Tuesday, November 20, 2012

ANGEL TREE - HOW IT WORKS

October 2011

ANGEL TREE - HOW IT WORKS

Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries that reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ. It seeks to transform the lives of these families and to reconcile them to their Heavenly Father and each other. In Matthew 18:5 Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”

Last summer in prisons and jails across the country, incarcerated parents applied to have their children participate in the Angel Tree Program. Applications were forwarded to Prison Fellowship Ministries’ clearing house for distribution to participating churches worldwide.

CPC received applications for the children of 31 families who live on the Monterey Peninsula.

We would very much like each of our small groups to adopt a family. CPC participants – small groups and individuals – will contact the caregiver by phone. Please introduce yourself, the Angel Tree Program, and our Church. Let the caregiver know what you have in mind. Verify the names of the children, their ages and their clothes sizes. Get caregiver’s approval for a time when you may come by and meet the kids and the caregiver. This may be to deliver the gifts or even before.

Purchase the Christmas gifts for delivery to the children. Each gift delivery provides an opportunity to share the love and hope of Christ with the family. Through Angel Tree, these children feel a parent’s love, despite their absence. It's suggested that each child receive 1- 2 gifts, totaling no more than $20. One gift should be an article of clothing, the other a toy. After that it's free-wheeling and up to you as the Lord leads you to help and to minister to them.

When you contact the caregiver, be aware that s/he may have no idea of the Angel Tree Program. Most caregivers are highly appreciative of the effort and support that providing gifts at Christmas provides. A few, a very few, are not. They may have separated themselves entirely from the incarcerated member because of what s/he has done to the family. If the caregiver refuses to participate, thank them and wish them well. (Please let me know this.)

Individual and group prayer times prior to meeting with children and their caregivers will strengthen, calm, and keep the volunteers relying upon God. The home may be a stressful environment for the child and the family. Court appearances, prison visits, financial strains, frequent relocations, and interpersonal tensions all test a family to the breaking point. If there has been drug or alcohol abuse, neglect, or physical abuse, stress at home is greatly increased.

Prison Fellowship writes, “Angel Tree doesn’t end with Christmas. For you and your church, that first Christmas connection can be the beginning of a rewarding ongoing relationship with these children and their families. Continue your Angel Tree ministry throughout the year and God will use your church to help these children and their families grow in their faith, strengthen their relationships with imprisoned parents, and fulfill the purposes that God has for their lives"

I personally hope each of the small groups accept this challenge. It certainly would qualify as a community "act" of kindness and not burden lone individuals with the year-round assignment. What a wonderful way for a group to come together. And, I know our members by participating with us will better understand what these families go through than by reading all of the e-mails and listening to the talks I've given to date. Angel Tree provides an opportunity to connect with those families and begin ministering to them at Christmas and continue through a variety of year-round ministry opportunities.

I'm always available to walk anyone through the program and even make house calls.

Grace and peace,

Bill and Pam Ziering 26033 Mesa Drive, Carmel, CA 93923 250-7921 ziering@pacbell.net

CAN YOU HELP?

March 30, 2010


“Can you help?”



“There’s this homeless couple with the most adorable 1 year old, living in their car which is about to be compounded. It doesn’t run, needs a lot of unaffordable work,
and is stuck there in front of a church.” The police have given them until the end of the week to move it or lose it.”



So went the 911 conversation with our CPC sister inquiring direction. She had happened upon the mom with infant and sensed things were not right. Over the next few days Cynthia has provided the basic necessities to mom, Michelle, and baby girl Royal. Now she needed more help.



First up, a call to the Salvation Army. I was ultimately connected with a case worker, Psyche (in truth!). Best as I could, from my vantage point as a distant third party I related the story -a story Psyche likely hears a couple of dozen times
daily. She picked up on the number 1, 2, and 3 absolute need - shelter, and asked I drop the family off at their headquarters, 800 Scott in Sand City for an “intake history” and appropriate placement.



The long term core issue to the married couple is a car that works, that works more than just as a domicile, but runs and moves so that mom can get Royal to the doctor (multiple allergies), can drive to the food bank, and enables dad to keep up with collecting recyclables for sustenance



Pam and I met Michelle and Charles today at their big bronze ‘90 Lincoln Continental grounded outside San Carlos Church. Charles, 50ish, gentle and articulate, has two broken down knees, badly in need of joint replacement, but unavailable to him. He struggles to walk. His manner was peaceful, his nature positive, his character, grateful, his love of Michelle and Royal, abundant. Michelle, 25ish, reserved, and withdrawn, was content to play mother, leaving the role of family head to Charles. And in the midst of our fellowship, it began to rain



“Can you help?” The plea was simple, but at this moment of truth, my confidence was iffy. Each S.O.S. distress call is unique. I enjoy the opportunity and always manage to learn from the challenge, but score a total victory, no, and certainly nil without prayer and guidance from the Spirit.



After Charles locked their two bicycles to a post, and transferred the baby car seat, we made off to meet with Psyche. Psyche was sensitive and cordial but not
gushy. She could not fulfill the couple’s primary interest, a shelter that accommodates families. There are a limited number of shelters for the homeless in our county, a few for men, and even less for women, but none for couples with children. And Michelle and Charles are not about abandoning Royal or aborting their marriage vows for their individual self interests.



The immediate solution provided was a night’s rest and shower at a local motel, one replete with a microwave oven and refrigerator (for Royal’s soybean formula – available at $3.39 a half gallon). Further, Psyche provided us with a list of low cost apartment units in the area for which the Salvation Army will help with the first month’s rent and security deposit – a solution, on the surface, not remote from Charles’ ability to handle



Their long term goals are not unrealistic. They need a car that works. Charles’ knees don’t carry him further than a half block or much longer than 4 minutes. He
continues to apply for jobs, any job, minimum pay or otherwise, but never comes close. So he does recyclables 6 days a week. On a bad day he brings in $8 and when he’s graced, $22.

(Charles is a Christian, was brought up Catholic, sent his first children to parochial school in Salinas, and a bible is what we’re gifting him today.)



The vouchers still remaining from the Yellow Brick Road will come in handy later in the week. We’ll take Michelle, Royal, and yes, Charles, on a shopping spree there after the rains let up



Meanwhile Cynthia has arranged for their own local mechanic to check out “the car that couldn’t” to assess the best price available for the block repair.



What Cynthia, Pam, and I are requesting are two items:
• Can you bring your recyclables to CPC on Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM. Pam and I will deliver them to our new friends?



• And, prayerfully, can you part with and donate your old car (that still works or needs not major repair) to our non-profit, For The Least Of Us, (fully deductible). Charles can scrape together up to $500 (if needed) in the transfer.



Bill and Pam Ziering

26033 Mesa Drive

Carmel, CA

831-250-7921
November 19, 2012 Late Fall edition TWO WEEKS LATER

A 5 star general couldn’t program this operation better. And since I no longer believe in luck or worldly miracles it must be another God thing

Here’s the “breaking news” story. Dad is returning home in just 6 weeks. After surviving a 5 year separation from his family, he’s to be released from prison on New Year’s Days, in faith, the first day of his new and improved life. A true born-again experience

For the initial 58 months few dramatic events were noted. The prison experience was like treading water. For the day’s excitement, dad blackened another “X” over the numbered date.

Then Jesus took over. For over the last 2 months successions of small events have been noted. •

In preparation for dad’s reentry , his own dad and mom, have taken up residence at Pastor Mike Casey’s “Most Excellent Way” – a rousing evening service attended by about 100 drop-ins seeking solutions for their destructive habits. Who tags along sans a struggle but Joshua (pseudonym) age 14, the eldest of the 3 left behind children. Why? Because he loves and misses his dad and wants to be part of the restorative effort for reconciling the family“The Most Excellent Way” The Christian Solution for Addictions: JESUS!

• In preparation for dad’s reentry, the extended family has successfully coaxed Pastor Mike to consider dad for admission to the Bridge, a Christian residential facility in Pacific Grove. Just the right ticket for dad to reclaim his life and to free himself of his demons. Who has been at the center of the

persuasion to win over dad’s agreement? Joshua of course. Why? Because He loves and misses his dad and wants to be part of the restorative effort for reconciling the family.

• In preparation for dad’s reentry, Joshua came with me to Carmel Presbyterian Church’s youth group service this morning. Josh’s awareness of scripture comes from way back. He’s heard of Adam and Eve, can’t recall ever being in church, and is mixed up on the meaning of Christmas. Yet with considerable apprehension and much hand wringing, Joshua courageously came to church with me this morning and we arrived but 15 minutes late. Why? Because he loves and misses his dad and wants to be part of the restorative effort for reconciling the family.

• Joshua’s Good Samaritan neighbors who in a wink took him in when mom took off are not believers, and haven’t attended church since heaven knows when. Well believe it or not, they’re coming to CPC services next Sunday. Why? They don’t want to be left out of the process. If Joshua can do it for dad, they can do it for Joshua. This thing is building momentum.

• Joshua’s grandma too will attend next Sunday. She actually bumped me as the presenter of the 2 minute testimony on the rewards for sponsorship of an Angel Tree family. She should know; she’s been on ends, a donor and a recipient.

• Then to show that miracles never cease, in the excitement of it all, she has convinced Jedd, her husband to retake their wedding vows again next month. A worldly born- again experience, only this time, better than ever.

Ziering@pacbell.net 831-250-7921 In His service

For The Least Of Us”, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

WAITING FOR DAD

September 29, 2012 Fall edition

Call him hardheaded, call him what you will, Josh*(pseudonym) didn’t care, he was

standing firm. “I’m not leaving. It’s OK for sister and brother to move in with grandma, but I’m 14, in high school, have my friends, and can take care of myself”. Grandma Ruth* lives a million miles away, and I’m not going, and that’s it!

For The Least Of Us met the Clarks* last year while preparing for our annual Angel Tree Christmas celebration. Dad, in the home stretch of his 5 year prison term, had signed on for us to see that his 3 kids not miss out this one last time before the family got back together.

It didn’t turn out that way. Mom had a nice job but was playing incognito. Few knew of her personal life and she fiercely aimed to keep it secret. She wasn’t a happy camper. And she made it abundantly clear she had no intention of being on display attending the party.

Grandma to the rescue. She popped into the old jalopy, moseyed down to Monterey, picked up the children, and joined the other “left behind families” at the gala. After all the children were adorable, happy, and well loved and granny intended to

keep it that way.

Mom’s mom, Ruth had lived locally, but when the economy tightened up, she moved upstate. Still Ruth couldn’t let go. Each summer break, for the past five years, the children would vacation with her at the ranch. The other 9 months were filled with daily phone conversations and monthly visits. Angel Tree proved a turn off for mom. She couldn’t risk being seen and identified as a prison family. Once more enter angelic Ruth. She would whisk the children to our annual Christmas gala replete with song, treats, fellowship, gifts, and an opportunity to cover little Jesus at the Nativity scene. Dad would be proud.

As the countdown to dad’s coming out ticked away, mom began falling apart. Forgiveness wasn’t a big ticket item with her. In fact while dad pined away for a second chance at family restoration, mom continued her hiding out even towards him. Dad however never gave up hoping, writing and calling. Rarely was he rewarded.

About a couple of months ago, the family situation hit rock bottom. Mom apparently fell back to her old self, took up with a stranger, didn’t come home many nights, and left the refrigerator bare too often. Her tardiness at work got her fired and last week she was evicted from her rental. Today, no one knows her whereabouts.

Ruth took the two little ones to live with her; Josh stubbornly refused to go along. So God sent three more angels - Dad’s dad, a compassionate neighbor couple, and the staff at Josh’s high school. Among them were temporary adoption, supervision, shelter, food, clothing, and a ton of love and devotion.

This weekend the two local families and Josh will be heading up to the ranch where the little sister will be baptized.

Even Carmel Pres is getting into the act. With Worship in Action Sunday just 2 days hence, a number of families are providing meals for all. In this case the workers are not few. Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas in neigh.

Dad will be released on January 1 and while he has a good job waiting, he will need a term of rehabilitation, restoration, and reconciliation. We are exploring the possibilities, and with God’s help, it will happen. Bill and Pam Ziering Ziering@pacbell.net 831-250-7921 For The Least Of Us”, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9)

SENTENCING: IS ANYTHING MORE SCARY?

I was in Court today for a sentencing, thankfully to witness this time, not to defend. A dark spirit filled chamber where seemingly a roll of the dice can

determine who goes home tonight and who, handcuffed, returns to the Monterey jail. Pam accompanied me, just as she did time and time again a dozen years ago. We came because Sara*, 26, asked us to. Via email, her court appointed attorney had relayed the request. As it was, none of her once close family or yesterday’s friends showed up, an experience I knew well enough.

We met Sara two years ago at a mandatory PACT meeting (A community reentry program for parolees). There, roughly two dozen local non-profit agencies tout their services to help ease the painful transition back into the community (job training, shelter availability, counseling, skills development, facilities for food and clothing etc). Of the hundred or so attending Sara alone made a beeline to us. After a 3 year incarceration she was excited but fearful, anticipating her coming out event.

We learned she was a Carmel High graduate, came from a professional family, and had attended Carmel Presbyterian Church. That info more than excited us too. We laid

plans for her reentry, promised support, and pledged to ease her reintroduction back into her community. It never happened. She missed our set appointments. Calls to her family were not returned.

Enter God.

Our ministry, For The Least Of Us, had signed up for Carmel Pres’ recent Worship

in Action outreach event, We pitched the membership to prepare dinners for five to be delivered to our Angel Tree families. Eight stepped forward – one being Sara!

The replies drifted in by mail. Shamefully, I didn’t recognize her name. On D day for the food drop off at the Church parking lot we came up one short. Sara was a no show. Indecisive, it was a coin toss on what to do. But after dialing in the Holy Spirit, I telephoned her. She had forgotten. Having gone through a tedious root

canal procedure the day before, she had confined herself to bed and overslept. How repentant Sara, offering a make up for the following day, week or whenever, and even suggesting substituting some house cleaning, baby sitting, dog walking or whatever. I left reassured we’ll catch her in September at our next event.

Shortly thereafter I awakened to an epiphany. Just happening to be visiting Pacific Grove, I somehow chanced to pick up the PG Bulletin, and surprisingly caught a local tidbit – Sara was back in jail, involved in an accident, caught fleeing and found to be DUI. With God pointing the way, I was to have the privileged opportunity to share the Gospel once more Sara was not joyful to see me. Visitations with inmates are restricted to one hour a week. So fearful of being rejected I had decided to show up unannounced believing the Spirit would sustain the moment. I was wrong; Sara was expecting her brother, a law student, who would be giving her pointers on how to testify. Apologetic, in total embarrassment, I started to leave; compassionate, Sara asked me to stay awhile longer.

I requested she keep in touch, volunteered to testify in her behalf, and suggested her brother call me. It didn’t happen. Once again I was set adrift. Sorrowful it was over I turned to other matters. That is until yesterday’s out of the blue request.

In court, Sara was too self preoccupied to share more than a rare glance towards Pam and me. Hers was one of the last cases to be tried, each more disturbing than the other. One 37 year old stoop farm worker with perfect on the job attendance had been pressured by both the agency and a niece to sign off on a car that titillated the youngster. As might have been ordained, it was now in default, and auntie was arrested. Her attorney did a good job in pleading her case, but it went for naught, and right there in the courtroom she was handcuffed and marched off to jail amidst her silent tears. Pam went over to her attorney to offer a contribution towards payment of her overpowering court fees

Before sentencing Sara, the judge asked if there were any witnesses in her behalf. Surprised at the invitation, and aware I would not forgive myself later if I missed the opportunity, I volunteered. Thereupon I was led to an open area alongside the railing but still considerably distant from the judge. Uncomfortable because I

couldn’t clearly hear his instructions I became additionally flustered. Following a quickie make shift prayer, I asked Him to lead me with my testimony.

I reviewed my contacts with Sara and more significantly hers with me. At each step, just when hope seemed irretrievable, Sara miraculously had come forward. Finally, I explained having made contact with Genesis, a local non-profit providing yearlong intensive residential therapy for those with addictive problems and happily discovered Sara is a suitable candidate for admission for which our ministry can help shepherd.

Thereafter the Judge postponed the sentencing rescheduling to later in the month.

On leaving the courtroom, the case prosecutor caught up with us, giving thanks for our presence, and message. He expressed appreciation both for our activity towards Sara’s successful reentry, and more importantly for making him aware that Sara has made demonstrable her heart has signs of faith and goodness

*Sara is a pseudonym for her given name

Bill and Pam Ziering For The Least Of Us, Inc 26033 Mesa Drive Carmel, CA 93923 831-250-7921 ziering@pacbell.net

For The Least Of Us”, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9)