Will you miss us?

I've been putting off writing this blog for reasons that will become obvious as you read on:

Last Sunday night, when was that, the 3rd?? I can't believe it's been THAT long since I've visited this site, or at least visited it to write. Anyway, we went to the bus station armed with a video camera, questions, and contact cards. One of the things we've said is a purpose for CharMin is to "assess needs." So, after handing over a cup of lemonade we asked if people would mind being videotaped while answering some questions we have about Charlotte, its residents, and of course The Salvation Army. For those of you information seeking souls, here are the questions we asked:

1. What is Charlotte's greatest need?
2. What is your greatest need?
3. What is your impression of the Salvation Army?
4. Do you know how to contact the Salvation Army?
5. Do you believe in God?
6. If you go to church, why?
7. Have you seen us here before?
8. Do you know why we're here?
9. How does the hot-chocolate/lemonade taste?
10. What have you received from us being here?
11. What more could we do?
12. Will you miss us?

The answers we got were from my perspective...comforting. A lot of responses to Charlotte's greatest need is to help the poor. Many of them said they knew why we were there doing what we do. All the people we asked believed in God and many of them attended church to worship, pray, praise, and thank God. Most importantly, EVERYONE said the hot-chocolate/lemonade was fabulous! One of our favorite people said he had received "warm presence" from us being there - and that has touched our hearts.

And, everyone we asked said, "yes" they would certainly miss us. As of July 3, 2005 CharMin in it's current state (hot-chocolate/lemonade people) is taking a rest to assess our next need to meet. The bus station was meant to serve as a stepping stone to something greater. Not greater in size, group, or recognition, but greater in the need being ful-filled. Perhaps we will continue with the bus station in a different capacity. Perhaps we will venture into the neighborhood surrounding the corps so we can have long-range contact with the people. Perhaps we'll find a way to serve the children. Perhaps we'll help people get their groceries. Perhaps we'll minister to the Bobcats or the Panthers. Perhaps we'll help Jack fight to keep his family together. Perhaps we'll take over the neighborhood, city, state, country, and eventually the WORLD for Jesus! Gosh, we'll be there soon!

Thank you to everyone who has brought us to God during these past months. Your encouraging words have been sweet honey to our souls. Please continue to bring us before God so we can know His next move for us. I believe whatever it is we will be challenged, and it may take more than a few people to accomplish.
Pray for leaders, pray for direction, pray for effective assessment, pray for us, and pray that we will find people from all walks of life and help them find the God who has made them and loves them more than they can ever know.

Blessings,

Kristy