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By Denise Parker (formerly known as Denise Martin-Foley)
Executive Director
I am reminded of the story of Moses as he led the children
of Israel out of captivity from the land of Egypt. Moses
asked God the question, "Who am I, that I should
go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children
of Israel out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:11)
As I reflect on the six months that I have been with
Good Samaritan Urban Ministries, I have fully come to
understand that all we do in life is a process, a series
of steps taken to accomplish a specific result/goal.
Moses had to take the children of Israel through a series
of events (passage through the Red Sea and wandering
in the wilderness) in order to enter into the land of
'Promise.' Moses was not able to enter into the 'Promised
Land' with them but he was a guiding force.
Part of my role over the last several months has been
to introduce myself to the churches and the community.
The process thus far has been a wonderful challenge
and a blessing. I have met so many superb people who
possess a spirit of 'willingness' to help the families
served by the ministry. I am humbled by the fact that
so many Christians in our community pour out their hearts,
time, talent, and financial gifts to partner in delivering
women and children from the captivity of homelessness,
the bondages of domestic and substance abuse, etc. They
are shown to a place where the land is overflowing with
milk and honey-a safe village-where people care and
spiritual nourishment is provided.
We have a mother who has recently received a promotion
on her job and will be attending college to receive
her nursing degree. Another mother is currently working
on her G.E.D. and eventually wants to attend college
to become a cosmetologist. What a Mighty God We Serve!
The ministry is also in the process of building the
board of directors in order to effectively build and
cultivate the work of the ministry with the aid of two
dynamic female consultants. We have also hired a couple
of grantwriters to assist us with locating dollars to
support operational and programming expenses.
The ministry is still searching for House Parents to
live on site who will come alongside and build relationships
with our families. We continue to seek those individuals,
churches, and groups to sponsor a family through our
Adopt-An-Apartment program. To take advantage of these
and other volunteer opportunities, please call us (283-0818)
or visit www.goodsamaritan-dsm.org.
From Process to Promise: We are encouraged at Good
Samaritan to know that although the process takes time,
the promises of God await us.
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