NO WALLS Outreach

"Jesus Christ came to end the organized part of religion that was destroying HIS very being. When Christ died so did the walls of the Church, God no longer resided in buildings but in the temple of the Holy Spirit which was us, HIS people! Christ came to end all religion and restore relationship with GOD Almighty,that we all can obtain by just believing that HE is the son of GOD and thru HIM and HIM alone do we have access to eternal life. GOD has given "NO WALLS" a vision, to look outside the BUILDING!" ~http://www.nowallsoutreach.com

Who we be??

We are a group of Christ followers united in His name for His purpose.

Our first outreach event was held today at Fairmount Park in Downtown Riverside at 10 in the AM. Our mission: To meet, feed, and love on the homeless, the lonely, and the hungry. We split up into small groups in search of people to invite over to our gathering area.

I was in a group with two men; they did most of the talking. Mainly because I'm not so good at striking a conversation with complete strangers. I wanted to "observe" how they went about doing it. Aside from collecting some pointers, I was soaking so much in. I was marveling at the dichotomy of the park. A park that on one hand is filled with natures beauty, but on the other holds so much pain and brokenness. A park that I'm barely familiar with, even though I've lived in Riverside for over 15 years. You see, anytime I'd hear mention of Fairmount Park it was in the form of dire warnings never to go. Because after all, that's where all the homeless, drug addicts, prostitutes, and hoodlums kick it. Does that hold true to this day? More or less, I'm just not sure as to the extent. So, why decide to go now?

I go as a servant to my Lord. A woman desperate to walk in the manner in which I've been called. With pleadings for eyes to see as He sees, a heart to love as He loves, and a compassion that has no end. I am a soul that was once lost, but by the grace of God have been saved. I'd like to share that hope with others. Not by slamming a bible in their face or dragging them to church, but by loving them as Jesus loves me and as He loves all.

As we headed back to our spot, my heart stopped and tears sprung to my eyes. Before me I saw our vision unfold. Gathered together in love and kindness were my brothers and sisters, the homeless and the needy.

I met some people today who's faces and stories will remain with me. My heart broke as the reality of their world sunk in.... A mother whose husband was deported and is now living out of a van with her six children. A 15 year old mother of a baby girl. A woman expecting a child. And many more women and men with no homes or families to turn to.

This was the first of many more events such as today's. I can't wait to continue to experience the plans that our Father has for NO WALLS Outreach.

Get'cho MAC on!

Although December 1st marks World AIDS Day annually, here is something you can do any time of the year to help support AIDS programs. MAC Cosmetics has established a MAC AID Fund in which MAC donates 100% of the selling price of their Viva Glam products year-round! There are many choices of oh so fabulous lipglasses and lipsticks available.

So what can $14 do you ask?? Well, besides making your lips look supa fly, $14…

Would produce 28 copies of free treatment and prevention information

Provides round-trip transportation for three people to attend support programs

Buys pantry items for nutrition program serving women living with HIV/AIDS

Buys formula for 15 babies

Covers the cost of school supplies for five teens affected with HIV/AIDS

Provides materials to support four volunteer tutorsBuys one unit of Therapeutic Recreation for one client

Pays for one food pantry bag, containing enough food for a family of three for one day

Purchases one Hospitality Kit, containing personal hygiene and grooming products given to clients upon entering a housing program

♥MAC AIDS Fund Factsheet
Check out http://www.macaidsfund.org/ for more information

December 1st is World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day began in 1988 when health ministers from around the world met and agreed on the concept of the day as an opportunity for all of us to come together to demonstrate the importance of AIDS and show solidarity for the cause.
We have only two years to go for “the goal of universal access to comprehensive prevention programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010”.

To achieve this goal, leadership and action is needed now. Governments must deliver on the promises they have made. Communities must encourage leadership of its members. Individuals must feel empowered to access treatment, to know their rights and take action against stigma and discrimination, and to know and use methods of prevention against receiving and transmitting HIV.

A few facts:

• During 2007 more than two and a half million adults and children became infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS. By the end of the year, an estimated 33 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS. The year also saw two million deaths from AIDS, despite recent improvements in access to antiretroviral treatment.
• More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.
• Africa has 11.6 million AIDS orphans.
• At the end of 2007, women accounted for 50% of all adults living with HIV worldwide, and for 59% in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Young people (under 25 years old) account for half of all new HIV infections worldwide.
• In developing and transitional countries, 9.7 million people are in immediate need of life-saving AIDS drugs; of these, only 2.99 million (31%) are receiving the drugs.

Visit http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/en to find out how you can help STOP AIDS and KEEP THE PROMISE