a message.

Tonight, in the youth room at Refuge Calvary Chapel Huntington Beach, youth pastors, Geoff and Chris, shared a message about giving.

A few of the things they said, and I thought were ironically applicable to ABAGOFHOPE.

“Be the Person that Fulfills that Need” – in regards to the needs of the people you see around you!

Four important things about giving: 1. Love for, and of, God. 2. Compassion, the love of God. 3. Remaining unhooked from earthly and material things. 4. Be content, and realize how blessed we are.

Some of the verses that support their message: Luke 16:13, Matthew 13:22, 1 TImothy 6:17, 1 Peter 3:8.

fortunate.

I am very fortunate to work at a place where I have the opportunity to share things with my co-workers. Today, I was given the chance to share ABAGOFHOPE. It went really well, and I got positive feedback, as well as encouragement and support. Something I have gotten in every aspect of my life, in regards to ABAGOFHOPE.

I also shared that ENZOANI (the company I work for) will be financially supporting this outreach program. Something that has been a huge blessing!

I am so blessed by all of the supporters!

Social Networking

Daniel took the time today to create a "group" for abagofhope, on social networking site, Facebook. Please take the time to join the group, and spread the word!

Thanks!

a story of hope.

Driving to work, on my usual route, I saw a familiar silhouette standing on the island next to the left turn lane on Warner and Fairview. I directed myself towards the lane closest to him and glanced at the sign he held that read: "Homeless War Veteran. Please Help". I rolled down my driver side window and greeted him with a smile. He saw the bag that I was handing him and with a huge, gracious smile, said, "Wow, thank you so much!". I replied "God Bless!". And then took my turn to drive.--Katie Shepard 10/27/09.

inspiration.

Browsing the website for the Orange County Register, I came across this related story/video.
If you can spare three minutes, this video gives a glimpse into how easy it is to become homeless. I especially like what she says towards the end of the clip! Let me know what you think!

http://video.ocregister.com/m/27077036/former-homeless-woman-helps-homeless.htm

a story of hope.

On my way home from yoga, passing the same corner I pass daily, I saw the same homeless man I encounter daily. As I approached the corner I rolled down the window to hand him a bag. The man looked shocked and surprised, as I handed the bag over with a smile. "Here's a bag of hope! Jesus loves you!", I said. He replied, with a smile, "Thank you, and God Bless". And I was on my way. --Lauren Vopatek 10/12/09

grateful.

Today, I had lunch with Josh and Daniel. Just to catch up on life, etc. Josh had shown interest in abagofhope, after I posted it on Facebook. And at lunch he brought me a tool I can use to gain support, and spread the word about the importance of giving.
A couple years ago, he was interested in finding a way to help the homeless. So he created these "support cards". He printed pictures from the internet of homeless men, women and children, and on the back of the cards, he put Bible verses that surround the idea of giving to those in need.
It was really nice talking to someone who has a heart to help the homeless. And just another reminder to me that God is behind this entire project, and I'm just his servant!

while i was gone, again.

it's kinda amazing how God just takes hold of things in your life, and works with and through them.

while i was gone in New York, this past week, Bari spoke to her dentist, Dr. Banta, about abagofhope, and she donated toothbrushes and toothpaste for the bags! awesome!

and, Daniel spoke to a friend, Billy Pruden, about abagofhope, who took some bags to give out and share with his friends in his lifegroup at The Garden church in Long Beach, CA.

while in New York, i wished i had a million bags to pass out. there is such a need there for homeless outreach there. you don't walk a block without seeing someone in need. and as much change or money i gave them, i knew they needed more. please pray for the homeless in New York, and the hearts of the people that see them everyday.

educate ourselves.

i think it’s important that when supporting something or an organization, you should know about it, and be knowledgeable in that topic, so that you can easily share your reason for supporting something. here are some things you should know:

-60% of the homeless go regularly without meals.

-81% of the homeless feel severe hunger.

(Information retrieved from Orange County Rescue Mission, www.feedthehomeless.org).

- According to the County’s 2005 needs assessment survey, the number of people that become homeless in a given year is estimated at almost 35,000 individuals and persons in families in Orange County.

-Families with children represent about 60-70% of the homeless population (approximately 24,000 parents and their children).

-There are an estimated 10,200 homeless children in Orange County.

-There are approximately 41 temporary shelters providing 2,647 beds for the homeless on any given night.

(Information above retrieved from American Family Housing, www.shelterforthehomeless.org/facts.htm).

-For most families, homelessness was not caused from substance abuse or mental illness but from financial loss, family problems, eviction or not having a job that pays enough to afford monthly rent.

-The average annual income of a homeless parent is $8,000.

(Information above retrieved from Colette’s Children Home, www.healinghomelessness.org).

-Approximately, 80,000 people are homeless each night in Los Angeles County.

(Information above retrieved from Institute for the study of Homelessness and Poverty, August 2004).

bags across America?

Met with Daniel and Steph tonight to discuss life, work and a bag of hope. Steph shared with us her prospective road trip plans, and expressed her interest in wanting to take bags of hope with her, and her roadmates, to pass out along their journey.

the thought of my Southern California plan spreading across the country is more than i could ask for, and just another way God is working in this project! our brains started spinning, and we thought of setting up a twitter account for Steph to use on her journey as a way to document the journey of a bag of hope. the possibilities are truly endless!

keep praying for a bag of hope! and pray for steph and the things she faces every day, and her involvement in a bag of hope!

where a bag of hope started. and is growing!

while i was gone.

while i was out of town this past week, i encouraged others to share a bag of hope.

here is Bari's story: I gave out a bag today and the guy was extreamely happy. He was out in front of Trader Joe's collecting for the homeless and asked for a donation. I went to my car and got the bag of hope. You would have thought it was Christmas! He said thank you but before I could say you are welcome, he had already opened the bag and was eating one of the snacks in it. I said "God Bless" and then he said "God Bless" back to me with a HUGE smile! It was so heart warming. I need to make up a few more of the bags to keep in my car. Now what we all need to do is pray for these people too! I will call him "Trader Joe" (trade in the old life for the new one in Jesus Christ)!!!!

Thanks for sharing Bari!

I love that my friend, Vincent, shared this on his twitter:
packing two lunches today. one for me, and one for the homeless guy off the 57/imperial hwy. inspired by @ktshep.

it's not about what you give, but that you are giving.

Thanks for doing this while I was out of town. I wish I had been able to bring some to Chicago, because there is definitely a community of homeless people that could use some hope.

Keep Praying!

a story of hope.

The homeless men often gather around courthouses. I do not know why. I think it is because the shelters and skid rows are so close to them. Anyway, as I was walking into court in downtown LA, I passed at least a half dozen men just sitting along the sidewalk watching life go by. I approached one of them with a bag of hope and asked him, “Do you want this?” and he smiled and said, “Yes, thank you, sir.” He called me ‘sir.’ He was so polite. -- Steve Shepard -- 9/30/09

a story of hope.

I took a shortcut around the back of Bella Terra to avoid the Starbuck’s crowd when I spotted a woman sitting on a curb in the Macaroni Grill parking lot. I see her regularly at the off-ramp to the 405 South. She was perplexed when I stopped. I rolled down the window and asked, “Can I give you some help?” and held up the bag for her to see. A smile came across her face and she said, “I love those things!” When she took the bag, she said, “God bless you!” -- Steve Shepard 9/30/09

thanks!

Today, my Dad and Bari, gave me toothbrushes and toothpaste to put inside the bags I've made! I wasn't able to financially provide that in the set of bags originally, but with their graciousness they have helped by fulfilling that donation!

Thank you so much!!

First dose of hope.

Today, Daniel and I were on our way back from The Getty Villa in Malibu, and as we exited the freeway off the 605-South, on Studebaker, there was a man with a sign that "Homeless, please help".
Immediately, I said, "Daniel, give him a bag!" (Fortunately, I had brought one to put in his car). Daniel rolled down the window and waved him over. The man came over. Saw the bag Daniel handed to him, and said, "Thanks! I really appreciate it!"

I didn't get to see him open the bag, or read the included note. But regardless, it was exciting helping someone out today!

what is a bag of hope?

While driving the other day, I was stopped at a red light, after frantically scanning my car to find something to give the homeless man standing next to my car, I managed to gather a couple dollars in change from my coin bag in my car. But, I wanted to give him something that I know would help him, because I care. I’ve always had a heart for the homeless, and can’t help but want to help those who are less fortunate than I am.

Living and playing in Long Beach and Seal Beach, the number of homeless people you see continues to grow. Which is really sad to see, and I always want to help.

With some inspiration from someone else’s idea, I’ve developed this program called “A Bag of Hope”.

I went to the store and bought Hefty seal bags (gallon size), water bottles, and a different assortment of snacks. I’ve also created a letter to include in each bag, that says that Jesus loves them, and that he will always love you, no matter what state you are in. It will also have the information for a local food bank, and shelter (eventually in the bag, I would like to include a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand wipes, etc.)

The bags are intended to be kept in your car, and when you come across someone on the side of the road, you can give them a bag with a smile, knowing that you are giving something that provides nutrition, and hope. And if the opportunity arises you can be a witness to them, of God’s love and compassion, as well as a friendly smile. 
I am willing to continue to do this program, out of my own pocket, and provide bags to those who would like to participate. But if friends/family would like to participate, donate, or have bags for their own, I will accept donations of $3.00/each. (which I think  is the average people would give to a homeless people if they have change).  All the proceeds or earnings from selling the bags, would go towards making more bags, and getting better items and more items.

If you have any interest in being involved in a bag of hope, please contact me directly at katie.shepard1 at gmail dot com.

As bags are given out, I will continue to update this blog with pictures, results, testimony. If you chose to participate and want to comment, please feel free, i encourage that.

Thank you for taking the time to read about this program. Please continue to pray for A BAG OF HOPE.