http://backtobasicsradio.com/blog/44-blog/286-the-whosoevers-road-tour
This is a link to a blog post by Pastor Brian Brodersen about a group of guys that I think are absolutely amazing. I'm rooting for them and dreaming up a way to invite them to Ottawa…
Let's pray!
I got this in my email box yesterday from Phil and he gave me permission to share it…
For months now – as I walked down Wellington Street , on my merry way to the bank, the library,
Kentucky Ducky, Giant Tiger – wherever I might happen to roam – I've noticed – sort of shining
off in the background on a side street – a Barber Shop. It's not too large – or too ostentatious.
It makes no boasts or claims – there are no 'deals' or prices posted. It has no flash. It appears
to have been there a long time, but appears clean and well-kept.
Whenever I think of the haircut I've been avoiding for well over a year, usually on the grounds of
'if I have any leftover money when I get paid' sort of thing – I think of this place. For some reason,
it sticks in my mind – as a likely friendly, well-run, established, neighborhood sort of business, just the kind of place you'd be made welcome - talked to by name – and chatted with.
Well – today I had the money – I had the time – and I was on my way back from the library – so
I finally bit the bullet. I walked in – and there – sitting in one of the two chairs – in a very homey
sort of clean, well-kept place – was an older woman – who smiled whe I came in. She greeted me,
chatting and talking about just what sort of thing I'd like – and proceeded to give me one of the best
haircut experiences I've had – bar none – in my life.
I was wearing my 'Created to Worship' T-shirt – she wore a medallion of the virgin Mary and a
cross… You can imagine the slow, stately verbal dance that began at that point……
Carole is 59 years old (she let that slip), has been in business for over 30 years, goes to church
around the corner daily, has two sons, loves the Lord, has personal experience with twelve-step
programs, has studied as an addictions counsellor, and gives to the poor regularly, and insisted
I describe to her the ministry of Jericho Road – and give her a business card.
I was blessed. I think I'll be getting regular haircuts.
God – is also a God of haircuts…….
Many of you know that Jericho was one of the first doors God opened for me to serve here in Ottawa. I met Ray in October of 2004, volunteered and by December of 2004 was a part-time chaplain for them for a couple of years.
It's mind-blowing to actually take a few minutes and look back over the last 6 years at what the Lord has done. So many guys have met Jesus and their lives are totally transformed. It's unrecognizable. You wouldn't believe the stories if you met them today. I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT GOD IS GOOD! THERE'S NOTHING THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!
Well, why would I be talking to them with you over coffee?
A couple of reasons.
First, they are reorganizing some of their materials. Check out their materials here, here and here. And, you have to read the testimonies! I know those guys!
Second, they are gearing up for their annual fundraising auction. It's a rocking time! Gen and I love going it's a great meal and we love seeing some people we don't get to see that often. It's a fun night.
For the auction, you can come for the meal, you can bid on the donated items, or you can donate some thing for the auction.
Gen donated an in-home, private concert… yes, it's priceless!
Download JR Transition House brochure
Download JR Discipleship House brochure
This is from Jon Ruby's blog…
Well it's official……..Breaking the Chains 2011 ………………..
On May 13th, 2011, at the Bronson center we will worship Jesus Christ for his saving power and surrender to his ability to set free the captives. We have invited recording artist Flame and some of his friends to join us……..WHOOOO HOOOO!!!!! The night will consist of powerful testimonies, music, bible reading and prayer.
Can you join us in prayer in getting ready for this event???
Pray for the testimonies that will be shared that night.
Pray that the musicians will arrive safe from the U.S.A.
Pray for finances to come in.
Pray that God starts moving in the hearts of men and women that need healing and freedom from addiction.
Pray for the organization of the night itself.
Thanks for your help!!!!!!
–
Posted By jonnyruby to Breaking the Chains at 9/27/2010 03:08:00 PM
Here's a story I didn't get to share here yet, it happened a couple of weeks ago.
Jon Ruby and a bunch of the guys from Jericho along with Doug and Linda went to Cedarview. Randy was asked to share his testimony. But the rest of the crew put their testimonies on a piece of cardboard similar to what this church did and came out and presented them to the people to some music.
From all reports, it was powerful, moving, and tissues were being used by the end of the service.
One of the men in that church, who also serves on the board of Jericho, sent me an email the following day, thanking us for letting a bunch of guys from our church come over a bless their church. What a glorious privilege to see the work of God in transformed lives up close, and then be able to bless other parts of the body of Christ in Ottawa. May God find us faithful and may He receive all the glory for what He has done!
My friends, Jon and Vikki Ruby along with all the guys at Jericho Road have been working on this for a while, and it's ready to launch…
Here's the official info:
On Thursday, June 3rd we will officially launch Celebrate Recovery Jericho Road.
Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step program with Jesus Christ as our Higher Power.
Anyone can find hope at Celebrate Recovery, no matter the struggle: Adult Children of Alcoholics, Anger,
Chemical Dependency, Codependency, Fear, Financial, Guilt and Shame, Overeating, Physical/ Emotional/ Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction.
When we realize that our lives have become unmanageable, we can open the door to change by sharing our experiences, strengths and hopes with one another. In addition, we become willing to surrender our will and accept God's guidance in solving our lives' problems. By working and applying Biblical recovery principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviours. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy, and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others.
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AT A SPECIAL LAUNCH NIGHT
Thursday June 3rd @ 7:15pm
2 Monk Street (Fifth Ave @ Bank Street)
Featuring
An Introduction to Celebrate Recovery
A Powerful Testimony
“Words” DVD Presentation
Food & Fellowship
Everyone is welcome
My friends, Jon and Vikki Ruby along with all the guys at Jericho Road have been working on this for a while, and it's ready to launch…
Here's the official info:
On Thursday, June 3rd we will officially launch Celebrate Recovery Jericho Road.
Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step program with Jesus Christ as our Higher Power.
Anyone can find hope at Celebrate Recovery, no matter the struggle: Adult Children of Alcoholics, Anger,
Chemical Dependency, Codependency, Fear, Financial, Guilt and Shame, Overeating, Physical/ Emotional/ Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction.
When we realize that our lives have become unmanageable, we can open the door to change by sharing our experiences, strengths and hopes with one another. In addition, we become willing to surrender our will and accept God's guidance in solving our lives' problems. By working and applying Biblical recovery principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviours. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy, and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others.
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AT A SPECIAL LAUNCH NIGHT
Thursday June 3rd @ 7:15pm
2 Monk Street (Fifth Ave @ Bank Street)
Featuring
An Introduction to Celebrate Recovery
A Powerful Testimony
“Words” DVD Presentation
Food & Fellowship
Everyone is welcome
I have some friends that are serving at a new church in Erie Pennsylvania, called New Life Church, pastored by Andy Bartlett. They are great people, and they sent out this email today and I wanted to pass it on to you…
Wanted to give you this update that happened at New Life Church last Sunday.
Before Sunday School, seven children ranging from 5 to 12 walked into the church without a parent. They said they wanted to come to church, that they had heard about New Life. They had walked several blocks in 12 degree temperatures. After we talked to them for awhile and gave them children's Bibles, we found out that this is only the second time they had been in a church. They all live together, a blended family of 4 and 3 kids. They were well behaved in Sunday School and were eager to ask questions and learn. New Life service includes all the children except those under 5, so they were all in a row together for the service. They choose the first set of chairs. As Andy started the message, he advised people that he was going to be teaching from Numbers, a hard book to teach from. One of the kids put his hand up and asked, "What page are we on?" Immediately, 2 ladies from the back came up front and got the kids on the right page with their Bibles.
Andy did something that Sunday that he hasn't done before. He asked people to look at their bulletins and reminded them to pray for the prayer requests on the back. He asked if there were any other prayer requests that were not on the bulletin that he could pray for right now. The 12 year old lifted his hand and asked if we would pray for his Mom. He said, "She is coming home from rehab today."
I don't think there was a dry eye in the church. Andy had a hard time praying for his own tears. The rest of the service, the kids soaked in what Andy had to say about Numbers. The kids said they would be back this coming Sunday.
Isn't God great???
Would you take a minute and pray for this family? And pray for this church?
Gen and I went to the Jericho Auction last Friday night (the 6th) and we had a great time.
Of course, you know that we have been partners with Jericho Road Christian Ministries for over 5 years now. It was one of the first doors that God opened up for us to serve others here in Ottawa. Jericho has been running a drop-in style coffehouse in the basement of a church downtown for over 20 years, with gospel music, gospel message and gospel food. In addition they operate 8 homes in Ottawa, some are for guys with mental illness and others are for guys making their way back into society from a life of drugs and alcohol.
The auction was a lot of fun, the food was great! The hotel was beautiful, and it was obvious to see that the people that had organized it had put their heart and soul into it. There were lots and lots of things that had been donated, and Dave Smith was a real treat to get to know and watch as an auctioneer. It was a treat to get to hear the newest Board member my friend Doug Sprunt share his experience with Jericho.
All in all it was a great evening for a great cause, and Gen and I are hoping to get invited back next year!
Hey guys,
Check this out… Jon spoke this summer at Camp IAWAH for one of their camps and did a great job and they recorded it! They gave him a nickname… “Bulldog!”
There’s actually 5 messages, one for each day of camp, here’s the first one…
The rest can be found here
