HotDogs and Hope Street Ministry

hotdogs and hope video 1

2009-07-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

This was the first video we every did

2009-07-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

2009-07-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

The day was great a lot prayers went up to the Lord. I read that homeless faces are changing.

I can tell you we are we seeing more and more Families. The struggles are growing and they are starting to seek the only place with the answers Christ our Lord. We were very privileged to have

Gateway send water and follow us it made a good partnership. We also met another church that does a monthly feeding. I believe that every time we go it is confirmed we are where need to be.

Military Salute

2009-07-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

This video was done at the request of one of our own who said the vets of the street need a voice so Hotdogs and Hope will have something to take to Churches and groups to explain the problems don't go way when you ignore them they just take a different form. I tried to understand what he was taking about. We hear the stories of guys coming back and not fitting into the mainstream. I did something that I could only image, because I can't count myself among these hero's and HERO's they are by all accounts. I started asking questions and really listening to my boss who was in the Big Red One. He still has problems sleeping and talking about that time in his life. To the guys I meet on the street who are carrying mental/physical scares that don't seem to fade they just get ignored.I don't understand why we can make fighting machines out humans but don't want to deal with the results and consequences of those that have wounds. I read the homeless vets stats. the results were totally shameful and disgraceful. These extend back to the civil war. If I had to make a guess since wars began, this has always been an issue. I know that I may come across a little strong , but those are the facts. I hope I did the men and women justice in my feeble attempt to tell the story with pictures and stats. Thanks Ron for the push.

2009-07-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

This was day that the Lord had made for sure. The day started with 15 volunteers rolling hotdogs.

Four new people, 3 from PCW (Professional Christian Woman), and 2 visiting from the New Life Church. When we walk outside we knew that the day was special, the weather was prefect and peaceful. When we arrived at the first stop, we had a good prayer circle. Javier gave the word in English and Spanish, it was very special I thought. We were also join by more volunteers from Gateway Church. They brought Brats for the Vets and water for the street. The day got even better when we had the Prayer Circle, a woman wanted to lead out with songs, which was most gratifying. Javier followed the word with prayers to close.

People can Change

2009-07-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

I was getting a update from Tom yesterday on the previous Saturday. He was spoke of a man that sometime last year joined one of our Prayer circles;Tom explained that the man listened to the Scriptures that were receipted with the prayers.The man explained to Tom that those words spoken that day worked on him about how his actions got him on the street,but he realized he needed to change his way. He now gives the Lord praise everyday for helping him with his job, his provisions and everything that comes his way. He even shares Gods word with other people on the street. He knows when he is fully ready God will get him off the street. Please pray for this man pray that he continually finds the strength through Christ as well as the others that still seeking a new path.

Summer time on the Street

2009-06-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well it has been awhile since my last blog,but that does not mean that Hotdogs and Hope is lost it's drive to serve those in need. Tom reported that the hot dog count went up to 600 from 500.The economic times are showing up on the street.We do not have stats only the number of people we are seeing and the explosion of children
from Christmas party of 38 to estimated 70 to 80 children in the Shelter.We could look at this as a bad time ,but I believe we are given a tremendous opportunity to wittiness and demonstrate God's unchanging love for each of us.He has given us (the one with more) a great responsibility to help those in need of a new path.I believe that God is at work. We have received finical blessings and have not been short on help to delivery the hot dogs,but most importantly reaching out with prayer,encouragement, and compassion of the challenges before those on the street.

2009-06-02T13:35:00.001-07:00

We had a great day on the street. Lots of requests fror prayer. Lots of testamony from the street. Vets in high spirit and kids in a good mood. Ron says this was the third week in a row that the Holy Spirit was in his favor. We had one place where someone tried to dround out the prayers and we won.
Have a great day
Tom

2009-05-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

It was a great day. We had great help. Good prayer circles with a lot of individual prayers. Even most of the kids said the lords prayer out loud with us. It was good to be back and they will be waiting for us next week.
Tom

2009-05-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to read Bob Fitch"s report on Hotdogs and Hope.He seemed to be able to tap right into what we are about the with video.I personal have already directed people to the report and they seem quite taken by it.I will be checking in on the wwww.grandprairiereporter.com.We are a heart broken that we can't go on the street today because of the strand of deadly flu.We just can't take the chance of exposing servants and the people we serve.

Another Great Day

2009-04-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

We had a great turn out with three new visitors at HotDogs and Hope.I was not able to attend but the reports I got were very positive and uplifting. I thank everyone that sacrifices there time to help make this ministry a success.Please keep speaking up about the ministry.We are still looking for team leaders.

Cool Easter Time Fun

2009-04-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hotdogs and Hope was certainly blessed today with 30 plus prayer warriors on this cool day that LORD has made.
This was a tremendous day at the women's/ children shelter. Hotdogs and Hope hosted a Easter egg hunt for those at the PBS.
We all felt the excitement as the children hunted some 500 plus eggs, that Andy and his family provided.The fun did not stop there, everyone received a stuffed bear and a chocolate Cross from Stacy's family. The day certainly ended quickly for us, but planning had already begun for the next event. It is a pure joy watching people serving and sharing as God intended.

Blue Bonnets are out

2009-04-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

The sun was trying to make an appearance on this Blue Bonnet day. We had the privilege of praying and sharing with several individuals. One individual said that several people were starting to get part time and full time jobs. The women/children's shelter will always be a wonderful place to minister to those that are refocusing their life's. Hotdogs and Hope is putting together an Easter egg hunt for the children at PBS next Saturday, we are excited about that for sure. Please keep everyone of these folks in your prayers. We are starting to see new faces, which means we still have a way to go in this world.

2009-03-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

We had a very peaceful time on this Spring day on the street.
The people were all in good spirits and enjoying the sunshine.
A lot more of the people were sleeping outside because of the weather.We had plenty of time to listen and wittiness to several people.
Our prayers go up for one of our own who is dealing with a family tragedy.

2009-03-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

We visited the Vets Patriot House today , it was really good time.
The children's shelter proved to be the most heartfelt. A young boy was scared because they had only had been there for short time he and his family were having difficultly adjusting.Some of our prayer warriors gathered and prayed for both Mom and Son. I could only image the fears they must be having with the these changing roles. Please keep them in mind and others as you left up prayers.

People sharing

2009-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

What beautiful day little overcast but just a fine day. The people were really sharing their hearts. The first stop we prayed for a man who was going into rehabilation, with the LORD in his heart, to get things changed in his life, so he could spend time with his grandchildren. Then a man in his 50 sharing how his addictions and how it separated him from family and Friends. Prayers went up for this man who had been a good sized man and had been reduce to someone a lot weaker and in need of medical help.I was privileged to a very short conversation with a man who is a vet and I inquired about the Korean hat, He raddled off a bunch of battles that I have only hear in movies ,pork chop hill,heartbreak ridge etc..stunned I listen on and found out that he was bayoneted in battle. The day brought me to the conclusion; who's ministring to whom? I totally believe that where we were today; among the people; is where Jesus would have come to first. Hotdogs And Hope is certainly going in the right direction.

Look at whos looking at us

2009-03-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

We are so excited that a reporter might join us to find out what we are all about Saturday 3/14. I want everyone come with your best stories and testimonies so he can have a full picture of Hotdogs and Hope.
GrandPrairieReporter.com

2009-03-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Old man winter is still stirring up the wind and cold ,but that did not slow Hotdogs and Hope down. We were so please to have more come and visit us today. We lifted needs of the group up in prayer before departing to the street. The weather made it a challenge to get all the hotdogs delivered, some couldn't stand in line long enough to receive one ,but as always God prevails. The Women and children always a blessing, some had moved out, our prayers go with them, some moved in the night before, praise God there was room.The visitors I spoke about said they would be back. What an exciting times we are in; The ministry is doing God's work for sure, what a true blessing it is to see

God's plan come together every week.

Practical ways to help

2009-02-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Patriot House building serves as a transitional living facility for veterans. Patriot House offers semi-private rooms, laundry services, two kitchens and a computer lab. In order to help make the Patriot House feel like home to our vets, PNS is asking for the following volunteer efforts and donations: If you want to donate please contact us Hotdogsandhope@yahoo.com
and we will make sure it gets where needed.

List of things needed

regular size toiltry items ( shampoo,soap and shving cream,disposable razors etc...)
Bed and bath items( twin sheets.pillow and pillow cases,blankets,washcloth and towels etc..)
Kitchen stuff( good pots and pans plates and cups)
Living area (good books ,artifical plants good stuff for the walls)
Laundry ( detergent)
Patio (furniture, grill ect..)

Classes/programs
public transportation
budgeting
cooking
aa/na clases
Violence prevention
Anger Management
Housekeeping

A word from the WORD

2009-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Tom sends in a verse that spoke to his heart today and wants to share it for encouragement.

Thanks Tom

Romans Chapter 10 verse 15.
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

Winding Chilly Day for a meeting

2009-02-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today a little winding chilly about 40 but as always welcomed by the street. We had a few visitors today. We are always excited to see 4 teens freinds making the effort to come at 5:30-6:00 to prepare the Hot Dogs. We were also privileged to have a adult come and start inquiring about what she could do help. Today happen to be a informational meeting very informal.The discussion was reaffirm that Hotdogs and Hope is as strong as every and looking to the future. The papers have been file and progress is moving forward and the temp board was announced.The web site site will be back up soon and be a great benefit as well as the blog and face book site and soon myspace.H.H. had talk of motor cycle ride to benefit H.H. I am just saying WOW!. We at H.H. are excited that some have already asking about leadership and where they can plug in. I truly believe that is and will be one of the most exciting time of growth in H.H. history. We all realize why we are doing this as the picture says it all. P.s. the people in this picture gave the ok to take the picture.

Praise God and give him the Glory.

Other itinerant or homeless people or terms for this condition

2009-02-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

Why is it that we are quick to label someone and slow to help and/or see past there present challenges and ask how can I help? I am just as guilty as anyone for using the names below
expect brother/sister. People make bad choices does that mean that they should be exterminated, of course not, we are certainly forgiven of the rich/famous mistakes and chuckle, shrug shoulders and move on. We at Hotdogs and Hope try to following what the
scriptures. Watch the Video

Bums ,Derelict ,Freight train hoppers ,Hoboes ,Internally displaced persons Itinerants
Mendicants Rough sleepers Schnorrer Street children Tramps Vagabond Vagrancy

I am sure we can all think of other names used, but remember,a few wrong choices couple of missed checks, mixed with a little pride.Everyone needs a chance to be better than they are today. Please pray for the souls that are having to deal with this Spiritual and Physical always dangerous environment of loneliness ,separation and host things that can't we can't possible know.Pray for that God picks out for you someone to share your heart with lead off the street on Saturday.

Short History of the Homeless

2009-02-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

I found this history of the homeless of course this not of it but enough to know that homeless have always had it rough and not understanding while this in toleration was going on where were we as Christians? I read this my jaw dropped imagine considered a criminal with punishment to followed. I realize that we don't publicly and/or physically bet anybody that doesn't have means of support, but if you not fit in guide lines your out if help is needed, This is why ministries like Hotdogs and Hope are important real people helping real people maybe not with wealth and/or enough food but with the courage to build a relationship and be able to put name and faces with the prayers.I can testify that when the weather goes to the extremes I wonder how could we have helped.

· In the 16th century in England, the state first tried to give housing to vagrants instead of punishing them, by introducing bridewells to take vagrants and train them for a profession. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these were replaced by workhouses but these were intended to discourage too much reliance on state help.
· Following the Peasants' Revolt, British constables were authorised under a 1383 statute to collar vagabonds and force them to show their means of support; if they could not, the penalty was gaol(jail) Under a 1495 statute, vagabonds could be sentenced to the stocks for three days and nights; in 1530, whipping was added. The assumption was that vagabonds were unlicensed beggars. In 1547, a bill was passed that subjected vagrants to some of the more extreme provisions of the criminal law, namely two years servitude and branding with a "V" as the penalty for the first offence and death for the second. One quarter of all British immigrants arriving in the American colonies in the 18th century were transported convicts. Large numbers of vagabonds were transported along with ordinary criminals.
· These were later replaced by dormitory housing ("spikes") provided by local boroughs, and these were researched by the writer George Orwell. By the 1930s in England, there were 30,000 people living in these facilities. In the 1960s, the nature and growing problem of homelessness changed for the worse in England, with public concern growing.
· Although The Bowery once was synonymous with homelessness, it has since become an avenue of high-priced luxury condominiums that jockey for space with its past.
· The number of people living "rough" in the streets had increased dramatically. However, beginning with the Conservative administration's Rough Sleeper Initiative, the number of people sleeping rough in London fell dramatically. This initiative was supported further by the incoming Labour administration from 1997 onwards with the publication of the 'Coming in from the Cold' strategy published by the Rough Sleepers Unit, which proposed and delivered a massive increase in the number of hostel bed spaces in the capital and an increase in funding for street outreach teams, who work with rough sleepers to enable them to access services.
· In general, in most countries, many towns and cities had an area which contained the poor, transients, and afflicted, such as a "skid row". In New York City, for example, there was an area known as "the Bowery", traditionally, where alcoholics were to be found sleeping on the streets, bottle in hand.
· This resulted in rescue missions, such as the oldest homeless shelter in New York City, The Bowery Mission, founded in 1879 by the Rev. and Mrs. A.G. Ruliffson.
· The Bowery Mission in New York City in the 1800s

· · In smaller towns, there were hobos, who temporarily lived near train tracks and hopped onto trains to various destinations. Especially following the American Civil War, a large number of homeless men formed part of a counterculture known as "hobohemia" all over America.

2009-02-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hotdogs and Hope is in a exciting time, we are meeting with the Lawyer Tuesday 2/17/09 to get started with the 501c3. We formed a new Committee on 2/12/09 for the purpose of restructuring Hotdogs and Hope to move into the future.

2009-02-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

At the Patriot House on Valentines

2009-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today on the street was great.

The weather was chilly but the but we were greeted with warm hearts and smiles. When we did our now routine stop at the Veterans Patriot House . Hannah age 9 had special treat for these heros. She had brought valentines and the tears where tough to hold back as she gave them to the men