Lori Matthews - A Community Champion

     

     We’ve seen her in action. That’s not hard to do because Lori Matthews is almost always in action serving somebody. She’s an elected official as a Flagstaff City Council Member - which is just a natural extension of her compassion for people. 

     Lori has walked alongside our ministry for several years. Through Youth With A Purpose Inc and Compassion Ministries Flagstaff, she has been one of our most committed and dedicated volunteers. We serve the fatherless, homeless and hopeless. 

     At least once a month we provide a first class spaghetti dinner at the Flagstaff Homeless Shelter. Lori always goes the extra mile at home in her kitchen to help cook a meal to the homeless. She may be dashing in between City Council meetings or off to another one of her many community support meetings, but she still finds time to help the poorest in our community. 

     We could stop here and just proclaim her a Community Champion who acts like a secret agent of compassion, but there’s so much more in her big heart that would be kept a secret if we didn't share it with you. 

     Through her previous professional experience in the financial industry, Lori has a keen sense of economic awareness that covers the whole community. She knows the destitution of poverty and the dreams of the entrepreneur. She knows the intense anxiety of a struggling family and the nervousness of a business owner trying to make ends meet. Lori does not hang out on the easy middle roads, she goes where the need is greatest. 

     In a City the size of Flagstaff, the residents deserve a  champion of public safety. Lori is that champion. She’s known widely as a huge supporter of the men and women who serve the people through their roles as Police, Fire Personnel and First Responders. Without these professionals Flagstaff would not be a safe place. 

     Lori previously founded a transitional housing program for homeless folks needing a fresh start. The hallmarks of her character include being teachable and humble. She approaches each person and opportunity with a “fresh-start-attitude.” Finding a way forward on a path that benefits as many people as possible seems to be her “rule-of-thumb” way of doing things. That’s how Lori does life  

     For a ministry like ours, we’re able to serve more people because of people like Lori who make it their life mission to go above and beyond the call of duty. Whatever your experience with Lori may be, you can rest assured that she will go the distance and exceed expectations  

     Thank you Lori for being a Bright Spot in our community. You are trustworthy, steady, calm and balanced - even when the storms of life hit. You are the “real deal” - a rock our community can trust.  God bless you Lori Matthews! You’re a great role model for everyone in our community. Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW 

Lori Matthews is a volunteer for youthwithapurpose,org

     

Kai Tierney - A Secret Agent of Compassion

     

     Kai stood there with his daughter Ella holding a volleyball. A woman pulled up in a car with several children inside. Her teenage daughter asked one of the volunteers if he had a volleyball. The man turned and saw Kai holding exactly what the girl asked for. With a smile as big as a branch in a ponderosa pine tree, Kai handed the ball to a volunteer who gave it to the girl. The teenager’s smile grew as wide as Kai’s. The receiver of the gift caught a contagious heart-smile from the giver of the gift. 

     That’s how it goes with Kai Tierney, he’s always ready in season; creating heart-smiles, often unseen - except in the eyes of God and those closest to him. In his personal life, Kai is a model for any man wanting to be the best husband and father he can be. It’s not that he’s perfect, but what sets him apart from most men is, he’s teachable. Kai studies and learns from other men. He walks the walk of a man hungering for God’s more excellent way of loving everybody around him.

     Often Kai can be found with his wife and daughters volunteering at an event called Grill & A Prayer held on the streets of Flagstaff. Folks in need come to the community outreach for free clothes, food, prayer and many other free items. Kai found an old bike and refurbished it. That bike was given to girl whose family was living in a motor home and passing through town. The girl left with her bike and a smile as the family traveled on through. Another heart-smile created, another life touched by a man who acted in compassion behind the scenes.

     Kai creates heart-smiles on most of his days and most of them go unseen. He’s one of those “extra-mile guys” who go above and beyond expectations. He doesn’t just use the work of his hands with bikes, volleyballs and a ton of other things he and his family give away, Kai never hesitates to form personal relationships with folks in need. He listens deeply and makes people feel valued and special. You can often see him taking the time to pray with people. 

     Imagine how many lives have been touched and impacted by the Tierney Family. Hearts that beat with compassion create generational ripple effects. Heart-smiles rise over the horizon of changing seasons bringing joy and relief in times of struggle.  Kai has a heart with peripheral vision, he can spot folks in need of compassion a mile away in any direction. He leaves smile imprints on hearts in many places. It may be at a gas station, community outreach, church, work, or maybe putting together a trampoline at a safe home for Navajo children. He’s taught fatherless kids how to fish at the Father’s Fish Camp and shared a s'more or two in the process! Anywhere he goes, Kai’s heart is locked and loaded ready to fire off an act of compassion with a smile. 

      God bless you Kai Tierney! You’re a great role model for men on how to be one of God’s secret agents of compassion. Thanks for all you do. May your generosity be a reciprocal blessing on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW 

Kai is a volunteer for youthwithapurpose.org

Jane Voss Is Doing Greater Things for Jesus With Children

          It's impossible to think of Jane Voss without picturing her contagious smile lighting up over a group of happy children. Her warm demeanor with kids is as natural as an Arizona sunrise. God gives all of us gifts and Jane is a "gift-maximizer." She pours out every ounce of energy in finding more excellent ways in showing God's Love to children. 

          Many people are gifted with the ability to teach children, but Jane Voss is an "extra-mile" kind of teacher. She is extremely well organized and exceptionally intuitive when it comes to teaching. You can't just call her a teacher because that wouldn't begin to explain the value of what she does for kids. She may plan a lesson, but she adjusts seamlessly to the shifting emotional needs of her students. 

          Jane drives farther than most people do to come to church. She serves as a Youth Ministry Leader several days every week. Most of the things that Jane does in life require extra effort, perseverance and resilience. She's an "energizer-lady" who relentlessly pursues excellence. Jane sees the opportunity to lead and jumps right in.

          Sunday School is special and Jane's been doing that for many, many years. Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights is an extra-mile activity. Every lesson has a valuable life message to help kids learn how to become overcomers in the struggles of life. 

          Generosity is one of the greater things that Jane gives from her heart. Whatever is needed for the children she serves, Jane will find a way to make it happen. Obstacles and adversities are only greater opportunities to reveal God's glory in the heart of Jane Voss.

          People who create Bright Spots in Life are folks who do the Greater Things that Jesus spoke about in John 14:12 (AMP) "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father." The extent of Jane's outreach is the enlarged Love of God in the children she reaches. 

          Thank you Jane Voss for doing greater things for Jesus. The impact created through your actions not only trains up children in the way they should go, but you're also shining the light of Christ on the whole church. People see what you do and want to get involved. You are God's gift to the children and the church. Jesus loves you and so do we.

They asked Jesus,

“Do you hear the things these children are saying?”

Jesus answered,

“Yes. Haven’t you read in the Scriptures,

‘You have taught children and babies to sing praises’?

Matthew 21:16

Bob Kuebler is the Author of The Bright Spot Report. He's also written seven books, several magazine articles and blogs including The Bright Spot Report and Mentor Force Nuggets of Wisdom. He is a Bible Teacher and Youth Program Developer who teaches young people about God's plan for His purpose in their lives. 
          As the Director of Youth With A Purpose who has spent the last 20 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with the Love of God and grows through compassion and empathy. The greatest way to change a life that's heading toward destruction is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The YWAP Mission: 

"To help young people and their families

affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice

become Christ-centered mentors for the next generation." 

Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org 

Engaging in relationships 

for the purpose of discipleship.

          

Ryan Musgrove - His Heart Never Stops Serving

 

          Nobody is born a leader, but some folks seem like they're born to serve. Ryan Musgrove is one of those rare guys. He never stops serving. He gives the impression of always looking for an opportunity to lend a helping hand.

          Ryan served his country in the United States Army. That in itself speaks of a sacrificial attitude that esteems others as more valuable than himself. Jesus spoke about the greatest things we can do in Matthew 22:37-39,

"Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Every once in awhile a special person comes along and lives out those words in thought, word and deed. The words that Jesus spoke could almost be a mission statement for Ryan's life.

          He's a magnet for children with a smile that stretches from his heart to his eyes. He's an expert "Bounce House Technician." That might be a new term for you, but it's a great way to describe a guy who makes kids smile as they burn off youthful energy. Being in a bounce house can rattle the brain or tickle your heart, it depends on your age. Ryan is ageless in his pursuit to create happiness in the lives of children. Many of them have been abused and neglected. At least for a short time when Ryan is around, the kids get to know what love is. He truly loves them in a Christ-like way. 

          The Sunshine Rescue Mission is dear to Ryan's heart. His life led him there as part of his learning process. In a short time he was named "Disciple of The Month." That story was reported in the YWAP News. He was also named to the Leadership Team before he moved on to the next phase of his learning process. Ryan has one of the greatest leadership traits that any person can have, it's called "teachability." He's always eager to learn new things.

          At Church For The Nations Flagstaff, Ryan is one of the first to volunteer when the need for help arises. Some volunteer positions are more fun than others, but Ryan shows the same enthusiasm whether the task is exciting or tedious. He wraps gifts and gives gifts. He buys bandanas because kids ask for them. He gives away his sunglasses to kids. He sets up bounce houses, cleans bounce houses and he jumps in bounce houses! He paints kids rooms. He hikes mountains. He runs a sound booth at church. He hangs up decorations and takes them down. He helps homeless guys find a home in his heart. Ryan has skills that enable him to do what needs to be done and he does it with excellence. Ryan's skills are heartfully applied at a men's mission, an orphanage, at church, on the job and in his friendships.

          Ryan might be a high energy guy, but don't hesitate to ask him to pray for you. He knows how to, "be still and know God."

          The pictures below only give a small glimpse of the servants heart that smiles deep inside Ryan's chest. The next time you see him, you might want to say, 

"Hey Ryan! I'm proud of you! Jesus loves you and so do we!

  

          Bob Kuebler is the Author of The Bright Spot Report. He's also written seven books, several magazine articles and blogs including The Bright Spot Report and Mentor Force Nuggets of Wisdom. He is a Bible Teacher and Youth Program Developer who teaches young people about God's plan for His purpose in their lives. 
          As the Director of Youth With A Purpose who has spent the last 20 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with the Love of God and grows through compassion and empathy. The greatest way to change a life that's heading toward destruction is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The YWAP Mission: 

"To help young people and their families

affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice

become Christ-centered mentors for the next generation." 

Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org 

Engaging in relationships 

for the purpose of discipleship.

          

Marvin Johnson Goes Beyond The Extra Mile!

Marvin is claimed by God!

          Some folks go from “lost to found” in the blink of an eye. Then there’s  those extra special guys who are destined for greater things that take a little longer. Marvin Johnson is one of those guys doing greater things.

          He didn’t go from lost to found in the blink of an eye. God had to dip him in many different life-experiences to mold him into one of the greatest Compassion Deliverers the world has ever known. He’s the heart and soul of Compassion Ministries based at Church For The Nations Flagstaff in Arizona.

          Everyday, yes EVERY DAY! Marvin is involved in loving a neighbor. In his home, in his van, in his church, where ever his heart is, Marvin is leaving some compassion in someone’s heart.

          He delivers compassion boxes of food to folks in need. He orders extra food to deliver to a children’s home. He served up compassion at a protest that could have turned ugly. Every Sunday before church, his crew of volunteers serves a free breakfast. Marvin is always serving.

          This weekend he’s serving volunteers, but he’s also serving as Santa Claus. He did his best to dye his hair white for the occasion. That’s just another example of Marvin going the extra mile. At Church For The Nations Flagstaff, we think it’s okay for Santa Claus to be in church. Especially when he kneels at the feet of Jesus.

          Thank you Marvin Johnson for who you’ve surrendered to be, a once lost man who’s been found in Christ. Our city, our country and our hearts are more beautiful because of your compassion. Jesus loves you and so do we.

"Bring the ring, the seal of sonship, and I will put it on his finger. 

And bring out the best shoes you can find for my son. 

Let’s prepare a great feast and celebrate. 

For this beloved son of mine was once dead, 

but now he’s alive again. 

Once he was lost, but now he is found!’ 

And everyone celebrated with overflowing joy."

Luke 15:22-24 The Passion Translation

Marvin is a top notch manager with an eye for inventory detail.

Marvin goes the extra mile to serve abused and neglected kids. 

Marvin doesn't do mediocre, all of his dinners are seasoned with greatness.

His volunteers are like him - they serve with happy hearts!

Heart Smiles!

Getting ready to be the jolly old white haired dude named Santa.

He's a manager who's serves by example.

He doesn't drive a big fancy car, Just a van with room to serve. 

Marvin serves well with another guy with a servants heart - Pastor Daniel Williamson.

WE FEED THE NEED!

Compassion Volunteers getting ready on Sunday morning.

Marvin made an extra trip to the Food Bank to serve a children's home.

The Extra Mile Team!

 Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

#BrightSpotReport #CompassionMinistries #cftnflag #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW

Church For The Nations Flagstaff
755 N Bonito St Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Phone: 928-714-1170
Email: keely@cftnflag.com

          Bob Kuebler is the Author of The Bright Spot Report. He's also written seven books, several magazine articles and blogs including The Bright Spot Report and Mentor Force Nuggets of Wisdom. He is a Bible Teacher and Youth Program Developer who teaches young people about God's plan for His purpose in their lives. 
          As the Director of Youth With A Purpose who has spent the last 20 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with the Love of God and grows through compassion and empathy. The greatest way to change a life that's heading toward destruction is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The YWAP Mission: 

"To help young people and their families

affected by violence, drugs, poverty and prejudice

become Christ-centered mentors for the next generation." 

Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com. www.youthwithapurpose.org