April 2021 Newsletter

APRIL 2021 NEWSLETTER

THE POWER OF A NEW LIFE

A note from our CEO,

Pastor Jim Chapman

I love it when I feel good!

There is nothing better or more satisfying than a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, those nights are far and few between nowadays. There are just days when I don’t feel very chipper. It's probably due a bit to my diet, lack of sleep, stress or just simply the aging process. Oh, to be 21 again and dunk a basketball without sore knees!

On a regular basis, I work out at a community gym. Many of my compatriots are “seasoned” citizens. We are all trying to find the fountain of youth! What is very apparent though is the aging of my body. My body from my 30’s and 40’s is starting to sag a bit in places it shouldn’t, with many more wrinkles appearing. Unfortunately, it's a futile business trying to preserve my tone, no matter how many sit-ups and barbell curls I do.

Scripture urges us to invest more time into a spiritual gym. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” Christ is after my heart. He wants to shape it into a new life. He’s the power source to make it happen. The good news too is that this new life will never fade or age out. I have followed Jesus for more than 47 years. I can tell you that there is nothing better than to lean into Jesus, and let Him infuse a new life into my tired and aging body.

At Christ’s Body, we are imagining and creating new ways in 2021 for us to be more effective ministers to the homeless. We want to bring this new life in Christ to the streets, to those who we minister to, as the ultimate solution. Imagine with me for a moment a “Caravan of Care”- an entourage of outreach vehicles that would include a shower trailer, food van and a clothing vehicle. They all would be mobile, deployable to any homeless camp or site in Colorado. This caravan could give us amazing opportunities to be the caring hands and feet of Jesus towards those who are sick, alone or marginalized!

Imagine this: outreach teams visiting every homeless person in Colorado with words of the Gospel and a sandwich and water bottle. We might also throw in a sleeping bag and blanket! What a difference that moment might make in the life of a homeless person. It would bring new life to them. We hope to make this a reality in the summer of 2021!

We would love it if you considered jumping in with us in 2021. Imagine 2021 and God’s promise to be bringing new life to many in need.

Pastor Jim

CELEBRATE NEW LIFE WITH US!

You may recall meeting our resident Charles Lucero last month who is a newer member of our long-term Residential Recovery program. It is with great pleasure that we announce that this month Charles was baptized right here at Christ’s Body Ministries! What a pleasure it is to be part of Charles' life and his decision to be baptized. Many of Charles' family were able to attend the ceremony and celebrate with all of us the new life in Christ that we have and the joy of baptism!

CHARLES, ALL SMILES, WITH PASTOR BRUCE AND PASTOR STERLING

CHAPLAIN ARLO IS AN AWESOME DOG

From the desk of Chaplain Ed Tanner

Arlo is my service dog. He is 3 years old and he has been my dog for 2 years. As a service dog Arlo does so much for me. He catches me when I fall: If I am falling I can land on his back and he will let me push myself up from his back. If I am stuck on the ground he will not leave me until I get up or until somebody comes to help. If I drop my meds, Arlo will pick them up and give them back to me.

Another thing that Arlo does for me is he shows so much love to me. And being a chaplain dog, he also shows much love to others. Arlo is my door opener when I meet new people - his love warms people up. After he has warmed them up, I can share my testimony with them. I am able to tell people about Jesus and Arlo shows how Jesus loves them with the love of Jesus. Yes, Arlo sure does have that special love that we get from Jesus. Arlo goes around church, loving on everyone! He is also our mascot at Christ’s Body Ministries. If you ever meet Arlo you will feel God’s love coming out of him.

VALOR STUDENTS RETURN

We have a great partnership with Valor High School, where they bring about 6 students twice a year to help in our ministry. We were recently blessed with a new bunch of students in March! This time a group of girls worked hard sorting clothes, taking on the work of the burrito brigade and helping with our monthly mailing. In return, they got some real working knowledge of how our ministry works. They heard testimonies from our previously homeless staff and residents about what their lives were like when they were living on the streets before God saved them and brought them to Christ’s Body Ministries.

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We were also very fortunate to have this team of students and teachers participate in our staff prayer time. It was such a blessing for all of us to gather together and to have the youthful energy and fun that the students bring when they come to help. God bless all the staff and students of Valor High School. We love having this precious relationship and are grateful for their time and hearts to help others.

Volunteer

VERSE OF THE MONTH

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

Partner with us in 2021

303.860.1272 [email protected] www.christsbody.org