Blessed Portion Friday Update 2-21-25

              Hello Everyone,                                                   

2-21-25

Tonight was cold as predicted, but our good friend Jerry came down early and after he organized our extremely messy crate, he started getting the tents ready. What a huge blessing this was. We have known him for a long time, and for the past couple months has been such a big help. Starting the night on Fridays involves (in the dark and cold) setting up 3 LARGE TENTS), 6-9 8-foot tables and LOTS of folding chairs. Then there are walls to the tents, trash can set up, lights which hook up to a portable generator, a portable heater which we need to remember to bring fresh propane for. SO, there is lots to do before even serving and Jerry is one of those who make it happen, and when Tommy isn’t there, I am so thankful for the extra help! I also have to include the Andrew, Cruz and Asa Yager, Wyatt Herbst, John, Noel and Matt and Mandi Yager. It truly takes all of us working. I say its organized chaos!! I just wanted to give out a praise of those who help prepare everything so were ready at 7...it’s a lot of work, but God has blessed us so much and were so thankful.

Tonight was heavy and yet light. A man came saying he wanted to talk. Heard we were a Christian organization and walked a good distance to get some advice. He started out by saying he was drunk. Got to appreciate that honesty. Told me that he wants to be sober, but the truth is sometimes it is easier to do that which is easy and right there. He has some problems with violence and anger and because of that it limits where he can stay. He mentioned that I would most likely not know anything of what he is saying bc I most likely haven’t done anything wrong. OH MY...........well I quickly told him that wasn’t true and gave some good examples and I think he was surprised because he said ...,” So you DO understand a little bit.” He asked the question.... “How did you get your life together ad stop doing the things you were doing?” I answered with “Jesus.” I also shared that within me I didn’t want to continue making such stupid decisions, felt that I was better than what I was doing—made a decision and stuck with it.” I shared that it doesn’t mean I don’t have things to work on, because that is why Jesus died on the cross. He didn’t die for perfect people; he died for people like him and I who need a Savior. Jesus knew we were sinful, but He loved and loves us anyways. I shared with him that we didn’t start the Blessed Portion because we thought we had nothing better to do, and what a great thing it would be to do. Told him the story of Tommy and his job, losing everything and God saying, “I want you to start a homeless ministry.” Worst time possible and yet the best time.... Jesus did it all. So, telling him all this didn’t solve any problems for him, but I do think it make him, and I seem a little more on the same playing field. He wants to be sober, but he wants to drink. Reminds me of the scripture that say those things I don’t want to do I do. Oh, thankfully Jesus dies for us don’t you agree?

Then talked with a man whose parents died by suicide. He then started drinking, I suppose to cope and now is sober. He is working his sobriety hard and its an amazing story to hear. He has as he says, “Absolutely no family” and my prayer is that he can see being in Gods family is worth it.

Lastly our sweet friend Bobby needed a new radio. A few weeks ago, I heard some Christian music playing at dinner time and realized it was Bobby. Had no idea he likes Christian music. The next week he came and when I asked where his radio was, he said he let someone use it and they dripped it and broke it. So, who comes to the rescue to make sure Christian music still van be heard over the airways? Miss Mellisa Montana of Starr88.3. So, Bobby this week received a new radio along with a few other things. AS we were doing the clothes hand out, I heard my most favorite band Casting Crowns...looked to see where it was coming from (Prolly secretly hoping they just happened to come and hang out with everyone. Me. But it was Bobby’s radio blaring, and he was smiling ear to ear with his new friend Miss Melissa. Seeing him being so happy for a new radio with plenty of batteries made my heart swell up!! For Bobby he felt seen, heard, and loved!! Thank you, Melissa.

So it was a good night and let me tell you we had mashed potatoes, chicken and noodles, green beans rolls, coffee, hot cocoa, water, homemade Butterfinger cookies, as well as may more. Thank you Tom  and Sharon Snivley, Deb and Keith Blair,  The Hagertys, Jennifer Combs, Frank Rios for such a wonderful meal.

Thank you everyone who helped us get some blankets for tonight; they  quickly went out. Our biggest need right now is a continuation of blankets, camping sternos, gloves, single all day bus passes and PRAYER!!! Thank you so much. If anyone wants to donate out drop off places are Pathway Community Church, Pulled and Pressed (The old MJS store) in Garrett. We pick up on Thursday to prepare for Fridays. If you want to donate financially you can through our website at theblessedportionministries.org, through Facebook or you can mail to The Blessed Portion Ministries P.O. Box 188 Garrett Indiana 46738. Have a good week!! everyone!