (I conveniently avoided the food fight).

Fall Chapel season

The Fall 2011 chapel season started in September. We meet each Thursday morning at 8:30 for our weekly service. First period for the high school students is Bible class and on Thursdays, class is replaced with chapel. The service usually involves a few worship songs followed by a message from one of our staff. Occasionally I might start the morning off with a crazy game and possible prizes. It usually wakes the kids up and the prizes normally involve food which is an attraction with the teens. The music is provided by the Killer B's. The Killer's B's started 3 years ago with original members Brian, Brooke, Ben, Brad and Brian. The members have changed over the years but the spirit of the band lives on. During the month of October, chapel is meeting in the girls lodge providing the ladies with a chance to use their musical talents. We will switch back over to the guys lodge in November giving the boys a chance to get involved. The venue will switch every other month. I am working with new big brother, Andrew, to get the boys ready for the November worship experience. Big Sister, Lindsay, is pictured here and she is doing an excellent job leading the young ladies in worship each week.

Parent Weekend

This past weekend, the semi-annual Family Weekend came through the Shelterwood campus. The busy schedule concluded this morning with the worship service and share time. It is always encouraging to hear all the testimonies of changed lives and restored families. Parents and residents stand and tell the stories of brokenness, healing, forgiveness, and ultimately restoration. Last spring we made the decision to split the guys and girls into two separate weekends. The girls event is wrapping up today and the parents of the boys will be in town November 3-6. Our new CEO and ministry leader, Jim Subers, arrived on campus Wednesday and has done an excellent job greeting the families and representing Doulos. The ministry is still searching for a new Shelterwood Director who will oversee the operations of the residential care program and report to Jim. As a prayer request, please remember the search committee and process of finding the right individual.

One in, one out

This weekend the Doulos board of Directors are in town for the regularly scheduled quarterly forum. Despite the shifting nature of Shelterwood lately, the board is comprised of an incredible group of men dedicated to fulfilling and supporting the mission of Doulos. Two weeks ago, the board made a decision on a new Chief Executive Officer. The new overall leader, and face of the ministry, will arrive on campus in early October, just before the Girls Fall Family Weekend. From what I've been told, the CEO (Jim), is a solid guy with vision for the future and an appreciation of the rich heritage started by Richard Beach and carried on by so many others.

In some other surprising news, the current Shelterwood Director has left the ministry. She spent 6 weeks with Doulos and her husband was one of three candidates for the CEO position. As you probably suspect, Jim is not her husband meaning he didn't get the job. A week ago Friday was her last day. It surprised quite a few folks, but interim CEO and Marketing Director John DeVries and done a fantastic job holding the campus together and moving forward with confidence. John was the Shelterwood Director in Denver for a number of years and worked directly with our beloved Josh Emery.

It goes to show that God is sovereign regardless of who comes and goes. Your prayers are highly valued. I appreciate your faithful support of Doulos Ministries.

Six Years ago...

Six years ago today, a long-haired 30-something year old guy arrived at Shelterwood to work with the boys. It was a Thursday afternoon and I arrived on property for my first shift to find an empty campus. The boys were off at the Westminster Recreation Center. Of course, they arrived shortly after and I received several stares as the "new guy." My 5 minutes of training consisted of an outdated Shelterwood Student Handbook which I folded in half and carried around in my back pocket for several weeks.

During those first few months I was still working full time at General Electric. I would finish my full time shift, stop by the house for a change of clothes and then drive over to Doulos for my part time night work in the Guys House. I will never forget those days. I have many fond memories of the boys and the big brothers.

As I reflect with smile, it is appropriate to recognize some friends and families who hold a special corner of my heart. Josh Emery- thanks for believing in me and giving me a chance. Corey Carver and Josiah Golojuah- my co-laborers in the Guys House. Long hours and good times together. Luis and Matt - my personal little brothers whom I will never forget. Dane and Jo Lewis - for your many prayers and support; for trusting me and never giving up on your son.

Six years later, Shelterwood life moves on with a new school year, a new class of big brothers, new leadership and new vision. Although I could never mention all the wonderful folks I have been blessed to share the Doulos experience with over the past 6 years, I am thankful. Tomorrow resumes the current chapter. Thanks for your continued prayers and support of Doulos Ministries!