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LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A few weeks ago, I watched the local news as Florida Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion was mobilized and began their journey to Fort Stewart in Georgia. Like you, I was struck by their resolve and the commitment to support our country, regardless of the costs. Within a few moments, my heart was broken as I realized the sacrifices that each local family would endure during this time of separation. For up to a year, spouses, children, parents, and relatives would have to struggle with the challenges of separation AND the daily challenges of just making ends meet. As I reflected on this news, I realized that the sacrifice of these local families could very well lead them to our doorstep, asking for food, clothing, financial assistance, or spiritual support. With almost 1,800 solders mobilized or deployed since January 1st, 1,800 families are left in Central Florida without their normal support structure. What could I do? What could the Christian Service Center do to ease the burden for these families? One of our greatest strengths is the relationship that the Center has developed within the Faith Community of Central Florida, especially Orange County. In addition, the Center is able to quickly respond to the needs of a selected group of affected individuals in our community, as we established after 9-11. So, we decided to provide a new and necessary service of support for this part of our community. Within a few days and many phone calls, we had put together Operation Home Fires, our attempt to help meet the needs of these newly at-risk families. With the leadership of our Board of Directors, we implemented a plan that would help us route these families efficiently through our emergency system while maintaining their much-deserved honor. Next, we realized the much of the community did not understand the growing need. So we organized a Conference for Church Leaders and invited influential local leaders to be share their personal insights. On March 4, 2003, 100 people gathered to hear local military and community leaders talk about the challenges of families of our activated and mobilized military. Major General (Ret.) Ron Harrison and Brigadier General David Godwin joined with Chaplain Steve Hess and Red Cross representative Ted Williams to outline the dilemma faced by these families. At the close of this conference, we held a panel discussion with questions from the audience directed to men and women on the frontline of family support. In short, now is the time for action…our action. Unlike any other time that I can remember, we are at a watershed event. We must pray for our leaders while we care for our neighbors who are and will sacrifice so much for their country’s call. Operation Home Fires is building steam. If you want more information, would like to participate as a contributor or volunteer, or would help provide the leadership for your local faith community, please contact us by phone or our special website www.OperationHomeFires.com. MURAL UNVEILED On Monday, January 27th, the Christian Service Center unveiled an 8-by-27 foot mural in the Downtown Daily Bread building. The mural was an original piece created by local artist Joe Alarie. This mural depicts a man with outstretched arms, holding two building bricks with the inscription, MATT 25:35-36. Behind him are glimpses of this Scripture passage: a family being served a meal, a bottle of cold water to drink, a man finding a new home, a woman with new clothes, a man visiting a sick friend, and a prisoner being visited in jail. All of these are actions to which Christ has called us, each are part of our ministry here at the Christian Service Center. Leave A Legacy You too can still be a part of this commemorative event. Our goal is to provide this remembrance to all of our supporters so that they, too, can add their name to our building blocks. We are building a wall that will encircle us all. If you want to be a part of this, please check out this web site or give us a call, and join us as we keep this candle aflame. DAILY BREAD RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION The Daily Points of Light Award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award. The program dates back to the administration of former President George Bush, Sr. On Monday, January 27, 2003, the Center’s Daily Bread program was honored with this prestigious award. "It is quite an honor for the Christian Service Center to receive this national award, but even a greater honor for our Lord and the thousands of 'lights' that make this program work," stated Executive Director Robert Stuart. And just a few days letter, we received more good news! On Friday, February 7, 2003, our own Haggeo Gautier, Director of Crisis Ministries, was selected as a Daily Points of Light Award recipient. Haggeo runs three programs for the Christian Service Center for Central Florida including the Orlando & Winter Park Family & Emergency Services (pantry items, clothing, financial assistance and referral), Orlando Daily Bread (serving 500 each day a nourishing noontime meal), and Fresh Start (a men’s residential program). "Haggeo is a wonderful person filled with patience, compassion and dedication to helping anyone that he meets," said Robert Stuart. "His patience is evidenced in myriad situations. Haggeo greets people with a smile and a hug, and does whatever is necessary to get someone the help they need." In addition to his duties at the Center, Haggeo has found time to volunteer at other organizations in the area such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Colonial High School, and Trees for Life. He is an ordained minister who runs Inner City Community Church, which meets each Sunday afternoon in downtown Orlando. MARK YOUR CALENDAR April 9: Daily Bread Street Celebration will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Center’s downtown campus. Volunteers needed to help set up and serve. April 14 to 18: Ecumenical Holy Week Services sponsored by the Christian Service Center will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando each day from 12:05 to 12:35 pm. April 18: Join us for a Good Friday CrossWalk through Downtown Orlando. We will begin on the steps of Orlando City Hall at 11:30 am. June 11: The Center’s annual Prayer Breakfast will begin at 7:30 am at the Orlando Expo Center. For more information about any of these events, please call the Christian Service Center at 407-425-2523. Revised: January 18, 2008 |
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