9-30-15

Greetings my friends!

I hope this message finds you joyful in the middle of a workweek. The week’s end is getting near but before it gets any closer I would like to invite you to join us for a little missional bike ride with a group of giving folks. It is that time of the week and I hope you can ride with us.

As you have noticed there has been a little change in the weather. That means UBFM will be making some seasonal changes as well. 1) Don’t forget to put on an extra layer for the ride. At least pack something with you to put on if needed. 2) Cold bottled water and insect repellant will not be priority for our neighbors on the streets. I have found that this time of year, simply, warm food is the greatest request. Of course we still carry bottled water to supplement the meal. 3) If you have room in your bag, carry a light blanket or two. I have noticed the nights getting a little cooler and more so since the rain has passed through. You will meet people who are in need of a blanket or jacket. 4) We need your help. This is the time of year that we start collecting cold weather gear. Though the cold weather is not yet in full force, I would like to be prepared when it gets here. With that being said, I ask that you start collecting blankets, coats, jackets, gloves, scarves, caps, sweaters, and any miscellaneous cold weather gear that you might want to discard. Last year I placed a box in the corner of my church and wrote on it, “Blankets and jackets for people in need”. The response was great! This is a simple, yet effective way to get involved with UBFM and it there will be some very thankful people when the colder months arrive.

I want to give a big thanks and shout out to the crew that made Breakfast 901 possible last week. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. It looked like so much fun! I want to thank Frank Rouse, Christen Yates, Andy Loveless, and all of the participants and volunteers for making such an awesome event possible. The funds that were raised at this event will benefit UBFM and help our friends and neighbors in need.

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook earlier today:

Fact: It doesn't take a grand act to brighten someone's day; just a thought makes a difference. I don't visit Starbucks often, but the last 2 times the person in front of me has paid my bill. What a nice change of pace this trend is. Not the monetary part, but the random act of kindness. Thanks for the boost anonymous person!

What a wonderful thing! A random act of kindness is ministry. It is small but it holds so much depth. In a world full of evil, hate, and self-righteousness a random act of kindness is proof that hate doesn’t get the last say. It is quite possible that an act of kindness will not cure the problem. Giving a burrito to a person who has not had dinner will not cure the hunger problem in the world or in our city. Giving a bottle of water to a person is not going to permanently quench their thirst. But here is something to think about: when Jesus healed a blind man he was not curing blindness in the world; he helped one individual. When he casted out a demon from a human he did not cure the evil problem in the world; he helped one individual. These were acts of kindness that helped individuals. But, they gave hope to many because people witnessed his love and kindness in the world. My friends, riding your bike around Memphis and giving out food and supplies is not curing a problem. However, it allows people to witness love and kindness in the world. Through you and your acts of kindness a bright light will shine and it will give our neighbors hope. Allow your lights to shine bright and be a reflection of love and kindness in the world! 

DON’T FORGET: Kitchen volunteers meet at First United Methodist Church at 6:00pm to prepare food. We load up at 7:30 and ride out at 8:00. Wear a helmet, bring a backpack, make sure you have front and rear lights, listen to your group leaders, and if you have maintenance needs come a little early.  

Peace