Playing Catch-up

At this point, it is safe to assume that winter is going to be mild in Kansas City. I keep waiting for a built-up winter blast but today it's 70-something with a high wind advisory. Crazy.

In my last blog I mentioned the upcoming Beyond Week and it was one of the best I have experienced. I missed Tuesday's activity due to a family arriving at Shelterwood but I caught the next two events with Hillcrest Thrift Store and Spofford Children's Home. The Hillcrest thrift store supports the ministry of a transitional program for struggling and previously homeless families. We had great time sorting through clothes, tagging and stocking the store. The staff was friendly and the boys had a blast. During our time at Spofford,

we worked outside raking leaves and cleaning up the playground for the children who reside in the program.

The senior leadership at Shelterwood recently completed a tour of similar residential programs to gain insight into best practices. They came back with renewed vision and excitement but with the realization of necessary change. The position of residential director was removed eliminating one layer of management. So what does that mean exactly? My boss was the residential director and I now report directly to the Shelterwood Director. I am thankful that God has given us vision and energy with our new leaders and I have grown accustom to change. It is a reminder that God is constant (the same yesterday, today, and forever) and I would be wise to acknowledge Him and lean not on my own understanding. Sound familiar?

Jena and I took the boys on a short vacation to the Great Wolf Lodge last week. The lodge is a rustic hotel near the Kansas Speedway with an indoor water park. The boys had a blast swimming for two days and Jena and I relaxed pool side over some great conversation. I learned about the organizational change at Shelterwood earlier in the week so the scheduled trip was timely for me personally.

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!

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.