Why a Blog and Why "Beyond Bread"?

For some time now, I have been wanting to start a blog, actually several... on different topics, but I recently decided that I need to simplify communication to my missions support team, so that I get it out more regularly, and in bite-size pieces!  And I think a blog is the best way for me to do that!  One of the problems with having counseling as a main focus of my ministry is the confidentiality aspect.  Often, for confidentiality, I will need to speak somewhat in generalities, without specific names.  I will, however, give some specifics about the challenges and the fruit of the work I am doing, so you can better pray and more specifically rejoice with me! I will also include things I'm learning that may be helpful to you with the counseling opportunities God gives you!

So, why "Beyond Bread Adventures"?  Well, I LOVE Jesus and the Scriptures, both symbolized by "bread" in the Word of God.  It doesn't mean "beyond" them, but beyond physical bread, to them! For some time now, I've wanted to use "Beyond Bread" for a book of poetry or a music album of songs I'd write with theological content that is meatier than what might be classified as milk or bread in the Word because it speaks deeply to even those saints more theologically versed and seasoned in their walks with the Lord.  Since writing poetry or studying music (informally, if God so permits) has to wait until I finish my biblical counseling degree, I realized "Beyond Bread" characterized what I want to communicate through my blogs. CFW clients who often come to us for help because they lack in physical bread, first and foremost, will be offered something they need far more, spiritual bread.  I need to be reminded that I need the Bread of life, Jesus, and the Word of God for salvation, yes, but also I need to be taking in God and his Word on a daily basis; for without this bread, I cannot really live! When I live directed by, feasting on, and giving forth the Bread of life to others, all of life truly is an adventure with God!

A Taste of Fruit

Here's some "delicious" fruit from your prayers and giving in the form of a spiritual building up and a physical building opened.   Last week, I offered to walk a client out to the exit door from the blessing boutique (where our clients shop with the printed up "bucks" they earn for participating in our educational program). As we walked, she asked if I remembered her, which I didn't because I've seen soooo many women in the past 2 1/2 years at Choices for Women (CFW), but she remembered me, and she profusely thanked me for challenging her to get connected to a local church.  She confessed that she disagreed with me at the time, but that God kept working on her heart through what I'd said (and I'm sure through other client advocates' ministry to her, as well).  She is now regularly attending a good church that's building her up spiritually! This is so exciting to me, because it exemplifies the ultimate goal of CFW: to connect these women to local churches that will continue the discipling process that we begin.  With many of the ladies we see at CFW, we don't get to see the fruit of our efforts this side of heaven.  But at times like this, God pulls back the curtain and gives us a sneak peek! Now for the photos of the opening of our new building at Choices for Women Resource Center.                                                          



The crowd gathered on chilly March 3rd for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication prayer




Rose Condra, Director, cuts the ribbon as board members look on



The other missionaries at CFW, Richard and Janette, the directors of the Blessing Boutique




 Want to help equip our teaching kitchen so we can start teaching cooking skills to clients? Thank you to Calvary Bible Church of Lapeer, MI that is donating some items this coming week!





The spacious classroom for my ESL class and many others.  Live locally?  Want to teach a class to evangelize or disciple moms or dads?  Live at a distance and want to come for a visit and offer a special class? Let me know!




The Ruiz chldren in the new waiting room with their mom and client advocate, Elmy. Elmy with her husband, Alex, started the Hispanic church-plant, La Respuesta




Each counseling room seats three clients and one client advocate. My photographer, Elmy's 5-year-old Ruthie did a great job!  





A mom and new client advocate, Kathy, touring the Blessing Boutique with her baby




Missy, our office manager with her own office




At the client check-in window with Missy and a client advocate's kids