SAN ANTONIO CHRISTIAN HOMELESS SHELTER
FOR FAMILIES NEEDS YOUR HELP
concrete driveway where the kids play by Mother's Day, May 7th
It's like something out of a TV movie.
Nineteen years ago, on Christmas Eve, God put it on the heart of the owner of a former nursing home here in San Antonio to simply give his building to Strong Foundation, a privately-run Christian homeless ministry for families.
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If you ask Pastor Jim Gipson, who wanted to help homeless families with children get back on their feet, it was a Christmas miracle!"
Located at 414 North Hackberry, a two-minute drive from the AlamoDome in downtown San Antonio, the building, valued at $516,000, was theirs free and clear!
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Since 2004, Jim Gipson and his wife, Carolee, Founders of Strong Foundation, have ministered to 986 families.
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Pastor Jim Gipson and his wife Carolee, the founders of the Strong Foundation,
a private Christian homeless shelter for families, are doing the work of the Lord.
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Numerically speaking, those families were comprised of 3,500 people, half of whom were children. The Gipsons share the truth that Jesus is the answer, while providing urgently needed food, clothing and shelter.
"Providing shelter, food and clothing for homeless families is a tool to reach them for Jesus Christ and to help them change their lives with God's help," said Pastor Gipson.
Potential residents are thoroughly interviewed and background-checked prior to enrollment to ensure a child-safe environment. Not only do they have to agree to the rules - no drinking or drugging, and on the property by 9:00 p.m., but the residents are expected to look for work and take steps toward finding full-time employment.
Because the ministry does not take a dime of taxpayer money, it has the liberty of pointing families to Immanuel, God with us. I've heard Pastor Gipson say many times, "The Strong Foundation that everyone needs is a relationship with Jesus Christ."
He told the Christian Beacon, "While we are a recognized homeless shelter, we still prioritize evangelism and discipleship. There is no lasting change that comes without the power of Christ."
Part of that regular discipleship involves the parents' attendance at evening classes at Strong Foundation where they glean Biblical principles on parenting and budgeting.
That's why my bride, Amy, and I have started to volunteer on the third Friday of the month -- serving with Honor, 13, Mercy, 11, and Valor, 8, during KidzTime alongside staff and other volunteers, while their parents take the classes indoors. The kids play on two playgrounds, the concrete driveway, and, during the latter half of the evening, we do a craft on 8 outdoor circular tables.
KidzTime is a great opportunity for your small group, Bible study, Sunday School class, or family to spend quality time with the kids. They love it and eagerly look forward to seeing the volunteers. And, as we do, you can bring your kids. It's a terrific missions outreach!
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By Mother's Day, May 7th, Strong Foundation needs your help to replace the damaged concrete driveway in the backyard which is the primary area where the kids play every day.
As you can see in the pictures below, not only is the cement cracking and pot holes are developing, but the steepness of the driveway is not sufficiently safe for the younger children who are walking, running, and riding little 4 wheel cars there all the time.
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As you can see from the proposal below, the cost to dig up the old concrete, to haul it away, to regrade the driveway to feature a safe incline, and to pour the new cement with rebar will be $15,330. |
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I'm looking for members of Adam's Army
who will contribute toward the $7,665 goal
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Thankfully, a generous friend of Strong Foundation has offered to match the $7,665 I need to raise to pay for this expense. Every dollar you give will be matched up to $7,665.
Would you prayerfully consider becoming:
one of 4 to give $500
one of 8 to give $250
one of 16 to give $125
or one of 33 to give $50?
If everyone does something, we will blow this goal out of the water!
If you prefer to give by check, please make it out to "Strong Foundation" and write "New concrete driveway" in the memo. Send it to Jim Gipson, Strong Foundation, 414 N Hackberry, San Antonio, TX 78202.
It is my hope that by 8:00pm on Wednesday, April 26th, you will have helped me raise $3,832. That would be halfway to our $7,665 goal. I will send an update out on Thursday, April 27th to let you know where we are.
(After you give, please send me a one sentence email at TalkRadioAdam@gmail.com to let me know what inspired you to give. I will only share your first name and what motivated you as a way to encourage others to join you.)
Imagine being one of these children below.
Through no fault of their own, their families became homeless due to a job loss or a medical emergency. The local body of Christ here in the Alamo City can come together now to provide a safe place for them to play that will endure for decades to come!
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1 John 3:17 says, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
Ralph Drollinger, founder of Capitol Ministries, a Christian outreach to disciple civil magistrates in government, said, "God's work, done in God's way, does not lack for God's support!"
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Learn more about Strong Foundation
by watching this 6-minute video
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If a friend forwarded my Take A Stand e-news alert to you,
and you would like to start receiving it
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8521 Blanco Road #2-272
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 373-7499
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