Successful Ministry

I am grateful to so many who have joined our Eastern NC Poverty Network.   Just some highlights of our ministry together this fall:

• 1,600 meals served the day before Thanksgiving at Union Mission.
• 1,100 meals served December 22 at Union Mission.
• New showers constructed at Union Mission.
• Christmas presents made available to homeless men at Union Mission.
• Beginning the men’s homeless program at Union Mission.
• Successful Community outreach programs on Saturday mornings at Edenton Baptist Church (Edenton) and Lakeside Baptist Church (Rocky Mount ).
• Establishment of Eastern NC Poverty network at the http://fellowshipportal.ning.com  site.

I am grateful to Edenton Baptist Church, Union Mission, First Baptist Church of Weaverville, NC , Campbell University and WMU of NC for responding to my request to become “Encourager” organizations.   You partner with me in a unique way and I look forward to our close relationship in 2010.   My work needs prayer support, financial support, and advice.   Encouragers are very important to the ministry of Eastern NC Poverty Network.    I am hopeful to have others join in our efforts in the coming year.  

We look forward to strengthening our daily ministry at Union Mission and our continued relationship with Faith House.   We will be working toward educational opportunities with the Poverty Simulation in Roanoke Rapids and having groups from different parts of the United States join us here in doing construction projects, teaching, and food distribution.   New programs will be developed at Union Mission for children and families as well as the development of a strong program for residential men.  

I am grateful for the opportunities to preach and speak in churches and organizations.   It is my hope to be able to meet you personally in the coming year and discuss how you and I can partner together to minister to those who are in need.   Thank you again for these beginnings of our new work together.   

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Merry Christmas

I encountered him today.   This homeless man who had been out in the cold all week.  Apparently he had just been released from the hospital and had no place to go. A few nights on the street didn’t serve him well as our temperatures have been cold.   After a good meal, his health seemed to decline a bit more.   We sent him to the hospital where we are hopeful that he can get the care he needs.    Cold weather is not good for folks out on the street.   Lets just stop from our Christmas preparations and offer a prayer for this man and all the others who have no place to go.   I am thankful to the wonderful, caring people who aided this man today.  They were not professionals; just folk like you and me here in NC who love God and want the best for His children.  

I am thankful for Union Mission, Faith House, and other places that provide aid to “the least of these.”

Anna and I wish for you a Merry Christmas and we look forward to working with you in the coming year. 

LaCount Anderson

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God Provides

My dear friends, God does provide:

As I reflect upon the Thanksgiving meal we shared together last week I am thankful for our volunteers and friends. I am reminded of the story in the Bible about the little boy and the loaves and fishes. This was a miracle of God's provision. We ran out of food due to the positive response of our community and our volunteers. We worked hard and challenges were met in a positive way. We ended the day pretty tired but you know, 1600 people received a plate of food from Union Mission that day. That was more than twice the response from last Thanksgiving. We will do the same December 22. Please join us. God provided.

Our showers are complete. What a blessing to see where inadequate, temporary, and leaking showers once stood; a beautiful facility for our men. Thanks to Major Hatchell, some of our men, and the community for stepping up and helping us make the long overdue repairs to our facility. We are working toward a higher standard of ministry than has ever been offered at Union Mission. Thank you for your help. God provided.

Union Mission serves women, children, and men. We have in the past offered a program for homeless men and are currently working toward that ministry in a stronger way than ever before. The need is very great to reach out to men in our community. I receive some 15 calls per week from men wanting to utilize the services of Union Mission. The calls keep coming, and we are doing our best to help as much as we can. Women and Children receive food boxes, bread and pastry, and counseling from our Intake department every day. We offer chapel each day and an evening meal that Women and children enjoy. Plans are to further programming for women and children in 2010. We partner with Faith House in Enfield as a woman's shelter and are building relationships with others who help homeless women and children. Thanks for the food donations and the volunteers who participate in Chapel each day. We are able to serve women, children, and men thanks to you. God provided.

I am receiving Christmas presents from churches in north eastern NC and health kits all for our residents. Thank you for partnering with Union Mission in meeting their personal needs. Meeting needs is the beginning of sharing Jesus Christ with people. Once we meet the need, then they will listen to our Gospel message. God Provided.

We are anxious to meet you. Please come by for a visit.

LaCount Anderson
Acting Director

Thankfulness

I continue to be thankful for the blessings that have come our way.   The blessing of giving to others has certainly touched my heart.   Last week at The Union Mission in Roanoke Rapids we had the opportunity to give some 1600 meals to others in need.   Many thanks to those volunteers who gave of their time and finances to make this community touch a reality. 

We made the decision to give out bags of food daily to those who came by Union Mission with a need.   The bags of groceries went out the front door and volunteers brought donations of food in the back door.   The Union Mission will continue this practice of giving out bags of groceries as long as we have food available.  

I am grateful to Gloria Caudle of The Faith House, who through their ministry in Enfield, NC, gave out food and dinners last week.   We are thankful to have the opportunity to partner with Faith House; a shelter for women and children.  

Murfreesboro Baptist Church has gifted The Union Mission with knitted hats.  We have received a large box of hats from the church and will receive another box of hats to give to those in need this coming week.   Thank you dear friends for your generosity.   

Showers have been installed at Union Mission for the improvement of the bathroom.   Due to the generosity of churches and individuals, the men’s program will be strengthened by more participants because of the improved shower facility. 

It is indeed a privilege to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in northeastern NC.    

LaCount Anderson

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