Bonds' Blog

Settling In

2011-08-17T18:25:00.004-04:00

We are settling into our new house, even though I think the boxes will never disappear. (We are in Little Elm, TX in case you are wanting to mentally place us.) The boys are having a blast with all the space and their new rooms. They've made fast friends with the boys next door (ages 4 and 9- how convenient!) They also have a new friend named Rocky who we picked out at the animal shelter. He is a lab/terrier mix, very playful and great with the kids. School starts Monday the 22nd and we think they'll both be very happy. Eli will be in 3rd grade and Quintin (or dirty-rotten-scoundrel as he likes to be called) will be in Kindergarten. We met their teachers tonight and both were very nice.

As for the ministry, Austin has been working very hard learning all about the food pantry and starting up Metro Relief. He submitted his first grant (please pray), took the bus on its first outreach to Fort Worth, and is meeting lots of people to help with this process. It has been amazing to see how God provides just the right people to do things that we so need help with, such as web page design, book keeping, data entry, logo design, marketing, prayer and financial partners, lots of wonderful volunteers, encouragement, and the list goes on. Thank you all for you prayers! I'll try to post more pics soon!

7 Parties in Heaven!

2011-01-14T22:47:00.003-05:00

In case you follow the kids ministry on the Relief Bus, here is a quick update:

After a successful Christmas outreach to the Seth Boyden projects in Newark and a couple weeks break, we are back in full swing. Our usual kids come every week (about 8) and some new kids join us each week (about 5-10). Last week and this week we had 7 kids ask Jesus into their hearts! Whenever a child accepts Christ as their Savior, we tell them that the bible says the angels are praising God and having a party in heaven. We are teaching the kids about becoming a new creation in Jesus and being washed clean. Some of the kids have shown an interest in growing closer in their walk with Jesus. And we gave away 6 bibles to kids who didn't have one. What a blessing to be a part of these young children's journeys of faith. Please pray they grow roots deep in Him and that God would continue to provide bibles.

Fall photos

2010-11-05T22:31:00.004-04:00

Eli playing goalie.

a walk on the beach- Montauk, Long Island

Halloween

Isaiah trying on some grapes.

Quintin blowing out candles on Daddy's cake.

Quintin playing soccer this fall.

A First Step

2010-11-05T22:00:00.003-04:00

Tonight at the bus in Newark, I was able to visit with kids and adults. This is actually a rare case lately as we've had so many kids that we are doing bible studies with one group after another. Don't get me wrong- this is a good problem to have- but it just makes for a busy night! Well, tonight after I taught the kids about our forgiving Father in heaven with the prodigal son story, I was chatting with the volunteers on the street. A man on his bike approached and wondered if we had bread and I got him some. I could immediately feel the heaviness on his heart and knew that I had to pray with him. He was somewhat timid but he was able to open up a little to another volunteer and I. He told us he needed a job, and then life was really hard and he was always stressed out, and then he finally was able to share that he needed help with his alcohol problem. We were able to give him some information of places to go that could help him with all of these things. I'm not real confident that he'll do anything on his own this week, but that's o.k. I really feel that this was a first step for him and that he needed to connect with some people that would encourage him and give him some hope. Please pray for our new friend Jose as he desires a change for the better in his life.

Good Friday was Good!

2010-04-05T10:41:00.007-04:00

On Good Friday evening I went to the bus as usual to do bible study with the kids. This week we colored eggs and told the Easter story. It was a blessing to spend time with the kids telling them about Jesus who loved them so much.

But the story I want to tell is about a friend of mine named Cece (pictured above). I met her about a year and a half ago when she had just gotten out of the nursing home after recovering from getting run over by a semi-truck. Her leg was pretty messed up. When she found out that I had treats for the kids each week she would yell in a groggily (if that's a word) voice, "Hey, honey, you got any chocolate?" And since I couldn't lie or tell her no I would bring her some reluctantly. Didn't she realize this candy was for the kids? What nerve! But week after week of hearing that "hey honey" I began to expect it and was ready to give her some chocolate. At some point God began to show me an alcoholic woman whom he loved and who was very lonely. She comes each week to the bus and sits on one of the chairs, next to her man- Marvin (that's another post another time). They stay the whole evening and all the volunteers know them and look forward to them each week. On good Friday evening for the first time that I know of, she expressed a desire to get clean from drugs and went to a rehab. She didn't stay long and she is still drinking (not sure if she really does use drugs) but it is exciting to see in her a desire to change. She continues to talk about doing something and she welcomes our prayers each week. I can see God loving her and beginning a good work in her. Pray that she continues to seek Him and begins to understand what He has done for her on the cross. Also, pray that we can find the right connection (more than just Friday night) for her to develop a new relationship with Christ.

A visit to Giant's Stadium by Austin

2010-04-05T10:34:00.003-04:00

Part of the mission that God has laid out for me here, is to be able to help people find work. A perfect opportunity came up last fall when a dear friend from Indiana, Lee Ayers, came to put padding up in the practice facility at the new Giants/Jets stadium. I was able to refer a friend to him and it worked out beautifully. They finished the job and Lee and my other friend were both glad that it worked out.

Fast forward to this past week when Lee came up to put padding on the walls at field level in the new stadium. Lee really needed help this time and we got our same friend who is still struggling to find a permanent stream of employment. My friend is a person similar to myself in that he has spent time in jail/addicted/and overall a complete mess at different times in his life. Now he is doing okay, but really struggling to make sense of a God that in his words, “keeps letting me down”. Whether God actually is letting him down or not, the perception is the same in his mind.

For this week he was able to work with Lee and keep his head up as he was assisting in putting pads in the new stadium. He was in good spirits when I went to pick him up on Saturday night. Lee came out and let me see the job that he had just done at the newest NFL stadium. I was amazed!! The last piece of Astroturf had just been laid and I walked onto the field, (I pretended w/o any movements that I was in a game) it was awesome! I took out my camera to snap a couple of pics…I turned it on and a message comes across the screen…the battery is exhausted. Well, so much for proving that I was on the field before the players were, but I will have the memories.

On the way home with my friend I was thrilled that he got to experience and work inside of the new stadium, but even more excited that he can turn the T.V. on in the fall and on any given Sunday he will be able to see his work in the new stadium. As we talked we were able to get into conversations of things that he is dealing with and I was able to offer any insight that I have gained through the years. One of the things that my friend is going through right now is anger management classes. Keep praying for him as he is struggling with being the best Christian he can be. He feels lonely a lot of times and struggles with the death of his brother from 5 months ago, who died in an apparent overdose.

Spring Update

2010-03-24T09:28:00.003-04:00

Sorry, we're bad bloggers- but we're going to try to be more consistent with posting. Here's a few recent photos. Austin will have a story from the streets coming soon. Please pray for him as he recovers from his knee surgery last week. It was out patient arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus from years ago. Hopefully he'll be without pain soon!

Isaiah made a mess of Quintin's yogurt.

Eli and Quintin enjoyed an afternoon at the park.

The view of the city from Liberty State Park in NJ.

Delareese

2009-10-03T23:44:00.000-04:00

by Darcy

Delareese brought her two grandchildren to the bus for soup and bread one Friday night in Newark. We invited them in to listen to a bible story and they all joined me including Delareese. As I read the story to the children, their grandmother listened intently. She even asked questions and said she needed to learn the bible too so she could teach them at home. When I asked them if their was anything they needed prayer for she told me her son was in jail and she had lost her job. She cried as she admitted her need for Jesus and as we prayed. We were able to give them a children's bible (and a new testament) and some information for her to get another job as a nurse's aid. She left the bus full (spiritually and physically) and encouraged.

Alfreeda

2009-09-05T22:44:00.000-04:00

by Darcy

As I was standing at the literature table at the Friday night spot in Newark, I was showing one of the kids Austin's testimony sheet. He took one for his mom and the lady next me ask me if it were really my husband, like he was a celebrity or something. She began to read his testimony and was surprised by what she was reading. I shared with her some of his past and how now he is living for God. She was excited and kept saying, "Well if God can change him then He can change me." She told me that she uses drugs every couple weeks but she wants to stop completely. She really believed that God could change her as she cried out to God while we prayed together. Afterward, she spoke with a leader who was able to connect her with Streetlight Mission in Elizabeth, where she could get help getting clean from drugs.

Isaiah talking about Daddy

2009-08-21T14:22:00.002-04:00

Isaiah in the jumperoo

2009-08-21T14:06:00.002-04:00

Crystal

2009-08-14T23:46:00.003-04:00

by Darcy

Crystal was nervously looking at the literature and picking out a few things. I felt I needed to ask her if she wanted prayer, so when I did she was almost relieved that I asked her. She said she desperatly needed God's strength to get her life straightened out. She had 6 kids and one on the way. She has kids in foster care and wants desperately to live right. As we prayed together she cried out to God. We took joy in knowing that because of her faith and trust she was putting in Jesus that he was hearing her cry and would answer her prayer. Crystal was encouraged by a woman who was volunteering the previous week who had come from that life but no longer is there. Pray with us for Crystal, for strength and that she will continue to have faith in what God can do!

God Saved a Life

2009-08-14T16:03:00.005-04:00

by Austin

One man's life was saved today, as he was on his way to commit suicide. David had walked all the way from 183rd St. in the Bronx to 28th St. in Manhattan. He hadn't eaten in 4 days or slept in 3 days since he found out that his ex-wife took his 4 children to the Dominican Republic and left no way to get in touch with them. After his long walk, he was a half block from where he had a stored gun. With no hope of reuniting with his children and being rejected at 3 hospitals, he was ready to end his life. Thankfully God intervened and used us at the Relief Bus to help. We were able to pray with him and then call a local hospital where they were willing to admit him to get the help that he needed. God continues to use the Bus as a refuge for those in a time of need.

God Does Amazing Work

2009-05-02T15:36:00.005-04:00

I'm sure or I hope you've had times in your life when God does something so great you're in disbelief and overwhelmed by his power. I just had one of those memorable moments. About a week ago, I had a dream that was pretty cool. I dreamed I was at the Relief bus with the kids in Newark. I was praying for the kids and I knew what each of them needed as I prayed. I remember praying for Satan's hold to be released on their lives and for release from poverty and addiction. Then I explained to them all about Jesus and the plan of salvation with such ease. It made perfect sense in my dream. The kids all understood too and were saved that night. I told Austin my dream and we both thought it was pretty cool, but I didn't think much more about it until last night. I went to the Newark spot as I do each Friday night to do a bible study with the kids. The lesson was how to pray and we read the Lord's prayer in a children's bible. As we talked about each part and practiced praying together, these conversations/questions arose:

God is so great- the kids each took turns telling God why they love him.

God please provide for us what we need. One boy said, "I don't want to be poor." We prayed for food, clothes, housing, jobs for mom and dad.

Forgive us for what we've done wrong. "I pulled a knife on my brother." from an 8 year old

Help me to forgive those who've done me wrong.

Lead us away from doing wrong. One boy said, "I don't want to smoke crack when I grow up." There is only one way an 8 year old knows about crack- people around him are smoking it.

Free us from the evil one. That's Satan or the Devil and he only wants to steal, kill and destroy. "I don't want to go to hell when I die. Does our soul go to hell?" Yes, if you don't believe in Jesus and follow after him. But you can ask Jesus to forgive you and live in your heart. When we follow after Jesus and His ways we get to live in Heaven with him when we die. Then we prayed a prayer of salvation together.
I know angels were rejoicing in heaven and I claim in Jesus' name that their lives will be changed and they won't follow in the path of destruction but follow after Jesus and His ways!

Its a boy!

2009-03-11T18:53:00.004-04:00

The boys adore Isaiah and love holding him.

Isaiah Thomas Bonds was born on Feb. 3rd

7lb. 3oz., 21 in.

Dontwalkby.org

2009-01-13T10:03:00.003-05:00

So Austin is way busy with school this week and the last few months he's been working a lot on this project called Don't Walk By. So I am going to attempt to share his excitement about what's been happening. This project is a collaboration of many different ministries/outreaches in NYC and churches with hundreds of volunteers. They have united as one, working as Rescue Alliance, with the goal to search and rescue the street bound homeless of NYC. Focusing on Manhattan, each Saturday in January from 2pm- 9pm hundreds of volunteers split into groups of 3-5 and walk every street in a "zone." They are literally searching out homeless people to take with them back to a base church where they can receive food, warmth, and hopefully a shelter and other resources such as detox or discipleship programs. The result has been exciting, with 30 people going to shelters and/or programs last Saturday night. As Austin puts it, "These people we encounter are so desperately cold, desperately lost, desperately drunk, they need to be rescued." Take a minute to check out the website and watch the video at dontwalkby.org or just click on the title of this post.

Christmas in Ohio

2008-12-29T19:13:00.004-05:00

Fall Pictures

2008-11-13T10:57:00.001-05:00

We had a fun birthday party for Daddy in October.

Mimaw and Papaw came to visit and raked up some leaves to play in.

The boys had fun trick-or-treating with our star wars friends.

Eli and Quintin with their 1st pet goldfish, Goldie. Sadly she "almost died" so we had to flush her to the sewer to live. (shhh)

Half-eaten

2008-11-13T10:52:00.000-05:00

This is when you know a 2 year old has been in the veggie tray.

Pray for little Cozzette

2008-11-08T10:58:00.002-05:00

Last year (see post from Sept. 07) our friends James and Joni had a little miracle, Cozzette. God answered our prayers in bigger ways than we could have expected. But now she is sick and in the hospital with some sort of infection which they think might be in her bone tissue. So we're asking again for your prayers. Joni also just found out she's pregnant again and so she is not feeling well and very tired on top of the exhaustion of staying in the hospital and stress of caring for a sick child. Please just lift them up and pray for strength and healing. Thanks!

Friday Night Kids

2008-09-27T09:00:00.006-04:00

So an update on Friday nights for those of you who've been praying (thank-you by the way!!!) :

We had our first official bible study last Friday night and there were 5 kids who attended! We did a game and lesson about Noah's Ark and how God protected him and will protect us too if we put our trust in Him. We sat on a grassy patch next to the bus and it went well but was a little too distracting of a spot. (Cars honking, fire trucks blaring by, the bus stop, etc) This week 4 of the kids returned plus 1 new one. We did our bible study on the bus where there is a small counseling room, just enough space for me and 6-7 other kids. I taught them about Adam and Eve and Psalm 139, how God created us and knew us before we were born. Then we learned that sin came into the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and we did the object lesson on how God can make our hearts pure again b/c of Jesus Christ. Anyway, I think for most of the kids it was the first time they had heard about Adam and Eve and that God loved them and created them. After the bible lesson and story they each got a prize for being good listeners. I was so excited by their hunger to know about who Jesus was and why he died for them. (We'll do that lesson next week.)

The last few weeks they have greeted me with smiles and hugs and I'm learning each of their names (that is a little difficult.) Please pray for my friends: Al Shaquam, Qualiel, Tasaan, Malik, Quayana, and Samantha.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I'm so excited about what God is going to do in these kids' lives! >>>>Darcy

Accountability Please

2008-08-10T22:24:00.004-04:00

Darcy here... I have a new mission from God and knowing myself, I need accountability to follow through. So please ask me how its going and please, please pray.

A few years ago when we lived in Indiana there were several of my students that lived in our neighborhood who liked to stop by and say hello. I thought how cool would it be if I offered them a pop-sickle or something and played games and told them about Jesus? Well, I know I should have done it but for one reason or another, mainly the great American excuse "I'm too busy with my important life", I didn't do it. I regret not acting on that calling, especially since now at least 2 of those kids are in juv. detention. Anyway, I'm not beating myself up, but God has called me to do it again and I will this time. I figure the more people I tell, then I can't back out. So here's the scenario:

One of the relief buses goes to a spot in Newark, NJ only about 15 min. from our house. Its on a Friday nights from 6:30- 9ish. But I'll drive and that way I can leave when the kids start taking off. Its located in the worst projects Austin and I have seen yet. We were both astonished and broken hearted. The first night I was there, we had the boys with us and they connected with a few of the kids in the neighborhood. I wanted so bad that night to tell those little boys about my Jesus, but I couldn't because I had a cold and had lost my voice. So my mind went on an idea spree of all the things we could do.

Here's my general plan: Face painting, balloons, etc to draw them in, share with the kids during a lesson time about Jesus through picture stories and object lessons, hand out gifts, snacks and tracts. One of my friends who does inner city children's ministry in NYC is getting curriculum- Thanks Maria! This Friday I plan on handing out about 15 pencil boxes with school supplies. Then when we come back from break we can start in full swing. But here's what I still need to do this so please pray:

A few volunteers on a consistent basis
Confidence b/c oh my gosh I'm scared to death!
Churches to send teams on Friday nights
Snack and prize donations
One older boy (maybe 12 yrs.) who needs to get saved immediately- all the kids are scared of him and so am I. I am claiming his life for the Lord.

Summer update

2008-07-21T22:50:00.004-04:00

Hi, sorry its been so long. As most people, we've had a busy summer. I (Darcy) have been in Ohio this week visiting my family. My Grandpa ended up in the hospital over the weekend and had to have a stint put in his heart. But he's doing much better and should be home soon.

We've enjoyed a few trips to the shore, the city, and lots of playgrounds this summer. We've also enjoyed having friends come to visit. Fourth of July was rainy but fun with our friends from NYCR.

And, oh, last but not least we found out our 3rd child will arrive sometime around Valentines Day 2009! Yeah morning sickness!

Thankfulness

2008-05-31T15:48:00.005-04:00

May 31, 2008

My heart has been heavy today. No, not because I'm 30 now, but because of what I saw yesterday. I don't have a picture to share of this woman but I'll try to paint a mental picture that won't leave my head and continues to bring me to tears. I was on my way to pick up Austin from work. (We were on our way to go out to dinner for my birthday.) About 3 blocks from the Hope Center, I was at a busy intersection waiting to turn and I saw a couple walking across the street. They were about my age. He had on plaid shorts and a white T-shirt and she was wearing orange. All of the sudden in the middle of the street he grabs her and starts beating her up. He dragged her back to the sidewalk and by the neck held her up to the brick bridge. He said something to her and then they were done. He walked away and sadly she followed him. Meanwhile I had been trying to call 911. After being transfered twice I was cut off. By that time they were already walking away so, feeling helpless, I drove on. I was so shocked at what I had just seen.
The rest of that evening and today I've felt so many emotions: anger, sadness, thankfulness. I hate that the woman and so many like her are living a life like that and I pray that she finds a savior in Jesus Christ. I wanted to run that man over with my car but I pray that he finds saving grace from Jesus Christ. And I am so thankful that I have never had to experience violence in my own childhood or marriage. I am so grateful to Jesus Christ for saving me from a life of hopelessness like so many around us face each day.

Home Sweet Home

2008-05-27T09:58:00.002-04:00

I'm speaking of the Mid-West of course. New Jersey is a great place to live and we have some wonderful friends here but there is just no place like home. We visited Indiana (very quickly) and Ohio last week and had a great visit. It felt so peaceful and we enjoyed the open spaces and being able to see forever. Austin canoed North Fork Creek and I bicycled with my sisters. The boys had days and days of fun playing with their cousins and being spoiled by grandparents. I left my camera cord in OH, so I'll post pictures later.

The Bronx Zoo

2008-05-02T09:56:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday Darcy, Eli, and Quintin went to the Bronx Zoo with their friend, Anne.

Eli waiting for the subway train.

Peeking at the Praire Dogs.

Pretending to be Spiderman was
the most exciting event for Eli!

Feeding the mountain goats.

Opening Day for T-ball!

2008-04-07T22:31:00.000-04:00

Saturday the 5th was opening day for the town league and Eli is playing T-ball. He is so excited to be a real baseball player!
They had a big parade with all the teams and some police and fire engines leading them to the baseball field. Go Dodgers!

Easter in New Jersey

2008-03-25T21:06:00.002-04:00

We celebrated Easter this year in a number of ways:
Coloring eggs
decorating our windows with tacky window clings of eggs and Easter bunny
family communion
reading the Easter story from a beautiful picture book
finding Easter baskets
turkey dinner
and my favorite the Easter play. This was Eli's idea and under his direction. Austin was the guard of the tomb and the angel, Eli was Jesus, Darcy was Mary Magdalene, Quintin was Peter, the spaceship tent was the tomb and the exercise ball was the stone that was rolled away. The scene started with the guard falling asleep and the tomb rolling away. I think Eli being a director/actor is a big possibility.

The boys had a blast coloring eggs. Quintin kept saying "Ooooh!"

The finished product.

Easter morning....Quintin found his basket before mommy and daddy new he was even awake and chomped down 3 suckers!

2008-03-12T12:03:00.001-04:00

A visit to Time Square at night.

Darcy's parents and friend, Nick, came for a visit in February. Here we are in Central Park.

Lady Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry.

The boys serving bread with Erin and Benny. They had so much fun with the team from College Church in Indiana. They loved all of the attention.

Snow!

2008-02-28T23:09:00.002-05:00

So How's the Weather?

2008-02-01T18:50:00.000-05:00

This picture was a couple of weeks ago when we had some unseasonably warm weather (60's). Austin and the boys were out back refinishing a table together.

Currently, we've had rain, rain, rain. There have been a few days below freezing but not many. Which means no snow. But let me be clear- I am NOT complaining. Snow is nice but I hate the freezing arctic temps of Indiana. So how's the weather where you are? (I really just needed to get something on our blog so you don't have to keep looking at the gross feet first thing.)

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2008-02-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

My Grandpa, Dean McDonald, turned 84 today! My Grandma, Kathryn McDonald turned 88 last month! Congratulations to you both for your long life and testimony.

2 Children
6 Grandchildren
9 Great Grandchildren

Some Effects of Homelessness... that we don't think about.

2008-01-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

I know that these pictures, to some are just gross! This is a friend of mine that has come to our bus for clean socks and some hot soup. After we had prayed with our friend (let's call him Allen), he went to a nearby bench and started to air out his feet. As he started to take off his socks they were very dirty and sticking to his feet in some places taking skin with the sock. He told me that he didn't change his socks very often. I had built a rapport with Allen and thought that I could ask him a few questions. I asked Allen if he had been to the doctor recently. Allen said that he had, and the doctor told him that as a result of sleeping sitting up on the subway, he was allowing all the blood to go to his legs, making his circulation very poor. I took a better look at his body and it was not just his feet and legs, his whole body was swollen. He couldn't tie his shoes and his pants were ripping at the seams due to the swelling.

We got him some socks and some Vaseline to moisturize his feet. Not only does his body swell and hurt it is hard for him to walk on his feet due to the sores and the swelling.
New York's homeless face problems unknown to even the poorest New Yorker's with permanent residence. Pray for Allen. This is just one of New York's homeless that try to find some sort of warm place to sleep on the subway. Which as you can see create even more problems for the people that have no place to call home.

Austin

My Friend, Orlando

2008-01-05T23:35:00.000-05:00

When I first met Orlando (about three months ago), he was wearing some sweet shades. The kind of shades you only see the movie stars wear. Nevertheless, he stood out. He was so drunk this day that he was passing out up against the fence. I tried to talk to him, but he had no clue what I was saying. I told him to come back next week so that we could hang outI started to see more of Orlando, as he would come to receive soup and prayer. He would come and hang out for a little longer each week. He would tell me that he loved Jesus and Jesus loved him. One week we were really close to placing him in a detox for his alcohol abuse. He left before a ride could get there.
This past Saturday, Orlando came and looked especially sick. Although he wasn’t drunk, his whole body was swelling up. I did not want to hurt my friend’s feelings, but I felt I needed to tell him that he was going to die. As soon as I said that, he started to cry. He told me that was what the doctor had told him 2 days prior. I asked how I could help him. He said that he needed to get his documents from his wife in order to be helped at the hospital. His wife lived over an hour away but it just so happened that we had volunteers helping us that day that live in the same city that Orlando’s wife does. BINGO! God had already set up this appointment without consulting my day planner or me. I love it when God does these things!
Before we got him back home he wanted to change his clothes. I asked him “Orlando, why waste any time, let’s get you back home.” He told me, “I want to look good for my wife.” You see, Orlando has been living on the streets for over 3 months. He often told me how much he loved and missed his wife. He hadn’t taken a shower or had a place to lay his head during that time. His clothes smelled and so did his body. I felt terrible for even asking him to hurry up. He put on a suit jacket and some nice pants that we gave him. He looked sharp!
Before they left to take him home, he looked at me and said, “You are my angel, God sent you to me to be my angel.” I couldn’t help but cry and didn’t say a word. I know that I am so far from being an angel but it was so humbling to hear him say those words.
Orlando returned to his wife who was so happy to see him. For Orlando, that day, we as a team acted as Jesus to him. “These things we do… that others might live.”

--Austin

2007-12-06T21:27:00.000-05:00

My three favorite boys!
The boys playing in Eli's fire truck bed. They played so well today. I think Q pulled Eli's hair only once today. Poor kid.
Its fun to see Eli leading Quintin along to play this or do that. Thankfully Eli is a good leader and tries to keep Quintin out of trouble, although it usually involves him yelling at the top of his lungs at Q. I'm surprised we're not evicted yet- there is a lot of yelling between them that goes on. Q just thinks its fun to yell. He even knows the words 'loud and scream' (he'll give you a sample if hears those words in conversation.) If he hears 'quiet' he pretends to whisper and then follows with a scream.

Quintin dressed as an engineer. He doesn't look like a baby anymore! :(

Our Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

We stayed in Elizabeth for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. We spent the day cooking the turkey, mashed potatoes, and noodles. Then we went over to our friends house where several families us. There were lots of kids and good friends. After we stuffed ourselves we played games and enjoyed the company all evening. Though I really missed my family, it was great being there with a group of people that felt like family.
We later went to our other friends house (I need to blog about how we met them!) We stayed there a little late and the boys were exhausted. Unfortunately our window got busted out while there. But Austin's philosophy is "What goes around comes around." I really wish he hadn't broken so many windows when he was young.
I'll post some pictures of our day as soon as they get emailed to me.

That Pagan Holiday (that's so much fun)

2007-11-05T20:27:00.001-05:00

Superman and Batman making an appearance.

We went trick or treating with our friends and had a blast. The kids ran the entire time. Quintin went door to door as well- he was not content with riding in the stroller and watching. He didn't really know what was going on but he like being superman and getting the candy.

An Answered Prayer

2007-11-05T20:20:00.000-05:00

This is my friend, Lucille. She is a regular volunteer on the bus and has a sweet spirit. Recently she fell and hurt herself, bruising ribs and had a doc's order not to come work with us for over a week. Since she has fallen her shoulder and arm have been hurt to the point where she cannot move it very much or even raise her arm above her head. She showed us last Wednesday in a meeting that she could raise her right arm above her head, but was asking for prayer b/c her left one was still hurt from her fall. We decided that it would be best to go ahead and pray for her healing right then. There were about 7 of us around her. I was the first to pray, and we had two more pray. I remember thinking when I was praying about having Faith and whatever you ask for it will be done. I prayed specifically for her healing. After we were done praying I thought well "what's next?" I am so new to praying and believing, I mean I had to face it and put my faith on the line. I believe that God gave His son, and that takes Faith, but when you pray for someone else's healing that seems that you are setting yourself up for disappointment....unless you believe and have faith. I did, I really did, but I was still not confident enough to tell her to raise her arm up and ask her about her pain. Thank the Lord though that another gentleman asked her to, and she did. She did it once and then, like she had just won the lottery, kept doing it over and over again. Praise our Lord!!!! I love to see Him at work, God is working on me and I am so excited about the journey. God grant me more Faith and help me to walk in that which you give me. I am willing and able to be your tool, use me my Lord! (Austin)

God Knows my Name!

2007-10-14T22:01:00.000-04:00

I don't usually write down lyrics or poetry, or forward wishy washy emails. But, there was a song we sang today in church that I felt I really needed to share with someone who would read this. I don't know who needed to hear this but isn't it great to know that God knows our name and hasn't forgotten about us. He is always what we need- we will not be disappointed when we come to him. These aren't the exact words, but you'll get the idea:

I am not forgotten
God knows my name.
Father to the fatherless,
Friend to the friendless,
Hope to the hopeless.
I am not forgotten,
Never forsaken.
God knows my name.

John 10:28 I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

Dingman's Falls

2007-10-09T21:47:00.000-04:00

We went to Dingman's Falls near the Delaware Water Gap a couple of weeks ago. We went with a group of friends from the hope center and had wonderful afternoon. The weather was great and it was good to get away and into nature. Don't worry- Quintin was not in any danger as it looks. It was a very shallow stream.

Does anyone know how to rotate this on blogger?

Eli, the thinker.

Got Blood?

2007-09-26T19:42:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday I was in Brooklyn leading the Bus outreach for New York City Relief. Unlike most Saturday's they had a drug free parade. There were thousands of people that came through the park that day. The FDNY had a station set up handing out smoke detectors and giving people demonstrations on home fire safety. The local Planned Parenthood were handing out condoms and giving quizzes to see how much the general public know about HIV/Aids. I missed one question. Of course, this allowed her to give her spiel on safe sex. I listened. There were also people trying to help the elderly get better health coverage. As usual we had a farmer's market within 100 feet and the ladies from the church across the street selling clothing and giving the money to some of there missionaries. Parked right behind us was this big R.V. converted into a blood drive on wheels. I was wondering why they didn't have anyone standing in line to give blood, from what I thought it was a simple process that didn't affect you at all. Boy, was I ever wrong! So, me being the great guinea pig I am, I ventured over and asked how long it would take, "about 1/2 hour". That is manageable, I went and made sure all was fine at the bus and came back to donate blood.
First, they gave me a questionnaire with questions about sex and orientation, not in any certain order. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked "why so many questions about male on male stuff?". I must have sounded guilty "Sir, we are not trying to single you out by any means." After she said that I didn't know how to reply, I chuckled and said that "Don't get me wrong I am married." We went through an awkward silence and then she said "what do you guys do over at your bus?" I told her the scoop and how much I love Jesus and his call in Matthew 25, and also about the sheep and the goats. She replied, "Baaaaaa." She then put me on the table and put this BIG needle in my arm, not how I had envisioned it. I thought maybe they would take one of those needles with a container on one side and pull out a dropper full of blood. Nope, not at all. No wander there wasn't a line waiting outside. In fact, I was the only one in there the entire time. Finally after I had given my blood away I got a free shirt and bottle of water. Walking out of the R.V. I almost fell, I went back to my team at our bus and they told me to go lay down I looked like Casper. I did for a few minutes using my new shirt as my pillow. Yesterday, I got a notice in the mail saying I could donate blood every 56 days! Sorry, not me. --Austin

A Little Miracle

2007-09-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

I want to share a story about a miracle that happened in my friends' life that we got to witness firsthand. James and Joni, long time friends of ours, were 20 weeks pregnant with their second daughter when they found out there were complications. The ultrasound showed a mass on the baby's side and the baby's heart was turned and enlarged. They didn't know what the mass was but decided they would do a c-section at 39 weeks in case surgery was needed immediately. We began to pray, along with other family. One night as Austin and I prayed for them we sensed the Holy Spirit doing a work on baby Cozette and prayed that Joni would even feel it inside her. Sure enough the next day Joni told me that the baby was going crazy inside of her about the same time we were praying and she couldn't even go to sleep. But from that point they began to have a peace that everything would be fine.
I was able to go to Arkansas (without the boys!!) to help as they had no idea what was ahead of them. Well, Cozette was born Aug. 27th at 7lb. 14 oz. She appeared to be completely healthy aside from the mass. She was taken to Children's hospital and as they began to run tests they soon found out that the mass was completly vascular and they would just watch it and not need to do surgery right away if ever. And... her heart was perfectly fine, not turned or enlarged at all!!! Our God is amazing and DOES answer prayer. We have to trust him and believe that he is who he says he is! Please pray that the mass continues to shrink and disappear without surgery.

More Adventures...

2007-09-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

Here we are at Battery Park in Manhattan.
Behind us is the Hudson River.

This was our last trip to the beach for the summer.
I can't say I'll miss the sand but isn't it beautiful?!

Peering into Lake Surprise at Watchung Reservation, hoping not to find any 'surprises'.
Quintin is trying with all his might to get free so he can play in that water!

The Need is too Great...for us

2007-09-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

I went on the bus today with Austin to Chelsea Park in Manhattan. We left the boys with a friend (we trade babysitting when we want to go on the bus with our husbands.) After praying and worshiping on our way into the city, we pulled up to the busy park and were greeted by a team ready to serve on the bus. First, I must say what a miracle it is every week to have a parking spot on this busy street. Praise God! When we pulled in there were homeless people already waiting for the bus. When I stepped off the bus I was immediately approached for some help from a woman who was pregnant and wanted some type of assistance. Another lady wanted a blanket for the nights that are quickly becoming chilly here. As I listened to their needs I felt overwhelmed with sorrow and thought I might start crying right there. But I knew I had to suck it up and try to help. We had some clothes on the bus that were donated by someone who cleaned out their closet. As I sat at the back of the bus organizing these clothes which were mostly womens (not helpful at this location but they would be tomorrow in Brooklyn) one man after another came asking for pants, shirts, jackets, underwear, shoes. I sadly had to tell them sorry not this week. Underwear... how humiliating must that be to have to ask for a pair of underwear? Or to take a pair of women's pants and jacket so you could have a clean change of clothes.
If it breaks my heart and probably yours too as you're reading this, think how God must feel to see his children hurting like this. His children. We try to meet there physical needs but sometimes we can't. We can offer them soup, a drink, an ear to listen, a referral to other missions, a prayer, and the hope of Jesus Christ. The need is too great for us to handle, but not for God. --Darcy

We Love Volunteers!

2007-09-10T21:30:00.000-04:00

One of Austin's first days on the streets working, he comes home and says "I got this guy named Vinny at my Brooklyn spot. If I need anything Vinny can do it." I say, "Hold on...what do you mean you got this guy named Vinny. We're missionaries now. You can't have a guy named Vinny and what does Vinny do?"
Well, come to find out Vinny is a new Christian who lives in Brooklyn and meets the bus each week in Brooklyn as well as the Manhattan spot. He volunteers his time every week to come and help. Vinny speaks Spanish and God is using him to break through the language barrier we sometimes encounter.

FYI: NYCR actually depends on volunteers for day to day operation. We have many church groups that come and serve. There are also several people who volunteer their days on a regular basis at the Hope Center and on the Relief Bus. Some of our volunteers have been serving for more than 5 years!

We are so eager to have as many of our friends as possible to come and volunteer for a day or two on the bus. Let us know if you want to come!

-Darcy

Testimony Time

2007-09-06T13:44:00.001-04:00

I just finished giving my testimony to the board of my Ministry here, New York City Relief. Yeah, the Almighty Board, the long table, suits, shoes that shine brighter than Willard Scott's head, sweet hair do's done by women named Flo, the whole works. Where our ministry is located is definitely not considered the Hampton's but, when the board comes we have Mercedes, Chrysler 300's, cars that I can't pronounce the name, line the block and people from all over our hood are gawking at our car show.
Though seriously, what a blessing to be able to share what God has done. Scary though for me, I feel so ashamed of my past sometimes. It took me (with my hard head) so long to know that the Lord loves me more than I will ever imagine. When we actually grasp how much our creator loves us our whole world changes. AA (alcoholics Anonymous) has a saying that we need to change our people, places, and things. These things change automatically when we figure out how much 'in love' our Father is with us. Thank You Lord for continually loving me, no matter what! My testimony time ended with me being prayed for by the people that serve on the board. I feel so blessed to have these 'major players' in business all over the East Coast praying for me. I shall continually serve...thinking and living out Proverbs 3: 5&6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -Austin

Here's what we've been up to...

2007-08-20T17:41:00.000-04:00

Our friends, Dennis and Jackie, that come to the bus every week in Manhatten.

Darcy gets to come on the bus occasionally when a friend watches the boys.

We can drive to the Jersey shore in an hour to enjoy a day away.

The boys love playing in the sand. They get covered head to toe (and every nook and cranny in between)!

Our New Home: Elizabeth, NJ

2007-08-20T17:24:00.000-04:00

We moved here on July 1st and all went well. We are renting the first floor and basement of a 2 family home. We live in a quiet neighborhood near the park and are getting to know our neighbors. During our first few weeks here we really felt like we were in another country with so many different languages all around us. Eli began speaking his own dialect of “Spanish”. Luckily he can translate for us. With people from all over the world, we were quickly reminded of whom our great country is made up.
We are adjusting now and can even find our way around town without getting lost every time we leave home. We are finding fun things to do like visits to Sandy Hook Shore, IKEA (a store with a ball pit for kids), Toys ‘R’ Us, every playground in the city, and of course visits to NYC. We’ve also made some great friends. There are several families at NYCR with young children. We are still church hunting, but have enjoyed the different churches and know God will take us to the right church home soon.

Painted Faces

2007-08-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

One of many faces painted by Libby at the Brooklyn spot.

Our friends, Billy and Libby, from Indiana came to visit in August. They spent a day on the bus and then stayed and toured the city. Here they are in Time Square.