Workers are making a difference in the lives of residents at Le Chateau;
The MOF Housing Program has provided a venue for MOF to evangelize, equip and empower many around America. MOF works to empower and equip residents with knowledge, skills, spiritual insight, and socialization skill set in order for them to develop stronger self efficacy and open their thinking to new choices and opportunities. MOF holistically works to provide empowerment, rather than entitlement, leading to an opportunity for a healthy and dignified life. Empowerment grows out of being adequately equipped with skills to break the generational cycle of poverty.Caring about people and building relationships are foundational to working with those living in poverty. On a practical level this starts with employees and volunteers who are willing to build authentic relationships and share themselves with the residents as individuals. Sometimes this means stepping out of a comfort zones, giving up free time, and being creative. It always involves being sensitive to needs and valuing each residents unique individuality. The workers at Le Chateau are doing just that!
New Bible Study:
During the month of January, Sadie Lambert began an eight week Bible Study with a young lady she has been getting to know for the past seven months. The Bible Study is a Beth Moore study on the book of James called “Mercy Triumphs.” Towards the end of the month, they met for the first lesson. They plan to continue to meet for the next 7 weeks on Friday mornings. Please pray for both as they dive into scripture and journey together through the teaching of James.
Tutoring Days Begin
Elaine and few others met with other Global Ministries supervisor and their local supervisor to discuss the New Year. After hearing what other people were doing at apartment complexes and brainstorming different ideas, Elaine came up with new weekly thing that that would help at the Le Chateau complex. She wanted to start a tutoring day at the complex and I decided to set aside one afternoon to have after school homework help and snacks in the apartment clubhouse. Elaine suggested the idea to her roommate and her roommate hopped on board with the plan. They made up fliers and distributed them around the complex. So far, they have done this twice and both times have been a success. Elaine says that although they have not done a lot of homework yet, they have met new kids and have had a lot of fun playing outside in the yard. Both Elaine and MOF are very excited about this new weekly event and look forward to seeing what the Lord wants to do through it.
Living as a Neighbor
When Morgan first heard about the opening at Le Chateau for apartment ministries last November, he was skeptical. He had been involved at Le Chateau in the past, but saw himself as a volunteer, not a permanent member. When invited in mid-January to move in the complex, he was still very hesitant, but accepted the position.
The Lord tells us to trust Him and not to lean on our own understanding. Morgan says, “My own understanding of myself was to be a background worker. ‘Not leaning on my own understanding’ has placed me on the mission field of Le Chateau apartments. ”
Morgan moved in on January 26 and immediately began passing out flyers that day for the homework help/tutoring program for the students for Monday afternoons. Margan says,”Walking around the complex allowed me to introduce myself to some of my new neighbors. The following day we started the homework help program, but because of no school that previous Friday due to ‘snow,’ we were able to talk to students and play games instead. That day I met 2 boys. We talked a little about school and I was able to invite them to Sunday Morning Bible Study. They both told me that they go every once in a while. For now I’ll pray that they realize the importance of having consistency with a church family. I was also able to get to know four of the middle school girls. I can tell that these four girls are very good friends with each other. I’m unsure of their salvation but I’m praying that the Lord makes Himself known to them through me, Sadie, and Elaine as I begin building a relationship with those girls.”
