Faith Hope and Love

Space for Ministry Avaiable

2008-11-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

Bridges To Life, Inc. is now offering commercial space for lease for
those who are Kingdom Builders, and have a passion for ministry! We
have recently been blessed with a 5500 square foot building located at
2924 East Washington street!

The location is perfect for ministry, in that it sits in the heart of
Urban Indianapolis, where souls are in great need!

We are offering the lower half of the facility which is approximately
2000 square feet for an incredible $1.00 yes one US DOLLAR per square
foot. Minimum 2 year lease is required.

Interested ministries can contact Jerome Jorman Sr. at (317) 717-8277.

May God's Peace and Blessings Be With You!

NewsLetter from Merlin

2008-09-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

All of you were involved in the past outreaches and/or the pantry on Saturday, the 6th. I may have missed others; so please forward this also to potential future volunteers. Thank you for your willingness to serve the community unconditionally. Altogether, there were 40+ volunteers for the entire pantry from preparation to clean up; about half were first time volunteers. Please check out this link http://cityreaching.pbwiki.com/Faith+Hope+Love

We served more than 200 families at the corner of 10^th/Rural; half of them were new to the FHL Pantry. The parking was a challenge but things went very. Everyone worked hard and was energized by the accomplishment of the entire team at the end of the day.

I spoke with several volunteers regarding the FHL’s “Kindness Weekend”. This event is similar to the Mobile Food Pantry but we serve the community in other ways other than food pantry. Some of the weekend (Saturday) outreaches are painting, light construction, gardening, trash pick ups, etc. Most of the projects are family-friendly and everyone can participate. The similarity is that we visit different areas of the community to serve as a catalyst for garnering active participation in community service from Indianapolis area churches, businesses, government and educational institutions. Stay tune for the next ‘Kindness Weekend’.

If you would like to know more about FHL’s ‘Kindness Weekend’, please join us at the Business Appreciation Luncheon at GT South BBQ located at 71^st St. west of Binford on Sept. 16^th from 11:30a-1:00p. We only have limited seats available. If you are interested for this Free luncheon, please RSVP me by responding to this email by Tuesday, the 9^th. Many businesses in the area had served with FHL in the past. You will hear some of their testimonials.

You were part of the positive change in the community; we touched countless people. I would like to encourage you to invite others to join us in the near future. To experience the blessings in serving.

FHL is currently interviewing for volunteers/Interns. Please let me know if you know anyone who might be interested in on-the-job training in areas of administrative, events and program planning, technology, media and communications, marketing and promotions, etc. You will learn first hand how to be a catalyst of positive changes in our city.

Sincerely,

Merlin Gonzales
CEO, FHL

It Takes Time

2008-08-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends.

Let me just say that I never dreamed it would take this much time to get out some video of FHL 2008. It has been quite and adventure.

My poor home computer was bogged down already and then I've been working it even harder. Time out for some reorganization. At last, I rearranged software programs and made way for offloading video. Now, where to put it so that all of you can see it? An external harddrive for the offloaded video. So do I just post the "clips" or is it better to create "movies"?

Before I could do either I had to offload from dv tape to the computer. Then cut apart the different clips and catalog. Labeling was even more difficult since I was not provided with individual names or affiliations.

So I am going to post some parts on the Youtube and it will show up in the viewer below. I will get more creative with movies as I get more detailed information on the clips so that I can accurately credit them.

Thank you all for your patience. I promise I have spent hours, all-nighters and days trying to get this together for you.

With the limitations as to software and advanced editing equipment, it just takes time and LOTS of it. I hope that you will find it worth the wait.

Since "Patience" is one of the fruits of the Spirit... I cannot wait for the harvest (pun was intended).

Blessings, Ellen5e

We Are Messengers: Pass it On.

2008-07-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ ---

You were and are blessings to Indianapolis. Word could not express my sincere gratitude and honor working with you. The hungry were fed, the oppressed were given hope, people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior and God’s unconditional love spread throughout the metro Indy.

There are many testimonies and stories yet to come. Check out this passage from Psalm 78:4b-7,

4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.

5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,

6 so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.

7 Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.

Please continue to send me your testimonies. You and I are conduits of God’s dominion to our city. As Bill Johnson say on his Book, When Heaven Invades Earth, “Encounters with the Almighty God become a unifying factor for generations”.

God revealed himself as Jehovah Nissi, THE LORD IS MY BANNER at a great battle after the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea and while they were wandering in the desert. In Exodus 17:8-16 Moses ordered Joshua, to lead the Israelites into battle while he stood on top of a hill to pray.

They won and God told Moses to write down what had happened and read it in Joshua's hearing. God knows the time when Moses would be gone and Joshua would be called upon to take over leadership of God's chosen people. Joshua crossed the Jordan River into Canaan (the Promised Land) and defeat Jericho. Joshua had many battles ahead of him and God wanted him to remember back to this one and the victory God had given them.

You and I are God’s message to the community and God’s glory need to be told.

"Don't just ask for a miracle; Be the miracle for others and for our city!"

God bless,

Merlin

SHARE the Love. . . Tell the Story!

2008-07-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

Though the event Faith Hope and Love Week is over... the legacy goes on. We are asking for your help as we create testimonies of remembrance so that we are reminded of what our God has done for us in the past. The ways in which everyday people are used to meet the needs of their fellows through the faith, hope and love bestowed on them through Christian caring and sharing.

These stories will act as grounding in gratitude for a "foundation in faith" that we can turn to whenever we come across another hurdle. Not "if", but "when" we reach a time when troubles seem to loom up again, we can draw on these testimonies of God's faithfulness and provision of miracles as a source of encouragement.

Our combined testimonies make up the Faith, Hope, and Love story. And that story can teach those God directs us to help to do the same, to tell their children, now here and yet unborn, how God helped them through us. The power of the Lord can then turn generations of families around from not having faith, to possessing a surpassing faith, from being hopeless, to having hope, from feeling unloved, to knowing they are loved by our Lord and Savior, Jesus, who acts through His servants, you and I. That is the power of our written testimonies!

So as Merlin always says: "Be the Miracle for others and for your city" and ask the Lord to help you write your Faith, Hope, and Love Testimony. May God bless you for it.

***************************************************************

Here is another testimonial regarding Faith Hope and Love Week 2008:

"Thanks to ALL of you for your hard work and dedication in making this all work. The projects I visited in Noblesville, Carmel, Nora and Homeplace all were such a great testimony, as were all the projects going on all week long. FHL and you are all making an impact for Christ. I think we would all be amazed if we could really see the number of lives touched last week---the kids at the apartment complex, the single Mom, the neighbors around the park, the kids who will be blessed at the Diabetes Camp....and the list goes on....

Merlin---you are a blessing and it continues to be a privilege to know your heart for outreach and work towards that vision. Thank you for your tireless passion for FHL." –– Lynn N.

If YOU have a story to tell about something you witnessed or experienced during Faith Hope and Love Week 2008, please send an email to merlin@fhlinternational.org so that we may share the blessings of how God works among His people!!

Testimonials About FHL Week 2008

2008-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some testimonials received this week during Faith Hope and Love Week:

"Everyone was so appreciative of our time and work: and even though we weren't able to do some of our tasks to completion, I felt that our interaction with others was more important. I could "live out" the "experience" instead of just completing a task. Thank you."
–– Tammy D. with Christus Youth Goup/Youth Work Groups

"It was really fun" –– Paige D. with Oakland U.M.C.

"Overall this experience was really great! I really feel that this community was blessed to have us! I know that I will continue helping. This made my faith/belief stronger with God : ) Thanks for letting us help!" –– Hannah T. with Christus Luthern Church

"Even though the work was hard, it was nice to see the people happy when we were done."
–– Dana R. with Christus Youth Work Groups

"Love Out Loud! This has been an awesome experience for all our youth."
–– Donna B. with Oakland Methodist Youth Group

We ALL are blessed as we share the stories of how God uses us to bless another; to meet needs where we can; to show the love of Jesus Christ to a hungry and hurting world. Thank you to all the volunteers for not only sharing your time, but actually sharing your lives with those whose lives were touched by your kindnesses this week.

Likewise, thank you to the people that we were honored to help this week. May God continue to work a good work through you, growing your faith in His provision and care for you. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share in your blessing!

If you have further testimonials, stories, or feedback regarding Faith Hope and Love Week 2008, please submit them to merlin@fhlinternational.org and cc. to ellenspencer22@gmail.com.

Day 4 of Faith Hope and Love Week

2008-07-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Merlin reports –– We started the day at New Beginning Ministries (Urban Area) and were joined by Weeks of Hope youth. They worked on the McCord Park project, weeding, gardening, picking up trash, handing out flyers, etc.

I went to visit the Carmel-Westfield area. Their main project is the Diabetes Foundation Camp in Noblesville. God had provided this group way more than they expected. They worked on a ditch that was causing erosion. 2 businessmen who own a construction company brought their heavy equipment, some employees and supplies. One of the main construction companies that digs quarries provided the crushed stones needed. They also painted, cleaned, trimmed trees, etc. for the camp.

Prayer Trailer ministered to many Hispanics today.

Steve Sjogren spoke at Greenwood Christian Church. He is a down to earth person and a humorous speaker. Lots of wisdom in his talk.

God bless,

Merlin

Photo --Orvil Tucker, Host at New Beginning Ministries during FHL Week by IndyChristian

Photo -- Steve Sjogren Servant Evangelist, speaker, author by Ellen5e

The FHL Prayer Trailer

2008-07-24T01:01:00.000-07:00

One of the most talked about ministry projects during Faith Hope and Love week is the presence and impact of the FHL Prayer Trailer.

The 2008 prayer trailer was made available through Event Pro which was an answer to prayer in and of itself. If another group would like to look into it's rental, they may contact info@fhlinternational.org.

Thanks to all who have volunteered so far for the Prayer Trailer!

Here are the Locations where the Prayer Trailer is scheduled yet to appear:
Wednesday-79th and Michigan at Tienda Morelos
Thursday, it is at 30th and Central.
Friday-10002 E 42nd St (call 898-5326 if lost) Bell Chapel

Feel free to show up if you are available and have time throughout the
week. Go ahead and call 523-0384 if you think you
can help at all. Again, the shifts are 10-1, 1-4, and 4-7, but any
time you all could help would be great and awesome!

If you feel led, please lift the trailer in prayer. Thank you all!

The prayers of the righteous man availeth much.

Volunteers pray with those who came in off the street for prayer. On this day, Tuesday, the prayer trailer was located at the corner of Rural and 10th streets in near eastside Indy. There was a steady flow of people stepping inside to the AC, praying with FHL volunteers and getting a bit to eat on their way out.

Food for the soul and the body. Blessed be the Lord!

Photo 1: Prayer Trailer at Rural and 10th in Indianapolis--by Ellen5e
Photo 2: Volunteers pray with a visitor off the street--by Ellen5e

The Faith to Step Out

2008-07-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of Faith Hope and Love Week was a day in which we focused on FAITH.

We gathered in the Phillips Temple for morning registration and devotions before heading out on urban FHL projects for the day.

Guest Pastor Joseph Reaves of Greater Faith House of Prayer presented the challenging message "The Faith to Step Out". My brief notes on the sermon were:

1)See 2) Talk 3)Envision 4)Pleases God

God is in control. He does have a plan. And each of us has a part to fulfill; a purpose.

First you see something, then you say something, then you Do something . . . this is what pleases God. Do we take notice? See things as God sees them? And when we do see... do we speak up or out? Then do we envision the solution? Do we step up to the plate and lead? By taking notice; taking a stand; and doing something to better the situation... stepping out in faith... we are pleasing God.

Minister Dian Foreman said...: Today was my first experience with Faith, Hope and Love Week. I originally had plans to be in Atlanta with my youth group however those plans changed unexepectantly. As I entered Phillips Temple today I was greeted by two young ladies who registered me (I will gladly pay you next Tuesday!) In the sanctuary I could hear Pastor Reeves giving a word on Faith to encourage volunteers before they ventured out. I had the opportunity to go go out with Kelly, Matt and Taylor. Our first stop was the apartment building on the corner of 34th and Meridian... We passed out a flyer to a young lady who was waiting on a gentleman to pass (I think we interfered with a transaction). She was receptive..accepted the flyer..the apartments have a courtyard and we encountered three young men who we spoke to briefly and told them about the great things going on in their community. As we left I could hear the dice hitting the ground. The walk was interesting and I prayed as we traveled. I am thankful for the opportunity to stretch and share...but I was reminded of how much work there is to do for the Kingdom.

I am reminded yet again, that though things may seem impossible, highly unlikey, simply beyond my ability to even comprehend how to even begin the process, let alone have the energy and wisdom to carry it out... despite all of this... GOD is in control! I'm just a vessel. He's the power, the might, and the means. If I will just step out in obedience, depending not on myself, but on GOD, that is true faith. That is what pleases my Father; when I can humbly admit, I need Him, I trust Him, and I will obey Him.

Photo 1: Pastor Joseph Reaves inspires with the Word--by Ellen5e
Photo 2: Volunteers pray before departing for projects/mission work.--by IndyChristian

Another day full of miracles.

2008-07-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Merlin Reports:

I had the opportunity to worship with the Carmel-Westfield area. They had several projects (Mercy, kindness, service) all around town. New relationships started among the volunteers and with the recipients of services. A simple act of kindness such as giving away watermelon to people made a lot of difference in the community.

The Gas station outreach (pumping gas and cleaning windshield) in Castleton was a big hit once again. I saw mother and son working together. Some customers were amazed at the service they received from volunteers. They were very appreciative of the volunteers taking day off to serve them unconditionally.

There were volunteers from people who needed community service hours from the city. They helped out sort donations at Horizon House in downtown Indy.

Prayer Trailer at 10^th/Rural was a big hit. I met a sister in Christ who has a ministry in the area and has a heart to reach out to the businesses along Pendleton Pike Men’s Club. We prayed for many people who are hungry to know more about Jesus.

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) received lots of help from dozens of youth (Weeks of Hope) from West Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin and Kentucky. From the word of Donna Belding, Executive Director of IHN, “You do not know how it’s going to shake (FHL) out but it always works out’.

A group of business men/women went to help serve dinner at Wheeler Mission. Nora-Castleton ended the day at First Baptist Church Food Pantry. At the end of the day, I drove by the house that is being rehabbed by the Noblesville-Fishers area. The siding is halfway done. Attached is a picture taken yesterday, Monday, July 21^st.

It was a day of compassion and kindness.

Merlin

"Building Up" One Another

2008-07-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

Merlin Reports:

I was only able to visit Nora-Castleton & Noblesville-Fishers area today. The broken were given free haircut, manicure & pedicure today. It’s only the first day of missions and a lot of grounds had been covered. Siding of a house and Free community games and food in Noblesville, gardens and farm work in Fortville. There were bottle water give away, spending time with the young students in Nora Both areas had more than 70 volunteers each.

All these work would not be possible without the unity in the Body of Christ. Unified front is what we need…unity, one of the prayers of Christ for His disciples before He was crucified.

The Prayer Trailer was parked in front of Chic-fil-a on 82nd St. Tomorrow, it will be at 10th/Rural from 10a to 7pm.

Photo by Merlin Gonzales: raised beds being built and tended.

2008-07-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Personally, I have not been actively involved in Faith Hope and Love International before. In fact, it was the very fact that I had heard of Faith Hope and Love Week only in passing in years past that caused me to seek out more information about FHL International.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find very much information and what I did find was not easy to get to. Therefore, when a good brother in Christ told me of an upcoming planning meeting for FHL, I jumped at the chance to go learn from the core.

Since I have a passion for people, specifically connecting with people, I went to the meeting to see why it was that there had not been much publicity for this upcoming 4th annual event. Before you know it... I'm in the deep water. That's right. I'm all in!

Though there is added pressure due to time constraints, I hit the ground running and gave it my best.

After about ten days from when I got involved with FHL, a terrible storm blew through and took out our cable service. We were less than 2 weeks away from FHL Week and I had not telephone, TV (no big loss there) and NO internet service. Yikes!!

It seems that I am being tested to put my actions where my mouth is. Time to walk the talk. I was incredibly impatient as I watched the days tick off the calendar with still no service. It wasn't until Sunday (almost a week) that the cable guy came and repaired the damaged cable outside. Now, I was very behind... bordering on swamped.

All the while it was as if God were saying, " Do you trust me?" Either I would admit that God IS in control of EVERYTHING or I could just get worked over by frustration and stress of things not going my way. I choose the former.

So, my friends, though what I would LIKE to get accomplished will not get done. Though what does get worked on will not be to the degree of perfection that I may have aspired to.... yet will I glory in my Lord, for He has never forsaken me.

Sunday Day 1 - Spirit Flows

2008-07-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

Merlin Gonzales reports:

The day started with corporate prayers. Live Worship started at 1:15pm. At 2:45pm, we sent the group to their stations at 2:45p and the Shofars were blown at 3pm. We had dozens of flag bearer and dancers who joined the walk. Each lap is preceded by the blowing of shofars. At the end of the 7 laps, shofars were blown at a higher platform of the circle. We prayed and dedicate the day to the Lord. FHL Dance Group performed flowless; the 4 prayers leaders were on fire and the worship was awesome. The Sacred Dance Group were opened up the heaves with their passionate dance. The people shouted, danced, jumped and praised God for several minutes after the dance. I was like in heaven praising God with the angels. People were stunned especially those who are by standers and the bikers along the circle.

At the end, one individual accepted the Jesus as His Lord and Savior. 2 second before the official end of the event, the rain started to pour. It was as if the Lord answered the last prayer and exhortation-I prayed that the Lord will baptize the city.

I visited the Carmel concert at the ‘Gazebo’. I read the Indiana Proclamation and prayed over the city; gave thanks and glory to the Lord. Orchard Park Presbyterian church lead the worship.

It was an event that I will never forget. The city was blessed and God opened up the heavens.

Praise the Lord!

Merlin