Christmas Morning

Our first ever Christmas morning outreach with a group of "25" crazy individuals out "servin it up" on the streets. Nobody expected us to be there! This act of love and kindness spoke volumes to the people we touched this special day. They knew that not only does someone care about them; they are also loved very much by Jesus. You matter to us and Jesus. I could not get my video to work properly(mainly due to operator error)but my friend, Carole Turner could. Check out her web sight at http://www.thewardrobeandthewhitetree.com. The girl got it going on!!!

This little 9 yr. old boy, Joshua, lived nearby and came up to see what was going on. He said his father was still sleeping. Needless to say, he stole my heart and I was ready to take him home. We were able to hook him up with some presents and new tennis shoes for him and his twin brothers along with food and candy.

P.S. This past Sunday, guess who comes strolling into church? Yes, Joshua with his twin brothers, Jeremiah and Jermaine. God is good.........

Well we finished out the holidays with great family gatherings. This was truly a "Christmas Wonderland" for us. WE thank everyone that helped make this season so special.

SEE YOU IN 2009..............

Merry Hearts

MERRY HEARTS

Another year of "Merry Hearts" outreach. This is our second year of partnering with several individuals that help make some "merry hearts". The year we prayed and asked God to multiply our time and resources and it was amazing to see Him do just that. We were able to bless "65" women and children with christmas presents. This included the women and children at Youth with a Mission shelter. (This shelter operates solely on faith and houses women and children of all ages.) Also were a couple single mom's with six and seven children. You can not even begin to imagine what a blessing it was to see them get clothes, shoes and toys for their children. Nobody but God can make that happen!

We also handed out "shoeboxes" to the homeless with a special Christmas flair. It is amazing to see such generosity from our friends to help the poor and needy. These shoeboxes are filled with all sorts of essentials for someone on the streets.

Outreach in the community

We were on to outreach in the community with Brother Ronnie and Sister Sherry May, the Boutee's, the Ohlerkings and the twins. We had a great day handing out toys to children. Brother Ronnie has been in the lives of some these individuals for over twenty years. He has watched them go from 5-6 years old to now being moms and dads. What an investment!

A Week of Christmas Wonderland

Have you ever heard of a talking blackeye pea? Well, December 20th they were heard saying “eat more chicken” Never try to compete with Chick-fil-A from the Cortana Place location. In the below picture the peas were located under the tent by the FOOD sign. (notice no one was in line for the peas)

It all started with our Christmas Blowout at the Baton Rouge Dream Center (BRDC) where 1500 toys were given out to the community. Check out Randy's picture and his idea for a new Chick-Fil-A commercial. His team cooked blackeye peas for 1500 people and then competed with chicken.







The children ages 3-11 performed a Christmas Program on Saturday and Sunday. They did an outstanding job. Get ready worship team, some of these children have got an awesome voice. God says to plant the seed and He will multiply the opportunity. Who knows where they will go from their simple start at the BRDC.

Homeless Shoe Box Outreach

One of our dear friends and ministry partners, Marylyn always supports us in various ways. This time she outdid herself with the homeless shoe box outreach. As you can see, they contain a towel, soap, tootbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a bible and other stuff. The homeless guys and gals have really enjoyed getting these boxes. I actually had a picture of this, but my camera is now messing up. Oh well, more will be revealed. It is so awesome doing life with so many wonderful people that have a heart for the hurting, poor and forgotten.

Brad's Business-----CARPET MEDIC

Our son has started his own carpet cleaning business and hit the ground running after the hurricane. Please give him a call for any of your carpet cleaning, repairs, water extraction, and upholstery cleaning. He handles residential, commercial and automobiles and can be reached at 225-202-6177. WE are so proud of him.

HONDURAS UPDATE to our Supporters and Prayer Partners..

Here is an update on our trip to Honduras. We were scheduled to leave September 5th; however, due to some unforseen circumstances with the missionaries we were going to help, our trip has been postponed to the first part of 2009. All the mony raised has been placed in a fund for the future date. We were very disappointed but realize how God will create a circumstance, or an opportunity to protect us and we don't know why but He does. We can choose to go with it or go against it and as a team, we chose to wait on God. We thank all of you that have contributed so far and will keep you updated on the new dates.

PRAISE REPORTS

Here are some praise reports from our prayer request. One of the guys, Abraham, from the group home we take breakfast to on Wednesday morning was able to come to our Friday Bible study at Winbourne and thoroughly enjoyed it.

One of the ladies we have been praying for on Wednesday morning, Denise, did not grow weary and give up, and God created a way for her to get an apartment. Big time favor....

It is amazing the conversations that take place through a car window at a red light. An opportunity was created for Verna, of One Touch Ministry, and her church, 2nd Baptist, to go and minister to a nursing home. Actually, the women's ministry ended up adopting the nursing home. This was a direct result of handing someone a cup of breakfast. WOW.....

God is moving on the corner of Winbourne and Airline Hwy. every Wednesday morning. He says, go with what you have and I'll do the rest....

Passing it on.......

We wanted to update all you wonderful people that have given clothes, kitchen items, baby items, toiletries, beds, washer and dryers, refrigerators, etc. You are making a difference in God's kingdom. Because of you, we were able to help a guy that lost everything in a fire, a widow that needed an air conditioner, women's shelter, homeless woman that needed shoes, box of food for family of eight, t-shirts, can goods and toiletries to over a 100+ people and so much more. Thank you, thank you and thank you. I never really knew how much "stuff" could be packed into the back of my Jeep, but God did. God's word says "if there is a need and you can fill it, then fill it." By coming together, we can certainly fill most of the needs of His people.
Either send us an email at travelrogers@cox.net or phone 225-202-6178 if you have something to give away.

F.O.G. (Favor of God)

It was the Favor Of God that certainly helped this single mother of eight move from St. Agnes Shelter into a fully furnished house. She happened to mention her situation to a worker at Earl K. Long Clinic and God began to stir in hearts and open doors. This family was helped with housing, school uniforms and school supplies and no rent for the first month. What a beacon of hope to the other women at St. Agnes and Bishop Ott. This is one of my favorite outreach stops on Thursday morning as we get to pray and play with the women and children.

WOW What a WINBOURNE Week!!!!!!

VBS at Winbourne was a huge success and made the devil really mad. WE had over 200 kids that were pumped and excited to be in the house of the Lord. It just does not get any better than this. "Hulkamania" Paul and myself had the priviledge of being on the school bus with over 70 kids each day and would not have wanted to be anywhere else. WE worshiped, listed to bible stories, had dance contest, played games outside, made crafts and of course ate some awesome food prepared by our Cooking for Christ team. Kudos to all the volunteers that did a slammin job. Check out our very own "former HPC er Stacy Smith" doing a little break dancing and bringing the house down.


Wednesday breakfast outreach at Winbourne and Airline was amazing. We have some prayer request from that:
Pray for Denise and her two children to find affordable housing
Pray for Angela's car to get fixed
Pray for Ms. Betty as she starts chemo next week
Pray for the mens home and the possiblility of picking them up for church

Then on Thursday, we had a team in from Florida (mainly middle schoolers) that really rocked. They went roaming with us in the downtown area after our breakfast outreach. We also had a little fun with them. Check out more photos at www.noplaceoutreach.org. We also need to lift up Tameka, a young girl on the streets that really wants to get clean and do life differently.

Then on Friday at Thrive, we even had some parents attend for the first time as a result of their children being at VBS. We are defintely taking ground in the 70805 zip code.

Super Sunday Service......I had the opportunity to teach three to five year olds about Esther and how she was called for a time such as this. As I was preparing, I begin to think how I personally felt like Esther and being called for a time such as this. What a priviledge to be serving the people of inner city Baton Rouge. I am truly blessed.

MISSION TRIP TO HONDURAS

This letter is being sent to all our faithful prayer partners. We need your help!!!!

We want to begin by thanking you for sharing in our life and allowing us to reach the hungry, the oppressed, the hurting, the homeless and the orphans on a daily basis. Your faithfulness in providing resources, finances, and prayer have allowed us to go into some very undesirable areas to bless the people with food, housing, supplies and mostly the love of Jesus.

WE are very excited about the opportunity to partner with Cooking for Christ and ER International and once again go back to HONDURAS ON SEPTEMBER 5 - 14, 2008 FOR THE FOURTH YEAR. We will outreach into the prisons, the remote villages and to the orphans by serving them food and sharing the Gospel message. On previous trips, you have been a part of helping provide the Children's Home with new mattresses, new water pumps, baby items, clothes, toys and of course, plenty of food.

None of this would be possible without your prayers and support. Please join us in praying for following needs:
* Psalm 91 over the team for safety and protection
* For our families at home to be at peace
* For the team to be united, strong and healthy, physically, mentally and spiritually
* For the favor of God to go before us and prepare the way
* For God to open the hearts of Honduras to teaching and receiving the love of Christ
* For the language not to be a barrier
* Prepare us to leave as this is always the hard part

The total cost of our trip is $3500.00 and any financial contributions would be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to Randy and Susan Rogers or Healing Place Church 12735 Lariat Avenue, Greenwell Springs, LA. 70739. All our monies are due by August 15, 2008.

As always upon our return, we will send you a newsletter highlighting all the details of the trip. We want you to feel like a part of you is in Honduras and helping to make a difference. When we give with no thoughts of receiving, this shows what it means to truly serve and help others.

Thank you for all your love, prayers and support.

Randy and Susan Rogers

For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore, I command you, saying, You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land. Deuteronomy 15:11

WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST

A bit "shout out" to all the volunteers and contributors that help make this breakfast outreach a success. GOD IS OUR PROVIDOR.....And continually shows up in a mighty way. We will use our last sausage or eggs or whatever, and I tell Randy, God will provide. He says to me "you always say that" and God always provides. We are preparing for around 100 people each week. Can I tell you it is amazing to watch the openess of everyone to receive not only breakfast, but prayer and just some "down home" friendly conversation.

This week was a breakthrough for us as we got to meet the owner of a men's group home that we bring breakfast to each week. Over the past few months, we have really seen the walls come down with these guys. They are now asking if we will pick them up for church on Sunday. Once again, it is amazing what God can do with a willing heart.

You are an Example

This excerpt was taken from the daily word from Joel and Victoria Osteen.

Today's Scripture

"Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

You are God's representative in this earth. When you follow the Word of God and allow Him to work in your life, you are letting your light shine. When you are good to people and show them kindness, even when they don't deserve it, you are shining your light. When you smile and keep a good attitude, even when things don't go your way, you are setting an example so that people will glorify God in heaven. Notice this scripture says, "they will see your good works..." People aren't impressed by our knowledge or what we say, people are drawn to God by our good works.

I had been thinking all day how awesome God is and then I read this. I was just telling a girl this morning how we must remain open and willing at all times. For me, I can remember a couple years ago, saying this "street outreach thing" was not for me. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha........Because today, there is no telling which street or hood, you will find me in because the rougher it is, the more I am drawn to it. I love being out there with the undesirables. The crazy thing is there some others that do the same thing....We look for an opportunity to serve food, bring clothes or supplies, hunt for shelter, take to church, or whatever......Vince and Frank and the gang are great ministry partners. CHECK THEM OUT AT WWW.NOPLACEOUTREACH.ORG.

Camryn servin it up........

Our granddaughter, Camryn, has been with us the last two weeks and was servin it up. She was helping us get ready for our WEdnesday breakfast and then on to "hanging out" with the Thursday morning bunch. Let's just say she was exposed to a new world of serving others. She was an incredible little servant. Proverbs 17:6 says grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged and Proverbs 22:6 says to direct your children or grandchildren onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Oh, how we can sow into our grandchildren.......

Relay for Life............

Here are a couple pics from our Saturday Cooking at the Relay for life. We are having a great time and so honored to be cooking for the survivors.......Well, Rhonda Raspbury is having too much fun. The beautiful young girl (stole my heart) is only 21 years old and has had liver cancer three times, a liver transplant and currently has been clean for three years. Praise the Lord........ The other lady who is 85 years old is living life to its fullest after surviving breast cancer twice. Her remarks and the pin she wears says "Cancer Sucks". This day certainly help put life in perspective for us all.

Elevate Graduation

Wow, what a year of ministry training. This second year was totally different! Last year I strived so hard to get excellent marks and this year I really wanted God to teach me balance with family and ministry. Afterall, the "a" is certainly not more important than making family memories on a camping trip because I had to study or turn in some report. That "a" is certainly not going to make any difference to the young child or single mom that we are helping. So, no one more so than myself was surprised to receive the "Valedictorian" award for part time students and "Student of the Year". It is amazing to see what happens when you turn things over to God and do things for the right reason. What a priviledge to serve with such humbled, devoted, committed group of students that love Jesus so much and are willing to serve in any capacity anywhere. This is what Healing Place School of Ministry is all about, equipping and empowering individuals to be a Healing Place for a Hurting World.

Randy in the Emergency Room

Things have been crazy around our house the last couple weeks. Randy developed virus like symptons that we later discovered were bleeding ulcers. Thank the Lord, the doctors were able to conduct a little procedure and treat him with some medicine. This whole hospital stay stuff was new to us. WE all learned a lot from this experience and believe this was a "wake up" call for Randy. Praise the Lord, he is trying to make some changes. We want to thank all of our family and friends that called, visited, prayed and emailed during this time. Your support was overwhelming and much appreciated. WE are truly blessed..............

Brandy's Birthday

Brandy recently turned the big "21". Hard to imagine she has been in our life for five years. She is all about birthdays including her own, as you can see.

A Special Mother's Day

Each year brings such special meaning to me as a mother. The day started off with me picking up a young mom and her son and taking them to church. That in and of itself was really special for me. Then it was off to be with Randy's mom and the family. RAndy and his mom are in deep conversation, solving the world's problems, I am sure. Then back to our house to be with my mom and our children and grandchildren. My boys and "the girls" surprised me with a beautiful one-of-a-kind birthstone ring. It just doesn't get any better than this. Actually, I shared with someone how I feel everyday is a Mother's Day to me, as I am truly blessed.

HOMELESSNESS IN BATON ROUGE

Look who's on the cover of "TIGER WEEKLY"! None other than our famous Richard or infamous Richard, depending on how you see things. He is one of the guys we feed and fellowship with each Thursday morning. Several of us go out and take breakfast to the streets. This is all made possible by the efforts of "NO Place OUTreach".

Basically, the article talks about the various reasons a person is homeless. We have encountered all types of individuals. The reality is most people are only a paycheck away from being homeless themselves.

Winning Souls on Wednesday

Randy's favorite meal to cook is breakfast and his specialty is "breakfast in a cup" or a breakfast sandwich. Little did he know that God would use that talent to feed the homeless, the hurting, the poor and sometimes even the blessed ones. WE have teamed up with One Touch Ministry and have been serving areound 50 people each Wednesday morning at the corner of Winbourne and Airline Hwy. Actually yesterday, we served 65 people. WE feel that by showing God's love and kindness through a cup of breakfast and a daily scripture, lives will be touched and impacted for eternity. Afterall, God said "Feed My Sheep".

If you would like to be a part of this outreach, call Randy at 225-938-2684 or Susan at 225-202-6178.

Moving On.........

Gregory, our "Ca-Duran" (Cajun Honduran) has moved on! Here's a snapshot of him in his new apartment in which God blessed him with most everything he needed through the generosity of so many. God says He will provide for all our needs if we wait on Him! WE so enjoyed sowing into his life and in exchange he sowed into ours. However, according to him he is only right around the corner and still expects to share in our family meals! Thank you God for this season in both our lives. We pray continuous blessings over his life......

Jordan's Joy

Here's a picture of Jordan at the camp. He didn't catch these fish but he tried very hard maybe next time. This was his first experience at the camp on the river, where he got to go fishing and 4wheeler riding. He got to experience church "HPC" style. God really laid on our hearts to invest in this child's life and oh how rewarding it has been thus far. Once again, God's word says to care for the orphans and we know how much he loved children.

My sister in town getting warm.............

My sister and her friend, Emily, came in for a visit to catch some warm rays and thaw out from the snow up north. We had some great "hanging out" time.