TEAM T.O.R.I.

Do the homeless bother you? Do they scare you? Do they make you uncomfortable? I guess I can answer YES, to all of these...At some point in my life I shut down to the homeless, meaning if I just ignore them and pretend I don't hear their cries, they will go away. Living in Germany for 7 years only helped me in this case, I can honestly say I only seen a hand full of homeless during that time. I am sure they were there, just not begging or out and about as much as in the US.

Elim Christian Center in Poland reopened my eyes to the poor, poor in possessions but not poor in spirit, WOW...I attended church on the last day w/the mission group and to see people who had NOTHING physically reaching the skies praising our King ROCKED me....It changed my perspective and took the "fear" of the person away. Silly right?! I LOVED sorting clothes, making picture frames, and really just watching the LOVE that oooozed out of these people...I got back home, time passed, and all I did was toss money at a few organizations that do the work. I am not saying that is not important, the organizations need moolah to operate but I physically did nothing...I went to church, worked in the building, prayed for people, etc. but did nothing in the community...

I followed Project 50/50 on FB and sat in awe of all Shay Kelley is doing for the homeless around the US, and giving God all the glory for it...AMAZING....I would think, man, I wish I had that much FAITH!!! We moved back to the US about a month and half ago and Shay began to just add "blogs" w/other missions etc. and something stood out to me...HYGIENE KITS....Really something that SIMPLE?! Whoever came up w/it, AWESOME!! So that will be our "project" for the summer, putting together hygiene kits for a shelter and also some to keep w/us at all times. I know many do not like to hand out money on the streets, so here is your chance to give something that may even be more valuable than a few bucks!! Keep them in bag that can be tossed in your car when you leave your home, or in a backpack if you will be traveling around, you never know who God may throw along your path and you will be able to answer immediately!!

If you know me, you know I have to be some what organized, not OCD, just a plan stan...I began to think about a person who inspires me, JESUS is my #1, but my sweet little niece VICTORIA (Tori), who is 10, is right next in line....This little girl already GETS IT, she already has a heart for Jesus and his people...She wants to share the love with ALL, she is truly a SERVANT...One year, all on her own, she collected socks for a homeless shelter that her and her mother served at b/c she seen the NEED and she FILLED it!! AWESOME!! So in honor of her, we are officially TEAM T.O.R.I.! Next would be Michael Folsom and his team in Nicaragua, The Isaiah Ministry, the Isaiah verse is the call to move, and they are for sure moving in Nica!! So here you have it, the mind of a crazy person ;-)

TEAM
T: To
O: Offer
R: Relief
I: Isaiah 58: 6-7

Our goal for the summer is to put together 100 kits for the shelter and make some for us to keep at home for our out and about travels!! The kits will include:

• Toothpaste
  


• Toothbrush



• Bar of Soap



• Mouth Rinse (maybe not certain yet)



• Shampoo



• Body Bath



• Deodorant



• Shave cream



• Razor



• Pair of Socks



• Washcloth
  


• small bible (anyone know where to get some that are decent priced??)
  


• Protein type snacks


• Bottle of water
  
  

Another thought I have is to design the kit like AGAPE gifts, if you have ever done the Walk to Emmaus you know what I am talking about. Each item will have a scripture attached to it to show God's love for the person receiving it. For example, the white washcloth would have Isaiah 1:18 on it. I don't know if this will be allowed at the shelter so I need to ask first ;-D but our home personal ones will....If anyone has any good verses or fun God love sayings, for any the above items, SHARE your ideas w/me, would LOVE feedback and ideas!! I hope that this will be a "project" that continues even past summer season...I want my children to understand the importance and not live in "fear" like their mother, and that we as a family will go and physically serve those around us...Lord please help us to get over our own preconceived "ideas" of who people are, and step out in faith and LOVE, to serve...