Sitting across from us. Ken and Wendy. Kabuto. Ken and Wendy. We are old friends. Yes, sir. And it's so nice to actually see you here face to face and.

Sitting across from us. Ken and Wendy. Kabuto. Ken and Wendy. We are old friends. Yes, sir. And it's so nice to actually see you here face to face and.

To be here. This is so cool.

To be here. This is so cool.

This is so cool that you're here. We're really honored that you decided to come and hang out with us in our cafe today.

This is so cool that you're here. We're really honored that you decided to come and hang out with us in our cafe today.

I just want to dive in, guys. First of all, when it comes to, uh, how long have you guys known the Lord? I'm just going to ask you that right out of the gate.

I just want to dive in, guys. First of all, when it comes to, uh, how long have you guys known the Lord? I'm just going to ask you that right out of the gate.

So we were we were older. I mean, we were not children when we met. Jesus. Um, really? Yeah. No, we were both adults.

So we were we were older. I mean, we were not children when we met. Jesus. Um, really? Yeah. No, we were both adults.

Um, were you married?

Um, were you married?

Our second marriage. Okay. Um, after we married each other for the second time. I mean, you know, our second marriages, and, um, he was 40, you know, I mean, it was later in life.

Our second marriage. Okay. Um, after we married each other for the second time. I mean, you know, our second marriages, and, um, he was 40, you know, I mean, it was later in life.

It was later in life. That's very interesting. It is an interesting part of the story.

It was later in life. That's very interesting. It is an interesting part of the story.

An unusual statistic about that. Yeah.

An unusual statistic about that. Yeah.

Wow. Yeah, but that's great. I'd love to hear how how God works in people's lives. I mean, if you listen to the show, you know that's true. So you guys, um, you were doing very well. Yes. I mean, you were able to you had a very comfortable lifestyle. Yes. Um, you could take the fancy vacations, you could have the big house. You could have all those things. Um. And then God interrupted your life.

Wow. Yeah, but that's great. I'd love to hear how how God works in people's lives. I mean, if you listen to the show, you know that's true. So you guys, um, you were doing very well. Yes. I mean, you were able to you had a very comfortable lifestyle. Yes. Um, you could take the fancy vacations, you could have the big house. You could have all those things. Um. And then God interrupted your life.

Interrupted? That's a great word.

Interrupted? That's a great word.

Uh, let's talk about what happened. Ken, why don't you start?

Uh, let's talk about what happened. Ken, why don't you start?

All right. Well, again, we're fairly new believers, and we went on a mission trip to Romania with Harvest International, and that kind of changed everything. I mean, we're there and realizing that we're not using the skills and the, uh, gifts that God gave us. More than having a Bible study at her house once a week. Yes, we decided to do something. So we sold everything, moved into a bus with our 12 year old then 12 year old daughter, Maddie. And okay.

All right. Well, again, we're fairly new believers, and we went on a mission trip to Romania with Harvest International, and that kind of changed everything. I mean, we're there and realizing that we're not using the skills and the, uh, gifts that God gave us. More than having a Bible study at her house once a week. Yes, we decided to do something. So we sold everything, moved into a bus with our 12 year old then 12 year old daughter, Maddie. And okay.

Now wait a minute. You kind of went through that fast. We sold everything.

Now wait a minute. You kind of went through that fast. We sold everything.

We did.

We did.

That. How much prayer did that take before you took that step?

That. How much prayer did that take before you took that step?

God doesn't have a communication problem. You know, it was pretty clear that we were going to do something, and we didn't know exactly what that was at that time. But we knew that, um, we needed to learn a lot more about poverty and folks that we wanted to help. So we just decided to immerse. So we quit our jobs and moved into a bus and sold everything.

God doesn't have a communication problem. You know, it was pretty clear that we were going to do something, and we didn't know exactly what that was at that time. But we knew that, um, we needed to learn a lot more about poverty and folks that we wanted to help. So we just decided to immerse. So we quit our jobs and moved into a bus and sold everything.

This sounds like cold turkey. In essence, that what? That's what it was. It was about.

This sounds like cold turkey. In essence, that what? That's what it was. It was about.

A four month process and God was working on us individually for towards the same goal. So I was I was reading articles and and studying the word and hearing, you know, that God was shaking things up and he was, um, driving and, and praying and listening to the radio, listening to the word and shaking things up in him, too. And, and one day we, we said, you know, something is coming. Some we knew something was coming. And it was a for about four months between when God was speaking to us individually and when we were in the bus. I mean, it happened really quickly.

A four month process and God was working on us individually for towards the same goal. So I was I was reading articles and and studying the word and hearing, you know, that God was shaking things up and he was, um, driving and, and praying and listening to the radio, listening to the word and shaking things up in him, too. And, and one day we, we said, you know, something is coming. Some we knew something was coming. And it was a for about four months between when God was speaking to us individually and when we were in the bus. I mean, it happened really quickly.

What did you guys do for a living before you ended up in a bus?

What did you guys do for a living before you ended up in a bus?

Well, I ran a distribution company here, so I moved down to Florida, um, to follow that job. And, uh, it was it was fruitful.

Well, I ran a distribution company here, so I moved down to Florida, um, to follow that job. And, uh, it was it was fruitful.

Yeah, it was.

Yeah, it was.

Very lucrative, wasn't it? It was. Yeah. God had blessed you. Yeah. So how did you prepare financially for all this? Honestly? I mean, that's just the practical stuff.

Very lucrative, wasn't it? It was. Yeah. God had blessed you. Yeah. So how did you prepare financially for all this? Honestly? I mean, that's just the practical stuff.

We weren't. Again, we were making money and stuff. We kind of drained our retirement and sold everything. So we had enough.

We weren't. Again, we were making money and stuff. We kind of drained our retirement and sold everything. So we had enough.

You drained your retirement?

You drained your retirement?

Yep. Mhm. Okay. Yeah.

Yep. Mhm. Okay. Yeah.

It doesn't make sense but.

It doesn't make sense but.

Well it worked out well.

Well it worked out well.

See this is counterintuitive. Yeah. But this is really a great illustration of the upside down economy of, of God's kingdom. Um, you know, he doesn't call all of us to do the very same thing, okay. But he does call some people to do what you guys have done. He calls.

See this is counterintuitive. Yeah. But this is really a great illustration of the upside down economy of, of God's kingdom. Um, you know, he doesn't call all of us to do the very same thing, okay. But he does call some people to do what you guys have done. He calls.

Us all to do something, but he.

Us all to do something, but he.

Calls us to do something, whatever it.

Calls us to do something, whatever it.

Is. Yeah. And, you know, I was talking to somebody about the this movie where a kid beat his brother swimming, basically. And he never had done that before. And he said, how did you do that? And he said, because I didn't leave anything for the trip back home. He used everything. And that's what you did. You used everything to go forward because you don't need anything for the trip back. He'll take you where you're going to go next. You know, I love that.

Is. Yeah. And, you know, I was talking to somebody about the this movie where a kid beat his brother swimming, basically. And he never had done that before. And he said, how did you do that? And he said, because I didn't leave anything for the trip back home. He used everything. And that's what you did. You used everything to go forward because you don't need anything for the trip back. He'll take you where you're going to go next. You know, I love that.

That's great. So, uh, you liquidated all your stuff. Then we.

That's great. So, uh, you liquidated all your stuff. Then we.

Did. We sold everything. We had 12 garage sales in a row over three month period, and we had frequent shoppers coming in saying, what room are you doing today? Yeah, you could just go room by room and empty out drawers and take pictures off walls and put them out for sale.

Did. We sold everything. We had 12 garage sales in a row over three month period, and we had frequent shoppers coming in saying, what room are you doing today? Yeah, you could just go room by room and empty out drawers and take pictures off walls and put them out for sale.

And it happened a little quicker than we expected. You know, we thought we'd start getting rid of stuff, just kind of downsize and. Yeah, and really quick and oh, we got to get the money together for a bus, I guess.

And it happened a little quicker than we expected. You know, we thought we'd start getting rid of stuff, just kind of downsize and. Yeah, and really quick and oh, we got to get the money together for a bus, I guess.

Okay. So how did you find the bus?

Okay. So how did you find the bus?

We bought it sight unseen.

We bought it sight unseen.

Oh.

Oh.

Do you recommend doing that to by the way.

Do you recommend doing that to by the way.

Is that it worked out.

Is that it worked out.

It worked out great for us. It did. It was a it was a great home. We lived in it for four and a half years. It was great. Um, we we called a, um, dealership and talked to a salesman who happened to be a believer. Thank you. Jesus.

It worked out great for us. It did. It was a it was a great home. We lived in it for four and a half years. It was great. Um, we we called a, um, dealership and talked to a salesman who happened to be a believer. Thank you. Jesus.

And there you go. God, I'm watching the dots already.

And there you go. God, I'm watching the dots already.

We told him what we were going to be doing, and we're going to be living in it full time. We need it to have lots of power to get up a mountain. If that's where God takes us. We need to be able to, um, have our own power and be self-sufficient in a disaster area if that's where God takes us. And he said, I think I have one for you. And it was exactly what we said. It's exactly what we had earned from selling all of our stuff to the.

We told him what we were going to be doing, and we're going to be living in it full time. We need it to have lots of power to get up a mountain. If that's where God takes us. We need to be able to, um, have our own power and be self-sufficient in a disaster area if that's where God takes us. And he said, I think I have one for you. And it was exactly what we said. It's exactly what we had earned from selling all of our stuff to the.

Dollar to the.

Dollar to the.

Dollar.

Dollar.

The dollar and.

The dollar and.

Yay! God. Uh, yeah.

Yay! God. Uh, yeah.

That's the price. And that's exactly what we have. We'll take it. We did it over the phone.

That's the price. And that's exactly what we have. We'll take it. We did it over the phone.

See, a lot of us want to experience God in that way in our lives, but are we willing to put ourselves in the position where we need a miracle like this for God to show up? That's where the rub is. You guys took the step and you decided to do it.

See, a lot of us want to experience God in that way in our lives, but are we willing to put ourselves in the position where we need a miracle like this for God to show up? That's where the rub is. You guys took the step and you decided to do it.

We we believe that if if there's a a door opening, we're supposed to go through it when God closes a door. Okay, that wasn't the way we're going to turn and go a different direction. And God kept opening doors and we just kept walking through them.

We we believe that if if there's a a door opening, we're supposed to go through it when God closes a door. Okay, that wasn't the way we're going to turn and go a different direction. And God kept opening doors and we just kept walking through them.

See, this is great. You still do. And you're still doing it. Yeah, it's still a walk of faith. But to see how God has and we'll get to that part of the story of where we are today. But let's talk about driving around the country in the bus and what you experienced and what you you. I like that word that you use. Can you immersed yourselves? In all of this. You. Where did you go? How did you know where you were going to go and how did. Yeah. How did that work? Did you have a map?

See, this is great. You still do. And you're still doing it. Yeah, it's still a walk of faith. But to see how God has and we'll get to that part of the story of where we are today. But let's talk about driving around the country in the bus and what you experienced and what you you. I like that word that you use. Can you immersed yourselves? In all of this. You. Where did you go? How did you know where you were going to go and how did. Yeah. How did that work? Did you have a map?

Oh, yeah. Well, we kind of had an idea. We started communicating with churches, you know, and saying, hey, we're going to be coming through Houston, Texas in the next year or so. You know, can we come in and talk? So we had a lot of that stuff lined up. We really kind of expected more, uh, more of a welcoming, uh, you know, assistance. As we were traveling around and stuff.

Oh, yeah. Well, we kind of had an idea. We started communicating with churches, you know, and saying, hey, we're going to be coming through Houston, Texas in the next year or so. You know, can we come in and talk? So we had a lot of that stuff lined up. We really kind of expected more, uh, more of a welcoming, uh, you know, assistance. As we were traveling around and stuff.

Did you find the churches were mostly concerned? I hate to overgeneralize, but we're being honest with what was going on within the four walls of the church. And, uh, was that kind of a challenge for you?

Did you find the churches were mostly concerned? I hate to overgeneralize, but we're being honest with what was going on within the four walls of the church. And, uh, was that kind of a challenge for you?

Um. Yes. Okay.

Um. Yes. Okay.

Yeah. We need to lay.

Yeah. We need to lay.

It out there. We've got to be real.

It out there. We've got to be real.

Yeah, yeah, we, um, we learned a lot about that, too, you know, just, uh, uh, churches are often very tied up with their in walls business and not really open to new ideas and stuff. And we were kind of attacking it at a different level. Um, it was really before a lot of the books they came out now about when Helping Hurts and yeah, we were kind of going in there looking at how dependency is creating a problem.

Yeah, yeah, we, um, we learned a lot about that, too, you know, just, uh, uh, churches are often very tied up with their in walls business and not really open to new ideas and stuff. And we were kind of attacking it at a different level. Um, it was really before a lot of the books they came out now about when Helping Hurts and yeah, we were kind of going in there looking at how dependency is creating a problem.

How did you stay encouraged when you faced moments like that?

How did you stay encouraged when you faced moments like that?

For for us, the greatest experiences that we had were hanging out on the streets and under bridges and in the deserts and in tent encampments.

For for us, the greatest experiences that we had were hanging out on the streets and under bridges and in the deserts and in tent encampments.

Would you sit with these people?

Would you sit with these people?

Would you pray with them? Would you talk to them? And immersing.

Would you pray with them? Would you talk to them? And immersing.

Yourself?

Yourself?

Friends, you know, we wanted to learn about this culture of poverty that we did not come from. We weren't we didn't know anything about it. So the best way to learn about it is to to be there and stand in the soup kitchen line and receive the services and understand how it feels and how it works. And, um, people on the streets became our friends and they still are.

Friends, you know, we wanted to learn about this culture of poverty that we did not come from. We weren't we didn't know anything about it. So the best way to learn about it is to to be there and stand in the soup kitchen line and receive the services and understand how it feels and how it works. And, um, people on the streets became our friends and they still are.

Do you stay in contact with some of these folks you met on your first trip?

Do you stay in contact with some of these folks you met on your first trip?

There are several, um, we call them our homies. There are several homies around the country that, um, support our ministry every month. They they just automatically take $10 a month out of their check, whatever they receive, and they send it to us. Yes.

There are several, um, we call them our homies. There are several homies around the country that, um, support our ministry every month. They they just automatically take $10 a month out of their check, whatever they receive, and they send it to us. Yes.

Still, God.

Still, God.

Is so pleased with that.

Is so pleased with that.

Yeah. Yes.

Yeah. Yes.

Let me just tell you, you know, it's the widow's mite, isn't it?

Let me just tell you, you know, it's the widow's mite, isn't it?

Exactly.

Exactly.

It's as if they gave $10 million in.

It's as if they gave $10 million in.

Exactly.

Exactly.

Wow. This is great, Kurt.

Wow. This is great, Kurt.

You mentioned. Uh, yeah. Uh, did we pray with them? Pray for them when we're out there? Um, the cool thing about our ministry is we ask them to be praying for us. So they still are in contact with us, letting us know that they're even though they're living in tents out in the middle of Oklahoma. They're still praying for our ministry, you know, which is the beautiful side of it.

You mentioned. Uh, yeah. Uh, did we pray with them? Pray for them when we're out there? Um, the cool thing about our ministry is we ask them to be praying for us. So they still are in contact with us, letting us know that they're even though they're living in tents out in the middle of Oklahoma. They're still praying for our ministry, you know, which is the beautiful side of it.

You know what? What I'm thinking the word. Yeah, that's dignity. And that's humbling isn't it? Mhm. It's very, very humbling.

You know what? What I'm thinking the word. Yeah, that's dignity. And that's humbling isn't it? Mhm. It's very, very humbling.

And you work with people not just who are homeless but who have been somehow disconnected. Correct. So that you help them reconnect.

And you work with people not just who are homeless but who have been somehow disconnected. Correct. So that you help them reconnect.

Probably only about 30% of our clients are truly homeless. Oh, a lot of our clients are recently incarcerated. They're, um, in recovery houses for substance use disorder. They have, uh, a mental illness. Um, all of our they all come from different walks of life. But there is a common thread and that is trauma. So everybody's been through something traumatic in their life, and they just didn't have the community or the support to help them get through it. I mean, if if I lost my job and lost everything, I would have 100 people say, come stay with me while you grieve and while.

Probably only about 30% of our clients are truly homeless. Oh, a lot of our clients are recently incarcerated. They're, um, in recovery houses for substance use disorder. They have, uh, a mental illness. Um, all of our they all come from different walks of life. But there is a common thread and that is trauma. So everybody's been through something traumatic in their life, and they just didn't have the community or the support to help them get through it. I mean, if if I lost my job and lost everything, I would have 100 people say, come stay with me while you grieve and while.

Folks don't have anybody, you know, and it's a situation where, you know, and and to there again, I, I'd just like to highlight this because it's so important because you can have people, uh, even from false religions. I'm just going to lay it out there. Who will meet temporal needs. And it's good that they're helping people, but it's bad that they're leading them astray. Or at the very least, they're not even sharing the gospel with them. So you're giving them something so much more than just helping this life, right?

Folks don't have anybody, you know, and it's a situation where, you know, and and to there again, I, I'd just like to highlight this because it's so important because you can have people, uh, even from false religions. I'm just going to lay it out there. Who will meet temporal needs. And it's good that they're helping people, but it's bad that they're leading them astray. Or at the very least, they're not even sharing the gospel with them. So you're giving them something so much more than just helping this life, right?

It's a it's a community here. Yes. It's it's people with lived experiences helping people with lived experiences. Right. So it's a peer to peer. We found that that is so much more valuable and impactful.

It's a it's a community here. Yes. It's it's people with lived experiences helping people with lived experiences. Right. So it's a peer to peer. We found that that is so much more valuable and impactful.

Do you guys.

Do you guys.

Get a lot of donations of stuff in your warehouse from maybe businesses?

Get a lot of donations of stuff in your warehouse from maybe businesses?

So we do have a general store here where we, um, stock items that you cannot purchase with your food stamps with your EBT. And so those items we sell for pennies on the dollar as our clients are learning how to budget, budget, we all.

So we do have a general store here where we, um, stock items that you cannot purchase with your food stamps with your EBT. And so those items we sell for pennies on the dollar as our clients are learning how to budget, budget, we all.

Work on that.

Work on that.

Learning what financial wellness looks like. And they have an opportunity then to shop in our general store for those kind of items. Yes, we take donations. We have an Amazon wish list too.

Learning what financial wellness looks like. And they have an opportunity then to shop in our general store for those kind of items. Yes, we take donations. We have an Amazon wish list too.

Oh good. Yeah, we should.

Oh good. Yeah, we should.

Put that on somewhere. It must be somewhere on online. Is it on here? Okay, great. It's on your website which if you text.

Put that on somewhere. It must be somewhere on online. Is it on here? Okay, great. It's on your website which if you text.

Coffee.

Coffee.

Coffee. You will get that all that information text coffee to 888. 777. Six. Eight, ten. Oh, there's the wish list.

Coffee. You will get that all that information text coffee to 888. 777. Six. Eight, ten. Oh, there's the wish list.

Okay, here's the wish list. Uh, is this the one that's on Amazon? Yes. Okay, so all kinds of I don't have my reading glasses here. So big trouble.

Okay, here's the wish list. Uh, is this the one that's on Amazon? Yes. Okay, so all kinds of I don't have my reading glasses here. So big trouble.

We need 24 font household.

We need 24 font household.

Yeah that's Mr. 24. That's my that's my font size uh, household cleaning supplies. I'm just going to mention a few of these things. Uh, deodorant, shampoo, first aid supplies. Uh, Kleenex. Uh, Kate has. Yeah. You want to donate some Kleenex here this morning? Uh, yeah. All kinds of stuff. Medications like Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, vitamins, sunscreen, batteries, flashlights, diapers and wipes and dog and cat and pet food. Um, do you see any pets come through? You know, your, uh, you know, for instance, some folks, maybe they they're homeless, but they have a dog or something.

Yeah that's Mr. 24. That's my that's my font size uh, household cleaning supplies. I'm just going to mention a few of these things. Uh, deodorant, shampoo, first aid supplies. Uh, Kleenex. Uh, Kate has. Yeah. You want to donate some Kleenex here this morning? Uh, yeah. All kinds of stuff. Medications like Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, vitamins, sunscreen, batteries, flashlights, diapers and wipes and dog and cat and pet food. Um, do you see any pets come through? You know, your, uh, you know, for instance, some folks, maybe they they're homeless, but they have a dog or something.

Pets make great companions. Yes, they.

Pets make great companions. Yes, they.

Do.

Do.

Unconditional love. And for folks who need that, pets are. That's a great pets fill a void.

Unconditional love. And for folks who need that, pets are. That's a great pets fill a void.

And you mentioned diapers and I know another I mean, you have so much going on here. Another aspect is you help people in domestic violence situations.

And you mentioned diapers and I know another I mean, you have so much going on here. Another aspect is you help people in domestic violence situations.

We do. We were realizing, you know, as God's unfolding, what this ministry, uh, looks like and, and what it could be. We were realizing that some of our ladies were struggling with housing because of, uh, domestic violence. Right. Or just being homeless and living in the park. Uh, and it's just not safe now for a woman to do that. So, um, with a lot of prayer, we decided where gloves would with our board. We decided we would buy a house. So where gloves has a house, we own a three bedroom house. They each have their own private room with a door with a lock. Where? The place where they can feel safe. Um, and that's kind of a new initiative for us, but we're very excited to, you know, maybe buy more houses and, and house more, more women or men. The need is great. The need is really, really great for housing.

We do. We were realizing, you know, as God's unfolding, what this ministry, uh, looks like and, and what it could be. We were realizing that some of our ladies were struggling with housing because of, uh, domestic violence. Right. Or just being homeless and living in the park. Uh, and it's just not safe now for a woman to do that. So, um, with a lot of prayer, we decided where gloves would with our board. We decided we would buy a house. So where gloves has a house, we own a three bedroom house. They each have their own private room with a door with a lock. Where? The place where they can feel safe. Um, and that's kind of a new initiative for us, but we're very excited to, you know, maybe buy more houses and, and house more, more women or men. The need is great. The need is really, really great for housing.

Is that called dignity House?

Is that called dignity House?

It's the dignity house.

It's the dignity house.

Okay. Yes, I've got it now. That's exciting. Yes, that would be great. So it's just for the ladies now.

Okay. Yes, I've got it now. That's exciting. Yes, that would be great. So it's just for the ladies now.

For right now.

For right now.

Yeah.

Yeah.

What is God placing on your hearts right now that you can tell us about? How is he moving? How is he opening doors? Is there something a brewing? Pun intended.

What is God placing on your hearts right now that you can tell us about? How is he moving? How is he opening doors? Is there something a brewing? Pun intended.

Yeah. Um, the housing is just really kind of what we're focused on now. He's really. And that's really just in the last couple of months. I mean, it's that recent. Yes. God speaks and we're just like, all right, he's opening a door. Let's go. Uh, that's just sort of our attitude about it. So we are talking with our community leaders about purchasing, uh, other houses that we can that we can put folks in hotel.

Yeah. Um, the housing is just really kind of what we're focused on now. He's really. And that's really just in the last couple of months. I mean, it's that recent. Yes. God speaks and we're just like, all right, he's opening a door. Let's go. Uh, that's just sort of our attitude about it. So we are talking with our community leaders about purchasing, uh, other houses that we can that we can put folks in hotel.

Yeah. I always I've.

Yeah. I always I've.

Seen some of those turned in. That would be nice. Mhm. 20 rooms right away. Yep I like.

Seen some of those turned in. That would be nice. Mhm. 20 rooms right away. Yep I like.

It. Do you guys like to dream.

It. Do you guys like to dream.

Oh we're big dreamers.

Oh we're big dreamers.

We're big I know I knew you were going to say that obviously. Do you think so. Let's talk about that principle of following where God leads. Um sometimes we make our plans but he's the one who directs our step. How do you guys walk that line of. I don't want to presume upon God. I want to follow him. But I also know that we do need to, you know, we like to make plans, right? You kind of need to know where you're going. In general, how do you hold your plans loosely? How does God guide you? What role does prayer and the word play in all of that in your life?

We're big I know I knew you were going to say that obviously. Do you think so. Let's talk about that principle of following where God leads. Um sometimes we make our plans but he's the one who directs our step. How do you guys walk that line of. I don't want to presume upon God. I want to follow him. But I also know that we do need to, you know, we like to make plans, right? You kind of need to know where you're going. In general, how do you hold your plans loosely? How does God guide you? What role does prayer and the word play in all of that in your life?

God will. It's interesting. My husband is a great visionary and he'll start stirring and start thinking about hmm, I wonder what it would look like if wear gloves got into housing. So then I am, uh, very logical and I'm the planner. I'm like, okay, we need to go to a conference. We need to read these books. We need to do these things and start learning whatever we can learn about it. And and he's he's praying. We're both praying together and individually. And I'm studying and sharing what I'm learning. And, um, we're we're diving in. We dive in head first. We we go to other states and we visit models, you know, that are working and some that aren't working.

God will. It's interesting. My husband is a great visionary and he'll start stirring and start thinking about hmm, I wonder what it would look like if wear gloves got into housing. So then I am, uh, very logical and I'm the planner. I'm like, okay, we need to go to a conference. We need to read these books. We need to do these things and start learning whatever we can learn about it. And and he's he's praying. We're both praying together and individually. And I'm studying and sharing what I'm learning. And, um, we're we're diving in. We dive in head first. We we go to other states and we visit models, you know, that are working and some that aren't working.

You do your due diligence here.

You do your due diligence here.

You guys are a great team.

You guys are a great team.

Started wear gloves by spending four years on the road learning you know. So that's how we do everything. We have to learn about it. First we have to understand it. Uh, and through that process, God will open doors and we take a step toward a door. And if what we think is a door, sometimes and and then it closes and that's not going to happen. So we will we will adjust until, you know, we're on the path that he.

Started wear gloves by spending four years on the road learning you know. So that's how we do everything. We have to learn about it. First we have to understand it. Uh, and through that process, God will open doors and we take a step toward a door. And if what we think is a door, sometimes and and then it closes and that's not going to happen. So we will we will adjust until, you know, we're on the path that he.

That's how he guides you, right? I mean, open and closed doors again. We have to we have to be careful. We don't want to make it, uh, you know where it's too much of a formula, right? When it comes to following God. Because it's about a relationship, not just, okay, do this, this and this, and he's going to tell you what to do, but you can position yourself for his guidance in your life. That's exactly what you're talking about.

That's how he guides you, right? I mean, open and closed doors again. We have to we have to be careful. We don't want to make it, uh, you know where it's too much of a formula, right? When it comes to following God. Because it's about a relationship, not just, okay, do this, this and this, and he's going to tell you what to do, but you can position yourself for his guidance in your life. That's exactly what you're talking about.

Exactly. Mhm. Um, following following the steps and just prayerfully feeling a stirring and, and you know, hearing from the Lord, um, of what may be a next step might be and, and giving it a try.

Exactly. Mhm. Um, following following the steps and just prayerfully feeling a stirring and, and you know, hearing from the Lord, um, of what may be a next step might be and, and giving it a try.

Yeah. Willing to.

Yeah. Willing to.

Follow. Yeah. Stepping out in faith. Without faith it's impossible to please him.

Follow. Yeah. Stepping out in faith. Without faith it's impossible to please him.

You have to.

You have to.

Believe that he exists and he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Believe that he exists and he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Mhm. For sure.

Mhm. For sure.

Joining us here this morning is Bert Yancey. He's a board member and volunteer coordinator as well. Hi Bert. How are you? I'm doing well. Good morning. Good morning. Great to see you. My friend. How did you get involved? Well, a couple couple ways with, uh, Ken and Wendy would go around.

Joining us here this morning is Bert Yancey. He's a board member and volunteer coordinator as well. Hi Bert. How are you? I'm doing well. Good morning. Good morning. Great to see you. My friend. How did you get involved? Well, a couple couple ways with, uh, Ken and Wendy would go around.

The churches and do their program, Dignity Serves and, uh, workbook, where you went through, like, a six week program. And I participated in that. Yeah. And that was one way. And then the other way was back when they were at the storefront, um, they had a lady that would cook lunch for him, and she got a job. So they needed someone to help out in Kansas. Said one day, my my deceased wife was working or volunteering there at the time. And she said, can I ask her, can y'all help out with lunch? And that's where it all started.

The churches and do their program, Dignity Serves and, uh, workbook, where you went through, like, a six week program. And I participated in that. Yeah. And that was one way. And then the other way was back when they were at the storefront, um, they had a lady that would cook lunch for him, and she got a job. So they needed someone to help out in Kansas. Said one day, my my deceased wife was working or volunteering there at the time. And she said, can I ask her, can y'all help out with lunch? And that's where it all started.

So you were a lunch volunteer coordinator officially?

So you were a lunch volunteer coordinator officially?

Well, I am now.

Well, I am now.

You are now.

You are now.

Calls me I.

Calls me I.

Don't yeah, that's.

Don't yeah, that's.

That's it calls me other names too.

That's it calls me other names too.

Yeah. Yeah. We're not going to get into that. I've heard some. No, I'm just kidding. I bet you have. So, uh, when we talk about it's meeting temporal needs, obviously you're providing meals then, right? I mean, that's obvious. Yeah. So what does that entail?

Yeah. Yeah. We're not going to get into that. I've heard some. No, I'm just kidding. I bet you have. So, uh, when we talk about it's meeting temporal needs, obviously you're providing meals then, right? I mean, that's obvious. Yeah. So what does that entail?

Well, for a while there, there was a lot of volunteers doing it. And then all of a sudden, for whatever reason, Covid hit and things started dropping off and it was hard to gain traction again with the lunches. And obviously, um, as you can see, the facility here, it's grown. And Ken needed some more people. So and it was a lot for him to organize that as well as everything else I do. And I took that over and that was an interesting experience. There's a lot of churches that are willing to help out, but the difficulty I was having was getting through the administration of the churches. To get to the people. Now I know the people want to serve. Yes, they want to do God's work. Yes. And so it was hard to do that. So my current wife and I go to Meadowbrook Church and they have a function, like most churches do, a small group type thing. Yeah. And through that small group I was able to connect to the people. And from there I also made cold calls to churches and my contacts. And so now we've got 4 or 5 churches involved on a regular basis serving lunch every, every weekday.

Well, for a while there, there was a lot of volunteers doing it. And then all of a sudden, for whatever reason, Covid hit and things started dropping off and it was hard to gain traction again with the lunches. And obviously, um, as you can see, the facility here, it's grown. And Ken needed some more people. So and it was a lot for him to organize that as well as everything else I do. And I took that over and that was an interesting experience. There's a lot of churches that are willing to help out, but the difficulty I was having was getting through the administration of the churches. To get to the people. Now I know the people want to serve. Yes, they want to do God's work. Yes. And so it was hard to do that. So my current wife and I go to Meadowbrook Church and they have a function, like most churches do, a small group type thing. Yeah. And through that small group I was able to connect to the people. And from there I also made cold calls to churches and my contacts. And so now we've got 4 or 5 churches involved on a regular basis serving lunch every, every weekday.

This is wonderful. And Wendy, how do you fund all of this? That is $1 million question literally, isn't it? Sold the.

This is wonderful. And Wendy, how do you fund all of this? That is $1 million question literally, isn't it? Sold the.

Bus? No. Sold the bus.

Bus? No. Sold the bus.

Okay. That that was for. Did you get a good deal, you know, on the bus. No, no.

Okay. That that was for. Did you get a good deal, you know, on the bus. No, no.

Okay.

Okay.

How many miles do they have on. Yeah. It's very exactly. Okay. So let's let's talk about that because that's an important part of it. Because it takes money to do ministry.

How many miles do they have on. Yeah. It's very exactly. Okay. So let's let's talk about that because that's an important part of it. Because it takes money to do ministry.

It does. We have um, private donors. We call them dignity Partners, um, that give $10 a month or more, um, people all over the country that support us monthly. Um, that's our, um, the real meat and potatoes of how how we can budget, how we know how many people we can hire. We have 98 people on payroll here, 98 clients. So our dignity partners really help us provide the environment for all of the other projects to happen. So Dignity Partners are a huge, important part of our our ministry.

It does. We have um, private donors. We call them dignity Partners, um, that give $10 a month or more, um, people all over the country that support us monthly. Um, that's our, um, the real meat and potatoes of how how we can budget, how we know how many people we can hire. We have 98 people on payroll here, 98 clients. So our dignity partners really help us provide the environment for all of the other projects to happen. So Dignity Partners are a huge, important part of our our ministry.

Melissa Abney is with us. She is the manager of Dignity Roasters. Would you share your testimony with us? I think that's really that's really what we want to hear this morning.

Melissa Abney is with us. She is the manager of Dignity Roasters. Would you share your testimony with us? I think that's really that's really what we want to hear this morning.

The easiest way for me to start is if we would have met three and a half years ago, you would have met a violent, homeless drug addict living in a crack house. For 15 years I lived on and off the streets here in Ocala. I've been to 12 different rehabs. I've been to jail three times, in prison once. And on September 27th of 2020, my daughter had dropped off a bag of clothes and in there was a shirt. It said I was going to go running today. But Proverbs 28 one said, only the wicked run when no one's chasing them. Supposed to be a funny, wicked.

The easiest way for me to start is if we would have met three and a half years ago, you would have met a violent, homeless drug addict living in a crack house. For 15 years I lived on and off the streets here in Ocala. I've been to 12 different rehabs. I've been to jail three times, in prison once. And on September 27th of 2020, my daughter had dropped off a bag of clothes and in there was a shirt. It said I was going to go running today. But Proverbs 28 one said, only the wicked run when no one's chasing them. Supposed to be a funny, wicked.

Flee when.

Flee when.

No one is pursuing. Is that Proverbs 28? It's 28 128 one okay.

No one is pursuing. Is that Proverbs 28? It's 28 128 one okay.

So in that moment it hit me. Every disagreement, every argument. I'd go running back to my addiction. So I decided in that moment to go and get help. I went into a 72 hour detox, and when I came out, by the grace of God, I found wear gloves. Wow. They started me out on the litter crew picking up trash. They helped me to get my driver's license back, which I lost due to drug induced seizures. They let me become a driver for them for the litter crew. They helped me to save money to purchase a car. They asked me if I wanted to learn about coffee, which why not? So I became of course, I became the coffee roaster here at Dignity Roasters. I started doing all the deliveries and all the online subscriptions and actually roasting the coffee, and then they helped me to find my home church, which is neighborhood church here in Ocala. Yeah. Ken and Wendy came with me when I got baptized.

So in that moment it hit me. Every disagreement, every argument. I'd go running back to my addiction. So I decided in that moment to go and get help. I went into a 72 hour detox, and when I came out, by the grace of God, I found wear gloves. Wow. They started me out on the litter crew picking up trash. They helped me to get my driver's license back, which I lost due to drug induced seizures. They let me become a driver for them for the litter crew. They helped me to save money to purchase a car. They asked me if I wanted to learn about coffee, which why not? So I became of course, I became the coffee roaster here at Dignity Roasters. I started doing all the deliveries and all the online subscriptions and actually roasting the coffee, and then they helped me to find my home church, which is neighborhood church here in Ocala. Yeah. Ken and Wendy came with me when I got baptized.

Wow.

Wow.

They helped me to find a dentist so I could get my dentures so I could smile for you guys today. Well, that's so. And they put me through management and supervisor training, and I recently trained someone else to roast in here so I can do the community specialist. Yeah. So I can go out and do outreach to let other people know about wear gloves and how they can be a part of it or how they can help. I came here for a job, but I've stayed for the mission. I want to be for somebody else. Yes. What? Ken and Wendy were and still are for me.

They helped me to find a dentist so I could get my dentures so I could smile for you guys today. Well, that's so. And they put me through management and supervisor training, and I recently trained someone else to roast in here so I can do the community specialist. Yeah. So I can go out and do outreach to let other people know about wear gloves and how they can be a part of it or how they can help. I came here for a job, but I've stayed for the mission. I want to be for somebody else. Yes. What? Ken and Wendy were and still are for me.

And you have? Well, that's just. That's like a holy ground moment. Yeah. Just everybody just let that soak in.

And you have? Well, that's just. That's like a holy ground moment. Yeah. Just everybody just let that soak in.

Some people who. Yeah. Your your story today is what they are praying for. For someone they love. Yes.

Some people who. Yeah. Your your story today is what they are praying for. For someone they love. Yes.

Completely. And I tell people just to hold on you. You don't know. My mother was going to church weekly, praying nonstop. And a lady in her prayer group told her, just keep praying and one day your daughter will invite you to church. And my mother laughed. At the moment you don't know my daughter and three years ago I invited her to church.

Completely. And I tell people just to hold on you. You don't know. My mother was going to church weekly, praying nonstop. And a lady in her prayer group told her, just keep praying and one day your daughter will invite you to church. And my mother laughed. At the moment you don't know my daughter and three years ago I invited her to church.

You're right Kate, that's given a lot of folks hope.

You're right Kate, that's given a lot of folks hope.

Yes.

Yes.

Yeah, yeah. And see, um, when you met Jesus and you encountered him that moment for you, um, what was it like for you? Did you did you feel free for the first time?

Yeah, yeah. And see, um, when you met Jesus and you encountered him that moment for you, um, what was it like for you? Did you did you feel free for the first time?

Just an overwhelming sense of peace.

Just an overwhelming sense of peace.

Peace?

Peace?

That's the easiest way I can explain it. Just pure peace. There was. I knew I was in the right place. I knew I was in the right path. And I was just at peace. Well, and now, with everything that they've done here for me, I've got not only my kids back in my life, but I've got my grandkids back in my life. Before, I was the last person to get a call. Now I'm the first. Ah.

That's the easiest way I can explain it. Just pure peace. There was. I knew I was in the right place. I knew I was in the right path. And I was just at peace. Well, and now, with everything that they've done here for me, I've got not only my kids back in my life, but I've got my grandkids back in my life. Before, I was the last person to get a call. Now I'm the first. Ah.

God has restored the years the locusts had eaten. And your story, your trophy. We all are a trophy of God's grace. We know that's true, but some of us have more dramatic testimonies than others. So when you have an opportunity to share Jesus with others, for those you know who come through the program here or, you know, show up, uh, here, Dignity Roasters, um. When you have a chance to do that, do you ever pinch yourself and you're like, I can't believe that God's given me, of all people, the opportunity to reach out to this person. This is God. God doesn't need us. He does not. But but he wants us and wants to use us. And sometimes our greatest pain out of our greatest pain comes our our greatest opportunity for ministry. Because that's the upside down economy of God's kingdom, isn't it?

God has restored the years the locusts had eaten. And your story, your trophy. We all are a trophy of God's grace. We know that's true, but some of us have more dramatic testimonies than others. So when you have an opportunity to share Jesus with others, for those you know who come through the program here or, you know, show up, uh, here, Dignity Roasters, um. When you have a chance to do that, do you ever pinch yourself and you're like, I can't believe that God's given me, of all people, the opportunity to reach out to this person. This is God. God doesn't need us. He does not. But but he wants us and wants to use us. And sometimes our greatest pain out of our greatest pain comes our our greatest opportunity for ministry. Because that's the upside down economy of God's kingdom, isn't it?

100%. I am grateful that I'm given this opportunity, and I let everyone know when they hear my story. Well, mine's not as bad as yours. No one story is, you know, doesn't have to be bigger than the last. Yes, everyone's story is important. Yes. And it's part of your life.

100%. I am grateful that I'm given this opportunity, and I let everyone know when they hear my story. Well, mine's not as bad as yours. No one story is, you know, doesn't have to be bigger than the last. Yes, everyone's story is important. Yes. And it's part of your life.

Yes, yes. It's not a competition. We're all lost and get found if we're. If, you know Jesus does and.

Yes, yes. It's not a competition. We're all lost and get found if we're. If, you know Jesus does and.

Everyone has a story.

Everyone has a story.

Yes. Yeah.

Yes. Yeah.

And see, that's part of it too. Uh, you know, it's such a welcoming atmosphere atmosphere here, Dignity Roasters. I mean, obviously you can feel the love, the joy of the Lord here, but it's a good place. As many, you know, coffee shops are. But this one's special. You put an asterisk by that where you can have God conversations. Right. Your conversations can breathe with people here. And there's no telling what appointments, divine appointments that God will make here on any given day. Do you have somebody you've encountered maybe recently? Um, and you'd like to share that story with us? Somebody come to mind? You've had a chance to share the story your story with or just interact with.

And see, that's part of it too. Uh, you know, it's such a welcoming atmosphere atmosphere here, Dignity Roasters. I mean, obviously you can feel the love, the joy of the Lord here, but it's a good place. As many, you know, coffee shops are. But this one's special. You put an asterisk by that where you can have God conversations. Right. Your conversations can breathe with people here. And there's no telling what appointments, divine appointments that God will make here on any given day. Do you have somebody you've encountered maybe recently? Um, and you'd like to share that story with us? Somebody come to mind? You've had a chance to share the story your story with or just interact with.

It's part of my position here to go out and share my story as much as I can.

It's part of my position here to go out and share my story as much as I can.

Okay, so tell us a story. Okay? You met somebody, you told the story.

Okay, so tell us a story. Okay? You met somebody, you told the story.

I'll tell you that.

I'll tell you that.

I was at a church. I was telling the story. Yeah. And a young lady came up to me very. I mean, visibly, you know, shaken. And she told me that I gave her hope. She goes, I'm three days clean and sober, and you give me hope.

I was at a church. I was telling the story. Yeah. And a young lady came up to me very. I mean, visibly, you know, shaken. And she told me that I gave her hope. She goes, I'm three days clean and sober, and you give me hope.

Yes. That's great.

Yes. That's great.

But yeah, I would say 95% of the time when I go and tell my story, someone comes up to me and says, I have a daughter, I have a brother, I have a son, I have a grandchild that's going through what you're what you've been through. Yes. You know, and now we see that there is light that change can happen. It took me 15 years. Yeah. And people ask, what can they do? Just hold on.

But yeah, I would say 95% of the time when I go and tell my story, someone comes up to me and says, I have a daughter, I have a brother, I have a son, I have a grandchild that's going through what you're what you've been through. Yes. You know, and now we see that there is light that change can happen. It took me 15 years. Yeah. And people ask, what can they do? Just hold on.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You know, sometimes we say.

You know, sometimes we say.

Just hold on.

Just hold on.

Well, all I can do is pray. Well, you know what? That should be the first step, not the last resort. You know, it's like prayer begins. Yeah, that's how it begins. Yes.

Well, all I can do is pray. Well, you know what? That should be the first step, not the last resort. You know, it's like prayer begins. Yeah, that's how it begins. Yes.

Because there was nothing anybody could say to you. Yeah, there was nothing.

Because there was nothing anybody could say to you. Yeah, there was nothing.

Right? I lost a husband. I lost my children, I lost a career, I lost everything, and that didn't make me change. Mhm. Well, but a t shirt at 3 a.m. while I was in a crack house made me change.

Right? I lost a husband. I lost my children, I lost a career, I lost everything, and that didn't make me change. Mhm. Well, but a t shirt at 3 a.m. while I was in a crack house made me change.

Well. Wow.

Well. Wow.

See, that's so God isn't it?

See, that's so God isn't it?

That's the word of God not returning to him.

That's the word of God not returning to him.

Void. Yeah, exactly. For sure. Do you like, uh, do you like to read the word? Is the word your lifeline?

Void. Yeah, exactly. For sure. Do you like, uh, do you like to read the word? Is the word your lifeline?

I do.

I do.

I can tell, so I can tell. What would you like to say to somebody? I think we've illustrated this with your story, but I'd love for you to speak directly to someone who is listening this morning and always think about these folks who are listening, and they're like, just going through the the radio, maybe. And they're like, huh, what's this? This is a Christian radio station. Why am I even listening to this? And yet they are still listening. And by the way, if that's you, we believe that God makes divine appointments. Um, and that person is listening. And maybe they are dealing with some of the challenges that you dealt with or something along those lines, and your story is speaking to them. Um, I want to give you the opportunity to address them directly. What would you like to say to that person? They could be, uh, maybe mired in addiction. They could maybe be experiencing some type of crisis in their life. Um, what do you want to say to them right now?

I can tell, so I can tell. What would you like to say to somebody? I think we've illustrated this with your story, but I'd love for you to speak directly to someone who is listening this morning and always think about these folks who are listening, and they're like, just going through the the radio, maybe. And they're like, huh, what's this? This is a Christian radio station. Why am I even listening to this? And yet they are still listening. And by the way, if that's you, we believe that God makes divine appointments. Um, and that person is listening. And maybe they are dealing with some of the challenges that you dealt with or something along those lines, and your story is speaking to them. Um, I want to give you the opportunity to address them directly. What would you like to say to that person? They could be, uh, maybe mired in addiction. They could maybe be experiencing some type of crisis in their life. Um, what do you want to say to them right now?

A lot of people get overwhelmed when they first start to turn their life around. They want to think six months in advance next year. They want to plan out. You can't. You need to plan out what's happening in five minutes. Yeah. And then it's.

A lot of people get overwhelmed when they first start to turn their life around. They want to think six months in advance next year. They want to plan out. You can't. You need to plan out what's happening in five minutes. Yeah. And then it's.

Wise.

Wise.

Tomorrow, let's do ten and go on like that. Just hold on. Just go minute by minute.

Tomorrow, let's do ten and go on like that. Just hold on. Just go minute by minute.

One step at a time.

One step at a time.

Completely. And I know that's a cliche statement. One step at a time, but you have to.

Completely. And I know that's a cliche statement. One step at a time, but you have to.

Aren't you glad God is patient with us?

Aren't you glad God is patient with us?

Very much.

Very much.

So. Do you ever look back on your life when you were on the streets and you're looking in the rear view mirror and you realize that God was looking out for you even before you came to him.

So. Do you ever look back on your life when you were on the streets and you're looking in the rear view mirror and you realize that God was looking out for you even before you came to him.

Many times, yeah, I have, I have actually died on three separate occasions. So you're.

Many times, yeah, I have, I have actually died on three separate occasions. So you're.

Kidding. Was it an overdose?

Kidding. Was it an overdose?

Yes, sir. And brought back by Narcan.

Yes, sir. And brought back by Narcan.

Oh, my. Three times. Yes, sir. God really, really was reaching down and touching you. So I.

Oh, my. Three times. Yes, sir. God really, really was reaching down and touching you. So I.

Can look at those moments and saying he had bigger plans for.

Can look at those moments and saying he had bigger plans for.

Me. And here you are today, sharing your hope with others.

Me. And here you are today, sharing your hope with others.

Yeah. And I content will continue.

Yeah. And I content will continue.

Well, Melissa, thank you for taking the time to share with us.

Well, Melissa, thank you for taking the time to share with us.

I appreciate you guys coming here.

I appreciate you guys coming here.

We appreciate the coffee. Yeah.

We appreciate the coffee. Yeah.

Are you actually roasting you roast the coffee I am.

Are you actually roasting you roast the coffee I am.

One of the roasters.

One of the roasters.

Yes.

Yes.

There's two roasters.

There's two roasters.

Here. Well done.

Here. Well done.

Yeah yeah. Good. So you've you've actually worked on the Courtenay Mornings coffee blend previously.

Yeah yeah. Good. So you've you've actually worked on the Courtenay Mornings coffee blend previously.

I have and mailed it out to you guys.

I have and mailed it out to you guys.

Ah that's great.

Ah that's great.

Round of applause. That's perfect. Joining us now is Jessica Rehak and Jessica. Uh, you are the manager of dignity House. Tell us about dignity House and how that works.

Round of applause. That's perfect. Joining us now is Jessica Rehak and Jessica. Uh, you are the manager of dignity House. Tell us about dignity House and how that works.

Um, well, we assemble parts, um, for closetmaid. So, um, our clients come down and they'll get paid by piece work. So, um, they have the opportunity to work, but they don't. They can work at their own pace because some of them, you know.

Um, well, we assemble parts, um, for closetmaid. So, um, our clients come down and they'll get paid by piece work. So, um, they have the opportunity to work, but they don't. They can work at their own pace because some of them, you know.

Some of them, it's hard to get a job if you don't have an address and you don't have a phone. Some some jobs just are aren't even available to you without.

Some of them, it's hard to get a job if you don't have an address and you don't have a phone. Some some jobs just are aren't even available to you without.

We don't ask any of that of our clients. They can come down straight off the street. We don't need any kind of back informations, résumés, anything. They can come straight in and get work today.

We don't ask any of that of our clients. They can come down straight off the street. We don't need any kind of back informations, résumés, anything. They can come straight in and get work today.

So is dignity.

So is dignity.

House a shelter?

House a shelter?

No, it's not a shelter.

No, it's not a shelter.

Okay. So when it comes to housing, explain how that that works. Helping folks get housing.

Okay. So when it comes to housing, explain how that that works. Helping folks get housing.

Um, well, we have a manager here on site. Carlos. Mhm. Um, works with everybody. One on a one on one basis. Uh, go by their own needs.

Um, well, we have a manager here on site. Carlos. Mhm. Um, works with everybody. One on a one on one basis. Uh, go by their own needs.

How did you end up here?

How did you end up here?

Um, I actually worked on the road for about 20 years, um, doing special events and, uh. Ended up in a little town in Tennessee, and my mom got really ill, so I had to move down here to help her. Sorry, I get emotional. Okay.

Um, I actually worked on the road for about 20 years, um, doing special events and, uh. Ended up in a little town in Tennessee, and my mom got really ill, so I had to move down here to help her. Sorry, I get emotional. Okay.

Take your time.

Take your time.

Take your time.

Take your time.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And, um. I spent so much time helping her that I wasn't really helping myself, so. I found this place online and. Just that I need to get out. So sorry.

And, um. I spent so much time helping her that I wasn't really helping myself, so. I found this place online and. Just that I need to get out. So sorry.

That's okay. No, no, no.

That's okay. No, no, no.

That's okay.

That's okay.

So, um, I came down and they hired me that day. They just put me right on. I didn't even need my id, I was shocked. Yeah, but, um. It got me out of the house. And then I met amazing people in our warehouse. Just amazing. Thank you.

So, um, I came down and they hired me that day. They just put me right on. I didn't even need my id, I was shocked. Yeah, but, um. It got me out of the house. And then I met amazing people in our warehouse. Just amazing. Thank you.

We have plenty of Kleenex.

We have plenty of Kleenex.

Yes, yes.

Yes, yes.

Fine. Not napkins. Kleenex.

Fine. Not napkins. Kleenex.

Kate came with the real good stuff here.

Kate came with the real good stuff here.

She actually put this box in her purse.

She actually put this box in her purse.

Which, you.

Which, you.

Know, her purse is huge. And there's so much in there. Anyway, that's another story for another time.

Know, her purse is huge. And there's so much in there. Anyway, that's another story for another time.

And who needed Kleenex today? We all did. So. Okay. Oh, you're.

And who needed Kleenex today? We all did. So. Okay. Oh, you're.

Referring to the coffee I spilled on my shirt that everybody can see? I tried to see. Look, it's right here, so it's appropriate. Um.

Referring to the coffee I spilled on my shirt that everybody can see? I tried to see. Look, it's right here, so it's appropriate. Um.

You know.

You know.

I came down here to help my mom, but honestly. Yeah. And I'm still helping her. By the way, she's doing phenomenal. Oh, good.

I came down here to help my mom, but honestly. Yeah. And I'm still helping her. By the way, she's doing phenomenal. Oh, good.

That's good news.

That's good news.

She's a breast cancer survivor. Wow. Um, she's still struggling with diabetes, but she just had a check up the other day, and she's amazing. She's got her health is probably better than mine at this point.

She's a breast cancer survivor. Wow. Um, she's still struggling with diabetes, but she just had a check up the other day, and she's amazing. She's got her health is probably better than mine at this point.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah. Uh, but in the process of coming here, though, I just fell in love with the place. I could definitely go find a job somewhere else. But I don't want to leave because it's just people's stories here and what they're going through. And from the day they arrived to a week later or a month later, just the difference in them. When you.

Yeah. Uh, but in the process of coming here, though, I just fell in love with the place. I could definitely go find a job somewhere else. But I don't want to leave because it's just people's stories here and what they're going through. And from the day they arrived to a week later or a month later, just the difference in them. When you.

See that progress, you know that it's it's the Lord at work in their lives, isn't.

See that progress, you know that it's it's the Lord at work in their lives, isn't.

It? Absolutely. 100%. 100%. And um, being a faith based program, you know, it's it's I don't even know what to say. It's just amazing.

It? Absolutely. 100%. 100%. And um, being a faith based program, you know, it's it's I don't even know what to say. It's just amazing.

It's if Jesus were physically walking the streets of Ocala, my guess is he would be here a lot.

It's if Jesus were physically walking the streets of Ocala, my guess is he would be here a lot.

Yeah, that's what I'm already here. He's here. Right here. If he's. Yes, yes. It's true. Yes, that's true.

Yeah, that's what I'm already here. He's here. Right here. If he's. Yes, yes. It's true. Yes, that's true.

He's definitely.

He's definitely.

Here.

Here.

But if he was actually. Yeah. You know, walking the streets, he would because, you know, he's in everything. That's one of the things that we love about this ministry. He permeates everything that's done here uh, on a daily basis. And it's so much more than, than just coffee. Obviously. It's so much more than just giving someone some assistance when they need it. It is giving them literally the bread of life and changing where they will spend eternity. No wonder you want to be here when you could be somewhere else.

But if he was actually. Yeah. You know, walking the streets, he would because, you know, he's in everything. That's one of the things that we love about this ministry. He permeates everything that's done here uh, on a daily basis. And it's so much more than, than just coffee. Obviously. It's so much more than just giving someone some assistance when they need it. It is giving them literally the bread of life and changing where they will spend eternity. No wonder you want to be here when you could be somewhere else.

Yeah. Did you know Jesus before you came here, or did you kind of meet him here?

Yeah. Did you know Jesus before you came here, or did you kind of meet him here?

No.

No.

I knew you knew him before. You just recognized it when you walk in the door.