The Orlando Initiative

admin — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:58:45 +0000

Hi all,

“Yesterday I witnessed a very encouraging situation in the Resource Center (trailer one). It was very busy as it has been lately at times. There were three people in the computer room and six sitting in the main room talking. Two of the more mature women from the park were counseling one of the younger women. Their advice seemed very sound and was well received. People in the computer room were helping each other. There were several encouraging things about this situation. First, it evidenced real relationships, it just happened, naturally. It was wonderful to see how people were helping one another so freely as well. There was a sweet spirit and great community vibe – a community is developing. Another encouraging thing is that it was in the Resource Center. This trailer is becoming viewed as a positive environment in which to convene. As I’m sure you know, many folks refer to it and the Chapel as “the church.” These buildings are taking on a special character, they aren’t just anyplace but special places, set aside for God’s work. At one point in the conversation yesterday, someone said something inappropriate and others remarked that they shouldn’t talk that way in the church. Even though it’d be great if they thought it best to not talk that way anywhere, it was nice to see someone from the park defend the sanctity of the place like that. This evidenced a sense of ownership, that they feel they are a part of something valuable. Very encouraging to see. There are a lot of talented, loving people in the park. I’m excited to see how God will put these talents to use for the benefit of others and for his kingdom.

Thanks to all of you for what you do here. You are doing a lot of good things for our good God. Much of what I saw yesterday is fruit of your labors. My prayer is that you are encouraged to keep up the good work and that we all grow closer to one another and to our trustworthy Lord, Savior, and Friend Jesus Christ.”

In His name,

Phil Hissom, Polis Institute

Do you know where the ripple finishes?

admin — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:08:47 +0000

Hi All!

“A previous resident of the OMHP, Alberto, called me this morning with a story that touched my heart. This man was saved while at the OMHP and was a regular of our men’s Bible study group. He now works as a supervisor for a small church in Kissimmee and he has been used him to lead several people to the Lord over the past year. He is also one of the movers that has helped starting a similar outreach as we have at the park at their church”.

Alex Gerritsen

Colorado Uplift

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:18:31 +0000

Discovery Church

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:15:36 +0000

First Baptist Church Orlando

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:28:39 +0000

1^st Baptist of Orlando doesn’t mess around, 400 energetic volunteers came loaded with equipment and cleaned the entire Orlando Mobile Home Park in 1 day!

Pastor John Helton &
Senior Pastor David Uth

S.A.Y. Yes

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:19:39 +0000

March 27, 2009

Summit Church

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:52:06 +0000

Team 1

Team 2

Urban Immersion

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:24:17 +0000

Feedback: Barbara Hooper

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:29:35 +0000

“Our trials and storms have been sent to tenderize and soften our hearts so we can hear the cries that God hears. The Lord says if we deafen to the cry of the poor, we will cry but God will not hear us. (Prov. 21:13)

“God’s loving heart hears the cries of the poor and wounded and gives his compassion to us when we have sensitive and broken hearts and say: ‘Here am I, send me.’

“He that gives to the poor shall not lack; but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse. (Prov. 28:27)”

Barbara Hooper
TOI Team Member
Orlando, FL